"The Fødselsnummer was the first thing I had to get when I arrived. Without it, it was impossible to open a bank account or sign my employment contract. I'll explain exactly how to do it."
— Ingrid
What is the Fødselsnummer?
The Fødselsnummer (literally "birth number") is the 11-digit personal identification number assigned to every resident of Norway. It is the equivalent of a national insurance or social security number, but even more important.
This number is made up of:
- 6 digits representing the date of birth (DDMMYY)
- 5 unique individual digits
A number looks like this: 01018912345 (01/01/1989 + individual number)
Why is it essential?
In Norway, the Fødselsnummer is needed for almost everything:
- Opening a bank account
- Signing an employment contract
- Getting a debit card (BankID)
- Registering with a doctor
- Renting an apartment
- Taking out a phone subscription
- Accessing public services online
Write down your Fødselsnummer carefully as soon as you receive it! You will be giving it out everywhere, all the time. I had learned it by heart after two weeks.
— IngridWho needs to get one?
Anyone who plans to live in Norway for more than 6 months must obtain a Fødselsnummer. This includes:
- Employees with an employment contract
- Self-employed workers
- Students enrolled at a Norwegian institution
- Spouses and children of residents
- Retirees wishing to settle
Special cases
EU/EEA citizens
Simplified procedure. You can apply for the Fødselsnummer after registering with the police (UDI).
Non-EU citizens
You must first obtain a valid residence permit before you can apply for the Fødselsnummer.
Documents needed
Before going to the registration office, make sure you have gathered all of these documents:
- Valid passport (or ID card for EU citizens)
- Employment contract or university admission letter
- Proof of address in Norway (rental contract, accommodation certificate)
- Birth certificate translated into English or Norwegian (apostilled)
- Completed registration form (available online at skatteetaten.no)
- ID photos (passport size)
Don't book an appointment before you have ALL your documents! I made this mistake and had to postpone my appointment by 2 weeks because I was missing the certified translation of my birth certificate.
Where to get your documents translated?
Your documents must be translated by a sworn translator. Recommended options:
- Online service: Translated.net or TranslateMedia (about $35–55 / £25–40 per document)
- Local translators in Norway (for example via a bilateral chamber of commerce)
- Your country's embassy or consulate (for certain documents only)
Step-by-step procedure
Register with the police (UDI)
Within 3 months of your arrival, go to the UDI office (Directorate of Immigration) to register as an EU/EEA resident. This step is mandatory before applying for the Fødselsnummer.
Documents required: Passport, employment contract or proof of financial means
Book an appointment at Skatteetaten
Skatteetaten is the Norwegian tax administration. Book an appointment online on their official website. Be careful, waiting times can be several weeks depending on the city.
Website: skatteetaten.no → "Bestill time" (Book an appointment)
Go to the appointment with all your documents
Arrive 10 minutes early with all your original documents. An officer will check your identity and your documents, then register your application.
Duration: About 30-45 minutes
Receive your Fødselsnummer
You will receive your number by post at your Norwegian address. A notification may also be sent by SMS if you have provided a local number.
Timeframe: 2-4 weeks on average
Book your appointment as early as possible! In Oslo, I had to wait 3 weeks to get a slot. The sooner you start, the sooner you can open your bank account and really begin your Norwegian life.
— IngridHow long it takes
Timeframes vary depending on several factors:
| Situation | Average timeframe | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| EU citizen with an employment contract | 2-3 weeks | The fastest |
| EU citizen student | 3-4 weeks | Additional documents required |
| Spouse of a resident | 3-5 weeks | Verification of family ties |
| Non-EU citizen | 4-8 weeks | After obtaining the residence permit |
of applications are processed in under 4 weeks
What to do in the meantime?
While you wait for your Fødselsnummer, you are not completely stuck. Here is what you can do:
The D-nummer: a temporary solution
If you need an identification number quickly (for an employer, for example), you can apply for a D-nummer. It is a temporary number that allows you to:
- Work legally
- Pay your taxes
- Open certain bank accounts (limited)
Warning: The D-nummer does not replace the Fødselsnummer. As soon as you receive your Fødselsnummer, it becomes your main identifier.
What you can do without a number
- Use your home-country bank card
- Rent housing (with your passport)
- Use a prepaid SIM card
- See a doctor (paying directly)
While waiting, I opened an N26 or Revolut account, which works perfectly in Norway. It let me manage my day-to-day spending without any problems until I received my Fødselsnummer.
— IngridFrequently asked questions
No, there is no fast-track procedure. However, having all your documents ready and properly translated avoids delays. The best thing is to book an appointment as soon as you arrive.
No, your Fødselsnummer is assigned for life. Even if you leave Norway and come back years later, you will keep the same number.
Yes, every family member living in Norway must have their own Fødselsnummer. Children receive theirs automatically if they are born in Norway. Otherwise, you must apply for them.
Don't panic! Your Fødselsnummer is recorded in the system. You can find it by logging in to skatteetaten.no with your BankID, or by contacting Skatteetaten directly.
No, obtaining the Fødselsnummer is completely free. The only possible cost is the translation of your documents (about $35–55 / £25–40 per document).
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