Practical Information

 

CPR (Civil Registration) Number and Yellow Card

When coming to Denmark for more than 3 months, one of the first things you need to do is get a CPR (Civil Registration) number. This is a personal ID number that is assigned to you by the state. This number is needed for almost everything from signing contracts (apartment, internet, electricity etc.) to opening a bank account and going to the doctors.

  • How to apply:

    To obtain your personal ID-number you will need to register with the Danish Civil Registration System. The school of your choice will help you through the registration process. Upon registering with the Civil Registration System, you will receive a yellow card (‘Sygesikringskort’), which is proof that you are entitled to all public healthcare services in Denmark.

 

Accommodation

When you apply for study programmes in Kolding you are recommended to apply for accommodation through Kolding City Housing administration at www.studentkolding.dk, a database which controls and reserves student apartments based on a waiting list. International students will normally have first priority over Danish students. All the apartments have their own bathroom, a fridge and stove. They are NOT furnished.

In Denmark rent is always paid in advance for the coming month. If you pay the rent later than the date stated in the monthly bill, an additional fee will need to be paid later. In addition to the first month’s rent, you have to pay a deposit prior to moving in, which is equivalent to approximately three months’ rent.

 

NemID and Danish Bank Account

  • Opening a bank account:

    As an international student you are advised to open a Danish bank account. To do so, you must first obtain a Danish CPR number. When choosing a bank, we suggest that you ask your fellow students for recommendations. To open an account, you must bring your passport or ID card and CPR card.

  • “Nemkonto” – the public payment system:

    If you are staying in Denmark for a longer period of time, you have to get a NemID. A NemID is a single login for public websites, online banking and many other websites and services. At borger.dk you will have access to your personal mailbox for correspondence with SKAT, SU and other public services.

    For more information, please visit www.nemkonto.dk/da/Servicemenu/Engelsk.

  • e-Boks.dk:

    e-Boks is linked to your Danish personal registration number and stays with you all your life – even if you move or change your e-mail address. There is no charge for using e-Boks and you can receive unlimited amounts of mail from senders, such as salary paper from your employer.

 

SU – Danish State Education Support

The Danish State Educational Support (SU) is generally only awarded to Danish residents. As an international student you may, however, apply for equal status as far as state educational support is concerned. You may be granted equal status according to Danish rules and EU law.

 

Work and taxes

As an EU citizens you can work in Denmark under the EU rules regarding the free movement of people and services, with no restriction on the number of hours.

Once you have received your Civil Personal Registration number (CPR number) you must contact SKAT (Danish Tax and Customs Administration) and inform them how much you expect to earn in the calendar year.

Contact SKAT at tel.: +45 72 22 18 18 or find the address of your nearest tax office at www.skat.dk.

 

The Danish Grading System

When coming to Denmark, you have to be aware that the grading system might be different from what you are used to in your home country. The Danish grading system consist of 7 numbers between -3 and 12 and can easily be converted to the English grading system as seen below.

Danish GradeEnglish Grade
12A
10B
7C
4D
02E
00Fx
-3F

To pass an exam in Denmark, you must get an 02 (E).

 

Taking your own car

If it is your first time in Denmark and you bring your own car you must know that there are certain rules for driving it in Denmark. If you are staying less than 185 days (6 months) all you need to do is to make sure you have your admission letter from IBA in your car which proves the length of your stay. If you stay exceeds 185 days you must apply for permission to drive your car in Denmark.

For more information, please visit www.skat.dk/SKAT.aspx?oid=2244352.