Visa, ID & Health
Information about visa and residence permits in Denmark, danish ID number (CPR) and health and safety conditions in Denmark.
EU/EEA students
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals can study in Denmark under the EU regulations on freedom of movement. Consequently, they do not need a visa or residence permit. However, they should obtain an EU residence document (registration certificate) from the State Administration.
Documentation:
- Application form
- Passport or other valid travel document, and copy of it,
- 2 passport photographs
- Documentation for enrolment (Provided by IBA)
IBA provides all the necessary information regarding the registration process during the introduction week.
Nordic students
Nordic citizens are free to study in Denmark. Consequently, they do not need a visitor’s visa, residence or work permit.
Non-EU students
Non-EU/EEA students need to apply for a residence permit to study in Denmark. In order to start the application process for the residence permit, the student must be accepted by the IBA and have paid the tuition fee for the given study programme, as well as the fee for the Case Order ID (approx. DKK 2,115). After receiving the aforementioned fees, IBA will issue the “Form ST1”, and will send the form to the student. Afterwards, both documents (Case Order ID and “Form ST1”) must be taken to the nearest Danish Embassy or Danish Consulate, where the student applies for a Visa.
Documentation:
- Completed form
- Documentation of paid fee/Admission letter
- Copy of passport (all pages including front page)
The processing time for a visa can take approximately 3 months, meaning that the payment and application should be completed before May 15 for the August intake, and before October 1 for the January intake.
Useful link: Newtodenmark.dk
Why You Need a CPR Number
- Your CPR number is your Danish personal ID.
- Once registered, you’re covered by public health insurance (yellow health card).
- Coverage begins from the registration date—not from when you receive the card by post.
Everyone living in Denmark for longer than three months is required to obtain a Civil Registration (CPR) Number. To obtain your personal ID-number as an international student in Denmark you will need to register with the Danish Civil Registration System, to obtain this personal ID number (‘CPR number’) while studying in Denmark.
Once registered you will be allocated a Civil Personal Registration (CPR) number. The CPR number is unique to the person and is used in Denmark as an ID number.
Almost all public authorities use the CPR registry system, e.g. to avoid duplicate registration and errors with regards to a person’s identity. The private sector will often ask for your CPR number, for instance when you want to open a bank account.
IBA provides all the necessary information regarding the registration process and how to obtain a CPR number, during the introduction week.
How to obtain a CPR number:
Step 1 – Complete Kolding’s Online Arrival/CPR Form
In Kolding, you must first complete the official online Arrival/CPR application before booking your appointment at Citizen Service (Borgerservice): Fill in the Arrival/CPR form here
Step 2 – Book Your Borgerservice Appointment
After submitting the form, you must book an appointment to finalize your CPR registration: Book your Borgerservice appointment here
Address: Borgerservice, Nytorv 1, 6000 Kolding
Important: Bring all original documents, even if you uploaded them online.
Documents to Bring to your Borgerservice appointment (Originals Required):
- Passport
- Residence permit (SIRI, study visa)
- Proof of housing (e.g., Metropolis lease agreement or confirmation)
- Your move-in date and previous foreign address
- If relevant: documents on marital status and/or children.
Housing Requirement: Why and Where to Choose
A fixed address in Denmark is required for CPR registration.
We strongly recommend that you contact Metropolis by the Marina (metropolis-kolding.dk) as soon as possible to secure an apartment. Without an address, you cannot get a CPR number.
Metropolis offers both furnished and unfurnished apartments, but we recommend you choose a furnished apartment, as there is too little time before your due date to find and arrange furniture.
Legal Deadline
You must register your move with the municipality within 5 days after securing a residence and having your permit.
Useful links:
Before you can apply for a CPR number, you need a few other documents depending on where you come from:
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need to apply for an EU residence document
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need to apply for a Visa before arrival and residence permit upon arrival. Learn more about Visa here.
In addition, you need a permanent address in Denmark, which is one of the reasons why you need to start looking for a place to stay as soon as possible – go here to learn more about finding student housing in Kolding, Denmark.
To apply for a CPR number, you must show up in person at a citizen service centre (borgerservice in Danish) or international citizen service centre. Find addresses and opening hours here.
Documents you need to apply for a CPR number in Denmark
- EU/EEA/Swiss/Nordic citizens: EU residence document (Go here to learn how to get one)
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Work and residence permit (Go here to learn how to get one )
- Personal ID (e.g. passport)
- If you are moving to Denmark from another Nordic country: your social security number from the country you are moving.
If you are bringing children you also need documents for them, for example birth certificates.
Once you have applied, your yellow health insurance card should arrive within two to three weeks.
Denmark is one of the world’s safest countries. Crime rates are low – plus you get access to a comprehensive public healthcare system.
Emergency
The Danish way of life is based on mutual trust and tolerance. Despite the low crime rate, you should be vigilant and take care of your valuables. The Danish police are approachable and helpful, so don’t hesitate to contact them for assistance if you are in need. In the event of an emergency, call the emergency services at 112 for ambulance, police and fire services. When you dial the emergency call centre you will be asked for your name, address and the phone number from which you are calling. The call centre will then make sure that appropriate help is sent immediately.
Healthcare
As an international student and resident in Denmark, once you receive your CPR number and health insurance card, you will have access to the Danish healthcare system, which includes free medical treatment – with some exceptions, such as dental care and physiotherapy.
Getting the CPR number might take up to 2-3 months. You are required to have an insurance or valid European Health Insurance Card for this period.
Please note: The Danish public healthcare system does not cover transportation to your home country in the event of illness.
The Danish National Health Insurance Card
Upon registering with the Civil Registration System, you will receive a national health insurance card (‘Sygesikringskort’). The card is your proof that you are entitled to all public healthcare services in Denmark, and must be presented at all visits to doctors, hospitals, and at pharmacists when collecting prescription drugs. The card states your name, address, and your Civil Personal Registration (CPR) number, as well as the name and address of your doctor. It also provides healthcare coverage for up to one month on holiday trips within the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
Read more about the Danish healthcare sector here.
