Residence in Denmark for EU/EEA citizens

Everything you need to know about residence in Denmark as an EU/EEA citizen

Residence permit for EU/EEA citizens

If you plan to stay in Denmark for more than 3 months, you need to apply for the EU residence document (registration certificate) and notify municipal authorities (Folkeregisteret). You will need a permanent address in Denmark to obtain the CPR number .

Nordic citizens (from Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden) don’t need to apply for these documents. But you need to register to the Danish Civil Registration System (CPR) if you plan to stay for more than 6 months.

To register, visit the Citizen Service Center (Borgerservice) in your local municipality and bring your passport or national ID card with you.

Family members of EU/EEA citizens can join them in Denmark, but there may be certain requirements , such as proving their relationship and obtaining a residence card.

After five years of continuous residence in Denmark, you can apply for permanent residence. And if you have lived in Denmark for nine years or more, you may be eligible for Danish citizenship.

How to apply for residence in Denmark

The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) will process your application.

The forms and conditions will differ whether you are looking for EU residence as a worker, student, self-employed person, or other circumstances.

To apply for a residence permit in Denmark, follow these steps:

• Step 1:
  Gather your documents.A valid passport or national ID card, proof of employment, proof of accommodation, and your CPR number.
  
• Step 2:
  Apply for the residence permit.
  
• Step 3:
  Wait for a decision. The processing time is typically 1-3 months.
  
• Step 4:
  Register with the Danish Civil Registration System (CPR).

After receiving the registration certificate, register yourself in the Civil Registration System (CPR).

This system gives you a personal identification number, which you’ll need for all official transactions in Denmark, such as opening a bank account, and getting a health insurance card.

You can find detailed information about the steps you need to follow at nyidanmark.dk.

Moving to Denmark as an EU/EEA citizen

Check out this guide, if you want to learn more about moving to Denmark.

Healthcare in Denmark

Denmark's universal healthcare system is available for all residents and citizens, and paid through the taxation system. As an EU/EEA citizen, you are entitled to the same healthcare benefits as a Danish citizen.

To access healthcare services, you need a Danish CPR number and register with a doctor. They will be your direct point of contact for healthcare services.

As an EU/EEA citizen, you can also access healthcare services in Denmark with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Read more about the Blue European Health Insurance Card here.

Taxes in Denmark

If you are a resident working in Denmark, you are subject to Danish taxes, such as income tax and other indirect and direct taxes. In this case, obtain a tax card from the Danish Tax Agency.

The tax card is used to deduct taxes from your salary, and it is mandatory for all employees in Denmark.

Read more: Taxes in Denmark

Housing and renting a home

As part of living in Denmark, you will most likely look to rent a house, apartment, or room to live in. Need help figuring out the ins and outs of housing and renting in Denmark? Read our guide below.

Guide: Renting a home in Denmark

Ready to move to Denmark? Don’t forget your Danish bank account

Lunar is a Danish, award-winning digital bank. If you become a user, you can open a free Danish bank account that includes a digital card as well as an easy-to-use banking app.

You can also open your NemKonto with Lunar, which you’ll need to receive payments from the Danish authorities and welfare system.

The sign-up process is easy and 100% digital, meaning you can do it from the comfort of your home.

FaQ about residence in Denmark for EU/EEA citizens

Can I work in Denmark as an EU/EEA citizen?

Yes, you can work in Denmark as a EU/EEA citizen. From the day you enter the country, you can start working - even without a work permit .

Can I apply for Danish citizenship as an EU/EEA citizen?

Yes, as an EU/EEA citizen, you can apply for Danish citizenship after living in Denmark for a certain period of time and meeting specific criteria, such as passing a language test. Read more about Danish citizenship here.

Last updated August 18, 2023. This article is based on general information, and there may be special rules and circumstances that you should be aware of. This should not be considered counseling.