There are different rules and regulations depending on your nationality and whether you want to move to Denmark for a longer period or only stay for a short time. Lolland Municipality collaborates with the International Citizen Service (ICS) in Copenhagen to register foreign citizens. You must apply for a CPR number directly with ICS.
We have gathered some keywords further below, explaining the different concepts with when and why you need it.
If you have any questions regarding your registration, feel free to contact us
at newcomers@lolland.dk
Please note that we do not
have access to individual case files and can only offer general guidance.
Choose your situation
If you are a citizen of EU/EEA or Swiss
You are free to enter Denmark and stay for up to 3 months without an EU residence document (proof of registration). If you are a job seeker, you can stay for up to 6 months without an EU residence document. The 3- and 6-month periods are calculated from your date of entry.
If you expect to stay in Denmark for more than 3 months, you must apply for an EU residence document before the end of the 3-month period.
If you are a citizen of our Nordic neighbors Sweden, Norway, Finland or Iceland
You are free to enter, live, study and work in Denmark. You do not need a visa or residence permit.
If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or the Nordic countries
It is essential to have a valid residence and work permit before starting work in Denmark.
Lolland Municipality is unable to assist with applications for residence and work permits.
You are considered a cross-border worker if you:
- Work in Denmark
- Have a permanent address in your home country
- Regularly return to your country of residence
Special rules apply if you are not a citizen of the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or the Nordic countries. In this case, please contact the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) for guidance.
Find contact information at nyidanmark.dk
Tax and tax card for cross-border workers
To work in Denmark, you must have a tax card issued by SKAT, the Danish tax authority.
We recommend visiting SKAT’s website to learn more about the tax rules for cross-border workers
You can apply for a tax card online at virk.dk
Special Health Insurance Card
If you work in Denmark as a cross-border worker, you are covered by the Danish health insurance scheme.
For more information visit lifeindenmark.dk
Apply for the special health insurance card at lifeindenmark.dk
Other key topics for cross-border workers
Some employers expect you to have a Danish bank account to receive your salary. We recommend that you consult your employer to understand their procedures.
We also recommend that you obtain MitID access.
Please note the keywords NemKonto, bank account, and MitID further down on the front page.
Commuter consultation service
For additional assistance on cross-border matters, you can contact our partners in Southern Jutland.
In the coming years, the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link will improve commuting and create new opportunities in the Danish-German labour market. As a result, Region Zealand is collaborating with the Region of Southern Jutland–Schleswig to enhance support for cross-border workers, employers, and organisations in the Fehmarn Belt Region.
The consultation service provides guidance on:
- Taxation
- Sickness benefits
- Social security
- Moving and residence
- Family benefits
Consultations can be held by phone, in writing, or in person. The service draws on many years of experience from the Danish-German border region in Jutland. Since 2004, over 55,000 citizens and companies have received assistance.
Contact
Region Southern Jutland Schleswig
Regional Office & Information Centre
Tel: +45 74 67 05 01
Email: infocenter@region.dk
Website: www.pendlerinfo.org
Keywords
What is it?
A unique personal identification number assigned to everyone registered in Denmark. It consists of 10 digits, the first 6 digits are your birthday, and is used to identify you in the public system.
Why do I need it?
To access healthcare, open a bank account, get your salary, use the library and to get access to most public services. Altogether, you need it for everything.
What is it?
Is proof that you are registered in the Danish healthcare system, and that you are entitled to the services offered under the national health insurance scheme. The card will show your name and address, your CPR number and the name and address of your family doctor.
Why do I need it?
When going to the doctor, hospital, or picking up a prescription at the pharmacy.
Our tip! The card will be sent to your registered address. Make sure your name is visible on the mailbox, otherwise the card will be returned.
What is it?
Is a normal bank account you already own. You choose yourself which of your accounts – foreign or Danish – you want to be your NemKonto.
Why do I need it?
Public authorities use your NemKonto to transfer money to you, such as tax refunds, student grants, or child benefits.
What is it?
A digital document that shows how much tax your employer should deduct from your salary. It includes your tax rate and personal tax allowance.
Why do I need it?
Without a tax card, your employer will deduct 55% in tax by default. You need it to ensure correct tax is withheld from your income.
Our tip! If you're not yet registered in Denmark but already have a job offer, you can apply for a tax card online before you arrive. This gives you a personal tax number, which your employer can use to set you up in their system. You can apply up to one month before your job starts, and you’ll need your work contract for the application.
Later, when you register with the International Citizen Service (ICS), the same number will become your CPR number. The benefit is that you can get your MitID at the same time, which is normally not possible right after CPR registration, as it can take up to 24 hours for the system to update.
Apply for a tax card online at virk.dk
Understanding taxes in Denmark
When you work in Denmark, you are required to pay income tax. The Danish tax system can seem complex, but help is available.
International House Copenhagen and Expact in Denmark, in collaboration with relevant partners, regularly hosts free webinars on the Danish tax system. Keep an eye on their website, where new events are continuously posted.
What is it?
A personal bank account in a Danish bank where your salary and benefits can be deposited.
Why do I need it?
You need a bank account to receive wages and manage daily expenses in Denmark.
Our tip! It can be difficult to open a bank account in Denmark if you are not yet registered with a CPR number. This is due to the strict regulations that banks must follow. However, an online bank might be an option for you. As an EU citizen, you also have the right to open a basic payment account (basal betalingskonto) in any Danish bank.
What is it?
Digital Post is a secure online mailbox where public authorities send you letters, bills, and important information. It’s accessed through e-Boks or mitid.dk using MitID.
Why do I need it?
You receive official communication from authorities such as tax notifications, hospital appointments, and letters from your municipality via Digital Post.
Our tip! Make sure to set it up correctly. Official letters from authorities, bills, and other important messages are considered delivered once sent digitally. Download one of the apps to receive a notification when you get new mail. You can also register a mobile number and an email address under your profile to receive an SMS or email when there is new Digital Post.
What is it?
MitID (myID) is a secure digital ID used to log in to online public and private services in Denmark.
Why do I need it?
You need MitID to access online banking, government websites (like tax or health services), and to sign documents digitally. You only need one log in for all areas!
If you want to drive your vehicle in Denmark, you need to have Danish number plates. Danmark has higher taxes on vehicles than other countries, thats why you will have to pay a registration tax in order to get Danish number plates. Be aware off, that you need to register your car in Denmark no later than 30 days after having moved to the country.
