BankID & Banking Guide
What is BankID?
BankID is Norway's most used electronic ID. It is required for almost everything in Norway:
- Filing taxes
- Logging into NAV, Helsenorge, Skatteetaten
- Signing contracts
- Online shopping
- Identifying yourself digitally
Without BankID, life in Norway is very difficult.
Getting a Bank Account
With Personnummer
- Most banks will open an account for you
- Bring your passport and personnummer
- Processing time: Same day to 1–2 weeks
With D-number Only
- Most banks require a personnummer
- Some exceptions:
- DNB: May accept D-number in certain cases
- Nordea: May accept D-number in certain cases
- This is generally difficult – try to get a personnummer first
Alternative Banks (No Norwegian ID Required)
- Revolut: Works in Norway, no Norwegian ID needed
- Wise: Good for international transfers, not a full bank account
- N26: Available for some
- Important: These do NOT give you BankID
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Residence permit (if applicable)
- D-number or personnummer
- Proof of address in Norway
Getting BankID
Requirements
- You must have a Norwegian bank account
- You must have a D-number or personnummer
How to Get It
- Open a bank account at a Norwegian bank
- Ask for Mobile BankID (recommended)
- The bank will set it up for you in the branch
- Processing time: Immediate to a few days
BankID on Card (being phased out)
- The old physical code card is being phased out
- Use Mobile BankID instead
What You Need BankID For
| Service | BankID Required |
|---|---|
| Skatteetaten (tax) | ✅ |
| NAV (benefits) | ✅ |
| Helsenorge (health) | ✅ |
| Altinn (government) | ✅ |
| Signing contracts | ✅ |
| Most Norwegian apps | ✅ |
Tips
- Get a bank account and BankID as soon as you have your personnummer
- Mobile BankID is the most convenient option
- Without BankID you cannot file taxes, book a GP, or access most public services online