The personal identification number, the Norwegian “social security” number, is quite important in Norway. This is an 11-digit number where the first 6 are your birthdate, e.g. if your birthdate is Jan 2, 1975, your personal number will be 020175XXXXX. Once your move to Norway is registered with the local authorities, it will take a few weeks for you to be issued your personal identity number. When you have this number you will be able to get an electronic ID that can be used to:

• Apply for an electronic tax deduction card from Skattetaten and file taxes.

• Register your name and address in the National Population Registry (Folkeregister) through Skatteetaten, the tax administration of Norway.

• Get a Norwegian phone number.

• Get a bank account and bank/Visa card and electronic bank ID.

• Notify a change of address to Posten (the Post Office)

• Access public health services, register for an assigned doctor, change doctors and order a health insurance card

• Apply for a driver’s license

• View details about your pension

• And much more!

You may be asked to show identification in everyday situations like picking up packages at the post office. Norwegian driver’s licenses or Norwegian bank cards with your name, photo and national identity number can be used.

More info about the electronic ID: https://www.norge.no/en/electronic-id.

See the information about banking in regards to the electronic bank ID.