The essential documents you need to have in Norway
Norway may be best known for its breathtaking fjords and Viking tales. But if you live here, you might say it is most notorious for a society built on bureaucracy. Here is all the essential paperwork you'll need to have.
Passport/ proof of identity
Yes, having a passport may be an obvious essential document to have. After all, you likely needed it to get into the country. However, we mainly want to remind you to keep it safe and keep track of the expiration date. Renewing a passport while in Norway will require booking an appointment with their embassy that often has long waiting times. Depending on where you live, you may have to use many hours to travel to be at the renewal appointment in person. So don't wait until the last minute.
You may also want to consider having a Norwegian identity card in addition to your passport. A national ID card is a card with photo identification that you can use to identify yourself. In some cases, it can also come with a "right to travel" permit.
If you want to apply for a national ID, look here.
The correct working visa/permit
A big part of settling down roots in Norway is finding a job. One of the first steps is applying for a work permit. Norway does a lot digitally, and applying for a work or residence permit will likely be one of the first realistic impressions you get over how this country operates. Once you've decided what type of work permit you wish to apply for, you can start the process here, at the application portal within UDI's website.
If you are one of the lucky foreigners who have received a job contract with a company that takes care of the work permit application process for you, that definitely takes a load off your back. But you're not entirely off the hook. Discuss your application with your Norwegian employer, or international employer based in Norway, to follow the application process and be aware of any documents and information you may need to contribute at a moment's notice. It would also be wise to ask for a copy of your work permit acceptance in case you need it for events such as travel or buying real estate in the future.
Your birth certificate
Having your birth certificate is essential to applying for a work permit. And in some cases, you will need to show up to apply with the original document and not just a copy. Birth certificates are also necessary when applying for a new passport and residence visa as well.
A marriage certificate
A vigelselsattest, or a "marriage certificate", is granted automatically after you are legally married in Norway. You will receive the certification digitally in your Altinn inbox shortly after the marriage. If you don't have an Altinn inbox, the certificate will be sent to you via post, typically three days after the ceremony.
If you were married outside of Norway, it is up to you to contact the vigsler directly to register your marriage.
To order a copy of your marriage certificate, look here.
A job contract
Having a copy of your job contract is necessary when applying for a loan, for specific work visas, and for you as an employee. A job contract is proof of what type of position you hold. In addition, the written contract often has details about your rights as an employee that you might have been unaware of. Even if you feel like your position is secure at your company, have a paper copy of your contract for safekeeping at home. It is always convenient to have copy handy when negotiating future positions.
Payslips
Norway has modernised many of its societal systems, which means many of these essential documents you need can be found or kept digitally. The same goes for payslips. You can choose to receive a copy of your payslip via post. However, many prefer to keep track of their income with digital records.
Payslips are, of course, great for having proof of payment. They are also necessary to have when applying for a loan from the bank or renting an apartment. However, take the time you need to carefully read through your payslips. Often, they come with a breakdown of important information such as the amount of tax you were charged, holiday pay withdrawal, and smaller retractions.
Language level verification
If you are learning Norwegian, keep track of your advancement. This means saving receipts from Norwegian classes and test certificates from Norwegian tests. For many employers, it's not enough to see your level of Norwegian stated on your CV. They want proof. Your language level verification is also necessary to have if you're going to apply for Norwegian citizenship.
Vaccination pass/ health certificates
With the pandemic continuing to be a part of our lives, a Covid-19 certificate may be necessary for you to have both for matters within Norway and while travelling. If you are vaccinated, your Covid-19 certificate was automatically registered digitally and updated after taking the jabs.
To access your digital pass, you need to have a national ID number or D-number. You can access your digital COVID-19 certificate by logging in to helsenorge.no. You can use BankID, BankID on mobile, Buypass ID on smart card, Buypass ID on mobile or Commfides e-ID.
Other vaccinations in Norway are registered in the digital SYSVAK system. You can keep an overview of your vaccinations by logging into helsenorge.no. Your GP also has access to this information.
Vaccines given to children in Norway after 1995 have also been registered in the SYSVAK system and can be monitored by their legal parent or guardian.
A drivers licence
If you want to drive in Norway, you need a licence, and it needs to be valid. There is no need to stand in line at your local Statens vegvesen, or "traffic services office" to apply for and receive your driving licence. Norway now accepts the digital version that can be downloaded directly to your phone. However, be aware that the digital version of your driving licence is only valid in Norway. So you must have a physical licence if you plan on driving outside of the country.
To exchange your foreign driving licence for a Norwegian one, there is the option to wait in line at your local traffic service office. But you can also send it in by mail. Just remember to include all necessary documents as well as the application form.
Vehicle registration
If you own a car in Norway. It must be registered. Both the seller and the buyer of a vehicle must always submit a Notification of Sale. Luckily as of February 20th of this year, this can now be done online and pay the required registration fee.
You should keep your vehicle registration card in a safe place within your car in case you get pulled over or are involved in an accident. If you have misplaced and can't find your current registration, you can order a new one here.
Politi attest
Many positions in Norway require a background check which includes a politi attest or "police certificate". Often, a job will write that it is a requirement in the job announcement. Usually, your employer will conduct the politi attest for you. But you can apply for one on your own, here.
If you are interested in what is included in your politi attest, look here.
Proof of address
A residence certificate is necessary to have for tax purposes. You are eligible for one after you have received a residence permit. A residence certificate documents where you live and how long you have lived there. In addition, the certificate documents how long you have lived in Norway and the current municipality. If you plan on moving, you will need to send a change of address notification no later than eight days after moving.
To order a residence certificate, look here.
A D-number/personummer
Not having a personummer in Norway is like not having flour when you want to bake a cake. It's a necessary ingredient to your integration into this country. The personummer, or "national identity number", is assigned to those who want to stay in Norway longer than six months.
A D-number is the same as a national identity number, but it is only temporary. It is assigned to those who stay in Norway for less than six months. And to those who do not meet the criteria of receiving a national identity number.
A personummer is issued for everyone who wants to stay or settle in Norway for longer than six months. You need this number to legally work in Norway, open a bank account, and buy property.
It is the Norwegian Tax Administration that decides if you qualify for a D-number or a personnummer. The decision is made after you receive a residence permit, and it takes around six weeks to receive your number in the mail.
An electronic ID
Technically not an essential document. But having one can clear you of non-essential stress.
Many of Norway's public services require digital identification. And you must have an electronic ID that verifies your identity.
There are five different forms of electronic ID in Norway you can use to log into digital services from Norwegian public services. These are MinID, BankID, BankID on mobile, Buypass and Commfides.
Look here for more information about the different forms of electronic ID.
Useful vocabulary
bostedsattest - residence certificate
førerkort - driver’s licence
språk niva - language level
vaksinasjonspass - vaccination pass
Comments
See Also
Passport/ proof of identity
Yes, having a passport may be an obvious essential document to have. After all, you likely needed it to get into the country. However, we mainly want to remind you to keep it safe and keep track of the expiration date. Renewing a passport while in Norway will require booking an appointment with their embassy that often has long waiting times. Depending on where you live, you may have to use many hours to travel to be at the renewal appointment in person. So don't wait until the last minute.
You may also want to consider having a Norwegian identity card in addition to your passport. A national ID card is a card with photo identification that you can use to identify yourself. In some cases, it can also come with a "right to travel" permit.
If you want to apply for a national ID, look here.
The correct working visa/permit
A big part of settling down roots in Norway is finding a job. One of the first steps is applying for a work permit. Norway does a lot digitally, and applying for a work or residence permit will likely be one of the first realistic impressions you get over how this country operates. Once you've decided what type of work permit you wish to apply for, you can start the process here, at the application portal within UDI's website.
If you are one of the lucky foreigners who have received a job contract with a company that takes care of the work permit application process for you, that definitely takes a load off your back. But you're not entirely off the hook. Discuss your application with your Norwegian employer, or international employer based in Norway, to follow the application process and be aware of any documents and information you may need to contribute at a moment's notice. It would also be wise to ask for a copy of your work permit acceptance in case you need it for events such as travel or buying real estate in the future.
Your birth certificate
Having your birth certificate is essential to applying for a work permit. And in some cases, you will need to show up to apply with the original document and not just a copy. Birth certificates are also necessary when applying for a new passport and residence visa as well.
A marriage certificate
A vigelselsattest, or a "marriage certificate", is granted automatically after you are legally married in Norway. You will receive the certification digitally in your Altinn inbox shortly after the marriage. If you don't have an Altinn inbox, the certificate will be sent to you via post, typically three days after the ceremony.
If you were married outside of Norway, it is up to you to contact the vigsler directly to register your marriage.
To order a copy of your marriage certificate, look here.
A job contract
Having a copy of your job contract is necessary when applying for a loan, for specific work visas, and for you as an employee. A job contract is proof of what type of position you hold. In addition, the written contract often has details about your rights as an employee that you might have been unaware of. Even if you feel like your position is secure at your company, have a paper copy of your contract for safekeeping at home. It is always convenient to have copy handy when negotiating future positions.
Payslips
Norway has modernised many of its societal systems, which means many of these essential documents you need can be found or kept digitally. The same goes for payslips. You can choose to receive a copy of your payslip via post. However, many prefer to keep track of their income with digital records.
Payslips are, of course, great for having proof of payment. They are also necessary to have when applying for a loan from the bank or renting an apartment. However, take the time you need to carefully read through your payslips. Often, they come with a breakdown of important information such as the amount of tax you were charged, holiday pay withdrawal, and smaller retractions.
Language level verification
If you are learning Norwegian, keep track of your advancement. This means saving receipts from Norwegian classes and test certificates from Norwegian tests. For many employers, it's not enough to see your level of Norwegian stated on your CV. They want proof. Your language level verification is also necessary to have if you're going to apply for Norwegian citizenship.
Vaccination pass/ health certificates
With the pandemic continuing to be a part of our lives, a Covid-19 certificate may be necessary for you to have both for matters within Norway and while travelling. If you are vaccinated, your Covid-19 certificate was automatically registered digitally and updated after taking the jabs.
To access your digital pass, you need to have a national ID number or D-number. You can access your digital COVID-19 certificate by logging in to helsenorge.no. You can use BankID, BankID on mobile, Buypass ID on smart card, Buypass ID on mobile or Commfides e-ID.
Other vaccinations in Norway are registered in the digital SYSVAK system. You can keep an overview of your vaccinations by logging into helsenorge.no. Your GP also has access to this information.
Vaccines given to children in Norway after 1995 have also been registered in the SYSVAK system and can be monitored by their legal parent or guardian.
A drivers licence
If you want to drive in Norway, you need a licence, and it needs to be valid. There is no need to stand in line at your local Statens vegvesen, or "traffic services office" to apply for and receive your driving licence. Norway now accepts the digital version that can be downloaded directly to your phone. However, be aware that the digital version of your driving licence is only valid in Norway. So you must have a physical licence if you plan on driving outside of the country.
To exchange your foreign driving licence for a Norwegian one, there is the option to wait in line at your local traffic service office. But you can also send it in by mail. Just remember to include all necessary documents as well as the application form.
Vehicle registration
If you own a car in Norway. It must be registered. Both the seller and the buyer of a vehicle must always submit a Notification of Sale. Luckily as of February 20th of this year, this can now be done online and pay the required registration fee.
You should keep your vehicle registration card in a safe place within your car in case you get pulled over or are involved in an accident. If you have misplaced and can't find your current registration, you can order a new one here.
Politi attest
Many positions in Norway require a background check which includes a politi attest or "police certificate". Often, a job will write that it is a requirement in the job announcement. Usually, your employer will conduct the politi attest for you. But you can apply for one on your own, here.
If you are interested in what is included in your politi attest, look here.
Proof of address
A residence certificate is necessary to have for tax purposes. You are eligible for one after you have received a residence permit. A residence certificate documents where you live and how long you have lived there. In addition, the certificate documents how long you have lived in Norway and the current municipality. If you plan on moving, you will need to send a change of address notification no later than eight days after moving.
To order a residence certificate, look here.
A D-number/personummer
Not having a personummer in Norway is like not having flour when you want to bake a cake. It's a necessary ingredient to your integration into this country. The personummer, or "national identity number", is assigned to those who want to stay in Norway longer than six months.
A D-number is the same as a national identity number, but it is only temporary. It is assigned to those who stay in Norway for less than six months. And to those who do not meet the criteria of receiving a national identity number.
A personummer is issued for everyone who wants to stay or settle in Norway for longer than six months. You need this number to legally work in Norway, open a bank account, and buy property.
It is the Norwegian Tax Administration that decides if you qualify for a D-number or a personnummer. The decision is made after you receive a residence permit, and it takes around six weeks to receive your number in the mail.
An electronic ID
Technically not an essential document. But having one can clear you of non-essential stress.
Many of Norway's public services require digital identification. And you must have an electronic ID that verifies your identity.
There are five different forms of electronic ID in Norway you can use to log into digital services from Norwegian public services. These are MinID, BankID, BankID on mobile, Buypass and Commfides.
Look here for more information about the different forms of electronic ID.
Useful vocabulary
bostedsattest - residence certificate
førerkort - driver’s licence
språk niva - language level
vaksinasjonspass - vaccination pass
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