How to Set Up NemKonto in Denmark — Guide for Expats

How to Set Up NemKonto in Denmark

Updated By exploringdenmark

NemKonto (Easy Account) is the bank account where all public payments go — salary from government employers, tax refunds from SKAT, child benefits, housing support, and any other money the Danish state owes you. Every resident must have one. Setting it up takes about 2 minutes.

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What is NemKonto?

NemKonto is not a special type of account — it’s a designation you assign to any existing bank account. Once designated, all payments from public authorities (and many employers) are routed to that account automatically. Think of it as telling the Danish system: “Send everything here.”1

The system is managed by Nemkonto.dk, and every Danish resident with a CPR number is required to have one registered.2

Why you need it

Without a NemKonto, public payments have nowhere to go. This includes:

  • Tax refunds — if SKAT owes you money after your annual return, it goes to your NemKonto.
  • Salary from public employers — universities, hospitals, municipalities, and government agencies pay through NemKonto.
  • Benefits — Boligstøtte (housing support), dagpenge (unemployment), barselsdagpenge (parental leave), child benefits.
  • Some private employers also pay salary to your NemKonto, though many private companies use direct bank transfers instead.
Don’t skip this

If you don’t register a NemKonto, SKAT will send you a physical cheque for any refund — which adds weeks of delay. Some payments may simply be held until you register an account.

How to set it up

Open a Danish bank account

If you haven’t already, follow the bank account guide. You need an active account with a Danish bank (or a foreign account — see below).

Register via your online banking

Most Danish banks let you designate your NemKonto directly in their app or online banking. Look for a setting like “NemKonto” or “Offentlige betalinger” (public payments). Select the account you want to use and confirm. Done in under a minute.

Or register via borger.dk

Log in to borger.dk with MitID. Navigate to “NemKonto” and enter your bank registration number (reg.nr.) and account number (kontonummer). Your bank can give you these if you’re unsure.

That’s it. Registration takes effect within 1–2 business days. All future public payments will be routed to this account.

Can you use a foreign bank account?

Yes. You can register a non-Danish bank account as your NemKonto — for example, a Swedish, German, or other EU account. You’ll need the IBAN and BIC/SWIFT code. Register it through borger.dk or by contacting Nemkonto support.3

However, a foreign NemKonto means you can’t use MobilePay, you may face currency conversion fees, and some services that expect a Danish account may not work smoothly. It’s a valid short-term option if your Danish bank account isn’t ready yet.

Changing your NemKonto

You can change your NemKonto at any time — through your bank’s app/website or through borger.dk. Changes typically take effect within 1–2 business days. There’s no fee. If you switch banks, remember to update your NemKonto to the new account.

Common problems

I don’t see the NemKonto option in my banking app

Some banks bury it in settings. Search for “NemKonto”, “offentlige betalinger”, or “public payments”. If you can’t find it, call your bank or register through borger.dk instead.

My employer says they can’t pay me

Private employers usually pay to your bank account directly (not via NemKonto). Give them your registration number and account number. If they’re a public employer, they need you to have a NemKonto registered.

I registered but the payment didn’t arrive

Check that the registration is active on borger.dk. Payments initiated before your registration may still go to the old destination. If a payment is stuck, contact the sending authority or Nemkonto support.

Questions and answers

Is NemKonto free?

Yes. There’s no charge for registering or using NemKonto. It’s simply a designation on your existing account.

Can I have multiple NemKontos?

No. You can only have one personal NemKonto at a time. If you have a business (CVR), your business has its own separate NemKonto.

What happens if I leave Denmark?

Your NemKonto stays active unless you deregister it. If SKAT owes you a tax refund after you’ve left, it will still be paid to your NemKonto. You can keep a foreign account as your NemKonto after leaving.4

Do I need MitID to register?

Yes, if you’re registering through borger.dk. If you’re registering through your bank’s app, the bank handles authentication through its own login (which also uses MitID).

Sources

  1. SKAT — First steps: all citizens required to have a NemKonto. ↩
  2. Life in Denmark — When you arrive: NemKonto obligation for residents. ↩
  3. SKAT: you can choose a Danish or non-Danish bank account as NemKonto. ↩
  4. SKAT — Moving to Denmark: NemKonto used for tax refunds. ↩