Receiving the CPR number

Relocating to another country requires you to complete specific formalities that allow you to pay taxes and access employment benefits in your new location. In Denmark, CPR (Det Centrale Personregister) is the primary registration number. This unique identification number is essential for accessing various services, including healthcare and social security. Additionally, it is necessary for legal and administrative processes, making it a crucial aspect of settling in Denmark.

Understanding the CPR number

A unique identification number in Denmark is vital for establishing the identity of every resident in the country. This number, referred to as CPR (Det Centrale Personregister), is an indispensable component of daily life, as it is used by various public and private institutions.

This system enables efficient and secure processing of all paperwork associated with employment, tax settlements, and access to public services. Lacking a CPR number would make it significantly more challenging, if not impossible, to utilize many services in Denmark.

An indispensable element in many scenarios, the CPR number is crucial for interactions with government agencies and financial institutions such as banks. Additionally, employers utilize this number to uniquely identify their employees.

Comprising 10 digits, the CPR number includes the first six digits that correspond directly to a person's birth date—indicating the day, month, and year. The last four digits are generated randomly, ensuring that each number is unique.

The process of obtaining a CPR number

When relocating to Denmark with your family, it is essential for every family member to apply individually for a CPR number. Each person, including children, requires their own CPR number to fully engage in society and benefit from the services available.

It's important to highlight that the application process for a CPR number occurs only once in a lifetime. Once assigned, your tax identification number remains with you permanently, no matter how many times you return to Denmark. Therefore, even if you intend to stay in the country multiple times or change your residence, the CPR number will always serve to identify you.

For temporary stays in Denmark, such as during seasonal employment, a CPR number is not issued. Instead, you only need to obtain a kildeskattenummer, which is a taxpayer number that facilitates source taxation. This number is linked to the CPR of your employer in Denmark. To acquire this number, you must submit the appropriate application to the tax office responsible for your workplace.

You can obtain a tax identification number as early as one month before starting work in Denmark. If you have previously lived or worked in Denmark, your CPR number should already be assigned to you.

In order to obtain a CPR number, you must submit the necessary documents, which should be translated into English, German, Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian. The required documents include:

• proof of residence in Denmark, such as a rental agreement,
• a certificate of residence permit,
• proof of employment, like an employment contract,
• an identity document, such as an ID card or passport,
• birth certificates for children if minor children have relocated with a parent,
• a marriage certificate, if applicable (even if the spouse remained in another EU country),
• a certificate of divorce or death certificate of the spouse, if relevant.

A tax identification number is assigned to you when you receive a digital tax card, provided you haven't already obtained one. Once you have your tax card, you can find your number on your preliminary annual tax return. Additionally, SKAT will send your tax identification number to your employer through digital mail. This allows your employer to access your tax number, which is crucial for accurately calculating and paying advance income tax. This entire process aims to streamline tax administration and ensure that all documentation related to your employment and tax obligations complies with the law.

A CPR number is granted by SKAT within approximately 6 to 10 weeks after submitting all required documentation. Once you receive your CPR number, you automatically become a part of the Danish health insurance system, making you eligible for medical care. Soon after, you will need to select a doctor from a list provided by your municipality. Additionally, having a CPR number allows you to proceed with setting up a tax card.

As of June 1, 2017, applying online for a CPR number has been required in Copenhagen after obtaining a residence permit. Following the submission of your application, you will need to wait for a notification from the International Center for Foreigners in Copenhagen, informing you that a number has been assigned to you. This number must be collected in person. For individuals residing outside the capital, applications can be submitted to the Foreigners’ Centers in Odense, Aalborg, and Aarhus.

Requirements for obtaining a CPR number

Registering your residence is a crucial step that allows you to legally live and work in Denmark under the rules applicable to European Union citizens. Without completing this registration, you will not be able to fully access the rights and services available to residents.

Moreover, securing a residence registration is vital for applying for a CPR number, which is essential for various formal procedures, including opening a bank account or securing employment.

As a citizen of an EU member state, you are permitted to stay in Denmark for up to three months without needing to register your residence. If you intend to search for employment during this period, you can extend your stay to six months. To take advantage of this extension, it is necessary to submit your residency registration application before the initial three-month period expires. This application should be sent to the relevant Statsforvaltning office, which oversees the region where you live.

To obtain a CPR number, the initial action you must take is to register with the National Population Register, referred to in Denmark as Folkeregisteret. This registration is essential, as it ensures that your personal details are officially recorded in the national registration system.

Before beginning any residency paperwork in Denmark, it is essential to gather the necessary documents. Below are the key documents required to complete the registration process and obtain the required authorizations:

• Proof of residence in Denmark: You must provide evidence confirming your settlement in Denmark.
• Residence permit: This document, issued by the appropriate immigration authorities, varies based on the nature of your stay, such as tourism, work, or study.
• Passport or ID card: Ensure that your identity document is valid for the entire duration of your intended stay.

To acquire a CPR number, which is essential for legal operations in Denmark, it is necessary to demonstrate that you have permanent residency in the country. The initial step involves obtaining proof of permanent residence, which can be secured by submitting an application to the local authorities in the municipality where you live.

If it becomes necessary to obtain a certificate on behalf of another individual, a written power of attorney must be presented. This document grants us the authority to act for that person, ensuring that the procedure is both correct and legal. To be recognized by the municipal authorities, the power of attorney should be formally prepared.

Upon completing this process, you will automatically be assigned a CPR number, which is essential for numerous formalities in Denmark. Besides receiving a CPR number, registering with Folkeregisteret grants you access to the Danish health insurance system. This insurance enables you to receive comprehensive medical care in Denmark, covering visits to doctors, hospital treatments, and other health services. Without registration in the National Population Register, obtaining a CPR number and accessing health insurance would not be possible.

The application process is user-friendly, as it can be completed online, enabling you to finish the paperwork quickly without needing to visit the office in person. For individuals without Internet access, municipal offices provide services to help fill out and submit the application. Additionally, many local public libraries offer access to computers and the Internet, allowing you to submit your application at these facilities. The processing fee for this application is approximately DKK 82.