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Tax & Personal ID

To work, open a bank account and use public services you need a Norwegian ID number: a D-number (temporary) or fødselsnummer (national ID). Skatteetaten assigns both and issues your tax card (skattekort). Register your address in the National Population Register when you move to Norway.

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Why this matters

Without a Norwegian ID number and a tax card you cannot legally work, open a bank account or use most public services — this is one of the very first things to sort out.

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Documents worth gathering

Not every document applies to everyone. Start with what you have — the AI can help identify gaps.

  • Passport, residence card and ID number
  • Employment contract and payslips
  • Tax card and annual income statements
  • Address/move registration documents
  • Foreign income, debt and asset records

First steps for newcomers

  1. 1After your residence permit: complete police registration — you may receive a D-number by post from Skatteetaten.
  2. 2When staying 6+ months: report your move to Norway at skatteetaten.no or a tax office to get a fødselsnummer.
  3. 3Order or update your tax card (skattekort) so your employer deducts the correct tax.
  4. 4Submit your annual tax return (skattemelding) in spring if you had income in Norway.

Common mistakes to avoid

Not ordering a tax card (skattekort)

Without a tax card your employer must deduct a high default tax rate from your salary.

How to avoid it: Order or update your tax card on skatteetaten.no as soon as you have an ID number and a job.

Official source: Skatteetaten

Confusing a D-number with a national ID number

A D-number is temporary (short stays/work); a national identity number (fødselsnummer) is for longer stays and gives access to more services.

How to avoid it: If you will stay 6 months or more, report your move to get a national ID number.

Official source: Skatteetaten

Not reporting your move to Norway

Your registered address in the National Population Register affects tax, benefits and public services.

How to avoid it: Report your move and keep your address updated at skatteetaten.no.

Official source: Skatteetaten

Who handles this?

Common questions

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When you need more help

  • Wrong tax deduction affecting your salary — contact Skatteetaten to fix your tax card.
  • Self-employed or running a business — consider an accountant; rules differ from employee tax.
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Relevant laws

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Source: Lovdata (NLOD 2.0)

Your next step

Next: set up electronic ID (BankID)

Related areas

See the full newcomer journey →