The CPR number in Denmark

The CPR number is essential for managing official matters and interacting with financial institutions, such as banks. Employers also use it to accurately identify employees. This system facilitates the efficient and secure handling of employment formalities, tax processing, and access to public services. Without a CPR number, accessing many services in Denmark would be much more challenging or even impossible.

What is a CPR Number?

The CPR number (Det Centrale Personregister) in Denmark is a unique identification number used to verify the identity of individuals living in the country. It is an important part of everyday life, as both public and private institutions rely on it. The CPR number consists of 10 digits, with the first 6 representing the individual’s date of birth-day, month, and year. The remaining 4 digits are randomly assigned, ensuring the number's uniqueness.

Residence Registration in Denmark and the CPR Number

As an EU citizen, you can stay in Denmark for up to 3 months without needing to register your residence. If you intend to seek employment during this time, the period can be extended to 6 months. To benefit from this extension, you must apply for residence registration before the initial 3 months end. The application should be submitted to the relevant Statsforvaltning office in the area where you are residing.

Registering your residence allows you to live and work legally in Denmark under EU citizen regulations. Without this registration, you will not be able to fully access resident rights and services. Furthermore, residence registration is necessary to obtain a CPR number (CPR-personnummer), which is essential for various formalities, such as opening a bank account or starting a job.

To get a CPR number, you need to register with the National Register of Persons (Folkeregisteret). This process ensures that your details are officially recorded in the national system. Once registered, you will automatically receive a CPR number, which is essential for many official procedures in Denmark.

In addition to assigning a CPR number, registration in the Folkeregisteret grants you access to the Danish healthcare system. This means you can receive full medical care, including doctor visits, hospital treatment, and other health services. Without registering in the National Register of Persons, you cannot obtain a CPR number or access healthcare in Denmark.

Before beginning the formalities for your stay in Denmark, it’s important to gather the necessary documents. The key documents required for registration and obtaining the appropriate entitlements include:

• Identification card or passport – must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• Residence permit – issued by the immigration authorities, this document varies depending on the purpose of your stay (e.g., tourism, employment, or education).
• Proof of residence in Denmark – you will need to provide a document that verifies your address in Denmark.

Application for a CPR Number

To obtain a CPR number, which is crucial for legal activities in Denmark, you must prove that you have permanent residence in the country. The first step is to secure confirmation of your permanent residence by submitting an application to the local authorities in your municipality.

This application can be completed online, streamlining the process and eliminating the need for in-person visits to the offices. The processing fee is approximately 82 DKK. For those without internet access, municipal offices provide assistance in completing and submitting the application. Additionally, many public libraries offer computer and internet access, allowing individuals to submit their applications at these locations.

If we need to obtain the certificate on behalf of someone else, we must provide a written power of attorney. This document grants us permission to act on their behalf, ensuring the process is carried out properly and legally. The power of attorney must be formally prepared so that the municipal authorities will accept it.

It’s important to note that a CPR number is only applied for once in a lifetime. This means that the assigned tax identification number is permanent and will remain with you indefinitely, regardless of how many times you visit Denmark. Therefore, even if you relocate or return to Denmark, the CPR number will always be associated with you.

If you plan to move to Denmark with your family, each family member must submit a separate application for a CPR number. Each person, including children, must have their own CPR number to fully participate in social activities and utilize the services offered in Denmark.

The CPR number is issued when you receive your digital tax card. Once issued, your number will appear on your preliminary annual tax return. Additionally, SKAT will send your tax identification number to your employer via digital mail. This allows your employer to access your tax number, which is necessary for accurately calculating and withholding income tax advances. The goal of this process is to streamline tax administration and ensure that all employment and tax obligations are properly managed according to the law.

Since June 1, 2017, it is required to submit applications online after receiving a residence permit in Copenhagen. Once the application is submitted, you will need to wait for a notification from the International Center for Foreigners in Copenhagen, which will inform you when your number is assigned. You must collect this number in person. For those living outside the capital, applications can be submitted at the Foreigners' Centers in Odense, Aalborg, and Aarhus.

Documents Required for Applying for a CPR Number

The documents submitted with the CPR number application must be translated into English, German, Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian. The required documents include:

• An identity card or passport.
• A residence permit.
• Proof of employment, such as an employment contract.
• A document verifying residence in Denmark, such as a lease agreement.
• If applicable, a marriage certificate, even if the spouse stayed in the home country.
• If minor children are accompanying the parent, their birth certificates are required.
• If relevant, a divorce certificate or a spouse's death certificate must be provided.

The processing time to receive a CPR number from SKAT is around 6-10 weeks after submitting all required documents. Once the CPR number is assigned, we will be enrolled in the Danish health insurance system and gain access to medical services. We will also need to select a doctor from a list provided by our municipality. After receiving the CPR number, we can proceed with setting up a tax card.

CPR Number and Temporary Stay in Denmark

The CPR number is not issued for temporary stays in Denmark, such as for seasonal work. In these cases, a kildeskattenummer (tax number for withholding income tax) is sufficient. This number is connected to the CPR number of the employer hiring you in Denmark. To obtain this number, you must submit the necessary application to the tax office corresponding to your workplace.