Moving Abroad

Immigration to Norway: Residence Permits, ID Number, Driving and Work

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. What do you carry and register?
  3. Driving in Norway
  4. Working, tax and pensions
  5. If you moved before 2021
  6. Common mistakes
  7. FAQ
    1. Can the British Embassy help with my permit?
    2. Do I need a visa?
    3. Where are fees listed?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

How does immigration to Norway work? GOV.UK says residence permits are available for work, study, joining family, training or research, and medical treatment. Once a permit is granted, you also need a Norwegian residence card. Applications for permits and permanent residency go through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). This is GOV.UK guidance for UK nationals, so other nationalities should check UDI directly.

Quick answer

  • Apply for the permit that matches your purpose, then get your residence card.
  • Registered residents receive a Norwegian national identity number, needed for bank accounts, GP registration, taxes and many services.
  • Permanent residency is possible, applied for through UDI.
  • Norway allows UK dual citizenship.
  • The 90-day Schengen visa-free allowance does not count time in Norway on a residence permit or long-stay visa.

What do you carry and register?

Carry your passport and residence permit. Accepted alternatives include an application receipt or a residence certificate (bostedsattest). You may need to register with the National Population Register, and the Norwegian Tax Administration has an online checker.

Driving in Norway

Situation What GOV.UK says
Valid licences UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man licences can be used
Renewing as a resident You cannot replace or renew these licences
Exchange A UK licence can be exchanged. A health certificate may be needed, but no theory or practical test
New licence (non-EU nationals) Theory and practical tests, and possibly a health or eyesight certificate

Working, tax and pensions

Foreign qualifications may need recognition. A double taxation agreement means the same income should not be taxed twice, and tax questions go to the Norwegian Tax Administration. Norwegian benefits may be available after working in Norway for 6 months without gaps, and the Norwegian retirement pension is checked with NAV.

If you moved before 2021

People who moved before 1 January 2021 and have lived legally in Norway since have rights under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement. They do not need a work permit but must hold a valid residence card or have applied for one. Residence card holders do not need to register with the EU Entry/Exit System.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting the residence card after the permit is granted.
  • Counting residence permit time toward the 90-day Schengen limit.
  • Not registering to get the national identity number.
  • Letting the card expire. Renewal is needed before expiry.

FAQ

Can the British Embassy help with my permit?

No. GOV.UK says the British Embassy in Oslo cannot assist with Norwegian visa, residency or citizenship applications.

Do I need a visa?

Requirements depend on nationality and purpose. The UDI pages I checked were an index without that detail, so check UDI.

Where are fees listed?

On UDI. This guide gives no fees.

Key takeaways

  • Permit first, then the residence card, then the identity number.
  • Exchange your UK licence without tests if you qualify.
  • Check UDI for fees and your nationality’s rules.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. The GOV.UK page was last updated on 18 December 2025, so confirm current rules with UDI.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Living in Norway
  • Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI): Want to apply

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