How to open a bank account in Denmark the easy way

Regularly rated as one of the happiest places on earth, Denmark has become a popular choice among expats. If you’re planning on joining them, you’ll have to open a Danish bank account in order to fully settle in your new home. Here’s our guide on how to get started.

Denmark is known for its robust financial system, yet their banks also have a reputation for hefty paperwork and high fees. This means that it’s a good idea to check out all available options—from domestic or international banks to fully digital ones—when you set about opening a bank account in Denmark. 

When choosing the bank that’s right for you, it’s important to keep a careful eye on fees. Some banks may request an opening deposit, but most don’t charge a fee to set up an account. However, there are likely to be some costs hiding in the fine print, including: 

• Monthly service fees—This refers to any costs associated with maintaining your account and using your debit and credit cards.
• Withdrawal fees—If the bank you choose does not have many ATMs in your area, you may find yourself saddled with high fees for using other banks’ machines.
• Currency transfers—Moving currencies between accounts can be especially costly. Pay extra attention to this if you’re being paid in a currency that is not the Danish Kroner (DKK).

Most Danish bank accounts will come with a Dankort—the national debit card—which can generally only be used in Denmark. Be sure to confirm your options for accessing your account outside of the country, and request that access immediately, as it can take weeks to receive it. 

It’s also important to consider the bank’s languages of service. Most banks will have support available in English, but it’s worth confirming that they offer multiple languages. Make sure to request your documents in your preferred language, otherwise they’ll be automatically processed in Danish. 

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Anyone over the age of 18 with a residence permit can open a bank account in Denmark—expats included. The process shouldn’t be overly complicated, but you’ll need to verify the requirements for each individual institution. You’ll most likely need the following documents to open a standard Danish bank account:

• Photo ID—This can be a passport or a national ID card. In some cases, a bank may request notarized copies.
• CPR number (CPR-nummer or personnummer)—A unique ten-digit personal identification number for all people living in Denmark. You will receive your CPR number when you apply for residence. In most cases, you will not be able to open a bank account without a CPR number.
• Proof of address in Denmark—Banks will usually accept utility bills (no more than three months old), a rental contract, or your health insurance card as proof of address.
• Proof of employment—You will be asked to present your work contract or proof of enrollment if you are a student.

Those living in Denmark who are over 18 must have a NemID and NemKonto (Easy Account). A NemKonto is your designated bank account for receiving payments from public authorities directly, such as tax refunds, pensions, and student loans. All banks will be familiar with the concept, but you should let them know that you’d like to assign your account as a NemKonto when opening your Danish bank account. They may be able to open one for you directly, or help you set up the account yourself.

Most banks provide online banking and will allow you to start the process of opening a bank account before arriving in Denmark. However, depending on your status, some traditional banks may ask you to show your documents—including your CPR number—at a local branch upon arrival in Denmark. This could mean that you won’t have a fully-functioning Danish bank account upon arrival. 

If that’s the case, a great alternative is to consider opening a Danish bank account with a trusted online bank. The verification process is simple, and you can have your card mailed to your current address before you make the move. One thing to consider, however, is that if you’re looking for all the services and security features of a traditional bank, you should opt for a bank with a full banking license rather than an e-money license. 

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It’s important to add ‘license type’ to your list of considerations when choosing where to open a bank account in Denmark. Companies with an e-money license are only able to provide limited services, such as withdrawals, currency exchanges, and money transfers—and often don’t offer full protection for your deposits. 

Licensed banks, on the other hand, follow all the necessary government regulations to make sure their customers’ money is as safe as possible. If you’re looking for access to everyday banking services like deposits, withdrawals, and managing your savings account securely, you’ll need a company with a banking license. N26 received a full European banking license in July 2016, which means we can offer all banking services and more, including protection on deposits up to €100,000. 

With N26, opening a bank account in Denmark can be done with just a few taps on your smartphone. Just follow these four simple steps: 

1. Visit N26.com and tap ‘Open a Bank Account’ to enter your details.
2. Select the type of account that best suits your needs—N26 Standard (free) or a premium account like N26 Smart, N26 You, or N26 Metal. Our premium plans come with savings and budgeting tools, hand-picked partner offers, and much more.  
3. Verify your identity with a quick video call, and connect your smartphone to your new account.
4. Make your first deposit, and start using your account right away!

If you run into any issues, our Customer Support specialists are always happy to assist you in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian.

Since 2018, N26 has made opening a bank account in Denmark as easy as saying “tak”. We offer flexible, 100% mobile bank accounts for every budget and lifestyle. Our free N26 Standard account includes a virtual debit Mastercard that you can use anywhere in the world. 

Or if you’re looking for more premium options, N26 You and N26 Metal offer benefits such as free ATM withdrawals in foreign currencies, travel insurance, and perks from brand names like Reebok or Dropbox. N26 Metal goes even further, providing you with a sleek metal Mastercard, and comprehensive insurance for your mobile phone, snow sports, car rentals, and more. How’s that for a great start to your new Danish life? Skål!