How to Get MitID in Denmark — Setup Guide for Expats 2026

How to Get MitID in Denmark

Updated By exploringdenmark

MitID is Denmark’s national digital identity. You need it to log in to your e-Boks, access SKAT, use online banking, sign contracts, and do almost anything official online. Without it, the digital half of Danish life is locked.

This guide explains what MitID is, how to set it up using your passport or at Borgerservice, the different authenticator options, and what to do if something goes wrong.

PASSPORT SKAT e-Boks Bank sundhed Scan passport Verify identity Access services

What is MitID?

MitID (literally “My ID”) is Denmark’s national electronic identification system. It replaced the older NemID system, which was fully shut down in June 2023. MitID is a partnership between the Danish Agency for Digitisation, the regions, municipalities, and the country’s financial institutions.1

It works as two-factor authentication: you log in with a user ID and password, then confirm with the MitID app (a swipe or biometric scan) or a hardware code display. Every time you access a government service, sign into your bank, or open e-Boks, MitID is what verifies you’re actually you.

MitID is free to obtain and use.2

What MitID unlocks

Without MitID, you’re locked out of digital Denmark. Here’s what it gives you access to:

e-Boks & Digital PostRead official government letters
SKATTax card, returns, refunds
Online bankingTransfers, MobilePay, NemKonto
sundhed.dkDoctor, prescriptions, health records
borger.dkMunicipal services, address changes
Digital signaturesContracts, job agreements, official forms
This is not optional

In Denmark, you are obliged to use digital self-service for most interactions with public authorities. If you don’t have MitID, you can’t read your tax notices, can’t manage your healthcare, and can’t receive your Digital Post — which has legal effect.3

What you need before you start

To get MitID, you need:

  • A CPR number. MitID is linked to your CPR. Without a CPR number, you can only use a limited subset of services (via a P-code instead).4
  • A valid passport or national ID card with a chip. The MitID app reads the NFC chip in your passport to verify your identity. Most biometric passports issued after 2006 have a chip.5
  • A smartphone. iPhone 7 or newer, or a modern Android phone with NFC capability. If you don’t have a compatible phone, you can set up MitID at Borgerservice instead.6

Option 1: Get MitID via the app (recommended)

This is the fastest method. You can do it from home, right after getting your CPR number.

Download the MitID app

Available on the App Store and Google Play. Make sure you download the official app from the Danish Agency for Digitisation — not a third-party app.

Tap “Get MitID using passport”

Open the app, tap the menu in the top left corner, and choose “Get MitID using passport.”

Scan your passport

The app will ask you to scan the MRZ code (the two lines of text at the bottom of your passport photo page), then hold your phone against the passport to read the NFC chip. Keep the phone still — this can take a few seconds.7

Scan your face

The app generates a 3D FaceScan and compares it to your passport photo. If the match is satisfactory, your identity is confirmed automatically.

Create your user ID, password, and PIN

Choose a user ID (you’ll need this every time you log in), set a password, and create a PIN for the app. You’re now ready to use MitID.

Tip: If you already have the MitID app and get a new phone, you can copy your MitID to the new device by scanning a QR code from your existing app — no need to visit Borgerservice.8

Option 2: Get MitID at Borgerservice

If you don’t have a compatible phone, or your passport doesn’t have a readable chip, you can get MitID in person at your local Citizen Service centre (Borgerservice) or at International House Copenhagen.

Book an appointment

Most Borgerservice centres require an appointment. Book online through your municipality’s website.

Bring valid ID

Bring your passport or national ID card. You’ll also need to verify your identity by answering questions based on your CPR record, or by bringing a witness — someone who already has MitID and can confirm your identity.9

Set up your MitID

The staff will help you create your user ID and password, and set up either the MitID app or a physical code display.

For newcomers: If you’ve just arrived in Denmark and there isn’t much data about you in the CPR register yet, always bring a witness. This avoids the situation where Borgerservice can’t verify you through system questions alone.10

MitID authenticators

MitID supports several ways to authenticate — the app is the primary one, but there are alternatives:

  • MitID app (recommended) — Approve logins with a swipe or biometric scan on your phone. Works on iPhone 5s+ and most modern Android phones.11
  • MitID code display — A small physical device that generates one-time codes. Free of charge. Good as a backup or if you don’t have a smartphone. Can be ordered at mitid.dk or picked up at Borgerservice.12
  • MitID audio code reader — Designed for people with impaired vision. Reads the one-time code aloud in Danish or English.13
  • MitID chip — For people who need to authenticate many times daily (typically work contexts). Has a small cost.14
Have a backup

It’s strongly recommended to have more than one authenticator — for example, the app on your phone and a code display in a drawer. If you lose your phone, you can still log in.15

Security and scams

MitID is a high-security system, but it’s also a target for phishing scams. Key rules:

  • Never share your MitID codes, PIN, or password with anyone. Not your bank, not SKAT, not the police. No legitimate organisation will ever ask for them.16
  • Don’t click links in SMS or email claiming to be from MitID, your bank, or SKAT. Always navigate directly to the service’s website.
  • Only approve MitID requests you initiated. If a random approval request appears on your phone, reject it immediately — someone may be trying to log in as you.
  • If you suspect fraud, block your MitID immediately through the app, at mitid.dk, or by calling MitID support.

Children and MitID

Children aged 13 and 14 can get MitID, though some services may be restricted for their age group. At age 15, a child gets their own Digital Post mailbox and will need MitID to access it. A parent can help set up MitID for a child through the same passport-scanning or Borgerservice process.17

Common problems

My phone can’t read my passport chip

Older passports (pre-2006) may not have an NFC chip. Some phone cases also block the NFC signal — try removing the case. If it still doesn’t work, go to Borgerservice instead.

The FaceScan keeps failing

Make sure you’re in good lighting, facing the camera straight on, and not wearing glasses or a hat. If it still fails after several attempts, Borgerservice is your fallback.

I forgot my user ID

You can find it in the MitID app under your profile, or contact MitID support. You can also get help at Borgerservice with valid ID.18

I forgot my PIN / my phone is broken

If you have a backup authenticator (code display or second device), use that. Otherwise, you can reactivate MitID by scanning your passport again in the app. If that’s not possible, visit Borgerservice with your passport.19

I lost my phone

Block your MitID immediately at mitid.dk using another device, or call MitID support. Then visit Borgerservice to set up MitID on your new phone.

Questions and answers

Is MitID the same as NemID?

MitID replaced NemID, which was fully discontinued in June 2023. If you still have NemID credentials, they no longer work. You need to set up MitID from scratch.20

Can I use MitID from abroad?

Yes. The app works anywhere with an internet connection. As long as your CPR is active and you have MitID set up, you can log in to Danish services from anywhere in the world.21

Can I get MitID without a CPR number?

You can get MitID without a CPR, but you’ll only be able to use a limited number of services. You’ll need a P-code (an 8-digit alternative code) instead. For full access, you need a CPR number.22

Can I get MitID at International House Copenhagen?

Yes. International House Copenhagen offers MitID setup as part of their registration services, often on the same day as your CPR appointment. All services are free.23

What about AltID?

AltID is a separate digital identity wallet launching in Denmark in 2026 under EU digital identity regulations. It’s designed for showing specific credentials (like age verification) rather than logging in to services. MitID will remain the primary tool for authentication — the two are complementary, not replacements.24

How do I contact MitID support?

Call 33 98 00 12 or visit mitid.dk. You can also get in-person help at any Borgerservice centre.

Sources

  1. Agency for Digitisation — MitID: partnership between state, regions, municipalities, and financial institutions. ↩
  2. Agency for Digitisation: MitID is free to obtain and use. ↩
  3. Life in Denmark — MitID: you are obliged to use digital self-service. ↩
  4. MitID.dk — Non-citizens: P-code for users without CPR. ↩
  5. Life in Denmark: valid passport or ID card with chip required. ↩
  6. Life in Denmark: iPhone 7 or newer, or newer Android phone with NFC. ↩
  7. Life in Denmark: passport scanning process in MitID app. ↩
  8. MitID.dk — Get started: copy MitID to another phone via QR code. ↩
  9. MitID.dk — Non-citizens: bring a witness if CPR data is limited. ↩
  10. MitID.dk: foreigners recommended to always bring witness. ↩
  11. MitID.dk — Authenticators ↩
  12. MitID.dk — Code display: free, delivered by post or at Borgerservice. ↩
  13. MitID.dk — Audio code reader: reads codes in Danish and English. ↩
  14. Rigsombudsmanden — MitID: chip for high-frequency use. ↩
  15. MitID.dk: recommended to have a spare MitID as backup. ↩
  16. Danske Bank — MitID: never disclose codes or personal data. ↩
  17. Nordic Council — MitID: children aged 13–14 can get MitID. ↩
  18. Life in Denmark: forgotten user ID recovery. ↩
  19. Life in Denmark: reactivate by scanning passport or visiting Borgerservice. ↩
  20. Scrive — MitID: NemID fully shut down June 2023. ↩
  21. exploringdenmark — MitID guide: works worldwide with active CPR. ↩
  22. MitID.dk — Non-citizens: limited services without CPR, P-code alternative. ↩
  23. International House Copenhagen: MitID available as part of registration services. ↩
  24. Nordisk Post — AltID: complementary to MitID, launching spring 2026. ↩