How to Get a Norwegian ID Number as a Foreigner

A Norwegian ID number is the key that unlocks everyday life in Norway. With it, you can open a bank account, get paid, pay taxes, register with a doctor, sign mobile and internet contracts, and access digital public services. If you are moving to Norway to work or study, or you need to handle tax matters here, you will almost certainly need one.

Short answer: most newcomers start with a D-number if they are not yet registered as residents. If you are settling in Norway for 6 months or longer and register your move, you will receive a Norwegian National ID number. The basic path is to book an appointment with the Tax Administration or a Service Centre for Foreign Workers, bring your passport and residence paperwork, verify your identity, and wait for the number to be issued.

Let’s take a deeper dive into Norwegian ID numbers, who needs which type, how to apply, and how to avoid the common snags that slow things down.

What Is a Norwegian ID Number

Norway uses an 11-digit personal identifier for people who interact with public agencies and private companies. There are two main types relevant for foreigners:

Norwegian National ID number (fødselsnummer): issued to people who are registered as residents in Norway. It is your permanent personal number and is used across all systems.

D-number: a temporary personal number issued to people who need an identifier in Norway but are not registered as residents. It is common for workers on short contracts, students who are not yet registered as residents, property owners, and others who need to manage taxes or banking.

Both numbers let you appear in the Population Register and handle essential tasks like taxes and banking. The National ID number is the long-term solution for residents, while the D-number is the practical starting point for many newcomers.

D-number vs Norwegian National ID Number

The difference is purpose and residence status. A D-number serves anyone who needs a personal identifier without being registered as living in Norway. A Norwegian National ID number is for people who have formally registered their move to Norway and intend to live here.

A common journey looks like this: you arrive for work or study, apply for a D-number to get paid and sort your tax card, then later register as a resident. After your residence registration is approved, you are issued a Norwegian National ID number. The National ID number is not the same sequence of digits as your D-number. When you get your National ID number, you will need to update your employer, bank, and any services where the D-number was used.

Who Needs a Norwegian ID Number

If you are working in Norway, earning Norwegian income, or opening a bank account, you will need a D-number or National ID number. Students often need it to open a bank account, receive stipends, or sign phone and internet contracts. Property owners who rent out or sell also need one for tax and banking. Even short-term workers typically need a number to obtain a tax deduction card and receive salary.

If you plan to live in Norway for 6 months or more, you should register as a resident and obtain a Norwegian National ID number. If your stay is shorter or you will not register your move, a D-number usually covers your needs.

Where to Apply and Who Handles What

Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten): handles identity control, registers you in the Population Register, and issues D-numbers and National ID numbers after verifying your documents.

Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA): in the larger cities you may use a one-stop center for work-related immigration, police registration, and tax matters. Booking here can simplify the process if you are coming for employment.

Police or immigration authorities: for residence permits or EU/EEA registration. This step often happens before or alongside your ID number process because identity and legal stay must be documented.

The exact office and sequence depend on your nationality, purpose of stay, and whether you are registering as a resident. Always book an appointment in advance and bring original documents.

How to Get a D-number

  1. Confirm why you need it. Typical reasons include employment, freelance work taxed in Norway, opening a bank account, or property and tax matters.
  2. Gather your documents. You will need a valid passport or national ID card where applicable, proof of legal stay or residence permit if required, and documentation of your activity in Norway. For workers, that is usually an employment contract or assignment letter. For students, an admission letter can help. Banks may request additional documentation if they initiate the D-number request.
  3. Book identity control with the Tax Administration or visit SUA. At the appointment, your identity will be checked and your application recorded. Some banks can initiate a D-number request during their onboarding, but you still need to complete identity checks with the authorities.
  4. Wait for issuance. The D-number is assigned and entered in the Population Register. You will receive confirmation by post. Processing time varies by season and location.

Tip: if your employer needs you on payroll quickly, start the D-number request as soon as you sign the contract. Payroll and tax card setup go much smoother once the number exists.

How to Get a Norwegian National ID Number

  1. Register your move to Norway. If you are non-EU, this usually follows residence permit approval and meeting any entry requirements. If you are EU/EEA, you typically complete EU registration and then register your move.
  2. Attend identity control. The Tax Administration verifies your identity and residence details. Bring your passport, residence permit or EU registration, and proof of address in Norway such as a lease or housing confirmation.
  3. Get recorded as a resident in the Population Register. Once approved, you are issued a Norwegian National ID number. Expect a letter with your number when it is ready.
  4. Notify organizations that used your D-number. Employers, banks, mobile providers, and public portals need your updated number. Do this promptly to avoid problems with tax reporting and banking.

Documents Checklist That Actually Matters

Bring original documents. Copies are rarely enough for identity control. The most common items are:

Passport or national ID card: valid and in good condition.

Residence basis: residence permit card, decision letter, or EU/EEA registration proof.

Reason for being in Norway: employment contract, assignment letter, student admission letter, or documentation for business activity.

Proof of address: rental contract or housing confirmation if you are registering as a resident.

Family documents if relevant: for children, bring birth certificates. For spouses, bring marriage certificates. Use official translations if the documents are not in English or a Scandinavian language and make sure any required apostille is in place.

How Long It Takes

Processing varies. As a rule of thumb:

D-number: often a few weeks after identity control. Peaks like late summer and January can be slower.

Norwegian National ID number: typically a few weeks after your residence and address are registered. If something needs manual review, it can take longer.

Plan your finances with a buffer. Employers can still prepare payroll while you wait, but payment setup works best once your number and tax card are in place.

Special Paths for Workers, Students, and Others

Employees and skilled workers: follow your residence process, then handle tax and ID appointment early. Many use SUA where available.

Seasonal workers: you almost always need a D-number quickly for taxes and salary. Book identity control as soon as you arrive.

Students: if you will not register as a resident, request a D-number for banking and contracts. If you later decide to stay 6 months or more, register as a resident and move to a National ID number.

Freelancers and contractors: bring contracts and documentation of Norwegian-source income. You will need a D-number and a tax deduction card tied to it.

Property owners and investors: a D-number can be initiated through the Tax Administration or requested during bank onboarding to handle payments and tax obligations.

Common Mistakes That Slow Everything Down

Arriving with an expired or damaged passport. Identity checks cannot proceed without a valid document.

Missing residence proof. If your legal basis is not ready when you show up, you will be sent to complete that step first.

No proof of address when registering as a resident. Bring a lease or written housing confirmation.

Name and date mismatches. Make sure names are spelled the same on all documents and that transliterations match.

Forgetting to update your National ID number after you had a D-number. Many systems do not switch automatically. Tell your bank and employer as soon as the new number arrives.

What You Can Do Once You Have Your Number

Life opens up. You can apply for a tax deduction card, open a bank account, request BankID to log in to public services and sign agreements, register with a fastlege general practitioner, set up a digital mailbox, and manage everything online. Most public and private services expect you to use secure ID solutions tied to your personal number, so having it in place early makes everything easier.

Practical Tips That Save Time

Book early and keep your appointment. Identity control slots fill up quickly, especially in bigger cities and at the start of academic terms.

Bring more than you think you need. Originals, translations, and apostilles. It is better to have extra than to come back.

Keep your address current. Letters with your number and other decisions are sent by post if you do not yet have a digital mailbox. Update your address if you move.

Take care of BankID soon after. Once your number is active and your bank account is open, prioritize BankID. It is your digital key for everything from taxes to phone contracts.

If you change from D-number to National ID number, make a mini checklist. Employer, bank, mobile provider, public portals, insurance, and any memberships should be updated so your records stay clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while waiting for my D-number? Employers can start onboarding and payroll preparation, but salary payments are much smoother once your D-number and tax card exist. Many companies require the number before the first payday.

Is a D-number enough for long-term living in Norway? It works for short stays and specific tasks. If you live in Norway, register as a resident and move to a Norwegian National ID number.

Will my D-number automatically turn into a National ID number? No. You receive a new number after residence registration. Notify organizations of the change.

Can a bank request a D-number for me? Some banks can initiate the request during customer onboarding, but you still need to pass official identity control with the authorities.

What if my documents are in a non-English language? Use official translations and arrange any needed apostille. That avoids back-and-forth and speeds up processing.

Getting your Norwegian ID number is not complicated once you know which path fits your situation. Decide whether you need a D-number or a Norwegian National ID number, gather the right documents, book identity control, and update your details once everything is issued. Do that, and the rest of your setup in Norway becomes far more straightforward.