When you move abroad, you need to arrange certain formalities that will enable you to pay taxes and enjoy employment benefits in your new country. In Denmark, the function of the main registration number, similar to the Polish PESEL, is the CPR (Det Centrale Personregister).
What is a CPR number?
Denmark has a special unique identification number that plays a key role in establishing the identity of every person residing in the country. This number, known as CPR (Det Centrale Personregister), is an indispensable element in everyday life, as it is used by various public and private institutions. It consists of 10 digits, the first 6 of which directly relate to the date of birth – the day, month and year of a person’s birth. The remaining 4 digits are randomly generated, which gives each number a unique character.
The CPR number is indispensable in many situations, both in dealing with government agencies and in dealing with financial institutions such as banks. In addition, employers use this number to uniquely identify their employees. With this system, all paperwork related to employment, tax settlements or access to public services can be carried out efficiently and securely. Without having a CPR number, it would be much more difficult or even impossible to use many services in Denmark.
Rules for obtaining a CPR number
If you are a citizen of a European Union member state, you have the right to stay in Denmark for a period of 3 months without registering your stay. If you plan to look for work during this time, it is possible to extend this period to 6 months. In order to be able to exercise this option, you must apply for registration of residency before the end of the allotted time. This application must be delivered to the appropriate Statsforvaltning office, which is responsible for the area in which you reside.
Residence registration is a key step that allows you to legally live and work in Denmark under the rules that apply to European Union citizens. Without completing this registration, you will not be able to fully enjoy the rights and services afforded to residents. In addition, obtaining a residency registration is necessary to be able to apply for a CPR-personnummer number, which is required for many formalities, such as opening a bank account or employment.
The first step you need to take to obtain a CPR number is to register with the National Population Register, known in Denmark as Folkeregisteret. This registration is crucial, as it allows your personal information to be officially entered into the national registration system. Once this process is complete, you will automatically receive a CPR number, which is necessary for many formalities in Denmark. In addition to being assigned a CPR number, registering with Folkeregisteret also provides access to the Danish health insurance system. This health insurance allows you to receive full medical care in Denmark, including visits to doctors, hospital treatment and other health services. Without registration with the National Population Register, it would be impossible to obtain a CPR number and access health insurance.
It is important that you prepare the appropriate documents before proceeding with any paperwork for residency in Denmark. Here are the key documents you will need to complete the registration process and obtain the necessary authorizations:
- Passport or ID card – The identity document should be valid for the entire period of your intended stay.
- Residence permit – This permit is issued by the relevant immigration authorities and may vary depending on the type of stay, for example, whether it is for tourism, work or study.
- Proof of residence in Denmark – To confirm that you have indeed settled in Denmark, you will need to provide proof of residence.
In order to obtain a CPR number, which is key to operating legally in Denmark, we must show that we have a permanent residence in Denmark. The first step is to obtain proof of permanent residency, which can be obtained by submitting an application to the local authorities of the municipality where you reside.
The application process is convenient, as it can be done online, allowing for quick completion of the paperwork without having to appear in person at the office. The fee for processing such an application is about DKK 82. For those who do not have access to the Internet, there are services offered by municipal offices that can assist in filling out and submitting the application. Alternatively, many local public libraries also offer access to computers and the Internet, making it possible to submit an application at these facilities.
In the event that we need to obtain such a certificate on behalf of another person, it will be necessary to present a written power of attorney. Such a document authorizes us to act on behalf of that person, which is important to ensure the correctness and legality of the procedure. The power of attorney should be formally drawn up so that it can be recognized by the municipal authorities.
Applying for a CPR number
The earliest you can get a tax identification number is one month before you start working in Denmark. If you have lived or worked in Denmark before, your CPR number should already be assigned to you.
It should be noted that the application process for a CPR number is done only once in a lifetime. This means that once assigned, your tax identification number stays with you permanently, regardless of how many times you return to Denmark. So even if you plan subsequent stays in the country or change your place of residence, the CPR number will identify you at all times.
If you plan to come to Denmark with your family, it is important that each family member also applies individually for a CPR number. Each person, even children, must have their own CPR number in order to fully participate in society and take advantage of available services.
You will be assigned a tax identification number when you are issued a digital tax card, if you have not already received one. Once you receive your tax card, you will find your number on your preliminary annual tax return. In addition, SKAT will forward your tax identification number to your employer via digital mail. This will give your employer access to your tax number, which is essential for the correct calculation and payment of advance income tax. The whole process is designed to simplify tax administration and ensure that all paperwork related to your employment and tax obligations is carried out in accordance with the law.
In Copenhagen, as of June 1, 2017, it has been required to apply online after obtaining a residence permit. After submitting your application, you will have to wait for a notification from the International Center for Foreigners in Copenhagen, which will inform you that you have been assigned a number. This number will need to be picked up in person. For those outside the capital, applications can be submitted to the Foreigners’ Centers located in Odense, Aalborg and Aarhus.
To apply for a CPR number, you will need to submit the relevant documents, which must be translated into English, German, Danish, Swedish or Norwegian. Among the required documents are:
- An identity document, such as an ID card or passport,
- A certificate of residence permit,
- Proof of employment, such as an employment contract,
- Proof of residence in Denmark, such as a rental agreement,
- If applicable, marriage certificate (even if the spouse has remained in Poland),
- Children’s birth certificates, if minor children have moved with a parent,
- If applicable, certificate of divorce or death certificate of the spouse.
SKAT grants a CPR number in about 6-10 weeks after submitting full documentation. Once we receive our CPR number, we automatically become part of the Danish health insurance system and become eligible for medical care. Shortly thereafter, we will be asked to choose a doctor from a list provided by our municipality. With a CPR number, you can also proceed to set up a tax card.
If your stay in Denmark is temporary, such as during seasonal work, a CPR number is not granted. In such circumstances, it is sufficient to obtain a kildeskattenummer, which is a taxpayer number that pays tax at source. This is the number associated with the CPR of the employer where you are employed in Denmark. In order to obtain this number, the appropriate application must be submitted to the tax office responsible for our place of work.
