A Guide to CPR Numbers in Denmark

When visiting Denmark, many wonder what a CPR number is. However, having one is essential for obtaining a residence permit, getting your case processed, working, opening a bank account, and receiving healthcare or other benefits like assistance in case of illness.

What is a CPR number, and how does one obtain a Danish CPR number?

The CPR (Central Person Register) law was passed in 1968, and all Danes were given a unique CPR number. Initially, it was only used by the tax authorities, Denmark Statistics, and ATP (the Danish labor market supplementary pension). Today, it is used by both the public and private sectors.

Denmark was the first country in the world to conduct censuses using an electronic personal registry (CPR). This system allows authorities to determine the population size of Denmark on any given date.

A CPR number is unique to each individual (although there is a future challenge of running out of numbers, which is being addressed). With this unique number, people can securely interact with public authorities, ensuring taxes are paid, benefits like child support and pensions are received, and individuals get the correct treatment and medication.

All CPR numbers are recorded in the CPR registry, which contains information on all individuals, roads, residences, and authorities in Denmark. The registry holds data on approximately 9.8 million people, including roughly 6 million living residents.

Every year, the CPR registry logs about 880,000 address changes, 45,000 name changes, and 60,000–70,000 births and deaths. Access to the registry is restricted and only granted when the information is significantly relevant to the concerned authority, making the system extra secure and ensuring your data stays protected.

What can you use a CPR number for?

Your CPR number is needed whenever you interact with public services, such as at the doctor’s office, hospital, dentist, physiotherapist, etc. All your information is linked through your CPR number, making it easier for public authorities to cross-check and maintain your records.

Banks require your CPR number to identify you and register any tax debt, while employers need it to pay your salary and report taxes. Doctors and hospitals use the CPR number to identify you and share information between medical professionals. Similarly, dentists, physiotherapists, and other health services rely on it.

CPR stands for Central Person Register and the first six digits of the CPR number indicate your birthdate, while the last four digits distinguish individuals and provide information about gender (even numbers = ♀, odd numbers = ♂).

How do you obtain a Danish CPR number?

All Danish citizens are assigned a CPR number (civil registration number) shortly after birth. This number is unique and indicates both the individual’s date of birth and gender (the last digit of the four extra numbers—an even number = ♀, an odd number = ♂). The other three digits are control numbers calculated using special formulas and can, for instance, determine whether you were born in 1922 or 2022.

EU Citizens:

• EU/EEA or Swiss nationals need an EU residence document to get a CPR number.

• If you need to pay taxes but won’t officially reside in Denmark, you can request a tax ID from Skat.

Nordic Citizens (Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden):

• You don’t need an EU residence document and can live, study, and work in Denmark without extra documentation.

Non-EU Nationals:

• You receive a foreigner’s CPR number when you obtain a residence permit.

• You must have a valid address and meet in person at Citizen Service to register for a CPR number.

Documents Required for a CPR Number:

• Work and residence permit (for non-EU citizens).

• EU residence document.

• Passport or personal ID.

• Proof of permanent address (e.g., rental contract).

• Documents regarding parental custody if you’re not married to your child’s other parent.

• Name change documentation (in case of marriage/divorce).

• Birth certificates for children (if applicable).

• Personal number from another Nordic country (if applicable).

How Can Foreigners Obtain a CPR Number?

Foreigners can get a CPR number once they have a residence permit. They must register their address with the local municipality, after which they gain access to health insurance and other benefits.

Conditions for Receiving a CPR Number:

• Correcting birthdate or gender registration errors.

• Identity theft involving your personal number.

• Being transgender (nonbinary individuals retain their originally assigned number).

How to Protect Your CPR Number?

A CPR number is personal and confidential, especially the last four digits. Never:

• Share it with unauthorized people.

• Post it online (where it can be misused).

• Give it over the phone unless you're sure of the recipient.

• Provide it in stores (usually your name, address, and birthdate will suffice).

How do I get a NemKonto, and do I need a CPR number to get one?

A NemKonto is a regular bank account used by the public sector to make payments to you (e.g., tax refunds, child support). You choose the account to designate as your NemKonto. To set it up, you need MitID and a CPR number—you can’t open a bank account without one.

MitID is your secure digital login used for online banking, public authorities, and private businesses. It provides a single login for access to your net bank, Skat, Borger.dk, and Digital Post.

Digital Post is the government’s secure online mailbox for sending official correspondence. All citizens aged 15 and older must have a Digital Postbox.

What documents do I need to get a job at Just Eat?

To work at Just Eat, you need:

• A CPR number (or tax ID).

• MitID.

• A NemKonto.

These are necessary for payroll, tax payments, and reporting absences due to illness. This ensures that Just Eat operates legally, pays taxes, and provides proper working conditions, including set schedules, sick pay, and legal contracts.

FAQ:

What is a NemKonto?
A NemKonto is the public payment system in Denmark. All payments from public authorities are transferred to the citizen’s NemKonto. The Digitalization Agency (Digitaliseringsstyrelsen) is responsible for NemKonto.

What is MitID?
MitID is your digital signature—a personal electronic key used for interacting with public authorities and private companies registered under the system. The Digitalization Agency is also responsible for MitID.

Can you open a bank account without a CPR number?
Yes and no. EU citizens who are not required to register as residents but need to pay taxes can contact the Danish Tax Agency (Skat) to obtain a tax identification number (skattepersonnummer). With this number, they can also open a bank account.

What is a Digital Postbox?
A Digital Postbox is an online inbox where you receive messages from public authorities and other registered companies.

Is the CPR number confidential?
Yes, you should never share your CPR number with anyone other than necessary authorities, etc.

Do EU citizens need a CPR number to work in Denmark?
Yes.

What is a CPR number for foreign nationals?
A CPR number for foreign nationals is the same as a CPR number for Danish citizens. However, one of the four final digits indicates that the individual is a foreign national.

How do you find your CPR number?
It is listed on your Health Card (Sundhedskort or Sygesikringskort), among other places.

Is your CPR number available online?
Yes and no. It is stored with the Digitalization Agency, and only a limited number of individuals or authorities have access to it.

Can you change your CPR number?
No, except in very rare circumstances, as mentioned above.