Registration for Non-EU Citizens in Denmark | exploringdenmark
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Registration for Non-EU Citizens in Denmark

If you’re from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you’ll need a valid residence permit before entry. After arrival, register your address to get CPR, your health card, and then MitID.

Important: You can’t get a CPR number—or open a bank account—until your residence permit is granted and your address is registered.

Overview: registration for non-EU citizens

🛂 Permit first

Apply for and receive your residence permit before entering Denmark (unless you already hold one).

🏠 Address & CPR

After arrival, register a permanent address with your kommune to obtain CPR.

💳 Health card

Your yellow health card (sundhedskort) is mailed to your registered address after CPR.

🔐 MitID

With CPR in hand, set up MitID to access banking and public digital services.

Who must register?

🌍

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss

Anyone relocating long-term to live, work, or study must register.

📝

Before arrival

Residence permit must be approved first. Embassy/consulate intake or SIRI.

🏠

Permanent address

Hotels/Airbnbs generally don’t qualify. You’ll need a registerable lease.

How to register: step-by-step

🛂
Get your residence permit: Apply via SIRI (official) or through a Danish mission. Wait for approval before moving.
📬
Arrive & secure housing: Move into a permanent address (lease or landlord letter acceptable where applicable).
🏢
Register address & get CPR: Visit your kommune’s Citizen Service to register and obtain your CPR. See Life in Denmark (official).
💳
Health card & MitID: Your yellow card arrives by post. Then set up MitID (official).

Documents you’ll need

🛂

Passport

Valid for the intended stay.

📄

Residence permit

Bring your original permit card/letter.

🏠

Housing proof

Lease or landlord confirmation (check local rules).

📋

Registration forms

Municipality forms—download ahead if available.

👨‍👩‍👧

Family documents

Marriage/birth certificates (+ translations if needed).

📷

Photo

Occasionally requested—bring one just in case.

After registration: what’s next?

💳

CPR & health card

Needed for doctor, tax, banking, education, etc.

🔐

MitID

Digital login for banking and public services.

🏦

Bank account

Open a Danish account once you have CPR (and usually MitID).

Useful resources (official)

Frequently Asked Questions

⏳ How long does it take?

Permit processing varies. After address registration, CPR and health card often arrive within 1–3 weeks.

📦 Can I register with Airbnb/hotel?

Generally no—you need a registerable address and lease.

🧒 Can I register family?

Yes, if they have valid permits. Bring marriage/birth certificates (with translations if needed).

💻 Do I need MitID?

Yes. Apply after CPR to access banking, tax, and public services.

✈️ Can I enter before approval?

Only for short visa-free visits where allowed—you still can’t work or register without an approved permit.

🌐 Which office handles what?

SIRI handles permits; your kommune handles address/CPR and issues the health card.