The Danish CPR Number

An overview of the Danish CPR number (CPR-nummer). Find out what it is, who needs one and how to get one...

In Denmark the CPR number is the CPR-nummer or personnummer. CPR stands for Det Centrale Person register, which is the Danish Civil Registration System. The register contains current information about a person, including their CPR number, all addresses they have lived at, names, civil status and citizenships.  A CPR number is obtained on registering with the Civil Registration System for temporary or permanent residence.

The CPR number is a personal identification number which allows for efficient communication between all Danish national registers. It is a legal requirement for all residents of the country to have one. An individual's CPR number is made up of ten digits. The first six are the holder's date of birth and the last four are a unique identification number. The last digit refers to the holder's gender: an even number is used for women and an odd number for men.

The CPR Number

A CPR number is needed to access a number of services in Denmark including:
  • Opening a bank account
  • Connecting utilities
  • Taking out insurance
  • Joining a library and borrowing books
  • Access to publicly funded healthcare, though a CPR number is not needed for emergency treatment
  • Salary payment
  • Buying a house
The official government website for foreigners has comprehensive information on the civil registry number

When to Apply for a CPR Number

Those moving to Denmark from countries in the European Union and Switzerland, or who are Nordic citizens, need to register with the Danish Civil Registration System and get a CPR number within six months of arriving in the country.

People who are citizens of countries outside of the European Union and who intend to stay in Denmark for more than three months need to register for a CPR number on arrival in the country. Those intending to stay in the country must arrange a CPR number within five days of having proof of legal residence in Denmark, such as a residence permit. As a CPR number is needed to access so many services, such as opening a bank account, it is advisable to arrange one as soon as possible if a long stay in Denmark is planned.

How to Get a CPR Number

To get a CPR number a person has to register with the Danish Civil Registration System in the municipality in which they live. Some municipalities now require the application to be done online. If the application needs to be presented in person, any accompanying spouse or children may also need to be present.

A CPR number can also be applied for online as soon as the applicant has an EU registration certificate or residence permit. To get a CPR number, it is necessary to have an address in Denmark. The following documents are required:

  • A certificate of registration (European Union and Swiss citizens)
  • A Danish residence and work permit (non-European Union citizens)
  • Proof of a Nordic personal identification number (Nordic citizens)
  • Photographic identification, such as a passport
  • Marriage certificate, or a certified copy of one, if applicable
  • Birth certificates of any children
  • Divorce certificate, if applicable
  • Death certificate of a deceased husband or wife, if applicable
If these documents are not in Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, English or German, then certified translations of all the documents are necessary.

  • To find contact details for Citizens' Services (Borgerservice) in any municipality in Denmark visit the: Krak website and enter Borgerservice in the Hvad søger du? box and the name of the municipality in the Hvor box