How to Get a Phone Number in Denmark

Why you need a Danish number

• MobilePay: Requires a Danish phone number. Without MobilePay, daily life in Denmark is harder.
• MitID: Can use the app without a Danish number, but many backup verification flows require SMS.
• Banking: Your bank sends security codes via SMS to your registered Danish number.
• Employers: Expect a local number for contact.
• GP/healthcare: Clinics call you on your registered number for appointment reminders.

Main providers

• Telia: Largest network, best coverage nationwide including rural areas. Slightly more expensive.
• Telenor: Second largest. Good coverage, competitive prices.
• 3 (Tre): Good data packages and prices. Coverage slightly weaker in remote areas.
• Lebara: Budget MVNO. Cheap prepaid options, good for international calls. Uses Telia’s network.
• Lycamobile: Budget MVNO. Cheap international calls. Good starter option.
• CBB / OK Mobil: Budget Danish MVNOs with competitive prices.

Prepaid vs. subscription plan

• Prepaid (taletid): No commitment. Buy a SIM, top up as needed. Slightly more expensive per unit. Good for the first few weeks before you have a CPR. Requires passport to purchase.
• Subscription (abonnement): Monthly plan (typically 79–199 DKK/month for 10–50 GB data + unlimited calls/SMS). Requires CPR and sometimes MitID. Better value long-term. Commitment: usually month-to-month or 6-month minimum.

What you need to sign up

• Prepaid: Passport or ID. Available immediately.
• Subscription: CPR number, sometimes MitID, and a Danish bank account for payment.

Where to buy

• Provider stores: Telia, Telenor, and 3 have shops in most shopping centres. Staff speak English.
• Supermarkets: Prepaid SIMs from Lebara and Lycamobile are sold at Nørrebro shops, kiosks, and some supermarkets.
• Online: Order from the provider’s website. SIM delivered by post or pick up in store.
• 7-Eleven / convenience stores: Prepaid top-up cards available.

Keeping your foreign number

You can use a dual-SIM phone or eSIM to keep your foreign number alongside your Danish one. This is useful during the transition period. Major providers (Telia, 3) support eSIM. Check if your phone is compatible.

Common problems

I need a number before I have a CPR

Buy a prepaid SIM. Lebara and Lycamobile require only a passport. You can get a Danish number within an hour of landing.

MobilePay will not accept my number

MobilePay requires a Danish mobile number (starting with +45) linked to a Danish bank account. Prepaid numbers sometimes cause issues — switch to a subscription plan for full compatibility.

I want to port my number from another provider

Number portability is standard in Denmark. Contact your new provider and give them your current number — they handle the transfer (takes 1–3 business days).

Questions and answers

How much data do I need?

Denmark has extensive Wi-Fi coverage (free in most cafes, libraries, and trains). For regular use: 10–20 GB is plenty. Heavy streaming: 30–50 GB. Plans with 20 GB typically cost 99–149 DKK/month.

Does EU roaming work in Denmark?

Yes. EU SIM cards work in Denmark under EU roaming rules at domestic rates. But long-term use (months) may trigger fair-use limits. A Danish SIM is better for permanent residents.

Can I get a Danish number with my existing phone?

Yes. Danish providers use standard SIM sizes (nano-SIM for modern phones) and eSIM. No need to buy a new phone. Your phone must be unlocked (not carrier-locked to a foreign provider).