Settling in Denmark

To live and work in Denmark you must have a CPR number. Your employer needs your CPR number to pay your salary. You also need this number to establish a bank account.

You must also obtain a health insurance card, which entitles you to services rendered by the public health insurance.

To obtain a CPR number and a health insurance card you must meet in person at the Citizen Service Center in your municipality.

You should bring the following documents to obtain a CPR number and a health insurance card:

• Your residence and work permit, if applicable
• Your passport
• Your marriage certificate, if applicable
• Your children’s birth certificates

In your municipality you may also obtain information about the following:

• Choice of doctor
• Family income supplement
• Local clubs and associations as well as cultural and sparetime activities
• Childcare
• Schools and schooling

Work and residence permit
Many foreign nationals can live and work in Denmark without further ado. However, some need a residence and work permit. Your possibility for working in Denmark depends first and foremost on your nationality and your qualifications. Distinctions are made between Nordic citizens, citizens of the EU and the EEA, and citizens of third countries (countries outside the Nordic area and the EU).

Family
If your family accompanies you to Denmark, we recommend that you discuss questions of school, day care, and spare-time arrangements for your children, but also the question of a job for your spouse.

Because of the high level of taxation and the high cost of living in Denmark two salaries may be necessary to maintain a reasonable standard of living. We recommend that you draw up an action plan for your spouse’s job search, perhaps with guidance and assistance from your local job center or WorkinDenmark.

Bank account
In order to have your salary paid out you will need to open a bank account in a bank or financial institution. At the bank you must present your health insurance card (where your name, address and CPR number will appear) as well as a photo ID (for instance, your passport).