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What documents do you need to open a bank account in Denmark?

What to bring to the bank as a newcomer.

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Short answer

As a starting point the bank needs your name and your CPR number, and it must be able to check them against a document such as a passport, national ID card, driving licence or health insurance card. Most banks also ask for an employment contract or an invitation letter, and a tax card can help but is not required. US citizens are usually asked for their American social security card as well. The bank will also ask what you will use the account for, such as salary, rent, benefits or payments abroad.

Practical info

Why

  1. Banks must identify every customer under the money laundering rules.
  2. The CPR number links the account to your Danish registration.
  3. The purpose of the account helps the bank assess the customer relationship.

Details

With a passport and your preliminary income assessment (forskudsopgørelse), the bank can open a current account and register it as your NemKonto.

Tip

You can often get MitID at the bank at the same meeting, so bring your passport.

What may differ

Each bank decides which extra papers it wants, so check its list before the meeting.

Common misconception

Some think a bank only needs to see a passport.

What actually happens

The bank also asks how you will use the account, because it must know its customers.

People also ask

  • Can I open a Danish bank account without a CPR number?
  • How do I get a CPR number?
  • What is a NemKonto?

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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