How to Open a Bank Account in Denmark as an International Student

Learning how to open a bank account in Denmark as an international student is important for receiving salary, paying rent, managing subscriptions and receiving payments from Danish public authorities.

The process becomes much easier after obtaining a Danish CPR number and MitID. However, some banks also provide manual application procedures for newly arrived students who have not yet completed Danish digital registration.

Can International Students Open a Bank Account in Denmark?

Yes. International students legally residing in Denmark can apply for a Danish current account.

A standard student or payment account usually provides:

• Danish registration and account numbers
• Visa Debit or another payment card
• Mobile and online banking
• Domestic transfers
• Direct-debit payments
• Salary and scholarship deposits
• NemKonto registration

Consumers legally resident in an EU country, or in a country covered by an applicable EU financial agreement, generally have the right to apply for a basic payment account. A bank may still reject an application when it cannot complete identity or anti-money-laundering checks.

Step 1: Register Your Danish Address

Before applying for a normal Danish bank account, arrange accommodation and register your address.

Acceptable proof may include:

• Signed rental agreement
• University accommodation contract
• Housing confirmation from a landlord
• Official municipal correspondence

A permanent Danish address is normally required to obtain a CPR number. Your name and address should be written consistently across your rental agreement, residence documents and bank application.

Step 2: Obtain Your CPR Number

The CPR number is Denmark’s civil registration number. Banks use it to identify customers and connect accounts to Danish digital and public systems.

International students generally apply through a Citizen Service Centre or International Citizen Service office.

Documents commonly required for CPR registration include:

1. Valid passport or national identity card
2. Danish residence permit for non-EU or non-EEA citizens
3. EU residence document when applicable
4. Proof of a Danish residential address
5. Additional civil-status documents when relevant

Official newcomer guidance identifies opening a Danish bank account as one of the situations in which a CPR number is important.

A bank may consider an application before CPR registration is complete, but having a CPR number usually makes account opening faster and gives you access to more banking services.

Step 3: Get MitID

MitID is Denmark’s national electronic identity. It is commonly used to:

• Apply for bank accounts online
• Sign banking agreements
• Access mobile and online banking
• Read Digital Post
• Use tax and public-service platforms
• Manage NemKonto

Non-citizens may obtain MitID by scanning a supported foreign passport or identity card through the MitID app. Students who cannot complete app verification can request help from Citizen Service.

It is possible to create certain MitID credentials without a CPR number by using a P code. However, many public and private self-service systems still require a CPR-linked MitID.

Step 4: Compare Danish Banks

Before applying, compare:

• Monthly account-package fee
• Student or age-based fee waivers
• Annual debit-card fee
• ATM withdrawal charges
• Foreign-currency markup
• International transfer fees
• English-language support
• MitID requirements
• Manual onboarding availability
• Fee applied after graduation

Danske Bank

Danske Bank allows customers with MitID to apply through its digital onboarding service. The bank also provides an alternative route for applicants who do not have MitID or do not yet live in Denmark.

Students under 32 may qualify for a DKK 0 monthly package containing two accounts and one or two payment cards.

Nordea

Nordea allows adults with MitID to submit an online application. Students without MitID or with special circumstances must contact the bank for assisted onboarding.

Nordea asks applicants to explain their personal circumstances, financial position and intended account activity.

Other Banks

Jyske Bank, Lunar and regional banks may also offer suitable student or young-customer accounts. Fully digital providers are generally easiest to access after obtaining CPR and MitID.

Step 5: Prepare the Bank Documents

International students should prepare:

1. Valid passport or approved national identity card
2. CPR number, when issued
3. MitID, when available
4. Residence permit or EU residence document
5. Proof of Danish address
6. University admission or enrollment certificate
7. Foreign tax identification number
8. Scholarship or education-loan confirmation
9. Recent foreign bank statements
10. Employment contract, when applicable
11. Danish phone number and email address

The bank may request additional evidence when documents are not in Danish or English.

Step 6: Explain How You Will Use the Account

Danish banks must understand the purpose and expected activity of each customer relationship.

Expect questions about:

• Why you need the account
• How your studies are financed
• Expected monthly deposits
• Salary or scholarship payments
• Family transfers from abroad
• Countries you will send money to
• Expected cash deposits
• Your countries of tax residence

Answer accurately and consistently. Large or frequent international payments that do not match your original explanation may lead to additional verification.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Students with CPR and MitID can often apply online by:

1. Opening the bank’s customer application.
2. Signing in or verifying identity with MitID.
3. Uploading the requested documents.
4. Answering financial and tax questions.
5. Selecting an account and debit card.
6. Signing the agreement digitally.
7. Waiting for final approval.

Danske Bank states that its digital application itself can be completed in under 10 minutes, although final review and approval may take longer.

Students without MitID may need to complete a manual form, send documents securely or attend a customer meeting.

Step 8: Activate the Account and Card

After approval, check that you have received:

• Danish account details
• Debit card
• PIN or card-activation instructions
• Mobile-banking access
• Online-banking access
• Transfer and payment limits

Update your university, employer and scholarship provider with the correct account information.

Never share your MitID credentials, PIN or verification codes with another person.

Step 9: Register the Account as NemKonto

NemKonto is not a separate bank product. It is an ordinary Danish or foreign account selected to receive payments from Danish public authorities.

These payments may include:

• Tax refunds
• Eligible student payments
• Holiday allowances
• Public benefits
• Other reimbursements

You need a CPR number to register a NemKonto. You can assign the account through MitID self-service, ask your Danish bank to register it or submit the required form for a foreign account. Registration is free.

What If a Bank Rejects Your Application?

Ask whether the bank can offer a basic payment account instead of its ordinary customer package.

You should also:

• Request the reason for rejection.
• Check whether documents are missing.
• Correct address or tax information.
• Provide clearer proof of funds.
• Submit a valid residence document.
• Apply to another bank when necessary.

A bank can refuse an account when customer-verification requirements cannot be satisfied, even when the applicant would otherwise qualify for basic banking services.

Are Danish Bank Deposits Protected?

Eligible deposits at Danish banks are generally protected up to €100,000 per depositor, per bank, equivalent to approximately DKK 750,000. Balances across accounts at the same institution are combined when calculating the limit.

Final Verdict

The easiest way to open a bank account in Denmark as an international student is to register your address, obtain a CPR number and activate MitID before applying.

Prepare your passport, residence documentation, university enrollment letter, tax number and proof showing how your studies are financed. Students without MitID can still approach banks offering manual onboarding, but the process may require additional checks or a customer meeting.

After approval, register the account as your NemKonto so Danish public authorities can send eligible payments directly to it.

Official Sources

• Life in Denmark: Important Steps When You Arrive
• Life in Denmark: NemKonto Guide
• Life in Denmark: MitID Guide
• MitID: Information for Non-Citizens
• Danske Bank: Become a Customer
• Danske Bank: Accounts for Young Adults and Students
• Nordea: Open a Danish Bank Account
• Finansiel Stabilitet: Danish Deposit Guarantee Scheme