The CPR number, or Det Centrale Personregister, is a key element of the Danish administrative system, acting as a unique identifier for every person registered in Denmark. As a central element of the population register, the CPR number is essential to function in Denmark, both in everyday life and in dealing with authorities. It enables effective identification of citizens and residents, which is important for the proper management of social, health and tax services.
What is worth knowing about the CPR number?
In Denmark, the CPR number, or Det Centrale Personregister, is pretty much your personal ID number. It’s a must-have for everyone registered in the country.
Here’s the lowdown on the CPR number:
I. What’s it for?: The CPR number is like your official badge in the Danish system. It helps identify people living here, making it easier for the government to manage everything from social services to healthcare.
II. Where do you use it?: You’ll need this number for all kinds of things, like filing your taxes, getting health benefits, and dealing with public offices. It really keeps everything organized.
III. How do you get one?: If you’re planning to stay in Denmark, whether it’s for a while or just a bit, you’ll get a CPR number. You can usually sign up online, or if you prefer, you can visit your local municipality office for help.
IV. What does it look like?: The CPR number is made up of 10 digits. The first six represent your birth date (day, month, year), while the last four are unique to you. Plus, there are “check digits” to ensure it’s accurate.
V. Your privacy counts: Because it’s so important, your CPR number is protected by data privacy laws. This means you have rights about who can access your info and how it’s used.
The process of obtaining a CPR number in Denmark
Getting a CPR number in Denmark involves a few important steps:
1. Register your residence: First things first, you need to have either permanent or temporary registration in Denmark. Only those registered in the Danish resident registration system can get a CPR number.
2. Apply:
- Online: Applying online is a breeze! It makes the process much easier, so you won’t have to visit any offices. The application fee is about DKK 82. If you’re not able to go online, don’t worry! Local officials can help you fill out and submit your documents at municipal offices, and public libraries usually have computers with internet access.
- In-person: If online isn’t an option for you, just swing by your local municipality office to apply.
3. Gather your documents: When you apply, make sure you have the following documents ready, and they should be translated into English, German, Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian:
- your passport or ID card,
- proof of residence in Denmark (like a rental agreement),
- proof of employment (an employment contract works),
- your residence permit,
- if applicable, your marriage certificate, or documents related to divorce or the death of a spouse,
- children’s birth certificates if they’ve moved with you.
4. Apply on someone else’s behalf: If you’re helping someone else get their CPR number, you’ll need a written proxy that allows you to act on their behalf.
5. Obtain your number:
- Waiting time: Usually, you’ll receive your CPR number from SKAT within 6 to 10 weeks after you submit all your documents.
- Certificate: If you applied online, you’ll get a reference number from the International Center for Foreigners in Copenhagen, which you’ll need to pick up in person. If you’re outside of Copenhagen, you can apply at Foreigners' Centers in Odense, Aarhus, or Aalborg.
Next steps after getting your CPR number:
- Health insurance: With your CPR number, you automatically join the Danish health insurance system and can access medical services. Your municipality will provide a list of doctors for you to choose from.
- Setting up a tax card: Your CPR number is also your ticket to starting the process of getting a tax card.
- Employer notification: Your CPR number will be on your first annual tax return. SKAT will send your tax ID number to your employer via digital mail, which helps them calculate your income tax payments correctly.
You can get your tax identification number up to a month before you start working in Denmark. If you’ve lived or worked in Denmark before, there’s a chance you might already have a CPR number.
Conditions for obtaining a CPR number
To obtain a CPR number in Denmark, you must meet several key requirements. First and foremost, you must be registered in Denmark, whether permanently or temporarily, as a CPR number is only granted to those registered in the Danish population registry system. It is also necessary to have the appropriate documents, including proof of residence in Denmark, which can be in the form of a lease agreement, and a valid passport or ID card. In addition, a residence permit is required, which is issued by the relevant immigration authorities and may vary depending on the type of stay, such as tourism, work or study.
European Union citizens have the right to stay in Denmark without registration for the first 3 months. If you plan to extend your stay or seek employment, you must apply for residency registration before this period expires. For temporary residence, such as seasonal work, you will receive a kildeskattenummer - a taxpayer number for paying withholding tax - instead of a CPR number.
If you come to Denmark with your family, each family member, including children, must be assigned their own CPR number. Individual applications for each family member are required. If you are applying for a CPR number on behalf of another person, you must provide a written power of attorney that authorizes you to represent that person in the registration process.
We encourage you to use our services to make the process of applying for a CPR number in Denmark quick and hassle-free. Our team of experts will help you prepare all the necessary documents and provide support at every stage of registration. Thanks to us, you will avoid stress and gain confidence that all the paperwork will be handled in accordance with the requirements.
