Essential Systems in Denmark: CPR, MitID, and NemKonto

When moving to Denmark, understanding and setting up essential systems like the CPR number, MitID, and NemKonto is crucial for integrating into Danish society. These systems ensure that you can access public services, manage your finances, and interact securely with Danish authorities.

Together, these systems form the backbone of life in Denmark. The CPR number identifies you within the public system, MitID allows you to interact securely online, and NemKonto ensures you receive public payments efficiently. Setting up these systems early in your relocation process will help you integrate smoothly and access the services and benefits available to residents.

1. CPR Number (Civil Registration Number)

The CPR number is a unique personal identification number issued to all residents of Denmark. It is the foundation of accessing essential services, such as healthcare, banking, education, and employment. Without a CPR number, it is challenging to navigate daily life in Denmark.

2. MitID (eID)

MitID is Denmark’s national electronic ID system and is vital for accessing online services offered by public authorities and private companies. It is used for logging into digital platforms, signing documents electronically, and securely managing personal information.

3. NemKonto (Easy Account)

A NemKonto (Easy Account) is a mandatory bank account where all payments from public authorities are deposited, such as tax refunds, pensions, and benefits. It streamlines financial transactions and ensures you receive payments directly and securely.

The Danish CPR-system is the foundation for all public and private services in Denmark.

In Denmark, the Civil Registration Number, known as the CPR number (Det Centrale Personregister), is a unique 10-digit identifier assigned to all residents. The first six digits represent the individual’s birthdate (day, month, and year), while the remaining four digits provide a unique identification number, with even numbers indicating females and odd numbers indicating males.

Possessing a CPR number is essential for accessing various services in Denmark, including:

• Healthcare: Access to the public healthcare system and assignment of a general practitioner.

• Banking: Opening a bank account and conducting financial transactions.

• Employment: Receiving a salary and paying taxes.

• Education: Enrolling in educational institutions and borrowing books from public libraries.

• Digital Services: Utilizing digital platforms such as MitID and Digital Post.

To obtain a CPR number, you must register with the Citizens' Service Office in your municipality of residence. Requirements include having a legal residence in Denmark, planning to stay for more than three months, and possessing the necessary residence permit or EU residence document. 

Once registered, you will receive a yellow health insurance card (sundhedskort) within approximately four weeks, granting you access to Denmark’s public healthcare services.

MitID is Denmark’s national electronic identification (eID) system, serving as each resident’s personal key to digital services, including public sector self-service solutions. 

MitID is your personal secure login for:

• Using public online self-service solutions
• Accessing your digital post from public authorities
• Online banking
• Verifying your identity on a range of public and private websites
• Signing documents digitally

MitID allows you to use the same login from different devices via the MitID-app. Read more about MitID at mitid.dk

Obtaining MitID:

As a new resident in Denmark, you can acquire MitID after you have completed the CPR proces. In general, you must apply for your CPR (Civil Registration Number) online, then book an appointment and appear in person at Citizens' Services to complete the registration. After have been issued a CPR-number you must wait 24 hours before activating the Mit ID app.

1. Using the MitID App with a passport

Find the guide for getting MitID by using your passport here: Get MitID with a passport

• Download the MitID app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

• Open the app and select ‘Get MitID using passport’.

• Follow the prompts to scan your passport or ID card and complete the facial recognition process.

• Ensure your smartphone is capable of scanning the chip in your passport or ID card; compatible devices include iPhone 7 or newer and most recent Android phones. 

If you are experiencing trouble activating MitID:

If you have followed this guide on mitid.dk scanning your passport or ID card (from Schengen countries) but still can't activate MitID please book an appointment with Citizen Service (Borgerservice) and bring an attesting witness (the witness must have had MitID for 30 days and must bring their passport / national ID and yellow health insurance card).

IMPORTANT: Please familiarise yourself before your appointment with what is required for Citizen Service to help you get MitID e.g on who are able to act as your attesting witness.

You must bring:

• Your passport or national identification card
• The documents you received when your CPR number was issued at Dokk1 (proof of your CPR number, your temporary health insurance card (midlertidigt sundhedskort) and your residence certificate (bopælsattest).  

If you do not have a smartphone 

If this is the case there are alternatives to using MitID as an app. Please contact Citizen Service at 89 40 22 22 to know how to get MitID without using the MitID-app when moving to Denmark.

In Denmark, a NemKonto (Easy Account) is a designated bank account used by public authorities to disburse payments to residents. This system ensures that funds such as tax refunds, child benefits, pensions, and student loans are transferred directly and securely to the individual’s chosen account.

All residents with a Danish Civil Registration Number (CPR number) are required to have a NemKonto to receive public payments. 

Foreign Bank Accounts: If you prefer to use a foreign bank account as your NemKonto, you can assign it through the self-service portal using your MitID. Navigate to the ‘Foreign NemKonto’ section and provide the necessary account details. 

Establishing a NemKonto:

To set up your NemKonto, follow these steps:

1. Select an Existing Bank Account:

• Choose one of your current bank accounts to serve as your NemKonto. This can be any standard account you already use. 

2. Assign the Account as Your NemKonto:

• Online Self-Service: Log in to the NemKonto self-service portal using your MitID. Once logged in, you can select or change your NemKonto under the “Your Account” section. 

• Through Your Bank: Many Danish banks allow you to designate your NemKonto via their online banking platforms. Alternatively, you can contact your bank directly to assist with the setup. 

Public authorities can only deposit funds into your NemKonto; they cannot withdraw money or view your account transactions. Your account information remains confidential and secure. 

Find more information about application processing times and contact information here: NemKonto

Citizens' Services are located at the harbour front in Aarhus in the DOKK1-building.

In many cases, especially regarding applications for CPR or other student specific questions

1. Apply for a CPR number online – once you have a confirmed housing offer in the municipality of Aarhus.
2. Book an appointment to finish your registration in person at Citizen Services at Dokk1.

It is important that you follow the registration process carefully and bring all the required documents to Dokk1.

Use either Chrome or Edge as your browser: register as a Nordic student

1. Apply for an EU residence document online
2. Apply for a CPR number online – once you have a confirmed housing offer in the municipality of Aarhus.
3. Book an appointment to appear in person at Citizens' Services to finish your registration for an EU residence document from the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) and a CPR number from Citizens' Services.

It is important that you follow the registration process carefully and bring all the required documents to Dokk1.

Use either Chrome or Edge as your browser: register as an EU, EEA, or Swiss student

Important notice for EU/EEA and Swiss students: If you are unable to appear in person at Citizens' Services within the time period prescribed on the Citizens' Services Website, you must follow the normal procedure to acquire an EU residence document and a CPR number, which is considerably more time-consuming.

1. Apply for a CPR number online – once you have a confirmed housing offer in the municipality of Aarhus and a residence permit.
2. Book an appointment to finish your registrations in person with Citizens' Service.

It is important that you follow the registration process carefully and bring the required documents to Citizens' Services.

Use either Chrome or Edge as your browser: register as a non-EU student

The Danish marking scale is a seven-point scale:

Other Assessments
”P” is ”Passed”. The assessment “Pass/Fail” corresponds to the assessment “Approved/Not approved”.