If you are an EU citizen starting a job when you arrive in Denmark, then you are probably planning to apply for various documents (Tax Card, EU Residence Document, CPR Number, NemID) right now. A very detailed official guide, revised from the pre-covid-19 ways of application, can be found here. These are very clear guides and have probably covered most of the important details. However, I would like to add some really useful information to help my fellow newcomers.

Tax Card

As long as you have started your work, you should quickly apply for the tax card online. You do not need a permanent address in Denmark to apply for this, but you will receive a letter with your tax details to the address that you have entered in your application. 

Note that the CPR number on the tax confirmation letter is only temporary, you cannot use this as your official CPR number yet. For example, you cannot use this temporary CPR to apply for bank accounts etc. 

EU Residence Document

You can book an appointment with SIRI to apply for an EU residence document, even if you do not have a permanent address in Denmark. As long as you have a C/O address to receive mails, you can go ahead to submit the application.

Once application is submitted, you will receive the EU residence document on the spot. You can now proceed to book an appointment with BorgerService to apply for a CPR Number.

For accompanying family members, you can submit the application at the same time as yourself. However, they will only receive the EU residence document within 3 months. They can only apply for a CPR Number after that.

CPR Number

This is the part where you will need a valid address (proof of a rental agreement together with the EU residence document to show to Borgerservice).

I have yet to rent a permanent home when I was applying for my CPR, so I’ve reached an agreement with my Airbnb host that he will sign a letter for me to use his address for the CPR application. Note that:

  • You need to be staying at that address at the time of application, i.e., the move-in date on the letter has to be before your application.
  • You do not need to stay for 3 months or more from the move-in date, the host just needs to state that you can.
  • After submitting the application, your yellow insurance card will be mailed to the address. Your name needs to be on the mailbox for them to drop off the card.
  • If you need a sample letter for the application, you can use this.

For accompanying family members, you can only apply for your CPR Numbers after receiving your own EU Residence Document. This can take up to 3 months, so please remember to take up a temporary medical insurance while staying here – doctor’s visit can get really expensive!

NemID

Once you have received your yellow card by mail, remember to book an appointment with BorgerService again to apply for NemID. The process is less than 5 minutes; you will receive an activation pin on the spot, and your personal code card by mail in a few days’ time. Activation is straightforward and just follow the clear instructions on your letter to activate here.

Need information on other matters?

Need help with matters other than Tax Card, EU Residence Document, CPR Number, and NemID? Remember to check out my list of useful tips and information here!