Danish CPR number
Danish CPR number - what is it?
The CPR number, issued by Det Centrale Personregister in Denmark, functions as a unique identifier that is essential for confirming the identity of residents. It is crucial for everyday life, as it is required by both public and private organizations.
The first 6 digits of the CPR number represent the date of birth (day, month, and year). The final 4 digits are randomly generated, ensuring that each number is unique.
The CPR number provides access to various services in Denmark. It facilitates the smooth and secure handling of tasks related to employment, tax processes, and public services. It is crucial for managing administrative affairs and interacting with financial institutions like banks. Employers can use the CPR number to clearly identify their employees.
Residence registration in Denmark and the CPR number
As an European Union citizen, you can reside in Denmark for up to 3 months without needing to register your residence. If you are looking for a job during this time, your stay can be extended to 6 months. To do so, you must apply for residence registration before the initial period ends. The application should be made at the relevant Statsforvaltning office based on your current place of residence.
Under the regulations for European Union citizens, registering your residence is required to live and work legally in Denmark. Not registering restricts access to the full range of rights and services available to residents. Additionally, residence registration is essential for obtaining a CPR number (personnummer), which is necessary for completing various formalities, such as starting employment or opening a bank account.
To receive a CPR number, you need to register with the Folkeregisteret - the National Population Register. This process ensures your information is officially recorded in the national registry system. After completing the registration, your CPR number will be issued automatically.
Registering your residence not only allows you to receive a CPR number but also gives you access to Denmark's healthcare system, ensuring you can receive full medical care, including doctor appointments, hospital treatment, and other health services. If you fail to register with the National Population Register, you will not be able to obtain a CPR number or access healthcare services in Denmark.
A key step before beginning the process of residence formalities in Denmark is gathering the necessary documents. These are needed for registration and to secure the relevant rights. The most important documents include:
- A valid ID card or passport for the entire duration of your stay.
- A residence permit issued by the relevant immigration authorities, which may differ depending on the purpose of your stay (e.g., tourism, work, or study).
- A document verifying your residence in Denmark.
CPR Number and Temporary Residence in Denmark
The CPR number is not provided for temporary stays in Denmark, such as seasonal employment. In these cases, obtaining a kildeskattenummer, a tax number for withholding tax purposes, is sufficient. This number is associated with the employer's CPR number in Denmark. To acquire this number, an appropriate application must be submitted to the tax office responsible for the employment location.
If you need help obtaining a CPR number or have questions about the necessary documents, we encourage you to use our services. We provide support throughout the entire process, from preparing the application to submitting it to the relevant authorities, ensuring that you can handle all formalities efficiently and without problems. Our assistance will make the process easier and less stressful.
Required documents for CPR number application
The documents attached to the CPR number application must be translated into English, German, Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian. The required documents are as follows:
- Proof of identity, such as an ID card or passport.
- Residence permit.
- Verification of employment, like an employment contract.
- A document confirming residence in Denmark, such as a rental agreement.
- Marriage certificate, even if the spouse is still in the country of residence.
- Birth certificates of minor children who have moved with the parent.
- If applicable, a divorce certificate or spouse's death certificate.
The processing time for the issuance of the CPR number by SKAT is around 6-10 weeks after submitting the complete documentation. Once the CPR number is obtained, it signifies registration in the Danish healthcare system, granting access to medical services. The next step will be selecting a doctor from the list provided by the municipality. Obtaining the CPR number also allows for the issuance of a tax card.
Application for the issuance of a CPR number
To receive a CPR number, necessary for legal residence in Denmark, you must demonstrate a permanent residence in the country. The initial step is to secure confirmation of permanent residence by submitting an application to the local municipal authorities.
The application can be submitted online, enabling fast processing of the formalities without needing to visit the authorities in person. The processing fee is around 82 DKK. If you don’t have internet access, you can receive help from the municipal offices, which assist with completing and submitting the application. Local public libraries also offer computer and internet access, allowing you to submit the application at these locations.
If we need to obtain this certificate on behalf of someone else, we must provide a written power of attorney that grants us the authority to act on their behalf. This ensures the legality and accuracy of the process. The power of attorney must be formally drafted to be accepted by the municipal authorities.
The tax identification number can be obtained no sooner than one month before beginning work in Denmark. Those who have previously lived or worked in Denmark should already have a CPR number assigned to them.
The CPR number is issued only once in a lifetime, meaning the assigned tax identification number is permanent and will be linked to an individual forever, regardless of how many times they visit Denmark. As a result, if you plan additional visits or change your residence address, the CPR number will remain the same.
When a family moves to Denmark, it is essential for each family member to submit a separate application for a CPR number. To engage fully in social life and access the services available in Denmark, every individual, including children, must have their own CPR number.
The CPR number will be issued when you receive your digital tax card. Once assigned, it will appear in your preliminary annual tax return. Additionally, SKAT will send your tax identification number to your employer via digital mail, ensuring they have access to your tax number, which is needed for accurately calculating and withholding income tax advances. This process is intended to simplify tax administration and ensure compliance with relevant legal requirements in managing employment-related matters and tax obligations.
As of June 1, 2017, submitting applications online has been mandatory after receiving a residence permit in Copenhagen. Once the application is submitted, you will need to wait for a notification from the International Citizen Service in Copenhagen, which will inform you about the assignment of your number. Collecting the number requires an in-person visit. People living outside Copenhagen can submit their applications at the International Citizen Services in Odense, Aalborg, and Aarhus.