For newcomers
Your first weeks in Norway
A practical order: permit → police → ID number → tax and bank → NAV → housing → health → settling. We help you understand, gather documents and complete each step.
Start here
What describes your situation?
Pick one — we'll show what to do first.
- 1Before / week 1
Know your residence basis
Your permit (or EEA registration) decides what you can do: work, study, bring family. Find the right category and checklist on UDI.
Why it matters
Your residence status is the foundation — it decides what you are allowed to do in Norway.
Depends on
Almost every other step (ID number, work, benefits) depends on having your residence in order.
Common mistake
Assuming you can work or use services before your permit is approved and registered.
- 2Week 1–2
Police appointment & residence card
Book biometrics and collect your residence card at the police when UDI or the police ask you to. Bring passport and appointment confirmation.
Why it matters
The police confirm your identity and give you the residence card that proves your status.
Depends on
Police registration usually comes before your ID number and residence card are issued.
Common mistake
Missing or arriving late to the police appointment, which delays everything after it.
- 3Week 1–3
Get a D-number or national ID
You need a Norwegian ID number for tax, bank and most public services. Skatteetaten issues D-numbers and fødselsnummer after registration.
Why it matters
Without an ID number you cannot get a tax card, open a bank account or use most services.
Depends on
A bank account and BankID both depend on first having an ID number.
Common mistake
Confusing a temporary D-number with a national identity number (fødselsnummer).
- 4Week 2–4
Tax card, bank account, address
Order a tax card (skattekort), open a bank account with your ID number, and register your address in the National Population Register.
Why it matters
A tax card ensures the right tax on your salary, and a bank account is needed to be paid.
Depends on
A tax card depends on your ID number; receiving salary depends on a bank account.
Common mistake
Starting work without a tax card — your employer must then deduct a high default tax.
- 5Week 2–4
Get electronic ID (BankID)
Set up BankID (or MinID) so you can securely log in to NAV, Skatteetaten, Helsenorge and your bank — almost everything in Norway is done online.
Why it matters
Almost every public and private service in Norway needs a secure electronic ID to log in.
Depends on
BankID usually comes from your bank, which first needs your ID number and a bank account.
Common mistake
Delaying electronic ID, then being unable to use online services or read official digital letters.
- 6When you need income
Work rights or NAV support
Check that your permit allows the job you take. If you lose income, see what NAV can offer — dagpenger, sickness pay or social assistance.
Why it matters
Your permit sets your work rights, and NAV is the safety net if you lose income or fall ill.
Depends on
Which benefits you can claim depends on your residence status and membership in folketrygden.
Common mistake
Not registering as a job seeker with NAV before claiming unemployment benefit (dagpenger).
- 7Ongoing
Housing & tenancy rights
Use a written contract and a proper deposit account. Learn your rights on rent increases, repairs and eviction before signing.
Why it matters
A safe contract and a proper deposit account protect your money and your home.
Depends on
A deposit account and address registration depend on your bank account and ID number.
Common mistake
Paying the deposit to the landlord's private account instead of a dedicated deposit account.
- 8Week 2–4
Register a GP (fastlege)
Choose a regular doctor on Helsenorge. For emergencies call 113. Patient rights apply once you are legally resident.
Why it matters
Registering a regular doctor early means you can get help quickly when you or your family need it.
Depends on
Full health access depends on legal residence and having an ID number.
Common mistake
Not registering a fastlege, then struggling to get non-emergency care when you need it.
- 9Months ahead
Language, settling & citizenship path
Refugees may join the Introduction Programme. Later you can apply for permanent residence and citizenship when you meet UDI requirements.
Why it matters
Language, work and continuous legal residence build toward permanent residence and citizenship.
Depends on
Citizenship depends on the years of legal stay, language and income you start building now.
Common mistake
Gaps in legal residence, or missing certificates from Norwegian classes and tests.
Need more help now?
Rettvei.no gives information, not legal advice. For refusals, eviction or court — contact a lawyer or free legal aid.