Money and banking for international staff at Aarhus University

Everybody who works in Denmark must have a bank account to have their salary paid into. To open a bank account, you must have a Danish CPR number.

Opening a bank account

How to open a bank account

You apply to become a customer by contacting the bank of your choice, and submit the following documentation:

Your CPR number (or tax identification number if you don't live in Denmark)
Yellow health insurance card (if you live in Denmark)
Passport
Employment contract or invitation letter
US citizens only: social security card (a requirement by FATCA)

You can designate your basic bank account as your Easy Account (NemKonto) to receive your salary, child benefits and other payments from the public authorities.

You need a MitID to use online banking. The MitID is a safe login method for public services on the internet, including online banking. You will get the MitID at the Citizens Service when you register for your CPR number. Read more about MitID

Choosing a bank in Denmark

International Community has put together a list of banks and included some of the services they offer.

See the overview of banks (PDF)

Dankort - the national debit card

Dankort is the national debit card, and the card that you use to pay in most stores in Denmark. Visa and Master Card are widely used, but mostly in larger supermarkets and convenience stores.

we recommend you ask for a Dankort when you open a Danish bank account. You may not get the card immediately, because you need to show that you have money in the account and are a credit worthy customer.

Visa/Dankort

The Dankort can be combined with a Visa card, called a Visa/Dankort. Visa/Dankort is an international debit card that you can use in Denmark as well as in the rest of the world. It therefore gives you two cards in one. When you use the card for payments, the money will be withdrawn from your account in a few days.

Contact your bank for further information about the Dankort and read more on the Dankort webpage.

NemKonto

All citizens in Denmark are required to have a NemKonto (Easy Account) to receive payments from the public sector. You will receive your salary in your NemKonto.

How to assign a NemKonto?

All you need to do is to decide which of your existing accounts you wish to use as your NemKonto. If you have several bank accounts, you decide which one you wish to use.

You can do this in one of the following ways:

Contact your bank and inform them which account to assign as your NemKonto
Assign an account number yourself at NemKonto selvbetjening. You can only do this if you have a MitID or a digital signature.
Change your NemKonto in your home banking system – 90 pct. of the Danish banks offer this service.
If you live abroad and wish to assign a foreign bank account as your NemKonto you can use the NemKonto registration form.

Mobile payments

Mobile payments are an easy way to pay with your cell phone. You can use it in stores, online stores, apps and to transfer money to other users. You connect your account to your phone number and in this way, you can transfer money quickly and easily. The major provider is MobilePay.