Loans in Denmark (2026): Compare the Best for Expats
Sorting out finances in a new country can be daunting without knowing the local rules. This guide explains how to get a loan in Denmark as an expat – whether foreigners can borrow, the types of loan available, where to borrow, and how to compare the real cost using ÅOP. Keep reading to find the right option for you.
Be aware that borrowing money costs money.
How we picked the best loan providers in Denmark
- ✓ English-speaking customer service where available
- ✓ Good rates and clear terms with no hidden costs
- ✓ A useful borrowing range
- ✓ Fast application and payout
- ✓ Flexible repayment periods
Best loan providers in Denmark
Here is how the main options compare. A comparison platform lets you see offers from several lenders at once. Always check the current rate, ÅOP and terms before you sign.
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Best for comparing offers. Lånio is one of the largest loan comparison platforms in Denmark, letting you compare offers from several banks for free in one application. It has a strong Trustpilot score, a fast and hassle-free process, same-day payout and a full overview of rates and prices. |
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Best for many loan purposes. Letfinans is a Danish loan provider offering secure, reliable loans for a range of purposes – including car, home, business, private and consolidation loans – with a free, fast application that takes only a couple of minutes. The website is mostly Danish. |
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Best for a fully online bank loan. Ferratum Bank lets you borrow for different purposes with everything handled online, quick decisions and fast payout. You typically need to be at least 21 to apply. Note there is no 24/7 customer support. |
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Best for a quick small loan. Cashper is an online lender offering quick, secure loans through a five-minute application, with an English website. You need to hold a Danish bank account to apply. |
Can an expat get a loan in Denmark?
Yes. Foreigners can borrow in Denmark, both from banks and from private online lenders, provided you meet the requirements. Banks tend to be stricter, asking for proof of stable income and sometimes security, with no guarantee of approval. Private online lenders are usually faster and often need no security. To apply you typically need to:
- Have a CPR number and a registered Danish address
- Have a Danish bank account
- Be at least 18 (some lenders require 21 or more)
- Verify yourself with MitID, Denmark’s national digital ID
- Not be registered in RKI, Denmark’s bad-debt register
- Usually have a stable income (not every private lender requires this)
Where to borrow: banks and online lenders
You have two main routes. Banks – such as Lån & Spar, Basisbank, Ekspres Bank and Coop Bank – offer personal and secured loans, usually at lower cost but with stricter checks. Online lenders and comparison sites – such as Lånio (comparison), Letfinans, Ferratum and Cashper – are faster and often need no security, but can be more expensive, so always check the ÅOP. Before borrowing, it can also help to review your banking and credit card options.
Types of loan in Denmark
Personal / unsecured loan (forbrugslån) – The most common type, borrowed without a mortgage or security. The lender looks closely at your income, spending and existing debt. You can use it for a car, home improvements, a holiday or anything else.
Quick online loan (kviklån) – A fast, unsecured loan you can often get the same day. Convenient, but usually the most expensive option, so compare the ÅOP carefully before taking one.
Car loan (billån) and home loan / mortgage (realkreditlån) – Secured against the car or property. If you cannot repay, the lender can claim the asset. Mortgages in Denmark run through mortgage-credit institutions and usually offer the lowest rates.
Student loan (SU-lån) – The state student loan available alongside the SU grant if you are enrolled in eligible education. It is low-cost but takes longer to arrange than a quick loan.
Payday loan – Small, very short-term loans that are the most expensive relative to the amount borrowed. Best avoided unless there is no alternative.
Understanding the cost: ÅOP and fees
When comparing loans, do not look at the interest rate alone. Use a loan calculator and check:
- ÅOP (Årlige Omkostninger i Procent) – the total annual cost as a percentage, including interest and fees. This is the best single figure for judging how cheap or expensive a loan really is.
- Interest rate (rente)
- Set-up fee (etableringsomkostning)
- Administration fee (administrationsgebyr)
Advantages of online loans in Denmark
Online loans can help you cover an unexpected cost quickly, without visiting a branch:
- Quick payout – once approved, the money is transferred to your account, often the same day.
- Fast process – the application usually takes only a few minutes, with a decision in hours rather than days.
- Flexible amount – borrow what you need, from a small sum up to several hundred thousand kroner depending on the lender and your finances.
Frequently asked questions
Usually not. Most Danish lenders require a Danish bank account and a CPR number, both to apply and to pay out the loan.
RKI is Denmark’s bad-debt register. If you are registered in RKI it becomes very hard to borrow, so keeping a clean payment record matters.
SU-lån is the Danish state student loan, available alongside the SU grant for people enrolled in eligible education. It is low-cost but takes longer to arrange than a quick online loan.
A kviklån is a quick online loan – fast and usually unsecured, so you can often get it the same day. It is convenient but tends to be expensive, so always check the ÅOP before taking one.
ÅOP (Årlige Omkostninger i Procent) is the total annual cost of a loan as a percentage, including interest and all fees. It is the best single number for comparing how expensive loans really are.
Yes, if you have a CPR number, a registered address, a Danish bank account, MitID and usually a stable income, and you are not registered in RKI. Private online lenders are often easier to get approved with than banks.