Living in Norway
Information about moving to, living or retiring in Norway – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.
Getting help with living in Norway
Help from the Norwegian government
For any questions about moving to or living in Norway, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British Embassy in Oslo cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Norway.
Professional help in Norway
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Norway, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Norway to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Norway. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Norway before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which visa or residence permit you need to live in Norway.
You can get a visa or residence permit to:
- work
- study
- live with family in Norway
- carry out training or research
- get medical treatment
If you’re granted a residence permit, you’ll also need to get a Norwegian residence card.
Registering as a resident
You may need to register with the National Population Register in Norway.
You can check if you need to register using the Norwegian Tax Authority’s online tool.
If you have any problems or questions about registering, contact:
Getting a Norwegian ID number
You’ll get a Norwegian national identity number if you’re registered with the National Population Registry.
You’ll need this to:
- open a bank account
- register with a GP
- pay taxes
- access many private and public services
Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit
Contact the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) for information on how to:
- extend your visa or residence permit
- renew your new residence card if yours is expired, lost, damaged or stolen
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Norway.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply:
- read guidance on applying for permanent residency in Norway
- contact the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
Citizenship
Norway recognises dual citizenship with the UK. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Norwegian citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Norwegian citizenship:
- read guidance on applying for Norwegian citizenship
- contact the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
- contact the Royal Norwegian Embassy in London
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy in Oslo cannot help with Norwegian visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
- the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
- the Royal Norwegian Embassy in London
- an English-speaking lawyer in Norway
Residency if you moved to Norway before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Norway before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement.
Residence cards if you moved to Norway before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Norway before 1 January 2021, make sure you have a new Norwegian residence card (‘oppholdskort’). Your card should have the words ‘Separasjonsavtalen EØS/EFTA - UK’ on the back. This shows that you have rights under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement.
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), you’ll need a residence card when entering or leaving Norway. If you have one, you will not have to register with the EES when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry to Norway or other Schengen countries.
If you do not have a residence card
If you were living in Norway before 1 January 2021, but do not have a residence card, you can still apply for residency according to Brexit regulations. You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time.
If your application is successful, you can apply for a Norwegian residence card.
If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. Read the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)’s guidance on appealing a decision. Consider getting legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Norway.
You may also be able to apply for a different residence permit as a third-country national. Contact UDI for more information.
Renewing your residence card if you moved to Norway before 1 January 2021
You’ll need to renew your new residence card before it expires.
Bringing family members to Norway if you moved there before 1 January 2021
The Norwegian government’s guidance on applying for residence as a family member explains:
- which family members can join you in Norway
- how and when they should apply for their residence document
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
If you have a Norwegian residence permit or long stay visa, the time you spend in Norway does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you can spend in the Schengen area.
Always carry your passport and residence permit when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence permit or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.
Other evidence of residence status can be a:
- residence permit application receipt
- receipt for registration under the registration scheme for EEA nationals, dated before 1 January 2021
- certificate of application under sections 19-33 to 19-35 of the Immigration Regulations
- registration certificate or proof of permanent residence, issued under the registration scheme for EEA nationals
- residence certificate from the National Population Register (‘bostedsattest’)
You can order a residence certificate from the Norwegian Tax Administration.
If you have dual citizenship with an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Norway using your EU or EFTA passport.
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.
British nationals legally resident in Norway, and who have a valid Norwegian residence card ‘(oppholdskort’), do not need to register with the EES.
If you’re legally resident in Norway, but do not have a residence card, contact UDI for information on how to get one.
For more information about the EES, read:
Healthcare in Norway
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
Read the Norwegian government’s guidance on health rights for foreign nationals in Norway.
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- read guidance on healthcare in Norway and health in Norway
- find English-speaking medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in Norway
Working in Norway
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Norway, you may need a work permit or work visa. Our guidance on travelling to Norway for work explains the different work permits and visas available to you.
You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Norway legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement. However, you must have a valid residence card (‘oppholdskort’), or have applied for one.
If you live in Norway and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.
If you’re working in Norway as a posted or detached worker, you need a work permit. Read the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration’s guidance on work permits for posted workers.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Norway, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.
Driving in Norway
Read our guidance on moving, living and retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration provides information on driving in Norway, including how to:
- use a non-EU or EEA driving licence in Norway
- exchange a UK driving licence
- apply for a first driving licence in Norway
- maintain vehicles in Norway
For more information read guidance on:
- driving in the EU
- road travel in Norway, in safety and security in the travel advice for Norway
Driving in Norway using a foreign driving licence
You can drive in Norway using a driving licence issued in:
- the UK
- Gibraltar
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- the Isle of Man
Read guidance on using a driving licence from a non-EU/EEA country in Norway.
You cannot replace or renew any of these licences if you live in Norway.
Exchanging a UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man driving licence driving licence
If you’re resident in Norway, you can exchange your UK driving licence for a Norwegian one. You may need to submit a health certificate. You will not need to take a theory or practical driving test.
Applying for a Norwegian driving licence
You can also apply for a Norwegian driving licence as a non-EU national.
You’ll need to pass a theory test and practical driving test. You may also need to provide a health or eyesight certificate.
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for an EU parking card for people with disabilities.
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Norway, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Norway so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Norwegian Tax Administration for any questions about double taxation relief.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Norway. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Norway.
National Insurance
Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Your UK state pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.
Claiming a Norwegian pension
Contact the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration to find out whether you can claim a Norwegian retirement pension.
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Claiming Norwegian benefits
You may be entitled to some Norwegian benefits after you’ve worked in Norway for 6 months without gaps.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:
- read guidance on financial support and services in Norway
- contact the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration
Buying and renting property in Norway
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Norway if you’re considering buying property or land.
Voting in Norway
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Norwegian elections
You may be eligible to vote in municipal and county council elections in Norway if you meet the voter requirements.
You cannot vote in parliamentary elections unless you hold Norwegian citizenship.
Read the Norwegian government’s guidance on elections in Norway.
Studying in Norway
If you plan to study in Norway, you must meet all visa and residency requirements before you travel.
You do not need a student residence permit if you have been living in Norway legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement.
For more information, read guidance on:
You can also contact:
- your higher education provider in the UK or Norway
- the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research
- the Royal Norwegian Embassy in London
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
You can also read the Norwegian government’s guidance on having a child in Norway.
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Norway.
All children aged 6 to 16 must attend school or home school in Norway.
For more information, read the Norwegian government’s guidance on education in Norway.
Childcare
The Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research is responsible for early childhood education and care in Norway.
For more information, read the Norwegian government’s guidance on:
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Norway, register the birth with the Norwegian authorities.
Read the Norwegian government’s guidance on having a child in Norway.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Norway, read guidance on:
- what to do when someone dies in Norway
- English-speaking funeral directors in Norway
- death, estates and information for you as next of kin
- death and inheritance in Norway
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.
The Norwegian government provides information on:
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
The Norwegian government offers guidance on divorce and separation in Norway.
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Norway.
Documents for British people in Norway
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Norway, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Norway, read guidance on:
- moving to Norway with pets
- travelling with pets to and from Norway
- taking your pet dog, cat or ferret to an EU country
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
If the NHS funds your healthcare in Norway through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Norwegian authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Updates to this page
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Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK ('Passports and travel' section).
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Information added to the 'Passports and travel' section on the EU Entry/Exit system due to be implemented autumn 2024.
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Important information in the Working in Norway, and National insurance sections if you work in Norway, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
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Visas and residency guidance updated, following the 31 December 2021 residency deadline for people with rights under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement.
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Visas and residency section updated: from September 2021, the Norwegian Immigration Directorate (UDI) will send a letter to all UK nationals registered as living in Norway.
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Guidance reviewed for Money, tax and banking, Benefits, Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships and Useful information sections.
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Guidance reviewed for Passports and travel, Healthcare, Working in Norway, Studying in Norway, Emergencies, and Returning to the UK sections.
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Professional qualifications section updated for British citizens who are moving or moved to Norway after 1 January 2021 and those living there since before 1 January 2021.
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Working in Norway section updated: new guidance for frontier workers
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Visas and residency section updated with steps to take if you moved to Norway on temporary job seeker’s permit.
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Healthcare section updated on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; working in Norway section updated with link to guidance on working or providing services, education section updated with link to guidance on recognition of professional qualifications.
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Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines
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Visa and residency section updated with additional guidance on how to get the new residence card and healthcare section updated on how to get a Norwegian EHIC.
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Updated as the transition period ends with new information on residency, re-entering Norway, pet travel and moving to Norway.
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Entry requirements updated on re-entering Norway and how to apply for a residence certificate.
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Working section updated with information on frontier workers. Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder.
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Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
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Visas and residency section updated to include information about the new residency permit
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Visas and residency section updated to include information about how to access the UK National Support Fund for those who may find it harder to complete their residency applications.
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Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity and how to get your professional qualifications recognised if the UK leaves the EU with a deal
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Brexit update: check you have correct documentation for travelling - see the passports and travel section for further information
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EU Exit update: added information to Passports and travel after the UK leaves the EU and Returning to the UK sections
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EU Exit: updated information for UK nationals in healthcare, driving, residency and visas, pensions and passports
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Living in Norway guide update
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We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
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Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip
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EU Exit update: Added announcement about the UK and EEA/EFTA states striking an agreement to protect citizens’ rights in a no deal scenario
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EU Exit update: updated information on access to healthcare
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EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving
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EU Exit update: link added to EEA EFTA Separation Agreement
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EU exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.
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Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
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First published.