On arrival

When moving to Bodø, one of the first steps for many newcomers is registering with the police. This step is important because it formally confirms your residence in Norway and allows you to obtain the documentation you need to start your new life here — such as a D-number, personal number, and later a bank account.

Who needs to register?

You must register at the police if:

• You are from outside the EU/EEA (a “third-country national”) and have been granted a residence or work permit.

• You are from the EU/EEA and plan to live or work in Norway for more than 3 months.

• You are a student from abroad staying longer than 3 months.

Registration must be done in person at the Bodø Police Immigration Office:
Address: Kongens gate 81, 8006 Bodø
You can book an appointment online through the UDI website.

During the appointment, you will need to present:

• Your passport or national ID card

• Your employment contract or study confirmation

• Proof of housing (rental contract or housing confirmation)

• Documentation of health insurance (if applicable)

Once registration is complete, your information will be shared with Skatteetaten (the Norwegian Tax Administration), which will process your D-number or personal number.

Who doesn’t need to register?

• Visitors staying less than 3 months for tourism or short business trips

• Individuals who already have a valid Norwegian personal number or residence status

Why it’s important?

Police registration is a key step in settling legally and practically in Norway. Without completing this step, you cannot:

• Obtain a D-number or personal number

• Get a tax card

• Open a bank account

• Register for health services

By registering early, you ensure that your stay in Bodø — whether for work, study, or family — starts smoothly and without delays.

2. Personal Identification Number (Fødselsnummer) or D-Number

Before many things can function (bank accounts, tax, social services), you will need an official Norwegian identification number:

• If you plan to live in Norway permanently or for a long time, you’ll typically be assigned a personal identification number (fødselsnummer).

• If your stay is shorter or if you don’t yet qualify for a full ID number, you may instead get a D-number (temporary identification).

• To be entered into the National Population Register (Folkeregisteret / Det sentrale folkeregisteret), you must register your move (melding om flytting) if you plan to live in Norway > 6 months. Norden+2Skatteetaten+2

• For non-EU arrivals needing ID control (for D-number or registration), certain tax offices (skattekontor) perform ID checks — you must book an appointment before going. Skatteetaten+1

Local office in Bodø (Skatteetaten / Tax Office):
Skatteetaten in Bodø handles registration and ID control tasks.

• Address: Moloveien 20, Bodø Skatteetaten

• Note: You must book an appointment ahead of time for services that require in-person presence (like ID check). Skatteetaten+1

You can also find which tax offices do ID control via Skatteetaten’s list: “Skattekontorer som utfører ID-kontroll.” Skatteetaten

Tax Deduction Card (Skattekort)

Once you are employed or plan to receive taxable income in Norway, you must have a tax deduction card (skattekort), which tells your employer how much tax to withhold from your wages:

• All workers in Norway must have a skattekort. If you are a foreign worker, you can apply for it via form RF-1209 for “Skattekort for utenlandsk arbeidstaker.” Skatteetaten+1

• If you already have an ID number (fødselsnummer or D-number), you can apply online. Otherwise you must visit a tax office for ID control. Skatteetaten

• You can also request, view, or change your skattekort through Skatteetaten’s website. Skatteetaten+1

Make sure your skattekort is accurate (income estimate, deductions, etc.), or you may face “restskatt” (tax balance payment). Skatteetaten

Once you have received your D-number or personal number from Skatteetaten, you can open a Norwegian bank account.
Most banks in Norway require personal identification and valid residence documentation before you can open an account.

In Bodø, you’ll find branches of all major Norwegian banks:

SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge
Address: Sjøgata 27, 8006 Bodø
SpareBank 1 is the largest regional bank in Northern Norway and offers full banking services, including personal accounts, mobile banking, and mortgage advice.

DNB Bank ASA
Address: Moloveien 16, 8003 Bodø
DNB is Norway’s largest financial group, providing services for both private customers and international workers. They also have English-speaking staff available.

Tip:
You can book an appointment online before visiting the bank. Remember to bring your passport, employment contract, residence permit (if applicable), and your D-number or personal number.

BankID is Norway’s main electronic identification system. It lets you log in securely to online banking, government services (like taxes, healthcare, and education), and sign documents digitally. You’ll need it for almost everything — from opening a bank account and paying bills to applying for housing or registering with public offices.

Why it’s important
BankID is your digital key to everyday life in Norway. Without it, you can’t access most online public services or manage finances efficiently.

How to get a BankID
To obtain a BankID, you must first:

1. Get a Norwegian national identity number (fødselsnummer) or a D-number (for temporary residents).

2. Open a Norwegian bank account – most banks require you to visit a branch in person with your passport, residence permit, and proof of address.

3. Once your bank account is active, the bank issues your BankID after verifying your identity.

Each bank has slightly different procedures, but all follow national ID and security standards.

For more information, visit the official BankID website or check with your Norwegian bank once you’ve received your ID number.

Reporting Moves & Address Changes

• When you move into Norway, you must register your new address in the National Population Register (Folkeregister).

• If you leave Norway for more than 6 months (i.e. you emigrate), you must notify Skatteetaten no more than 31 days before departure. Skatteetaten

• Note: Reporting a move abroad doesn’t automatically end your tax liability; it depends on your situation and whether you remain tied to Norway in other ways. Skatteetaten+1