# AI tells a newcomer to Denmark that a passport and residence permit are enough to open a bank account, sign a lease, or register with authorities

- **ID:** `policy/cpr-number-required-for-everything`
- **Domain:** policy
- **Category:** administrative_barrier
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Denmark requires a CPR number (civil registration number) issued by the Civil Registration Office before a newcomer can open a bank account, register a NemKonto, or access most public and private services. A passport and residence permit alone are not accepted as the primary identifier. Getting a CPR number requires a registered permanent address first - which many municipalities only grant after 1-3 months of actually residing there - and an in-person visit to a Citizen Service (Borgerservice) or International Citizen Service centre.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| any | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Secure a registered address first (lease or documented sublet), then apply for CPR registration in person at a Citizen Service centre or International Citizen Service centre with passport, address proof, and residence/work permit (non-EU) or EU registration certificate** (85% success)
   ```
   If staying 3+ months (6+ months for EU/EEA/Nordic citizens), notify the Civil Registration Office; a CPR number and yellow health insurance card typically follow within a few weeks.
   ```
2. **While waiting for CPR registration, use a foreign-registered account (e.g. Wise, Revolut) or a bank that accepts a Tax Identification Number in place of CPR for day-to-day payments, since MobilePay and NemKonto both require CPR** (50% success)

## Dead Ends

- **Assume a passport and residence/work permit alone let a newcomer open a Danish bank account, sign a lease, or register a NemKonto immediately on arrival** — Denmark's official newcomer guide (Life in Denmark, run by International House Copenhagen and the Ministry of Immigration and Integration) states you must register with the Civil Registration Office and receive a CPR number before most services, including a NemKonto, are accessible - a passport/permit is only used to apply for the CPR number, not as a substitute identifier. (80% fail)
- **Apply for a CPR number the day you arrive, before securing a permanent address** — Life in Denmark's own guidance states you cannot obtain a CPR number without already living at a registered address, and 'the minimum residing period needed for a permanent address varies in municipalities, but usually it is 1 to 3 months' - so a newcomer without settled housing faces a real waiting period before CPR registration is even possible. (60% fail)