Yes, but you need a CPR number and proof of residence
Foreigners can open a bank account in Denmark, but the process depends on whether you have a CPR number (the Danish civil registration number) and how long you plan to stay. Most Danish banks will not open an account without one. If you are moving to Denmark for work, study, or residence, you can get a CPR number from your municipality within the first two weeks of arrival. If you are visiting temporarily or working remotely from abroad, some banks offer accounts to non-residents, but with stricter limits on what you can do.
The two main routes are: get a CPR number and open a standard account at any major bank, or open a limited account as a non-resident if you do not yet have one. The first route is faster and gives you full access; the second is a holding pattern while you wait for your CPR registration to process.
Key Takeaways
- You need a CPR number to open a full bank account in Denmark; most banks will not proceed without one.
- Register for a CPR number at your municipality within two weeks of arrival; the process is free and takes a few days to a week.
- Bring your passport, proof of residence (lease, utility bill, or housing contract), and your CPR number to the bank.
- Non-residents without a CPR number can open limited accounts at some banks, but these have transaction caps and fewer features.
- Processing time for a full account is usually one to three business days once you have submitted all documents.
Getting a CPR number before you open an account
The CPR number (Centralt Personregister) is a 10-digit identifier that every person living in Denmark must have. You cannot get one until you have a fixed address in Denmark. If you are relocating, register at your municipality as soon as you have signed a lease or housing contract. Bring your passport, proof of residence, and a completed form (available at the municipality or online). There is no fee.
Processing usually takes three to seven business days. You will receive your CPR number by mail or email, depending on the municipality. Some municipalities now issue it on the spot if you apply in person. Once you have the number, you can open a bank account immediately—most banks accept it as your primary identifier.
If you are staying temporarily (less than three months) and do not have a fixed address yet, you may be able to use a temporary address or a friend's address to register, but rules vary by municipality. Call ahead or check the municipality website for your specific location.
What documents you need to bring to the bank
Bring your passport or national ID card, your CPR number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a lease agreement, a utility bill, a housing contract, or a letter from your employer confirming your address. Some banks accept a bank statement from another country if it shows your name and address, but Danish proof is preferred.
If you are opening an account as a non-resident (without a CPR number), bring your passport and proof of your home address abroad. Some banks will also ask for proof of income or employment, especially if you plan to transfer large sums or use credit features. Have these documents ready before you visit.
Major banks that accept foreigners
The largest Danish banks—Danske Bank, Nordea, and Jyske Bank—all open accounts for foreigners with a CPR number. Danske Bank and Nordea also have English-language support and online account opening for residents. Smaller regional banks may have stricter rules; call ahead if you are not in a major city.
For non-residents without a CPR number, Danske Bank and Nordea offer limited accounts, but availability and terms change. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut also operate in Denmark and may be faster for non-residents who need a payment account quickly, though these are not traditional banks and do not offer all banking services.
If you are opening an account remotely (before arriving in Denmark), contact the bank directly. Some allow you to start the process online and complete it in person when you arrive; others require you to visit a branch in person from the start.
Fees and minimum balance requirements
Most Danish banks charge a monthly account fee, typically between 30 and 80 Danish kroner (roughly 4 to 11 USD), though some offer free accounts if you meet conditions like receiving a salary or maintaining a minimum balance. Debit cards usually cost 50 to 150 kroner per year. International transfers and currency exchange carry separate fees; ask the bank for a fee schedule before you open the account.
Minimum balance requirements are rare at major banks, but some accounts aimed at students or low-income customers have none, while premium accounts may require a deposit. Non-resident accounts sometimes have higher fees or lower transaction limits. Compare the fee structure across banks before you commit.
Timeline: from arrival to first transaction
If you already have a CPR number, opening a bank account takes one to three business days. Visit a branch with your documents, complete the application (usually on paper or a tablet in the branch), and the bank will issue a debit card and online banking access within a few days. You can often make transfers the same day or the next business day.
If you need to register for a CPR number first, add three to seven days to that timeline. So the full process from arrival to a working account is typically one to two weeks. Non-resident accounts may open faster (sometimes the same day), but with lower limits on what you can transfer or withdraw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Danish bank account before I move to Denmark?
Some banks allow you to start the application online, but most require you to visit a branch in person to verify your identity and sign documents. Contact your chosen bank before you travel to ask whether they offer remote opening or if you must complete the process after arrival.
What if I do not have a fixed address yet?
You cannot get a CPR number without a fixed address, and most banks will not open a full account without a CPR number. If you are arriving soon, arrange temporary housing (Airbnb, hostel, or a friend's spare room) and use that address to register at the municipality. Once you have the CPR number, you can open a bank account and update your address later.
Do I need a Danish tax ID or work permit to open a bank account?
No. A CPR number and proof of identity are sufficient. If you are working in Denmark, your employer will help you register for a tax ID (SE-nummer), but you do not need it to open a bank account. The bank may ask for proof of income if you plan to use credit services, but that is separate from account opening.
Can I use an online-only bank instead of a traditional bank?
Yes. Online banks like Lunar, Bunq, and Wise operate in Denmark and may be faster to open if you are a non-resident. However, they may not offer all services (like loans or investment accounts), and some have higher fees for certain transactions. They are useful as a second account or for international transfers, but many people keep a traditional bank account as well.
What happens if the bank rejects my application?
Banks can refuse to open an account if you cannot provide required documents, if there are sanctions or legal issues on your record, or if they assess you as high-risk. Ask the bank why you were refused; if it is a documentation issue, you can reapply with the correct papers. If it is a policy decision, try another bank or contact a financial advisor for guidance.