Get Birth Certificates in Denmark

A birth certificate (fødselsattest) in Denmark is an important legal document used for obtaining a CPR number, enrolling in school, applying for a passport, and many other official purposes. This guide explains how to get birth certificates in Denmark, with specific information for Copenhagen and Aarhus.

How Birth Registration Works in Denmark

In Denmark, birth registration is handled by the local church (folkekirken) or the municipality (kommune), depending on the parents’ religious affiliation. For members of the Church of Denmark (Folkekirken), the local parish registers the birth. For non-members, the local municipality handles registration through its Civil Registration System (CPR — Det Centrale Personregister).

When a baby is born in a hospital, the hospital automatically notifies the CPR system, and the child is registered and assigned a CPR number (personnummer) within days. Parents receive notification from either the parish or the municipality. Denmark’s system is highly automated, and parents generally do not need to visit an office for the initial registration.

Documents Required for Birth Certificate in Denmark

Because the hospital automatically reports births to the CPR system, the documentation burden on parents is minimal. The birth certificate (fødselsattest) is typically obtained by requesting it from:

The local parish (for Folkekirken members) — provides a church birth certificate
The municipality (kommune) — provides a civil birth extract from the CPR register
Online through borger.dk using NemID/MitID digital authentication

For foreign nationals, the hospital notifies the CPR system, but parents may need to provide passports and other documents to finalize the child’s CPR registration.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark. Births at Copenhagen hospitals such as Rigshospitalet or Hvidovre Hospital are automatically reported to the CPR system. Parents who are members of the Folkekirken receive a birth certificate from their local parish. Non-members can obtain a civil birth extract from the Copenhagen municipality or through borger.dk.

Copenhagen’s digital government services are advanced, and most civil documents including birth extracts can be requested online through borger.dk using MitID. The document is typically delivered digitally or by mail within a few days. Parents in Copenhagen can also visit the local citizen service center (Borgerservice) for in-person assistance.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Aarhus

Aarhus is Denmark’s second-largest city. The process in Aarhus is identical to that in Copenhagen — hospitals report births automatically, and birth certificates are obtained from the local parish or through Aarhus municipality’s civil services. Aarhus Borgerservice provides in-person and online assistance for civil registration matters.

Through borger.dk, Aarhus residents can request birth extracts digitally from anywhere. The Danish system is one of the most digitized in Europe, making it very convenient for families to obtain civil documents without visiting government offices.

Getting a Danish Birth Certificate from Abroad

Danish citizens born abroad can register the birth at the nearest Danish embassy or consulate, or directly through the CPR register upon returning to Denmark. Contact the Danish embassy or the CPR Office for guidance on registering a birth that occurred outside Denmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Denmark?

The CPR number is typically assigned within a few days of birth. A fødselsattest requested through borger.dk is usually delivered digitally or by mail within a few working days.

Can I get a Danish birth certificate online?

Yes. Through borger.dk with MitID authentication, Danish residents can request civil extracts including birth certificates digitally. This is the most convenient and fastest method.

What is the CPR number and when is it assigned?

The CPR number (personnummer) is Denmark’s national identity number. It is assigned to every person registered in Denmark, including at birth. It is used for all official purposes including healthcare, taxation, and education.

Can a Danish birth certificate be apostilled?

Yes. Denmark is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Danish birth certificates can be apostilled by the relevant authority for use in other Hague Convention countries.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Denmark is one of the most automated processes in Europe. Hospitals report births directly to the CPR system, and parents can request birth documents online through borger.dk. Whether in Copenhagen or Aarhus, the process requires minimal effort from parents. A Danish birth certificate and CPR number are the foundation of your child’s legal identity in Denmark.