D-number & Personnummer Guide

What is the Difference?

D-number

• A temporary identification number
• Given to people who are not permanent residents
• Starts with a number between 4–7 (first digit + 4)
• Used for tax, banking, and official purposes

Personnummer

• A permanent identification number
• Given to people who will live in Norway for more than 6 months
• 11 digits based on your date of birth
• Required for BankID, Helsenorge, and most official services

Who Gets a D-number?

• Workers staying less than 6 months
• Students
• People waiting for a residence permit
• Anyone needing to interact with Norwegian authorities temporarily

How to Get a D-number

• Automatically: If you have a residence permit or are an asylum seeker
• Via employer: Using form RF-1355
• Via bank/NAV: Using form RF-1450
• Processing time: Approximately 2 weeks after meeting with the police

Important: Inactive D-numbers

• D-numbers older than 5 years become inactive
• You must reactivate it if this happens
• Contact Skatteetaten to reactivate

How to Get a Personnummer

• Register your move to Norway at skatteetaten.no
• You can register online if you have BankID, or in person at a tax office
• Processing time: 2–8 weeks
• Automatically issued if you will live in Norway for more than 6 months

Common Challenge: The Waiting Period

The Issue: Getting a personnummer takes 2–8 weeks. During this time, some employers (especially in retail, hospitality, or entry-level jobs) may hesitate to hire you because of extra paperwork.

Solutions:

• Target experienced employers: Staffing agencies (Adecco, Manpower), international companies, and large employers handle foreign workers regularly
• Apply while you wait: Many employers will hire you knowing your personnummer is coming Show proof of funds: Bring bank statements to Skatteetaten if you don't have a job contract yet
• Use your 3-month window: EU/EEA citizens can stay 3 months to job hunt before needing to register

Reality check: Budget for 1–2 months of living expenses while sorting out paperwork.

How to Register Your Arrival

• Go to skatteetaten.no and register as soon as possible
• EU/EEA citizens must register within 3 months of arriving
• Non-EU/EEA citizens register after receiving their residence permit

What Can You Do With Each?