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Can you open a bank account in Denmark without a CPR number?

Opening an account before you have a CPR number.

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Short answer

It can be possible: a Danish bank starts from your name and CPR number, but if you do not have one, it may identify you by another number, such as your passport number, driving licence number or date of birth. The right to a basic payment account applies to everyone legally resident in the EU or EEA, so it does not depend on a CPR number. In practice the bank decides how it will check your identity, so ask it before the meeting. Note that you need a CPR number to register the account as your NemKonto for public payments.

Practical info

Why

  1. Many newcomers need an account before the CPR number arrives.
  2. Banks must still verify who you are with an official document.
  3. Public payments need a NemKonto, which needs a CPR number.

Details

If you will work in Denmark for 3 months or less (6 months for EU, EEA or Swiss citizens), you get a personal tax number instead of a CPR number, with the same digits.

Tip

Tell the bank right away when you get your CPR number, so it can update the account.

What may differ

Banks handle customers without a CPR number differently, and some ask for more documents.

Common misconception

A common belief is that no Danish bank can open an account without a CPR number.

What actually happens

A bank may identify you with other data, such as your passport number or date of birth.

People also ask

  • How long does it take to get a CPR number?
  • Can a foreign account be my NemKonto?
  • What documents does a Danish bank ask for?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Payment rules, limits and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

Practical info
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