When moving to another country, such as Denmark, it is important to complete certain formalities to ensure that taxes are properly settled and employment benefits are available. A key step in this process is to obtain a registration number, which in Denmark is known as a CPR (Det Centrale Personregister). This number is the primary identifier of a person in the country's administrative system.
CPR plays an important role in everyday life in Denmark. It makes it possible, among other things, to file tax returns, access public services such as health care, and receive various employee benefits. In addition, without a CPR number, it will not be possible to open a bank account, sign an apartment lease, or take many other administrative actions.
In Denmark, every resident is given a unique identification number, which is key to establishing identity. This number, called CPR (Det Centrale Personregister), consists of 10 digits, of which the first six digits directly relate to the date of birth - containing the day, month and year of birth. The other four digits, on the other hand, are randomly generated, making each CPR number unique. It is of fundamental importance in everyday life, as it is used by various public and private institutions.
The CPR number is also used by employers to accurately identify their employees. This system ensures the smooth and secure handling of all paperwork related to employment, access to public services and tax settlements. Without having a CPR number, many services in Denmark would become difficult or even unavailable to a person who does not have one.
It is worth noting that an application for a CPR number is made only once in a lifetime. Once assigned, the identification number remains assigned to you forever, no matter how often you visit Denmark. This means that even if you decide to make subsequent stays in this country or change your place of residence, your CPR number will remain the same.
In order to legally live and work in Denmark, residence registration is a necessary step. European Union citizens must complete it in order to enjoy the full rights and services afforded to residents. Without this registration, access to various services and entitlements will be greatly reduced. In addition, residency registration is a prerequisite for obtaining a CPR-personnummer number, which is required for many formalities, such as opening a bank account or taking a job.
European Union citizens have the right to stay in Denmark without registration for 3 months. If you plan to look for a job and wish to extend this period to 6 months, you must apply for residence registration before the end of the initial 3-month period. The application should be submitted to the Statsforvaltning office responsible for the area where you live.
Preparing the appropriate documents is crucial before starting to deal with the formalities of residency in Denmark. Without these documents, the process of registering and acquiring the necessary authorizations will not be possible. The most important documents that will be necessary to register and obtain the required authorizations include:
- Proof of residence in Denmark - You will need to provide a document that proves your residence in Denmark.
- Passport or identity card - The identity document must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay.
- Residence permit - Issued by the relevant immigration authorities, this can vary depending on the type of stay, such as tourist, work or study.
If the stay in Denmark is temporary, such as for seasonal work, a CPR number is not granted. Then you only need to obtain a kildeskattenummer, which is a taxpayer number that pays tax at source. This number is linked to the CPR number of the employer where you are employed. In order to obtain a kildeskattenummer, a corresponding application must be filed with the tax office responsible for our place of work.
Planning to come to Denmark with your family requires individual applications for a CPR number for each family member. Regardless of age, including children, each person must be assigned their own CPR number in order to take full advantage of the available services Denmark has to offer.
To obtain a CPR number, a necessary step is to register with the National Population Register, which in Denmark operates under the name Folkeregisteret. Registering with the Folkeregisteret is very important, as it allows your data to be officially entered into the national registration system. Once it is completed, you will automatically receive a CPR number.
Registering with Folkeregisteret also has the advantage of simultaneously providing access to the Danish health insurance system. Through this system, it is possible to receive full medical care, including hospital treatment, visits to doctors and other health services. Without registering with the National Population Register, it would both be impossible to obtain a CPR number or access Danish health insurance.
Obtaining a CPR number, which is necessary to operate legally in Denmark, requires proof of permanent residence in Denmark. At the beginning of the process, it is necessary to obtain proof of permanent residence. This can be obtained by submitting the appropriate application to the local municipality where you live.
The ability to apply online greatly simplifies the entire process, eliminating the need to visit offices in person. As a result, the paperwork can be handled quickly and conveniently. The cost of processing such an application is about DKK 82. For those without Internet access, municipal offices offer assistance in filling out and submitting documents. In addition, local public libraries often have computers and network access, which also makes it possible to apply online in case you don't have personal equipment.
To obtain a certificate on behalf of another person, it is necessary to provide a written power of attorney. This document allows us to represent the person, which is crucial to ensure the correctness and legality of the entire process. The power of attorney must be formally prepared in order to be accepted by the relevant municipal authorities.
You can obtain a tax identification number at the earliest one month before you start working in Denmark. If you have previously lived or worked in the country, it is likely that you already have a CPR number assigned to you.
To obtain a CPR number, it is necessary to provide documents that should be translated into one of the following languages: English, German, Danish, Swedish or Norwegian. Required documents include:
- Proof of employment, such as an employment contract,
- Proof of residence in Denmark, such as a rental agreement,
- Proof of identity, such as a passport or ID card,
- Certificate of residence permit,
- In case of marriage, marriage certificate (even if the spouse remained in another EU member state),
- If applicable, documents such as divorce certificate or death certificate of the spouse,
- Children's birth certificates if they moved with a parent.
Since June 1, 2017, Copenhagen has made it mandatory to apply for a residence permit via the Internet. After completing and submitting the application, it is necessary to wait for information from the International Center for Foreigners in Copenhagen, which will then provide a reference number. This number must already be collected in person. For those outside Copenhagen, it is possible to apply at the Foreigners' Centers in Odense, Aarhus and Aalborg.
A CPR number is usually granted by SKAT within 6-10 weeks after submitting complete documentation. Once we have a CPR number, we automatically gain access to the Danish health insurance system and the right to receive medical services. Shortly thereafter, our municipality will provide us with a list of doctors from which we will have to choose our doctor. In addition, once you receive your CPR number, you can begin the process of setting up a tax card.
Once your CPR number is assigned, you will find it on your initial annual tax return. Moreover, SKAT will send your tax identification number to your employer via digital mail. Such a system allows your employer to access your tax number, which is crucial for the correct calculation and transfer of advance income tax payments. The entire process has been designed to simplify tax administration and ensure that all issues related to employment in Denmark and related tax obligations are handled in accordance with current regulations.
Planning to move to Denmark? Obtaining a CPR number is a key step that will make your daily life in the country easier. We will help you through the entire process - from understanding the requirements, to registering with Folkeregisteret, to completing the necessary documents. With our help, you'll get your CPR quickly and smoothly, allowing you to use public services such as health care, as well as deal with official matters or open a bank account.