Opening a bank account in Norway is one of those practical jobs that unlocks everything else. You need it for your salary, rent, public transport cards, streaming subscriptions, and even to verify your identity online. Norway’s banking is digital and secure, which is great once you are set up, but it also means the onboarding steps are strict. If you know the order of operations, the whole thing becomes much easier.
In short, you will usually need either a Norwegian national identity number or a D-number, strong proof of identity, and a Norwegian address. Most banks will also ask to see you in person to verify your passport. If you have just arrived and are still waiting for your number from the authorities, you can often start the process with a D-number, then upgrade later.
If you are moving here to work or study, or you are planning a longer stay, this guide walks you through each step, the documents you need, and the shortcuts locals use. Let’s take a deeper dive into how to get a bank account in Norway.
Who can open a bank account in Norway
Norwegian banks accept applications from residents, EU and non-EU citizens, and international students, as long as you can document who you are and why you need an account in Norway. The baseline is clear identification plus a legitimate purpose such as employment, studies, or long-term residence. Short-term travelers usually do fine with their home-bank cards and do not need a Norwegian account.
A helpful principle to keep in mind is the right to a basic payment account if you legally live in Norway. This usually means an account for receiving money, paying bills, and using a debit card. It is not a promise of credit products like overdrafts or loans, which require more history.
The documents you need
Bank documentation can vary a little by bank, but the core checklist looks like this:
- Valid passport. Many banks will not accept national ID cards unless they are biometric and from specific countries. Bring the physical passport.
- Norwegian identity number. This is either a fødselsnummer if you register as a resident, or a D-number if you will be here temporarily or are still getting registered. The number is essential for tax, salary, and BankID.
- Proof of address in Norway. A rental contract, a housing letter from your employer, or a confirmation of student housing. Some banks accept a digital registration from the National Population Register.
- Residence documentation. For non-EU citizens this can be a residence permit decision letter or card. EU citizens may use a registration certificate and employment contract.
- Employment or study confirmation. A signed job contract or student admission letter helps explain your purpose for banking here.
- Norwegian phone number and email. Banks use these for security codes and contact. You can get a prepaid SIM easily when you arrive.
Tip: Bring originals plus scans. If you book an appointment, upload the scans when you apply online to save time in your branch meeting.
Step-by-step: opening your account after arrival
- Register your move. If you are staying more than six months, register your address with the Norwegian authorities. If your stay is shorter or you are still in the process, request a D-number through your employer, school, or the tax office.
- Pick a bank and apply online. Most banks let you start the application digitally. Choose “New to Norway” on the bank’s site, fill in details, and upload documents. This triggers a case with the bank’s compliance team.
- Book an in-person ID check. Expect to show your passport physically. Bring everything you uploaded and your phone. The appointment is brief, but it is non-negotiable for security reasons.
- Get your account and card. Once approved, you receive your account number and a debit card by post. Card PIN and card arrive separately.
- Activate online banking. Initially you may log in with a temporary code solution. As soon as your identity number is confirmed, set up BankID, which becomes your digital key for everything in Norway.
How long it takes: Banks are efficient, but due to identity checks and anti-money laundering rules, a realistic timeline is 1 to 3 weeks from a complete application to a working card and online access. If any document is missing or your D-number has not been issued yet, it can take longer.
Opening an account without a fødselsnummer
Many newcomers get stuck here. The national identity number takes time, and you need an account before your first paycheck. The workaround is your D-number.
A D-number is a temporary identity number used for tax and financial matters. You often receive it through your employer’s tax office contact or by booking an appointment with the tax authorities. With a D-number and a passport, several banks will open a basic account, then upgrade to full services when you later receive your fødselsnummer. This two-step path is standard for seasonal workers and students on exchange.
Two practical notes:
- Address is still required. If you are in short-term accommodation, ask your landlord or student housing office for a letter confirming your address for banking.
- Early salary. If payroll is coming up and your account is not ready, talk to your employer. They can sometimes issue a cash advance, a prepaid card, or hold salary until your account opens.
Getting BankID and why it matters
BankID is Norway’s digital identification system. You use it to log in to your bank, sign rental contracts, submit taxes, and confirm age or identity online. You cannot usually get BankID until the bank has verified your identity and you have a Norwegian identity number. Some banks offer interim login solutions, but BankID arrives last.
Once eligible, you choose between BankID on mobile app or a BankID code device. The app is easiest if you have a Norwegian SIM and a smartphone. Protect your BankID carefully, never share codes, and remember that Norwegian authorities and banks do not ask for your BankID codes by phone or email.
Which bank to choose
Norway’s banking market is stable and modern. The biggest names have wide branch networks and English-language support. Smaller regional savings banks can be great for personal service. Look beyond the logo and consider:
- Ease of starting as a newcomer. Some banks have dedicated “New to Norway” teams.
- Language support. Check that apps and online banking are available in English.
- Fees and card options. Monthly fees are modest, but international ATM withdrawals and foreign currency purchases can add up.
- Branch access. If you are outside the largest cities, a bank with a local office is useful for the first ID check.
There is no universally “best” bank. If your employer recommends one for faster onboarding or payroll integration, that is often a good first choice.
Fees, cards, and daily use
A standard Norwegian current account comes with a Visa or Mastercard debit card that works everywhere in Norway. Contactless is widely used. You pay bills in the bank app using AvtaleGiro for automatic payments or eFaktura for digital invoices, both easy to set up once you have BankID.
Monthly account fees are usually low. Watch out for:
- International fees. Card use in foreign currency may include a percentage surcharge plus possible ATM fees.
- Cash deposits. Norway is nearly cashless, and depositing cash at ATMs can incur a fee.
- Paper mail. If you opt for paper statements, there can be a charge. Digital mailboxes are the default.
Moving money to and from Norway
To bring funds in, you have three common routes:
- International transfer from your home bank. Use your Norwegian IBAN and BIC, check exchange rates and fees.
- Multi-currency services. If you are paid in another currency or you have savings abroad, a reputable transfer service can reduce costs. Compare the full price, not only the headline fee.
- Employer-paid relocation. If your employer offers relocation support, ask if they can cover initial expenses directly until your account is active.
When sending money out of Norway, the same logic applies. Check if your bank offers competitive rates or if a specialized provider is better for your corridor.
Students and young adults
Students can qualify for student accounts that include lower or zero monthly fees and sometimes benefits like travel insurance on a youth card. Exchange students can often open an account with a D-number, a passport, and a housing document from their university. Schools in Norway are used to this flow and can issue the letters banks expect.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian usually needs to sign on the account. For joint accounts, both parties must complete ID checks.
Common snags and how to solve them
- No Norwegian address yet. Book short-term housing that provides a signed confirmation letter. Hotels are not enough. Student housing or employer-arranged stays are best.
- No D-number yet. Ask your employer or university if they can initiate it through the tax office. If you do it yourself, book the earliest possible appointment.
- Passport name mismatch. Ensure your name is spelled the same across documents. Even small differences can delay the case.
- No Norwegian phone number. Get a prepaid SIM on day one. Banks rely on SMS for security during onboarding.
- Delayed post delivery. If your card is mailed to a shared mailbox, consider using a post office pickup solution when available. Keep your ID ready for collection.
Security and compliance culture
Norwegian banks are conservative with identity checks. If you are asked for extra documentation, it is not personal, it is policy. Provide clear scans, reply promptly, and expect that in-person passport verification is required. Staff cannot bypass AML rules, even if your salary starts tomorrow. Staying polite and prepared speeds everything up.
A simple game plan you can follow
- Sort your housing, get a Norwegian phone number, and start your identity number process.
- Apply online with your chosen bank using “New to Norway” or similar, then upload passport, address, and job or study documentation.
- Book the branch visit for passport verification as soon as offered.
- Receive your IBAN, then arrange your first transfer or salary payment.
- When your identity number arrives, update it with the bank and activate BankID to unlock full digital life in Norway.
Set it up once, and the system works smoothly. With an account and BankID in place, everything from paying rent to renewing a bus pass becomes a few taps on your phone.