Checklist

Published: 10. February 2026

Getting started in Norway: Checklist

Choose what suits you. You can click directly to the right section.

EU/EEA citizen: stay for up to 3 months
EU/EEA citizen: stay for 3 months or more
Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA – stay in Norway for up to 90 days
Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA – stay in Norway for more than 90 days
Useful to know when living in Norway

EU/EEA citizens – staying in Norway for up to three months

You can enter and remain freely in Norway for up to three months without having to complete any formal tasks.

If you need to work while you here, you must have a Norwegian identity number (D-number or national identity number) and tax deduction card.

EU/EEA citizens – staying in Norway for three months or more

1. Norwegian identity number

An identity number is a unique number that confirms your identity. In Norway, we use identity numbers to identify people who have an association with the country. A range of public and private organisations require you to have a Norwegian identity number to gain access to their services. For example, you must have a Norwegian identity number to open a bank account.

There are two different types of identity number – D-numbers and national identity ID numbers:

A D-number is often necessary for those who are in Norway temporarily. If you do not already have a national identity number, you will receive a D-number from the Norwegian Tax Administration when you apply for a tax deduction card.
A Norwegian national identity number is a unique identity number that will remain with you for your whole life. You can obtain a national identity number if you have the right of residence and intend to live in Norway for six months or longer.

2. Obtain a registration certificate

If you will be in Norway for three months or more, you must obtain a registration certificate. This confirms that you have registered with the police and are in Norway legally.

The national identity number provides you with access to all services in Norway, while a D-number provides you with access to a majority of services in Norway.

3. Get a tax deduction card if you will be working

Everyone working in Norway must have a tax deduction card. A tax deduction card is an electronic document that shows how much tax your employer should deduct from your pay before you receive it.

4. Obtain electronic ID

Electronic ID allows you to securely confirm who you are when you use public services and other online services. You can submit applications, view and submit your tax return, log in to online banking, sign contracts, change your address and book doctor’s appointments, among other things.

Will you be in Norway for six months or more?

If you will be in Norway for six months or more, you will need to register your move to Norway.

Citizens of countries outside of the EU/EEA – staying in Norway for up to 90 days

Some citizens of countries outside of the EU/EEA can travel to Norway without a visa for up to 90 days. Others must apply for a Schengen visa. A full overview of who needs a visa can be found on the Norwegian Directorate Immigration (UDI) website.

Citizens of countries outside of the EU/EEA – staying in Norway for more than 90 days

1. Apply for a residence permit

If you want to work in Norway or remain in the country for more than 90 days, you will need a residence permit.

2. Norwegian identity number

There are two different types of identity number – D-numbers and national identity ID numbers:

A D-number is often necessary for those who are in Norway temporarily. If you do not already have a national identity number, you will receive a D-number from the Norwegian Tax Administration when you apply for a tax deduction card.
A Norwegian national identity number is a unique identity number that will remain with you for your whole life. You can obtain a national identity number if you have the right of residence and intend to live in Norway for six months or longer.

3. Apply for a tax deduction card if you will be working

Everyone who works in Norway must have a tax deduction card. The tax deduction card is an electronic document that shows how much tax your employer should deduct from your pay before you receive it.

4. Obtain electronic ID

Further information

Your rights as an employee

When working in Norway, you have the right to

a written contract of employment
a minimum wage in certain sectors
holidays and holiday pay
overtime pay if you work overtime
sick pay from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) if you are sick
unemployment benefit from NAV if you lose your job or are made redundant

The right to healthcare

Everyone living in Norway, regardless of their residence status, is entitled to emergency healthcare. Everyone resident in Norway has the right to one general practitioner (doctor) in the municipality in which they live.

Bank account

To open a bank account in Norway, you must be resident in Norway, have valid proof of identity (such as a passport or national ID card) and a Norwegian identity number (national identity number or D-number).

Find accommodation

When you move to Norway, it is common at first to rent a property. You can rent a room, a flat or a house. With some time and planning, you can find a good place to live in Norway.
The largest website for property listings is finn.no.You can also contact letting agents. You should always keep contact in writing.

Learn Norwegian and settle in

Learning Norwegian provides you with many opportunities – both in your personal life and at work. You can find free Norwegian language courses online or join a course where you live. Your municipality can often provide information about what is on offer locally.

Taking part in activities such as voluntary work, sports or language cafés is a good way to get to know people. The more you use the Norwegian language, the easier it will be to understand Norwegian culture and feel at home in Norway.

Transport and mobility

Norway has a well-developed transit system that makes it easy to get around cities and between regions. In urban areas, public transport such as buses, trams, metro systems and trains are reliable and widely used. Many people also cycle or walk to work and school, and there are good pedestrian and cycle routes. Long distance journeys can be made using trains, express buses or domestic flights.

To use public transport you will generally need a ticket app, such as Entur, or local apps such as Ruter, Skyss or Kolumbus. Electric cars are very common in Norway, and there are lots of charging stations. It is also possible to rent cars, e-scooters or bikes in most cities.

Practical guide and everyday life

Norway is home to a safe and well-functioning society with a high quality of life and good public services. Most services – such as healthcare, banking, post and groceries – are highly accessible. Many things can be done digitally through public portals such as helsenorge.no and nav.no.

English language skills among the population are generally high which helps newcomers to adapt more easily. There are also many leisure activities, voluntary organisations and meeting places that make it easier to get to know you local community.

Do you need an overview of information about schools, culture, language and everyday life? Check out the topic pages on nyinorge.no.

Family life and growing up in Norway

Norway is a family-friendly country with a strong nursery and school system. Children aged one to five can get a place in a nursery. Once a child turns six, they will begin primary school, which is free and mandatory. Schools provide an inclusive learning environment, and there are support schemes for children who require help with language or adjustment. The municipality in which you live will help you to apply for a place at nursery and schooling. To register your child at a nursery or school, your family must have a national identity number.