Adult learning
Where can I find information about Norwegian language classes?
The Introduction Act came into force in September 2005. The Act aims to increase the possibility for newly arrived immigrants participating in working and social life and to increase their financial independence in Norway. It comprises an introduction programme and Norwegian language training for newly arrived immigrants.
Contact your local municipality for information about the introduction programme and Norwegian language courses in the area where you live in Norway.
In Oslo, the Oslo Adult Education centre has published information about courses for fee-paying and non fee-paying learners of Norwegian, including videos about how to apply for Norwegian language training .
A summary of rights and duties concerning Norwegian language learning is also found on the velkommenoslo.no web site. They also have a list of language courses on the Internet .
A list of institutions outside Norway, where you can study Norwegian, is available from Study in Norway web site.
Business activities
How do I register my company in Norway?
Brønnøysund Register Centre is the public administrative agency responsible for a number of national control, information and registration schemes in Norway. Contact them for a form to register your business enterprise.We are a European company, where can we find information about carrying out business in Norway?
Five public agencies have worked together to produce an information booklet entitled "Doing business in Norway". It provides information for enterprises from EEA/EFTA countries. You will find advice on residence permits, tax matters, national insurance, working conditions and contact information for the relevant public agencies.
If you are looking to establish business in the Oslo area, you might also find the Osloteknopol web site useful. Osloteknopol provides free assistance and information to foreign investors considering the Oslo region as a possible location for future activities.
Where can I find information about opening a bank account?
The Consumer Council of Norway has a web site called "Finansportalen" with tips and advice for banking. They have published information on how to choose a bank and identification requirements for new customer relationships.
Where can I get a list of companies trading within a specific industry in Norway?
Information regarding companies trading within specific industry sectors can be found on the web pages of www.nortrade.com, the Official Norwegian Trade Portal .
The Brønnøysund Register Centre oversees The Register of Business Enterprises in Norway. You may contact the centre and order specific company information from them. There is a fee for this service.
You may also consult the Norwegian Yellow Pages (Gule Sider) for contact details for specific companies in Norway (in Norwegian only).
Buying property
Where can I find a property conveyance deed registration form?
You can download a deed of conveyance form (skjøte) (in Norwegian only) from the Norwegian Mapping Authority’s web site.
This form is also normally available in Norwegian book stores.
Who is entitled to a start-up loan for a home?
People who have difficulty getting a loan from a private bank, or lack capital to buy a home, can apply for a start up loan from the Norwegian Housing Bank .
Child and family welfare
What forms of assault protection are available to me?
If have been threatened with assault, you should contact the police in your area. The police will evaluate your need for protection measures.
A mobile assault alarm is a type of protection which enables you to contact the police when you feel the need for assistance. Other measures include restraint orders and personal identity protection.
You may call the police for more information on telephone 02800. Information is available about violence in close relationships on the Norwegian Police's web site (in Norwegian only).
Compulsory education
We live abroad. Is there any online Norwegian education programme for children?
The web site Globalskolen.no (in Norwegian only) offers a network-based education programme in Norwegian, social studies and RLE (religion, belief and ethics) from year 1st to 10th grade.
Pupils at foreign or international compulsory schools in Norway or abroad may receive state subsidy for completive education in Norwegian, social studies and RLE. You will get more information and application forms by contacting the county governor in Oslo and Akershus. They also have a overview over Norwegian schools abroad.
Where can I find addresses to schools and kindergartens?
You can find contact information for kindergartens ("barnehager" in Norwegian), primary ("grunnskoler" in Norwegian) and upper secondary schools ("videregående skoler" in Norwegian) and other schools in Norway on Pedlex Norsk Skoleinformasjon (web pages in Norwegian only).
Where can I find an overview for Norwegian schools abroad?
The County Governor in Oslo and Akershus are regulatory authorities for Norwegian schools abroad. For more information about schools abroad, contact your County Governor's office.
The web site Globalskolen.no (limited information in English) provides network-based education for Norwegian studies, social studies and RLE (religion, belief and ethics).
Where can I find the Norwegian school holiday timetable?
You find the school holiday schedule for 2010-2011 and for 2011-2012 on KS web site (in Norwegian only). You can also contact the school owner i.e. the municipality or county council, of the school in question, to make sure the schedule is valid.
Consumer rights
How can I stop getting telephone sales calls and junk mail?
You can stop getting telephone sales calls and addressed junk mail by registering your reservation with the Brønnøysund Register Centre. The online registration service "reservasjon mot telefonsalg og adressert reklame" is in Norwegian only.
To stop getting unaddressed junk mail, simply indicate this clearly on your postbox. You can do this yourself, or you can get get a label from the Norwegian postal service Posten Norge to put on your postbox.
How much wine and spirits can I bring into Norway?
Norwegian Customs & Excise provide a summary of customs rules for travellers leaving or entering Norway. There you will find allowances for alcoholic beverages, tobacco, meat and dairy products.What are considered normal living costs for a family in Norway?
The SIFO standard budget indicates consumption expenditures for different kinds of households in Norway. You will find a summary of how much people spend, for example, on food and drink, clothing and shoes for children and young people in different ages.
Cultural heritage
Are there any support schemes for local cultural initiatives?
Contact your municipality or county administration for more information about support schemes for local cultural initiatives within your area.
How can I trace my ancestry?
You might like to start by reading the information and following the links on the web site of the National Archives of Norway.
You may also like to contact the
Norwegian
Emigration Centre for help with genealogy questions.
Where can I find Norwegian language learning materials?
Vox, the Norwegian Agency for Lifelong Learning has a list of language learning materials for immigrants (in Norwegian only).
Vox also has a search tool (in Norwegian only) for finding various recommended learning materials from privately owned publishing houses. An example of an online language course is Migranorsk, produced by the publishing house Fagforlaget.
The City of Oslo has a list of language courses on the Internet on their web pages about Norwegian language and training.
Where can I find photographs of Norwegian scenery and people?
Innovation Norway has a selection of photographs available online; please follow the following link to their photoservice.
The National Archives of Norway also have photographic material.
For official royal photographs, the Royal Family’s information office handles fan mail.
Where can I get help in translating Norwegian words, phrases or texts?
LEXIN is a
set of online dictionaries developed for immigrants to Norway by the Norwegian
Directorate of Education and Training and Skolenettet. The same directorate
has published a Norwegian
English Dictionary for the education sector on their web site.
On the Nordic eTax web site, you can find a useful Norwegian/English dictionary with tax terminology.
For help with government titles, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' list of translated government titles.
For help in finding a translator to translate Norwegian texts, contact the Association of Government Authorized Translators in Norway (STF); they will provide you with an updated list of translators and interpreters.
For matters concerning the translation of Norwegian fiction and non-fiction, contact NORLA - Norwegian Literature Abroad.
For general Norwegian language advice, contact the Norwegian Language Council.
Deaths
Where can I get a copy of a death certificate?
To get a copy of a death certificate, you need to contact the district court for the municipality where the deceased had lived.
Where can I get information about maintaining the graves of my relatives in Norway?
The Church of Norway has an information service (Kirkens informasjonstjeneste) that should be able to advise you on maintaining graves of relatives in Norway.
You can also seek assistance by contacting the parish office or rural deanery in the diocese where the graves in question are located. Contact details for parishes and rural deaneries in Norway can be found on the Church of Norway's web site.
Employees
Am I entitled to be off work to look after my child when he/she is ill?
Employees are entitled to 10 days paid parental leave each year to care for children under the age of 12 years. If you are a single parent, you are entitled to 20 days paid parental leave. If you have 3 or more children, you are entitled to 15 days parental leave. If your child is chronically ill, the amount of parental leave you are entitled to may be increased. You can find more information about your rights as an employee and parent in the Working Environment Act §12-9.
I think I have been unfairly dismissed from my job, what can I do?
You should read the Working Environment Act to clarify your rights.
You can also check the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's web site for information on employees' rights. If you need more advice, you can contact the Norwegian Labour Inspection's citizen advice service by e-mail: svartjenesten@arbeidstilsynet.dep.no or by telephone: (+47) 815 48 222.
If you are in Oslo, Stavanger or Kirkenes, you can also seek advice in person from the Service Centre for Foreign Workers .
Is there a minimum wage in Norway?
Norway does not have a national minimum wage scheme regulating employment in Norway.
Nevertheless, some employment sectors in Norway have introduced minimum wage agreements. These agreements regulate wages for construction workers, shipbuilders, agricultural workers and cleaners working in Norway. The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority is responsible for ensuring that these sectors adhere correctly to their respective minimum wage agreements.
Information about minimum wage agreements in Norway ("minstelønn" in Norwegian) is available in Norwegian and Polish on the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's web site.
You can contact the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority directly for more information and advice about worker's rights in Norway on telephone number (+47) 815 48 222.
On Norway.no, we have a list of all the local labour inspection authority offices in Norway. You can also find your local inspection authority office via our "My Local Area" search tool.
Where can I find an example of a standard work contract?
You will find examples on the Labour Inspection Authority's web page "standard arbeidsavtale". The contract may be download in nine different languages.
Where can I find out about my rights regarding holidays and salary payments?
Regulations concerning holidays and work are outlined in Annual Holidays Act , published by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority. If you have further questions, you can contact the authority on their help line, tel. 815 48 222.
Alternatively, visit one of the centres for foreign workers based in Oslo, Stavanger and Kirkenes. Their staff will be able to advise you on your rights and obligations as an employee in Norway.
Employment
Where can I find information about applying for a permit to live and work in Norway?
The Directorate of Immigration (UDI) provides information about Norwegian immigration regulations and how to apply for permits to live and work in Norway.
In Oslo, Stavanger and Kirkenes, there are a drop-in service centres for foreign workers , where you can get help with residence permit applications.
Applications for visas and permits may be made online via the Directorate of Immigration's web portal Application Portal Norway.
Where can I find information about working in Norway?
If you live in Europe, you may contact the Eures office in your home country for help in finding work in Norway.
The Directorate of Immigration has useful topic pages about permits required for living and working in Norway.
Employment services in Norway are run by the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration, commonly known as NAV. They have information about job seeking in Norway. On our web pages, www.norway.no, you can find an alphabetical list of local NAV offices in Norway, or use the search tool My Local Area to locate your local NAV office in Norway . You can also contact the NAV call centre on +47 800 33 166 for information about job seeking in Norway.
You can also find job listings in Norwegian newspapers, for example in Aftenposten, Bergens Tidende, Dagbladet, Verdens Gang, etc.
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority provides advice on rights and duties for employers and employees.
There is a drop-in Service Centre for Foreign Workers in Oslo, Stavanger and Kirkenes which you can visit for information about your rights and duties as an employee in Norway.
Labour statistics may be obtained from the Statistics Norway web site.
Family matters
How can I trace my ancestry?
You might like to start by reading the information and following the links on the web site of the National Archives of Norway.
You may also like to contact the
Norwegian
Emigration Centre for help with genealogy questions.
What are considered normal living costs for a family in Norway?
The SIFO standard budget indicates consumption expenditures for different kinds of households in Norway. You will find a summary of how much people spend, for example, on food and drink, clothing and shoes for children and young people in different ages.
Where can I find the contact information for mediation boards in Norway?
You can find your local mediation board via the web site Konflikt.no (in Norwegian only).
Everyone is entitled to seek help and advice from mediation boards. The service is free, confidential and available in each Norwegian municipality.
Mediation boards aim to resolve conflicts through mediation. Help and advice may be sought for difficulties regarding quarrels involving neighbours, family members, inheritance and work related matters.
Financial support
How do I appeal a rejection of my application for housing allowance?
Send your complaint to your local NAV office , within 3 weeks of receiving notification that your application has been turned down. Your case worker should be able to help you form your complaint.
You can find more information about housing allowances on the Norwegian State Housing Bank's web site (Husbanken).
Free legal aid
Where can I find out about free legal aid?
Free legal aid is a system where the state covers, completely or partially, legal advice costs. If you need information about free legal aid, you should contact a lawyer, your County Governor Office or a district court .
Health
Where can I get help with psychological problems?
In a critical or life threatening situation, call for help on the emergency telephone number 113. Explain the situation and state the address where help is required.
If it is not a critical emergency, contact your GP doctor or your nearest health clinic for help.
If you need someone to talk to, you can call the Norwegian Mental Health helpline on 116 123, or you can call the Kirkens SOS helpline on 815 33 300. Under 18 year olds can call the Emergency helpline for children and adolescents on 116 111.
Health services
Am I authorised to work in the Norwegian health sector?
For the recognition of professional health qualifications, contact SAFH - Norwegian Registration for Health Personnel (Statens autorisasjonskontor for helsepersonell). They give authorisation and advice regarding licences for health care personnel in Norway. Follow the link "professions" in the top menu of their web site for professional qualification requirements.
How do I find a doctor in Norway?
If you are registered in the National Population Register (folkeregister) as a resident of a Norwegian municipality you will be assigned a regular GP (fastlege) by HELFO - Norwegian Health Economics Administration. Information about the GP scheme is found on the HELFO web site (in Norwegian only). You can call the HELFO service centre for information about the regular GP scheme on telephone number 810 59 500.
Contact your municipality, for contact details for public health services in your area. If you need a doctor, outside municipal office opening hours, and it is an emergency, dial 113 .
What fees do you have to pay for health treatment in Norway?
When you undergo a health check or receive medical treatment, you are obliged to pay a ‘user fee’ (in Norwegian = egenandel). This fee is paid directly to the health institution that has treated you. You can find user fees (in Norwegian only) and a list of health services which are covered by the Norwegian health insurance scheme (in Norwegian only) on the Norwegian Health Economics Administration's web site (HELFO).
Who is entitled to free medical treatment?
When you are admitted to hospital and are a member of the National Insurance Scheme, you do not pay for treatment, medication or hospital accommodation.
Expectant mothers do not pay for any pregnancy check-ups.
Children under the age of 12 do not pay for any medical user fees.
Anyone under the age of 18 who requires psychological help does not have to pay any treatment fees.
Fees required for children under the age of 16 may be added to the fees of a parent. If the total amount of fees exceeds the annual upper limit, the child and parent are entitled to a fee exemption card (frikort).
Contact your
local NAV office for more information about health fees and national
insurance matters.
Healthy living
I am worried that I have a problem with damp in my home. Who can help me?
Contact your municipal authority. They will advise you on how to tackle the problem and who can help you.
Higher education
Do I have to report that I have moved home?
If you move home within a municipality, or to another municipality, in Norway or to Norway from abroad, you must notify the Norwegian Tax Administration which is responsible for the National Population Register. You will find information about a change of address notification on the tax office's web site.
Special rules apply for students, servicemen and commuters. Contact your local tax office for more information.
If you move from Norway to another Nordic country , you must report this directly to the tax office in the country to which you are moving. You do not have to report the move to the Norwegian tax office.
Read also our FAQ about How do I notfiy a change of address?
How can I apply for a course of study in Norway?
Many study institutions in Norway have specfic study programmes for foreign students. If you wish to study in Norway, you should contact study institutions in Norway directly. A useful web site is Study in Norway.As a foreign citizen, you are required to have a residence permit to study in Norway. Some study institutions will assist you in obtaining one of these, otherwise you should apply to the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) directly. UDI has information on its web pages regarding residence permits for students.
If you already have a Norwegian residence permit, you can apply for a place of study at a Norwegian institution of higher education via the UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admission Services (Samordna opptak). The application deadline for UCAS is 1. March.
How can I get my higher education and qualifications recognised in Norway?
A good way to start is by contacting INVIA - the information centre for the recognition of foreign qualifications. They will refer you to the appropriate office to deal with your qualification recognition.
You will find a list of recognition offices for professional qualifications from abroad, such as teaching, medical and accounting qualifications on the INVIA web pages.
Where can I find an approved translator?
You can search for authorized translators on the Association of Government Authorized Translators in Norway (STF)'s web site.
Home and care services
How do I appeal a rejection of my application for housing allowance?
Send your complaint to your local NAV office , within 3 weeks of receiving notification that your application has been turned down. Your case worker should be able to help you form your complaint.
You can find more information about housing allowances on the Norwegian State Housing Bank's web site (Husbanken).
Who has the right for carer relief?
If you look after someone with major disabilities, you may be entitled to assistance. Carer relief may be provided at home or as part of a municipal service, for example, through nursing homes. Applications for carer relief should be sent to your municipality .
Housing and property
Where can I find information in English about Norway's land lease regulations?
The Ministry of Justice and the Police has information about land leases (tomtefesteinformasjon), sometimes also referred to as ground leases. However, the ministry's information is in Norwegian only.
If you need help interpreting the law and regulations regarding land leases, you can contact the National Federation of House Owners in Norway (HL ).
Where can I find information regarding dwelling numbers (bolignummer)?
A dwelling number identifies your specific apartment. It comprises 1 letter and 4 digits. The letter and first two digits indicate on which floor of a building you live, the last two indicate your apartment number.
By registering your dwelling number with the National Population Registry, rescue services will be able to find your apartment quickly in an emergency. A dwelling number is also needed for installing fixed telephone services, broadband and internet connections.
Your dwelling number should be displayed on a label stuck to the inside of your apartment's front door frame. You can find questions and answers regarding dwelling numbers on the Norwegian Mapping Authority's web site.
Municipalities issue dwelling numbers. The Norwegian Mapping Authority has a search function to help you find a contact person in your municipality who can answer questions about dwelling numbers.
Where can I get a certificate of residence (in Norwegian: "bostedsattest/bostedsbevis")?
If you are asked to present a certificate of residence, for example to prove how long you have lived in Norway, you can obtain one by contacting the Norwegian Tax Administration, via your local tax office. The Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) is the authority in charge of the National Population Register.
Where can I officially register a document?
Property must be officially registered with the Norwegian Mapping Authority (Statens kartverk) in Hønefoss.
Marriage settlements and mortgaged movable properties must be registered with the Brønnøysund Register Centre (Brønnøysundregistrene).
Inheritance
How do I draw up a testament (will)?
The Norwegian Inheritance Act specifies requirements for drawing up a testament. It is wise to seek advice from a lawyer to ensure that a testament is drawn up and adheres to these requirements. A testament need not be registered in a public register.
You may find a lawyer in Norway by using the "Finn advokat " search tool (in Norwegian only) on the Norwegian Bar Association's web site Advokatenhjelperdeg.no.
Where can I find information about inheritance and the division of property?
You can find information about inheritance on the web site, Domstol.no. If you wish further information or advice, contact your district court office or city recorder's office. Use the Norway.no search tool "My Local Area" to locate district courts or city recorder offices in Norway.
Where can I find the contact information for mediation boards in Norway?
You can find your local mediation board via the web site Konflikt.no (in Norwegian only).
Everyone is entitled to seek help and advice from mediation boards. The service is free, confidential and available in each Norwegian municipality.
Mediation boards aim to resolve conflicts through mediation. Help and advice may be sought for difficulties regarding quarrels involving neighbours, family members, inheritance and work related matters.
Where can I get a copy of a death certificate?
To get a copy of a death certificate, you need to contact the district court for the municipality where the deceased had lived.
Jobseekers
Am I authorised to work in the Norwegian health sector?
For the recognition of professional health qualifications, contact SAFH - Norwegian Registration for Health Personnel (Statens autorisasjonskontor for helsepersonell). They give authorisation and advice regarding licences for health care personnel in Norway. Follow the link "professions" in the top menu of their web site for professional qualification requirements.
Where can I find information about working in Norway?
If you live in Europe, you may contact the Eures office in your home country for help in finding work in Norway.
The Directorate of Immigration has useful topic pages about permits required for living and working in Norway.
Employment services in Norway are run by the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration, commonly known as NAV. They have information about job seeking in Norway. On our web pages, www.norway.no, you can find an alphabetical list of local NAV offices in Norway, or use the search tool My Local Area to locate your local NAV office in Norway . You can also contact the NAV call centre on +47 800 33 166 for information about job seeking in Norway.
You can also find job listings in Norwegian newspapers, for example in Aftenposten, Bergens Tidende, Dagbladet, Verdens Gang, etc.
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority provides advice on rights and duties for employers and employees.
There is a drop-in Service Centre for Foreign Workers in Oslo, Stavanger and Kirkenes which you can visit for information about your rights and duties as an employee in Norway.
Labour statistics may be obtained from the Statistics Norway web site.
Legal matters
Where can I find out about free legal aid?
Free legal aid is a system where the state covers, completely or partially, legal advice costs. If you need information about free legal aid, you should contact a lawyer, your County Governor Office or a district court .
Where can I find the contact information for mediation boards in Norway?
You can find your local mediation board via the web site Konflikt.no (in Norwegian only).
Everyone is entitled to seek help and advice from mediation boards. The service is free, confidential and available in each Norwegian municipality.
Mediation boards aim to resolve conflicts through mediation. Help and advice may be sought for difficulties regarding quarrels involving neighbours, family members, inheritance and work related matters.
Leisure and recreation
Am I allowed to bring my pet dog/cat into Norway from abroad?
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) has published information about
the rules for travelling to Norway
with pets
.
From EU
countries, except Sweden, you are permitted to import your pet animal if it has
an identification chip or tattoo, pet passport, has had all necessary
vaccinations and is presented to customs on entry to Norway.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority's border veterinarian may be contacted directly by e-mail BIP.Gardermoen@mattilsynet.no, or by phone: (+ 47) 64 82 04 00.
How do I go about setting up a voluntary organisation?
You can find start-up information on BEDIN company information web site. You may also call the Narvik Business Hotline on telephone 800 33 840 if you would like to speak to an adviser about setting up an organisation.
May I store my boat in Norway over the winter?
As of 5 October 2011, the Directorate of Customs and Excise has amended the rules for foreign boat owners storing their boat in Norway . Boat owners can now store their boats in private marinas for up to one year.
What are the tariff quotas for people travelling to and from Norway?
On the Customs and Excise's web page, you can find rules about what and how much you can take with you when travelling to and from Norway.
Living together
How do I go about getting a divorce in Norway?
Applications for both separation and divorce licences are processed by the County Governor's Office in the county where you live. Details of procedures can be found in The Ministry of Children and Family Affairs' brochure Separation and Divorce.
Application forms for divorce may be downloaded from the "Statlig blankettarkiv".
I am a foreign citizen wanting to marry my fiancé in Norway - how do we go about doing that?
Whether you are living in Norway or not, to get married in accordance with the Norwegian Marriage Act, both the bride-to-be and bridegroom-to-be must complete a Q-0150 declaration for verification of compliance with conditions for marriage. On the reverse side of the Q-0150 declaration form, there is an explanation of procedures and details of additional documentation that must be submitted with this form, including:
- Proof of identification for bride and bridegroom, for example, a copy of birth certificates or passports.
- Q-0151 statement forms to be completed by the sponsors (bridesmaid and best man, who must be over 18 years of age).
- Proof of dissolution of any previous marriage.
- Certificate of no impediment to marry from native country, if bride/bridegroom is a foreign citizen.
- Proof of legal right to enter and stay in Norway. (Information about visa and permit requirements and exemptions is available from the Directorate of Immigration. If your fiancé is living in Norway, yet you are living abroad, you may apply for a fiancé permit from the Directorate of Immigration that will enable you to enter into marriage in Norway.)
If you live in Norway, it is advisable to contact your home country’s embassy in Norway to find out what is required for you to obtain the necessary documents proving that you have no impediment to marry from your home country. Your embassy should also be able to advise you on how these documents may be translated, apostilised or legalized for the Norwegian authorities.
Once you receive a certificate of no impediment to wed in Norway, you may get married in Norway, either at a registry office or church.
See also our FAQ's on which forms need to be completed, church weddings and non-church weddings.
I am in an abusive relationship. Who can I talk to for help?
If you experience physical or psychological abuse at home, you should seek help.
You can speak to someone by calling the Mental Health Helpline on telephone number 116 123, or Kirkens SOS Crisis Helpline on telephone number 815 33 300.
You can also contact your doctor and explain your situation. Your doctor will be able to refer you to specialists who can help you. If you do not know who your doctor is ("fastlege" in Norwegian), call the HELFO "fastlege" information service on telephone 810 59 500 and they will tell you.
We have been married outside Norway. How do we get our marriage registered in Norway?
If you have been married outside Norway by a non-Norwegian authority, you will need to notify the Norwegian Tax Administration so that this may be noted in the National Population Register. You will need to meet in person and present a certificate of marriage at your local tax office .
Marriage certificates from non-Scandinavian countries should be stamped by an official authority in the country where you were married as being a genuine document.
If the marriage certificate is written in a language other than English
or a Scandinavian language, you must ensure that your marriage is translated by
an official
translator.
If the Norwegian authorities responsible for the
National Population Register declare your marriage as valid,
according to Norwegian law
, your marriage will
be registered.
If you have yet to be married, it is advisable that you find out whether your marriage will be valid or not, well in advance of your wedding.
What documents do we need to fill out and send in to get married?
If you wish to get married according to the Norwegian Marriage Act, both the bride-to-be and bridegroom-to-be must complete a Q-0150 (declaration for verification of compliance with conditions for marriage).
The best man/bridesmaid must complete a Q-0151 (statement by the sponsor).
If one or both parties have been married or have been part of a registered partnership in Norway before, the person concerned must complete a Q-0160 declaration (form available in Norwegian only) about the division of their joint estate. If it is less than two years since the previous marriage or registered partnership was dissolved, a Q-0160 declaration is also required from the previous spouse/partner or heirs.
If you wish to change your name in connection with the marriage, you have to send a notification of change of name GA-7700 (form available in Norwegian only).
The above mentioned forms can be downloaded from the Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion's web site . The page is in Norwegian only, and only some of the forms are available in English. However, click on the word "engelsk" next to the relevant Q-form number and you will be directed to the English version of that form.
All forms should be sent to the tax office: Skatt nord Hammerfest, Personregisteret, Postboks 6310, 9293 Tromsø.
When the tax office has received and considered the statements, they transcribe a certificate of no impediment to marriage. The certificate confirms that you are who you say you are, that you are over 18 and that you are not currently married.
The certificate of no impediment must be presented to the institution which will conduct the wedding ceremony. A final marriage certificate will be sent to you by the tax office after the wedding.
You will get more information by contacting your local tax office.
Where can I find information about church weddings in Norway?
For information regarding church weddings, you should contact the parish priest in the diocese where you intend to marry. You can also browse The Church of Norway's web site for information about the order for a wedding in Norway and contact details for parish offices.
Where can I get information about non-church weddings?
Procedures for civil marriage ceremonies in Norway are conducted by a Notary Public. Contact the City Recorder's Office (byfogdembete) or District Court (tingrett) in the area where you intend to get married for further information.
Information
about civil marriages is available on the Domstol.no
web page "vigsel" (in
Norwegian only).
Where should I send the application form to be granted the right to marry under Norwegian law?
If you are registered as a resident in Norway, completed forms and required documentation for verification should be submitted to the local tax office in the municipality of residence of either the bride-to-be or bridegroom-to-be in Norway. Tax offices in Norway are responsible for the National Population Register (Folkeregisteret) at a local level.
If you are not living in Norway at the time of your application for verification, and you do not have a Norwegian personal identification number, applications for verification are processed by the "Personregisteret" located at the Hammerfest Tax Office, under the jurisdiction of the Northern Norway Regional Tax Office (Skatt nord). Address: Postboks 6310, 9263 Tromsø, Norway.
Which public authority provides marriage counselling in Norway?
The Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir) is the Norwegian governmental office for the welfare and protection of children and families. Subordinate to this office are five regional (Bufetat) offices which provide family counselling and handle administrative cases according to the Marriage Act.
You can read about the family counselling service provided by Bufetat in a pdf. brochure.
Moving home
Do I have to report that I have moved home?
If you move home within a municipality, or to another municipality, in Norway or to Norway from abroad, you must notify the Norwegian Tax Administration which is responsible for the National Population Register. You will find information about a change of address notification on the tax office's web site.
Special rules apply for students, servicemen and commuters. Contact your local tax office for more information.
If you move from Norway to another Nordic country , you must report this directly to the tax office in the country to which you are moving. You do not have to report the move to the Norwegian tax office.
Read also our FAQ about How do I notfiy a change of address?
How do I notify a change of address?
Your change of address must be registered in the National Population Register. This register is administered by the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). Reasons as to why you need to do this are detailed on the Norwegian Tax Administration's web site.
If you are notifying the Tax Administration of a change of address when moving to Norway, from another country, you should use the R-1401 form . This can be downloaded, completed and delivered in person to the local tax office responsible for the municipality in which you will be living.
If you are notifying the Tax Administration of your move to abroad from Norway, you should use the RF-1402 form . Send this completed form to the tax office in the municipality in which you are registered as a resident before you move.
If you are notifying the Tax Administration of a change of address within Norway, you can notify the authorities of a change to your address online .
Alternatively, you can notify the Tax Administration of a move within Norway by downloading and completing the the RF-1400 form (in Norwegian only). Send this completed paper form to the tax office responsible for the area to which you are moving, or deliver it in person to your local tax office.
Don't forget to also notify the Norwegian postal service, Norway Post, of any change to your address so they can deliver your post correctly.
Where can I find information about moving to or between the Nordic countries?
The portal norden.org has information for people who study, work, live and travel between the Nordic countries.
Where can I get a certificate of residence (in Norwegian: "bostedsattest/bostedsbevis")?
If you are asked to present a certificate of residence, for example to prove how long you have lived in Norway, you can obtain one by contacting the Norwegian Tax Administration, via your local tax office. The Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) is the authority in charge of the National Population Register.
Names and people
How can I find an address or telephone number of someone in Norway?
Telephone and contact details for private individuals and businesses in Norway may be found via the Yellow Pages web site or by phoning directory enquiries on tel.no: (+ 47) 1881.
The Norwegian Tax Administration which is responsible for the National Population Register is able to release information about individuals living in Norway only if there is a legal need to do so.
Only contact details for public agencies can be found on the Norway.no web site , or are provided by the Norway.no Help Desk.
How can I trace my ancestry?
You might like to start by reading the information and following the links on the web site of the National Archives of Norway.
You may also like to contact the
Norwegian
Emigration Centre for help with genealogy questions.
How do I go about changing my name?
If you wish to change your name, you must notify your local tax office so you new name may be registered correctly in the National Population Register (folkeregisteret). An application form may be downloaded from the Ministry of Justice and the Police's website (in Norwegian onlt): Meldingsskjema for navneendring.
You can find statistics about which names are popular in Norway on the Statistics Norway web site.
How do we get a birth certificate for our new born child?
If you have given birth in Norway, the maternity ward of your hospital or clinic will
notify the Norwegian Tax Administration, which is responsible for the National
Population Register, about the birth of your child.
The Tax Administration will then check whether the child
should be awarded a Norwegian public identification number or not.
The issued public identification number is then sent
to the mother of the child, along with a form required for registering the
baby’s name. Parents must register their baby’s name within 6 months, by returning the
completed form to the Norwegian Tax Administration. Once the baby’s name has
been registered, a birth certificate will be issued.
The issued birth certificate will prove that the baby’s name has been approved. The certificate must be presented when a child is to be christened.
Contact your tax office for more information.
Parents and children
Am I entitled to be off work to look after my child when he/she is ill?
Employees are entitled to 10 days paid parental leave each year to care for children under the age of 12 years. If you are a single parent, you are entitled to 20 days paid parental leave. If you have 3 or more children, you are entitled to 15 days parental leave. If your child is chronically ill, the amount of parental leave you are entitled to may be increased. You can find more information about your rights as an employee and parent in the Working Environment Act §12-9.
How do I find out what I should pay in child maintenance?
The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) is responsible for the collection and arrangement of child maintenance payments.
Contact your local NAV office for information about child maintenance or help with calculating how much you should pay. On NAV's web site, you will find information about determining and amending child support .
NAV has an online guide for estimating child maintenance contributions (in Norwegian only).
Passports and identification
Do I need a passport to enter Norway from a Schengen country?
The Schengen cooperation was established in 1985 for the free movement of persons between cooperation member countries.
Generally, you do not need a passport as a travel document to cross borders within the Schengen cooperation area.
Nevertheless, the Norwegian Police may carry out border passport controls during times of unrest and security threats. You should, therefore, always take your passport with you when you are crossing from one country to another. Your passport will also serve as your proof of identity within Norway.
A list of countries partaking in the Schengen cooperation agreement is published on the Directorate of Immigration's web site.
Do I need a visa to visit Norway?
The Directorate of Immigration has a web page about who does not require a visa. For further information about visas and visa applications for staying in Norway, see the Directorate of Immigration's web page on visas.How can I get a D-number?
A D-number is a registration number for foreign nationals who intend to stay in Norway on a short-term basis only (up to six months), and therefore have not been assigned a Norwegian personal identification number (personnummer) in the Norwegian Population Register (folkeregister).
A D-number is required to carry out certain transactions in Norway, for example, to open a bank account in Norway, acquire a tax deduction card or register a company.
Individuals can not apply for D-numbers themselves; the recognised body that requires individuals to have a D-number should make a request on the individual's behalf. You can find information on how to make a request for a D-number on the Tax Administration's web site (in Norwegian only).
Contact a local tax office in Norway for more information about obtaining a D-number. You will need to meet in person if you wish to apply for a tax deduction card and for a tax office to request a D-number on your behalf. If you are a migrant worker based in Oslo, Kirkenes or Stavanger, the Service Centre for foreign workers will help you apply for a D-number.
The public office responsible for processing requests for D-numbers is:
Hammerfest Tax Office
Personregisteret
Postboks 6310
9293 Tromsø
Telephone (+47): 800 80 000
E-post: personregisteret@skatteetaten.no
How can I get my birth certificate translated into other languages?
The Norwegian Tax Administration, which is responsible for the National Population Register, issues copies of Norwegian birth certificates in English, German, French and Spanish. The service is free of charge. It may take two weeks for you to receive a translated copy.
You can contact the Tax Administration on telephone number 800 80 000 or by visiting your local tax office .
How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?
If you were born in Norway, and live in Norway, contact your local tax office .
If you were born in Norway, but now live abroad, you may apply to obtain a copy of your birth certificate from the Norwegian Tax Administration which is responsible for the National Population Register (in Norwegian "folkeregister"). If you are calling from abroad, you can call the Tax Administration on telephone number: +47 22 07 70 00.
If you were born outside Norway, and now live in Norway, you will need to contact the public records office in your home country to obtain a copy of your birth certificate. You can seek assistance from your home country's embassy in Norway.
If you need a birth certificate for someone who lived in Norway prior to 2 December 1946, you will need to contact the church office in the municipality where they were born to get a copy of their birth certificate.
How do I get a Norwegian personal identification number when I move to Norway?
If you are planning to stay in Norway for more than 6 months, and have been granted a residence permit, you will be given a personal identification number by the Norwegian Tax Administration.You must meet in person at your local tax office where they will register you as a resident in Norway, and award you with a Norwegian personal identification number (fødselsnummer in Norwegian).
If your stay is shorter than 6 months in Norway, you will be given a D-number.
For more information about personal identification numbers, contact the Norwegian Tax Administration on telephone number 800 800 00, or from abroad +47 22 07 70 00.
How do we get a birth certificate for our new born child?
If you have given birth in Norway, the maternity ward of your hospital or clinic will
notify the Norwegian Tax Administration, which is responsible for the National
Population Register, about the birth of your child.
The Tax Administration will then check whether the child
should be awarded a Norwegian public identification number or not.
The issued public identification number is then sent
to the mother of the child, along with a form required for registering the
baby’s name. Parents must register their baby’s name within 6 months, by returning the
completed form to the Norwegian Tax Administration. Once the baby’s name has
been registered, a birth certificate will be issued.
The issued birth certificate will prove that the baby’s name has been approved. The certificate must be presented when a child is to be christened.
Contact your tax office for more information.
My partner is Norwegian and we live abroad. Our child was born outside Norway. Is our child entitled to Norwegian citizenship?
Children born after 31 August 2006, with a Norwegian mother or father, acquire Norwegian citizenship by birth, whether they were born in Norway or abroad. UDI has information about citizenship for children, including links to application and notification forms.
Patient rights
Am I entitled to free dental treatment?
The following groups are entitled to free dental treatment in Norway:
* Under 18 year olds (excluding orthodontic treatment)
* Mentally disabled persons
* Nursing home residents
* Chronically ill and people receiving home nursing assistance
19-20 year olds need only pay for 25 % of their treatment costs.
Contact the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (HELFO) to find out about possible financial assistance schemes for dental treatment. They have a service telephone: 815 70 030, or you can contact them by e-mail: servicesenteret@helfo.no. They have a web site, but with limited information in English, helfo.no
Public dental health services in Norway are organised by county administrations (fylkeskommuner). To find your county dentist, and for more information about dental services in your area, contact your county administration.
How can I lodge a complaint about my doctor?
If you think you have been mistreated by a doctor, member of medical staff or medical institution, you may contact your County Health Board for advice.
What fees do you have to pay for health treatment in Norway?
When you undergo a health check or receive medical treatment, you are obliged to pay a ‘user fee’ (in Norwegian = egenandel). This fee is paid directly to the health institution that has treated you. You can find user fees (in Norwegian only) and a list of health services which are covered by the Norwegian health insurance scheme (in Norwegian only) on the Norwegian Health Economics Administration's web site (HELFO).
Who is entitled to free medical treatment?
When you are admitted to hospital and are a member of the National Insurance Scheme, you do not pay for treatment, medication or hospital accommodation.
Expectant mothers do not pay for any pregnancy check-ups.
Children under the age of 12 do not pay for any medical user fees.
Anyone under the age of 18 who requires psychological help does not have to pay any treatment fees.
Fees required for children under the age of 16 may be added to the fees of a parent. If the total amount of fees exceeds the annual upper limit, the child and parent are entitled to a fee exemption card (frikort).
Contact your
local NAV office for more information about health fees and national
insurance matters.
Pensions and benefits
Am I a member of the National Insurance Scheme (folketrygd)?
Anyone who has been legally living and working in Norway for at least twelve months is normally a member of the National Insurance Scheme. National insurance contributions are deducted from your salary/pension and entitle you to social security and health treatment under Norwegian law. If your stay in Norway is temporary, between 3-12 months, you may apply for voluntary membership by sending an application to your local social security office. Special conditions apply to members of countries that have entered into reciprocal social security agreements with Norway, for example EEA countries. Contact your local NAV office for more information about National Insurance membership and contributions.Where can I find information about retirement pensions?
Nav.no, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration's web site has a page with information about retirement pensions . You can call NAV on telephone number (+47) 55 55 33 34, if you have questions about pensions in Norway.
Planning and construction
Who is entitled to a start-up loan for a home?
People who have difficulty getting a loan from a private bank, or lack capital to buy a home, can apply for a start up loan from the Norwegian Housing Bank .
Police and crime prevention
What forms of assault protection are available to me?
If have been threatened with assault, you should contact the police in your area. The police will evaluate your need for protection measures.
A mobile assault alarm is a type of protection which enables you to contact the police when you feel the need for assistance. Other measures include restraint orders and personal identity protection.
You may call the police for more information on telephone 02800. Information is available about violence in close relationships on the Norwegian Police's web site (in Norwegian only).
Where can I find the contact information for mediation boards in Norway?
You can find your local mediation board via the web site Konflikt.no (in Norwegian only).
Everyone is entitled to seek help and advice from mediation boards. The service is free, confidential and available in each Norwegian municipality.
Mediation boards aim to resolve conflicts through mediation. Help and advice may be sought for difficulties regarding quarrels involving neighbours, family members, inheritance and work related matters.
Public administration and policy
Am I obliged to fly the Norwegian flag on Norwegian public holidays in Norway?
Central government authorities are obliged to fly the Norwegian flag on public holidays. County and municipal authorities are not obliged to fly the flag, but they normally do. Citizens are not obliged to fly the Norwegian flag.
How can I get a copy of an official government report, brochure or publication?
You can find some official reports (NOU'er) online on the government.no web site. However, not all are reports available in English.
Government reports in paper form may be purchased from the Fagbokforlaget .
Brochures produced by public agencies may
be ordered directly from them. You can find the contact information for
public agencies via Norway.no.
Public
libraries in Norway keep and lend out all official documents. You may
contact your local library if you wish to order and borrow copies
of official reports, brochures and publications.
What are the correct colours on the Norwegian flag?
The colour codes for the Norwegian flag on print are in Pantone colour system:
Red: PMS 032 U
Blue: PMS 281 U
When using NCS codes this equals
Red PMS 032: S 0570-Y90R or S 1070-Y90R
Blue PMS 281 U = S 5040-R70B or S 6030-R70B
You will find the proportions of the flag in the Act relating to the Flag of the Realm of Norway
Where can I find municipality numbers?
Each municipality in Norway has a 4-digit municipality number for statistics and identification purposes. This number is not the same as an area's postcode. Municipality numbers can help to differentiate between places when towns and villages share the same name. On Norway.no, you can find municipality numbers listed on the contact details page for each municipality .
Religion and beliefs
Am I entitled to time off work for religious purposes?
You are entitled to two days absence from work to practise your faith and partake in religious celebrations. This applies only if you are not a member of the Church of Norway. Your employer has the right to demand that you make up for days away from work. You must give your employer at least 14 days notice if you plan to be away from work for religious reasons. Regulations regarding this are found in the Act Relating to Religious Communities.
How do I find out about being a member of the Church of Norway?
You can contact the Church of Norway information service for information about membership in the Church of Norway. You can also find information (in Norwegian only) on their web page " informasjon om medlemskap ".
Where can I get information about maintaining the graves of my relatives in Norway?
The Church of Norway has an information service (Kirkens informasjonstjeneste) that should be able to advise you on maintaining graves of relatives in Norway.
You can also seek assistance by contacting the parish office or rural deanery in the diocese where the graves in question are located. Contact details for parishes and rural deaneries in Norway can be found on the Church of Norway's web site.
Schools and education
How can I apply for a course of study in Norway?
Many study institutions in Norway have specfic study programmes for foreign students. If you wish to study in Norway, you should contact study institutions in Norway directly. A useful web site is Study in Norway.As a foreign citizen, you are required to have a residence permit to study in Norway. Some study institutions will assist you in obtaining one of these, otherwise you should apply to the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) directly. UDI has information on its web pages regarding residence permits for students.
If you already have a Norwegian residence permit, you can apply for a place of study at a Norwegian institution of higher education via the UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admission Services (Samordna opptak). The application deadline for UCAS is 1. March.
How can I get my higher education and qualifications recognised in Norway?
A good way to start is by contacting INVIA - the information centre for the recognition of foreign qualifications. They will refer you to the appropriate office to deal with your qualification recognition.
You will find a list of recognition offices for professional qualifications from abroad, such as teaching, medical and accounting qualifications on the INVIA web pages.
We live abroad. Is there any online Norwegian education programme for children?
The web site Globalskolen.no (in Norwegian only) offers a network-based education programme in Norwegian, social studies and RLE (religion, belief and ethics) from year 1st to 10th grade.
Pupils at foreign or international compulsory schools in Norway or abroad may receive state subsidy for completive education in Norwegian, social studies and RLE. You will get more information and application forms by contacting the county governor in Oslo and Akershus. They also have a overview over Norwegian schools abroad.
Where can I find addresses to schools and kindergartens?
You can find contact information for kindergartens ("barnehager" in Norwegian), primary ("grunnskoler" in Norwegian) and upper secondary schools ("videregående skoler" in Norwegian) and other schools in Norway on Pedlex Norsk Skoleinformasjon (web pages in Norwegian only).
Where can I find an approved translator?
You can search for authorized translators on the Association of Government Authorized Translators in Norway (STF)'s web site.
Where can I find an overview for Norwegian schools abroad?
The County Governor in Oslo and Akershus are regulatory authorities for Norwegian schools abroad. For more information about schools abroad, contact your County Governor's office.
The web site Globalskolen.no (limited information in English) provides network-based education for Norwegian studies, social studies and RLE (religion, belief and ethics).
Where can I find information about funds, grants and scholarships?
Information about funds, grants, scholarships and other support schemes for education, research, sports, culture, etc. are listed in the Legathåndboken (in Norwegian only), which is available free online, or for sale in book form. You can find out about public educational grants and scholarships from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund.
Where can I find the Norwegian school holiday timetable?
You find the school holiday schedule for 2010-2011 and for 2011-2012 on KS web site (in Norwegian only). You can also contact the school owner i.e. the municipality or county council, of the school in question, to make sure the schedule is valid.
Setting up business
Where can I find information about starting my own business?
Previously, the service Bedin provided business information. Now, the web site Altinn, run by the Brønnøysund Register Centre, provides information for businesses. The have pages about starting your own business in Norway .
You can also call the Narvik Business Information Services for expert advice, tel: (+47) 800 33 840. This service is free of charge unless you are calling from a cell phone or abroad.
For information and advice on Norwegian business innovation, internationalisation and promotion, you may contact one of Innovation Norway's international offices or contact the central Innovation Norway office in Norway.
Social security
Am I a member of the National Insurance Scheme (folketrygd)?
Anyone who has been legally living and working in Norway for at least twelve months is normally a member of the National Insurance Scheme. National insurance contributions are deducted from your salary/pension and entitle you to social security and health treatment under Norwegian law. If your stay in Norway is temporary, between 3-12 months, you may apply for voluntary membership by sending an application to your local social security office. Special conditions apply to members of countries that have entered into reciprocal social security agreements with Norway, for example EEA countries. Contact your local NAV office for more information about National Insurance membership and contributions.Society and civic duties
Can I be a citizen of two countries at the same time?
A dual citizenship may be granted. More information about dual citizenship is found on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration's web site.
How can I become a Norwegian citizen?
You can become a Norwegian citizen by birth, adoption, notification or by applying for Norwegian citizenship from Norwegian authorities.
How can I volunteer to help people in need in Norway?
There are hundreds of voluntary organisations in Norway.
The Norwegian Association of NGO's (Frivillighet Norge) is an umberella organisation for some of these voluntary organizations. They have published a list of its member organisations (in Norwegian only). Click on the hyperlinked names of the different organisations in the list of "medlemsorganisasjoner ", to find contact information for each organisation. You should then contact an organisation directly to find out how you can volunteer.
We have selected two examples of
voluntary organisations which you may like to contact:
Norske folkehjelp (Norwegian People's Aid):
Web site: http://www.npaid.org/en/
E-mail: norsk.folkehjelp@npaid.org
Kirkens SOS i Norge:
Web site: www.kirkens-sos.no
E-mail: post@kirkens-sos.no
How many municipalities are there in Norway?
As of 1 January 2012, there are 429 municipalities in Norway.
You can find an alphabetical list of all muncipalities on Norway.no.
I am a Norwegian citizen living abroad. Am I obliged to carry out Norwegian military service?
All Norwegian citizens, male, over the age of 19 years and fit for military duty, are obliged to carry out compulsory military service in Norway.
There are some exceptions to this rule, for example if you have a permanent address abroad, or if you who have already completed military service in another country which has a special agreement with Norway.
You should contact the National Service Administration to clarify whether you are obliged to carry out Norwegian military service or not.
You can find information about compulsory military service on the Norwegian Armed Forces' web site.
Where can I find a list of public holidays in Norway?
In Statistics Norway's brochure "Minifacts about Norway" you will find a link in the left-hand menu to a web page with details of Official Flag days and public holidays in Norway.
Where can I find an approved translator?
You can search for authorized translators on the Association of Government Authorized Translators in Norway (STF)'s web site.
Where can I find information about applying for a permit to live and work in Norway?
The Directorate of Immigration (UDI) provides information about Norwegian immigration regulations and how to apply for permits to live and work in Norway.
In Oslo, Stavanger and Kirkenes, there are a drop-in service centres for foreign workers , where you can get help with residence permit applications.
Applications for visas and permits may be made online via the Directorate of Immigration's web portal Application Portal Norway.
Where can I find the National Population Register?
The National Population Register is overseen by the Norwegian Tax Administration . The Tax Administration may be contacted on telephone number 800 80 000, or if you are calling from abroad, telephone number: +47 22 07 70 00.
Where can I find the telephone numbers to refugee reception centres in Norway?
Information about refugee and asylum centres is available on the Directorate of Immigration's web site. Contact information for the various centres is available, but in Norwegian only.
Taxation
I neither work in Norway nor work for a Norwegian company - why have I received a "skattekort"?
At the start and end of your employment contract with a Norwegian company, your employer is obliged to report your contract of employment to the Norwegian Tax Administration. This is done by your employer submitting a RF-1198 form, and can be done via the public reporting portal for businesses Altinn .
If you keep receiving a tax deduction card ("skattekort") and you are no longer employed by a Norwegian registered company, your previous employer might not have reported the termination of your employment contract to the tax authorities.
Contact your previous employer and check that they have reported the termination of your employment. Alternatively, you can contact the Central Office for Foreign Tax Affairs.
Do I have to pay import duty or VAT on goods I have ordered from abroad?
Advice and information regarding customs and excise regulations in Norway may be sought from the Directorate of Customs and Excise . You can call their information centre on tel 0 30 12.
You can also read about simplified customs clearance on the Norwegian mail service's web site Posten.no.
Generally, most goods under the value of 200 kroner, which are purchased and imported from abroad, are import duty free ("tollfrie" in Norwegian). However, VAT ("merverdigavgift" in Norwegian) must be paid on goods imported from abroad which are valued at more than 200 kroner. You can calculate both import duty and VAT to be paid on goods imported from abroad on the Customs and Excise calculator (in Norwegian only).
What is the value limit for sending a gift to Norway without having to pay a tariff?
Gifts sent from one private individual to another private individual, and which do not exceed the value of NOK 1000 are VAT and import duty free. Your local post office will advise you on postal charges and procedures for sending gift packages to Norway.
Parcels with items imported from abroad, which are not sent as gifts, and with contents valued between NOK 200 and NOK 1000 are subject to import customs duty and VAT. Post Norway has an agreement with the Directorate of Customs and Excise to handle simplified customs clearance for this type of parcel. You can find information and FAQ's about simplified customs clearance on the Post Norway (Posten.no) web site. For further information, call the Norway Post customer service on telephone number +47 810 00 710.
Parcels with items that exceed the value of NOK 1000, including spirits, wine and tobacco products, or packages sent to multiple addresses in Norway are not duty free. Customs clearance for the import of such goods is handled by the Directorate of Customs and Excise. You may contact their information service on telephone +47 0 30 12 for more information.
Where can I find information about tourist tax refunds?
Visit Norway, the official travel guide to Norway, has a web page with information about tax-free shopping in Norway and links to related web sites.
Where can I find regulations and guidelines for tax payments and income tax returns?
The Norwegian Tax Administration has information about tax for foreign employees in Norway.
For further advice, contact your local tax office in Norway or if you live abroad, contact the Central Office for Foreign Tax Affairs .
Trade and Industry
Where can I get a list of companies trading within a specific industry in Norway?
Information regarding companies trading within specific industry sectors can be found on the web pages of www.nortrade.com, the Official Norwegian Trade Portal .
The Brønnøysund Register Centre oversees The Register of Business Enterprises in Norway. You may contact the centre and order specific company information from them. There is a fee for this service.
You may also consult the Norwegian Yellow Pages (Gule Sider) for contact details for specific companies in Norway (in Norwegian only).
Travel and transport
Where can I find information about ferry transport and timetables?
Travel information is available from Visit Norway's "Getting here and around" pages. You can find links to ferry and boat timetables on their web page "Ferries and boats in Norway".
Where can I find information about the importation and registration of motor vehicles?
Norwegian Customs and Excise provide information on their web site about importation and registration of motor vehicles.
Where can I find timetable information for travelling around Norway?
Travel information is available from the official travel guide to Norway www.visitnorway.com . You can also find information from Rutebok.no - public transport in Norway, a collection of national and regional transport timetables, previously published in paper form. From within Norway, you can also get timetable information for buses, ferries and other transport services in Norway by calling Ruteopplysningen 177 on telephone number: 177.
Travellers
Am I allowed to bring my pet dog/cat into Norway from abroad?
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) has published information about
the rules for travelling to Norway
with pets
.
From EU
countries, except Sweden, you are permitted to import your pet animal if it has
an identification chip or tattoo, pet passport, has had all necessary
vaccinations and is presented to customs on entry to Norway.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority's border veterinarian may be contacted directly by e-mail BIP.Gardermoen@mattilsynet.no, or by phone: (+ 47) 64 82 04 00.
I would like to complain about a parking fine - how do I do that?
Norwegian law differentiates between public and private car parks.
If you receive a fine for parking in a public car park, send your complaint to the municipal authority that has issued the fine. If the fine is issued by the Norwegian National Collection Agency (SI), send your complaint to the Police responsible for the area where the offence is supposed to have taken place. If your complaint is not accepted, you may make an appeal to the district court in the area concerned.
If you receive a fine for parking in a private car park, you can send your complaint to the Parking Appeals Board (Parkeringsklagenemda), but only if the car park is part of either the Norpark or Parkinor group. The portal for the Consumer Council of Norway gives advice and lists (in Norwegian only) which agents are members of Norpark and Parkinor.
Is my driving licence valid in Norway?
Different rules apply to persons with a driving licence issued in the European Economic Area (EEA) and to those with a driving licence issued outside the EU and EEA .
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) is responsible for providing information about driving in Norway.
Contact your local NPRA traffic services office in Norway for further help.
Where can I find timetable information for travelling around Norway?
Travel information is available from the official travel guide to Norway www.visitnorway.com . You can also find information from Rutebok.no - public transport in Norway, a collection of national and regional transport timetables, previously published in paper form. From within Norway, you can also get timetable information for buses, ferries and other transport services in Norway by calling Ruteopplysningen 177 on telephone number: 177.
Where can I get traffic and road information?
The Road User Information Centre (vegtrafikksentral) may be contacted on tel: 175 for information regarding road closures and driving conditions. From abroad call: (+47) 815 48 991. The Norguide - NRDB: National Road Database contains mapping tools to help you plan journeys, calculate distances and find road data.
Upper secondary education
Where can I find addresses to schools and kindergartens?
You can find contact information for kindergartens ("barnehager" in Norwegian), primary ("grunnskoler" in Norwegian) and upper secondary schools ("videregående skoler" in Norwegian) and other schools in Norway on Pedlex Norsk Skoleinformasjon (web pages in Norwegian only).
Where can I find an overview for Norwegian schools abroad?
The County Governor in Oslo and Akershus are regulatory authorities for Norwegian schools abroad. For more information about schools abroad, contact your County Governor's office.
The web site Globalskolen.no (limited information in English) provides network-based education for Norwegian studies, social studies and RLE (religion, belief and ethics).
Where can I find the Norwegian school holiday timetable?
You find the school holiday schedule for 2010-2011 and for 2011-2012 on KS web site (in Norwegian only). You can also contact the school owner i.e. the municipality or county council, of the school in question, to make sure the schedule is valid.
Vehicles
How can I find out if the motor vehicle tax on a vehicle is paid?
You can get information about the annual motor vehicle tax by sending an SMS to 2282. Enter “REGNR”, space and the licence plate number (e.g.: REGNR AA00000). The SMS service costs NOK 3,-.
You can also contact Norwegian Customs and Excise on telephone (+47) 22 86 02 00 for help regarding motor vehicle tax.
How do I find out when my vehicle is due for an EU road worthiness check?
You can find out when your vehicle had its previous EU-check, and when it is due for its next check, by entering your vehicle's licence plate number on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's "kontrollfrist" web page (in Norwegian only).
I have not received a giro form to pay my annual motor vehicle tax . What should I do?
If you have not received a giro to pay your motor vehicle tax, you can generate your own customer identification number (KID-number in Norwegian) and then organise the payment yourself.
You can create a KID-number on the Toll Customs pages, but unfortunately, this page is in Norwegian only. Here is an explanation of how you should go forth on the web page:
1. Select the year for payment from the drop-down menu (årsavgifta gjeld for)
2. Enter your vehicle's licence plate number (kjennemerke)
3. Enter the licence plate number again (stadfest kjennemerke)
4. Enter your date of birth (fødselsdato)
5. Click on "Generer KID-nummer".
Once you have generated your own KID number, you will be able to pay the due amount to the Custom and Excise's account number, which in 2011 is 63450500099. You will find the rates for motor vehicle taxes on the same web page as the KID-generator.
If you have any difficulties, contact your local Customs and Excise office for assistance.
I have not received my motor vehicle tax registration sticker (oblat). What should I do?
Obtaining a vehicle tax sticker (oblat) is dependent on the following:
- the annual motor vehicle
tax has been paid
- your vehicle insurance is in
order
- the vehicle's EU roadworthiness check has been
approved
- the vehicle's licence
plate is valid and has not been submitted for removal
If you have done all this, and still not received your sticker, contact your local Traffic Services Office.
If you need to find out whether your motor vehicle tax has been paid, send an SMS to 2282. Enter “REGNR”, space and then the vehicle's licence plate number (e.g.: REGNR AA00000). The SMS service costs NOK 3,-.
Is my driving licence valid in Norway?
Different rules apply to persons with a driving licence issued in the European Economic Area (EEA) and to those with a driving licence issued outside the EU and EEA .
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) is responsible for providing information about driving in Norway.
Contact your local NPRA traffic services office in Norway for further help.
When is it allowed to drive with studded tyres?
You can drive with studded tyres in southern Norway from 1 November to the first Monday after Easter Monday. In the counties of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark, studded tyres are allowed from 16 October to 1 May.
Drivers are responsible for making sure that the vehicle they are driving has sufficient tyre grip for the roads upon which they are driving. Deadlines concerning tyre types are waivered when road conditions demand that studded winter tyres be used.
You will find more information about tyres and tyre chains and about studded tyres and summer tyres on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration web site.