How to Open a Bank Account in Denmark
You need a Danish bank account to receive salary, link your NemKonto, use MobilePay, and handle everyday transactions. Denmark is nearly cashless — without a bank account and MobilePay, even splitting a dinner bill becomes a problem.
This guide covers which banks work for internationals, what documents you need, how to open an account, and what to do if you don’t have a CPR number yet.
Why you need a Danish bank account
Denmark runs on digital payments. Cash is rarely accepted — many shops, restaurants, and even market stalls only take cards or MobilePay. You need a Danish bank account to:
- Receive your salary. Danish employers pay into Danish bank accounts. Your account must be registered as your NemKonto to receive salary, tax refunds, and public benefits.
- Use MobilePay. Denmark’s ubiquitous payment app. It’s how people split bills, pay in shops, and transfer money. Requires a Danish bank account and phone number.
- Set up online banking. You need MitID to access your account online. Many banks actually set up MitID for you during account opening.
- Pay rent and bills. Landlords and utility companies expect Danish bank transfers (Betalingsservice or overførsel).
What you need to open an account
- CPR numberMost banks require this. A few accept customers without one — see below.
- Valid passport or national IDBring the original. Some banks also accept a driving licence as secondary ID.
- Proof of addressYour rental contract or a letter showing your Danish address.
- Employment contract or proof of incomeNot always required, but speeds things up. Some banks ask for it under anti-money-laundering rules.
- Tax cardSome banks request it. If you don’t have one yet, explain that it’s being processed with SKAT.
Bring everything. Danish banks have strict KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements under EU anti-money-laundering rules. It’s better to bring more documentation than needed — missing a single document can delay your application by weeks.
Which bank should you choose?
Here’s how the main options compare for internationals in Denmark:
| Bank | CPR required? | English support | App quality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danske Bank | ✓ Yes | ✓ Good | Strong | Full-service, largest bank |
| Nordea | ✓ Yes | ✓ Good | Strong | Nordic-wide, good for Scandinavian ties |
| Jyske Bank | ✓ Yes | Limited | Good | Outside Copenhagen, good rates |
| Lunar | ✓ Yes | ✓ Full English | Excellent | Digital-first, fast setup, expat-friendly |
| N26 | ✗ No | ✓ Full English | Excellent | Before you get a CPR (limited DK features) |
| Wise | ✗ No | ✓ Full English | Excellent | Multi-currency, transfers from abroad |
Recommendation for most newcomers: Open a Lunar or Danske Bank account as your primary Danish bank (once you have a CPR). Use Wise alongside it for receiving money from abroad or converting currency. If you don’t have a CPR yet, start with N26 or Wise as a temporary bridge.
How to open an account
Choose your bank
If you want a traditional bank, Danske Bank and Nordea have the widest branch networks and English support. If you prefer digital-first, Lunar is popular with internationals — fully English app, fast onboarding, and no branch visits required.
Book an appointment or apply online
Traditional banks: Book an appointment at a branch. Bring all your documents. The appointment typically takes 30–60 minutes. Lunar: Download the app and apply directly — the process is fully digital if you have a CPR and Danish passport/ID. For foreign passports, you may need to verify by video call.
Verify your identity
The bank will verify your passport, CPR, and address. They’ll ask about the purpose of the account (salary, daily use) and your expected transaction volume — this is standard under anti-money-laundering regulations. Answer honestly and simply.
Set up MitID (if not already done)
Many banks offer to set up MitID as part of the account opening process. If you already have MitID, they’ll link it to your new account for online banking.
Get your card and activate online banking
Your debit card (Visa or Mastercard) usually arrives by post within 5–10 business days. Activate it through the bank’s app, then set up online banking with MitID. You’re ready.
Opening an account without a CPR number
If you’ve just arrived and your CPR is still being processed, your options are limited but not zero:
- N26 — a German digital bank that operates in Denmark. No CPR needed. You get a German IBAN, which works for EU transfers but isn’t ideal as a long-term Danish account. Cannot be used as NemKonto.
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) — multi-currency account. No CPR required. Excellent for receiving money from abroad and converting to DKK. Not a full Danish bank account — no Betalingsservice, no MobilePay.
- Some traditional banks may open an account with just a passport and employment contract, but this is becoming rarer due to KYC rules. Call ahead and ask.
An N26 or Wise account is a bridge, not a destination. You’ll need a proper Danish bank account to set up NemKonto, use MobilePay, and receive public payments. Get your CPR sorted, then open a Danish account.
Setting up MobilePay
MobilePay is Denmark’s universal payment app — used by roughly 90% of the population. To set it up you need:
- A Danish bank account linked to a Visa or Mastercard debit card
- A Danish phone number
- MitID for verification
Download MobilePay from the App Store or Google Play, link your card, verify with MitID, and you’re set. You can then pay in shops (scan QR codes), send money to friends (by phone number), and pay bills. Most people in Denmark use MobilePay multiple times a day.
Fees and costs
Danish banking fees vary, but here’s what to expect:
- Account maintenance: Many banks charge 0–30 DKK/month for a basic account. Lunar’s basic account is free. Danske Bank charges for some account types.
- Debit card: Usually included. Some banks charge an annual card fee (100–300 DKK).
- International transfers: Traditional banks charge 50–100 DKK per transfer. Use Wise for cheaper international transfers.
- ATM withdrawals: Free at your own bank’s ATMs. Other banks’ ATMs may charge 5–10 DKK per withdrawal. But you’ll rarely need cash.
- Negative interest: Denmark has historically had negative interest rates on large deposits. Check your bank’s current policy on savings above a certain threshold.
Common problems
The bank rejected my application
This usually happens because of missing documents or because you don’t have a CPR yet. Call the bank and ask exactly what they need. If one bank rejects you, try another — policies differ.
I can’t set up MobilePay
You need a Danish-issued debit card (not a foreign card), a Danish phone number, and MitID. If your bank account is set up but MobilePay won’t activate, make sure your card is a Visa Debit or Mastercard Debit issued by a Danish bank, not a credit card.
My employer needs my bank details but I don’t have an account yet
Give your employer your foreign bank IBAN temporarily. They can pay your first salary to a foreign account (though transfer fees may apply). Switch to your Danish account and NemKonto as soon as it’s open.
I need to transfer money from abroad to get started
Use Wise for the best exchange rates and lowest fees. Transfer from your home bank to Wise, convert to DKK, then send to your Danish bank account. Avoid using your Danish bank’s international transfer service — the rates and fees are much worse.
Questions and answers
Can I have multiple bank accounts?
Yes. Many people have a primary account (Danske Bank or Nordea) and a Wise account for international transfers. You can only have one NemKonto, but it can be any of your accounts.
Do I need to speak Danish?
No. Danske Bank, Nordea, and Lunar all offer English support. Jyske Bank and smaller banks may have limited English. The apps are available in English.
How long does it take?
Lunar: same day to a few days. Traditional banks: 1–3 weeks from appointment to receiving your card, depending on verification speed.
Can I keep my foreign bank account?
Yes, but you must report foreign bank accounts and their balances to SKAT in your annual tax return if you’re a Danish tax resident.
What is Betalingsservice?
An automatic payment system for recurring bills (rent, insurance, utilities). Your bank sets it up. The payee sends a request, and the money is debited automatically. It’s the Danish equivalent of direct debit.
Sources
- Life in Denmark — When you arrive: bank account requirements and NemKonto obligation.
- SKAT — First steps: all citizens required to have a NemKonto.
- SKAT — Moving to Denmark: reporting foreign bank accounts.
- City of Copenhagen — CPR: CPR number requirements for banking.