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Do foreigners have the right to a bank account in Denmark?

The basic payment account and who can get one.

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Short answer

Yes, if you are legally resident in the EU or EEA: Danish banks must offer every consumer a basic payment account in Danish kroner. Not living in Denmark is not a valid reason to refuse you, and minors have the same right as adults. People in Denmark without a residence permit who cannot be deported are also covered. The bank may charge a reasonable fee, and the right covers only this basic account, not savings accounts, loans or credit cards.

Practical info

Why

  1. The right is set out in the Danish Act on payment accounts and basic business accounts.
  2. A bank account is needed for salary, rent and public payments.
  3. The bank may refuse only in a short list of cases.

Details

A bank cannot refuse you a basic payment account because you are registered with RKI or have no fixed address.

Tip

Ask the bank directly for a "basal betalingskonto", the legal name of this account type.

What may differ

The fee and the extra services that come with the account differ from bank to bank.

Common misconception

Many newcomers think a bank can turn them down simply because they have just arrived.

What actually happens

Having just arrived or living in another EU country is not a lawful reason to refuse a basic payment account.

People also ask

  • Can a Danish bank refuse to open an account?
  • What documents do I need to open a bank account in Denmark?
  • What is included in a basic payment account?

Sources

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

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