New in Norway
Glossary
Norwegian terms explained simply
Words and abbreviations you meet as a newcomer — explained in plain language. Search for a term.
- BankID
- The most common electronic ID in Norway, from your bank. You use it to log in to public services and your bank.
- Barnetrygd (child benefit)
- A monthly benefit for families living in Norway with children under 18.
- D-number (D-nummer)
- A temporary identity number for people who work or stay in Norway for a short time.
- Dagpenger (unemployment benefit)
- Money from NAV if you lose your job and meet the conditions.
- Depositum (deposit)
- Money you place in a separate deposit account as security when renting a home.
- Fastlege (regular GP)
- Your assigned regular doctor — your first contact for most health needs. Choose one on Helsenorge.
- Folkeregister
- The National Population Register — where your address and personal information in Norway are recorded (run by Skatteetaten).
- Folketrygden (National Insurance Scheme)
- Norway's social insurance system. Membership affects which NAV benefits you can receive.
- Introduksjonsprogram (introduction programme)
- A municipal programme for eligible refugees: Norwegian language, social studies and work practice.
- Kommune (municipality)
- Your local municipality — runs schools, social assistance, the introduction programme and many everyday services.
- Legevakt (out-of-hours doctor)
- Urgent medical help when your GP is closed but it is not life-threatening (for life-threatening emergencies call 113).
- National identity number (fødselsnummer)
- Your permanent 11-digit ID number if you live in Norway for 6 months or more. It gives access to all public services.
- NAV
- The Labour and Welfare Administration — unemployment, sickness, family and other benefits, plus job-seeking help.
- Oppholdskort (residence card)
- The physical card that proves you have a residence permit. You collect it from the police.
- Oppholdstillatelse (residence permit)
- Permission to live in Norway, deciding whether you can work, study or bring family. Decided by UDI.
- Skattekort (tax card)
- The electronic card that tells your employer how much tax to deduct from your salary.
- Skattemelding (tax return)
- The annual tax return you review each spring if you had income in Norway.
- Sosialhjelp (social assistance)
- A last-resort financial safety net through your municipality when you have no other income.
- Sykepenger (sickness benefit)
- Income replacement from NAV when you cannot work because of illness or injury.
- Tolk (interpreter)
- A qualified interpreter you may be entitled to when dealing with public services in an important matter.
- UDI
- The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration — handles residence permits, asylum, family immigration and citizenship.
- UNE
- The Immigration Appeals Board — decides appeals when UDI refuses an application.