MoFA Services FAQ
The purpose of this FAQ is to provide information on the conditions and procedures for registering with and/or obtaining a Residence Permit/ID Card from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs(MoFA) in Denmark. It also deals with questions related to duty free imports, taxes on goods and services purchased locally and imports or local purchases of motor vehicles. Staff members should familiarize themselves with these guidelines. GSSC MoFA Services will assist in processing different requests. Welcome to your new chapter in one of the world’s most vibrant, progressive, and liveable countries.
Whether you are arriving solo or with a partner, though not exhaustive, this packet covers what you need to know to settle in smoothly.
Arriving in Denmark
As a national of an EU country or Switzerland you (and your family) have the choice to register with either MoFA or SIRI. Please note:
1) If you register with the Protocol Department (MoFA) you receive an Administrative Central Persons Registry (CPR) number.
2) If you register with SIRI you receive a regular residence CPR number.
Each CPR number has difference privileges so please contact the Protocol Services unit to obtain more detailed information (gssc.mofa.cph@undp.org or UNall).
It depends on where you, as a staff member choose to be registered – SIRI or MoFA. Your family members must follow you.
You (and your family) must be registered with MoFA. You will be issued a residence permit with an administrative CPR number. The residence permit card is proof that the holder has been granted residence in Denmark. It also serves as an ID card proving identity of the holder and includes an "administrative" CPR-number.
Dependent family members who are EU/Swiss citizens may choose to independently register as EU-citizens with SIRI.
Yes, you can apply, with the help of the Protocol Services unit, for D visas/Danish residence permits at a later stage for your family/dependents.
The Protocol Services unit assists with the process of applying for both the D visa, for entry into Denmark, and the Danish residence permit for the staff member (and family members).
More information will be shared at the point of applying for the D visa such as document requirements, process time and more.
GSSC Protocol Services notifies the Protocol Department (MOFA) about all UNDP staff members. The Protocol Services team will reach out to you with more information.
Yes. If the spouse is recognized by UNDP as spouse.
No, unfortunately not.
Living and working in Denmark
The process is to contact the Protocol Services unit up to 2 months before expiry of the card via either email (gssc.mofa.cph@undp.org or UNall) request for a renewal.
No, in general you cannot (especially for non-EU nationals). But in certain circumstances EU-nationals can move from MoFA to SIRI, but once done you can not move back to MoFA again.
Resident CPR-numbers are issued by SIRI via a local municipality service center and are only for EU-nationals. A resident CPR number entitles the holders to have access to social security, free healthcare and free education, etc.
Administrative CPR-numbers are issued by the Protocol Department of MoFA to staff members of the United Nations and their family members. The administrative CPR number does not carry rights, but will facilitate the registration and identification of the holders. However, it does not allow the holders to have access to social security and free healthcare nor mobile pay.
Spouses/partners and children of internationally recruited staff members, who have been issued a residence permit by the Protocol Department (MoFA), may work in Denmark. Please note that if working for a Danish and/or private company dependents are taxable with the Danish tax authorities.
With special permission unmarried children between the ages of 21 and 23 may continue to maintain their Danish residence permit card on condition that they are already attending an accredited institution of higher learning (i.e. university or similar) on a full-time basis in Denmark and remain part of the household of the staff member. In such cases, proof of enrolment must be presented to MoFA together with the request for renewal of the child's residence permit card.
No, unfortunately not.
Yes, please inform the GSSC Protocol Services about your address change as well as any other events which needs to be updated in the CPR registry, such as change of marital status, extension of current contract and more.
You can sell it anytime after the first 12 months in Denmark but customs and tax fees on the car have to be paid unless selling it to another UN personnel.
With an administrative CPR number you will not be able to covert the national driving licence for a Danish driving licence. You and your dependent family members may drive a motor vehicle in Denmark if your driver’s license is valid and issued in your home country and it is in English and latin letters.
We also recommend that you have an international driving license in case you drive your car outside of Denmark.
Banking and Taxes
You need your CPR number and MitID to open a bank account. For most banks you can request an account online. The process time is usually 2-3 weeks.
MitID is mandatory for anyone above the age of 15 years old. It provides you access to personal information sent to you by both public and private authorities (government, doctors, banks, schools and more).
Internationally recruited staff members are entitled to purchase goods from Peter Justesen, a worldwide retailer of duty free goods.
VAT (MOMS) is reimbursed, with limitations, only to internationally recruited staff members from the P5 level and above (diplomats).
Yes, but with certain limitations and is only available for internationally recruited staff members from P5 level and above.
Internationally recruited staff members may import personal belongings, including one motor vehicle free of customs duty within one year of arrival in Denmark.
Internationally recruited staff members registered with MoFA are entitled to purchase motor vehicles free of customs and taxes within the first 12 months of entering Denmark.
You can sell it anytime after the first 12 months in Denmark but customs and tax fees on the car have to be paid unless selling it to another UN personnel.
Staff members or international Organizations are not exempt of taxes for purchase of real estate. We recommend you seek professional legal assistance in this matter.
Leaving Denmark
At the end of your assignment you are required to return all cards issued to you and your dependents. Exit visa will be issued in the staff member’s passport. Processing time is approximately 2-4 days.
Note that exit visas are not required for EU citizens.
Reference
Guide for Diplomats in Denmark
UNDP Contact
GSSU MFA Services in Copenhagen: gssu.mofa.cph@undp.org