Yes, but you need a CPR number and proof of residence
Foreigners can open a bank account in Denmark, but the process depends on whether you have a CPR number (the Danish civil registration number) and how long you plan to stay. Most Danish banks will not open an account without one. If you are moving to Denmark for work, study, or residence, you can get a CPR number through the municipality where you will live. If you are visiting temporarily or working remotely for a foreign employer, some banks offer accounts for non-residents, though with more restrictions.
The real barrier is not your nationality—it is your documentation. Banks need proof that you exist in the Danish system and that you have a fixed address. A tourist cannot walk into a bank and leave with an account. Someone relocating to Denmark can, once they register with the municipality.
Key Takeaways
- You need a CPR number to open a standard bank account in Denmark, which requires registering with your local municipality and providing a lease or proof of residence.
- Getting a CPR number takes one to two weeks after you register at the municipality, so plan ahead if you need a bank account on a specific date.
- Some banks offer non-resident accounts for people without a CPR number, but these have lower transaction limits and higher fees.
- You will need a valid passport or national ID card, proof of address, and sometimes proof of income or employment to open any account.
- Digital banks and fintech services may have faster onboarding than traditional banks, but they still require a CPR number for most services.
Getting a CPR number: the first step
Before you contact a bank, you need to register with the municipality in the area where you will live. This is done at the local borgerservice (citizen service office) or sometimes online through the municipality's website. You will need your passport, a signed lease or proof of residence (a letter from your landlord stating your address and move-in date), and proof of employment or study if you are moving for work or education.
The municipality will issue you a CPR number within one to two weeks. Some municipalities are faster; others take longer depending on how busy they are. Once you have the CPR number, you can open a bank account. Do not wait until you arrive in Denmark to do this—contact the municipality before you move if possible, or register when ready upon arrival.
If you are staying in temporary housing (a hostel, hotel, or friend's place) while you find an apartment, you may not be able to register yet. Many municipalities require a lease or a formal proof of residence at a specific address. If this is your situation, ask your temporary landlord or host for a letter confirming your address and dates of stay.
What banks accept and what they ask for
Once you have a CPR number, most Danish banks will open an account for you. The major banks—Danske Bank, Nordea, Jyske Bank, and Sydbank—all accept foreigners with a CPR number. You will need to bring your passport or national ID card, proof of your CPR number (the municipality will give you a document), and proof of address (your lease or a utility bill).
Some banks ask for proof of income or employment, especially if you are opening a salary account. If you are employed, bring a copy of your employment contract or a letter from your employer. If you are self-employed or a student, bring documentation of your income or enrollment. Banks are required by law to verify your identity and the source of your funds, so they will ask questions about your work and why you are opening the account.
The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or a few days if you do it online. Most banks now offer online account opening, which can be faster. You will receive a debit card within one to two weeks and can start using the account when ready for transfers and bill payments.
Non-resident accounts: a slower option if you do not have a CPR number yet
If you are in Denmark temporarily and do not have a CPR number, some banks offer non-resident accounts. Danske Bank and Nordea both have options for people without a Danish civil registration number. These accounts are designed for tourists, short-term visitors, and people who are still in the process of registering with the municipality.
Non-resident accounts come with trade-offs. You will face lower daily transaction limits (often 10,000 to 25,000 DKK per day), higher fees, and fewer services. You may not be able to set up automatic bill payments or use certain online banking features. The account is meant to be temporary—once you get a CPR number, you should switch to a standard account.
Opening a non-resident account requires your passport, proof of address outside Denmark (such as a utility bill or lease from your home country), and sometimes proof of funds. The process is similar to a standard account but can take longer because the bank has to verify your identity through different channels. Ask the bank directly whether they are currently opening non-resident accounts, as policies change.
Digital banks and fintech services
Digital-only banks like Lunar, Wise, and Revolut operate in Denmark and may have faster onboarding than traditional banks. However, most still require a CPR number to open a full account. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is popular for international transfers and can be useful if you need to move money between countries, but you will still need a CPR number to link it to a Danish bank account.
Some fintech services allow you to open an account with just a passport and proof of address, without a CPR number, but these are typically payment apps or investment accounts rather than full banking services. They are useful for specific purposes—like international transfers or spending abroad—but not as a replacement for a standard bank account in Denmark.
If you are waiting for your CPR number, a digital service can be a bridge. Once you have the CPR number, you can open a traditional bank account and transfer your money over. Do not rely on a fintech account as your only banking option in Denmark for more than a few weeks.
Timeline and what to do while you wait
Plan for this sequence: arrive in Denmark, register at the municipality (same day or within a few days), wait one to two weeks for your CPR number, then open a bank account (same day or within a few days). The entire process takes two to four weeks from arrival to having a functioning bank account.
While you wait for your CPR number, you can use a non-resident account, a digital service, or cash. If your employer is in Denmark, ask whether they can help you with the registration process or provide a letter confirming your employment—this can sometimes speed things up. If you are a student, your school may have a process for helping international students register with the municipality.
Once you have a bank account, you can set up direct deposit from your employer, pay bills online, and use your debit card at shops and ATMs. Danish society is almost entirely cashless, so having a bank account is essential, not optional.
Documents you will need at each stage
| Stage | What you need |
|---|---|
| Register at municipality for CPR number | Passport, signed lease or proof of residence, proof of employment or study (if applicable) |
| Open standard bank account | Passport or national ID, CPR number document, proof of address, proof of income (if requested) |
| Open non-resident account | Passport, proof of address outside Denmark, proof of funds (if requested) |
| Open digital bank or fintech account | Passport, proof of address, sometimes proof of income |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account before I arrive in Denmark?
Not a standard account—you need a CPR number, which requires registering at a municipality in person. Some banks allow you to start the process online before you arrive, but you will have to complete it in person once you are in Denmark. Contact the bank you want to use and ask about their pre-arrival process.
What if my lease is not in my name?
If you are renting a room in a shared apartment or house, ask your landlord or the person whose name is on the lease for a letter confirming your address and move-in date. The municipality will accept this as proof of residence. Make sure the letter includes the full address, your name, and the landlord's signature.
Do I need a Danish phone number to open a bank account?
Most banks will ask for a phone number for security and contact purposes, but it does not have to be a Danish number. You can use your home country number initially. Once you have a Danish phone number, you can update it. Some banks may require a Danish number for certain services like mobile banking.
What happens if I move to a different city in Denmark?
You should notify your bank of your new address. You do not need to change your CPR number or open a new account—your CPR number stays with you regardless of where you live in Denmark. Update your address with the bank online or by visiting a branch.
Can I open a business account as a foreigner?
Yes, but you will need a CPR number and a Danish business registration number (CVR). This requires registering your business with the Danish Business Authority. The process is more complex than opening a personal account, so contact a bank's business services department or a business advisor for guidance.