How to open a bank account in Denmark

Thanks to a vibrant economy and a high standard of living, Denmark is a popular destination for expats. Despite being a diminutive nation of under six million inhabitants, the cosmopolitan city culture and industry demand for skilled workers mean many people are moving north on a permanent basis.

If you're ready to experience the laid back Scandinavian lifestyle with a move to Denmark, then you're going to need a bank account. Life can be exhilarating there - but it certainly isn't cheap. Here's what you need to know to get started.

What documents do I need to open a bank account in Denmark?

Opening a bank account in Denmark is fairly straight forward, although you will need to bring along a fixed set of documents, some of which must be notarised. Banks have their own policies on this, so check before you visit the branch.

In some cases, a fee is applied when opening an account - such as when opening a specialist student account for non EU/EEA students. Generally, though, opening an account should not cost you.

To open a standard account you will need:

• Photo ID such as a passport. Some banks require a copy of this to be notarised.
• CPR Number (this is the ten digit unique identity number that all residents in Denmark are given).
• Proof of address in Denmark - usually banks will accept recent utility bills or a rental contract. If you have your Health Insurance card, this could also be used to provide confirmation of your registered address.
• An employment contract if you are working here, or proof of your place in university if you are a student.
• Some banks will have a minimum opening deposit amount which you need to pay in to set up the account.

Some accounts will have additional requirements, such as proof of your income levels. However, as long as you have a CPR number (which is issued to EU citizens upon registration, and others upon receipt of a residence permit), you have the right to open at least a basic bank account.

Can I open a bank account from abroad?

If you have an account with a large international bank, it is worth checking if they operate in Denmark. If they do, then transferring to a Danish account could be a fairly simple process.

Danske Bank offer the opportunity to start the account application process online or over the phone. However, whether or not you can fully complete the application will depend on your circumstances - you may still need to visit a branch upon arrival to show your documents. Not all accounts are offered with online application, so read the small print if this is important to you.

Can I open a bank account as a non-resident?

To open a bank account in Denmark, you need a CPR number, which is issued once you have become a resident. Therefore, you can not open an account as a non-resident. If you’re about to move to Denmark and want to get started before you arrive, you may be able to start the application process online and then show your CPR card in person once you arrive.

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Which bank should I choose?

Denmark has a robust and safe banking system, with a good choice of local and international banks. You can either choose one of the large national banks listed below, or you may be able to transfer an existing account with a global bank to their Danish partners.

Most bank websites have their details, terms and conditions listed in English, making it easy to choose between accounts.

Four major national banks are listed below to give you a kickstart to your finding the best bank for your needs:

Opening a bank account in Denmark should not be too difficult. If you have questions, bank staff are highly likely to speak English and all offer online chat or phone services to answer quick queries. Normal banking hours in Denmark mean that branches will be closed over the weekend, but with slightly extended opening times on Thursday evenings. Bear that in mind when seeking advice about opening your account.

Banking fees and charges

When you open a bank account in Denmark, it's important to read the small print - especially when it comes to banking fees and charges.

Some banks will apply regular charges to keep your account open or use a credit or debit card. There may also be a set fee for withdrawing cash from ATMs operated by different banks. Although usually relatively small, these fees and charges mount up over time.

Watch out also for high fees if you need to regularly move money between accounts which use different currencies. This can be a big problem if you derive income in a different currency and need to switch it to pay for daily life in Denmark.

Using a bank to transfer currency across national borders is costly. As well as a charge for processing the transaction, the bank’s profit will be rolled into the exchange rate.

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