Bank Account Norway Foreigners: How to Open One Step by Step

Every bank in Norway must verify your identity under anti-money-laundering rules. That means you need two things before you walk into a branch: a valid passport and a Norwegian identification number.

A D-number is a temporary ID number issued by Skatteetaten (the Norwegian Tax Administration) for people who are not registered as permanent residents. If you are staying longer and are registered in the National Population Register, you receive a fødselsnummer instead. Most banks accept either, but a fødselsnummer unlocks more services — including BankID.

If you are a non-EEA citizen, you will also need proof of your residence permit (oppholdstillatelse). However, note that several banks, such as SpareBank 1 Nordmøre, explicitly state that an oppholdskort alone is not valid identification — you must bring your passport.

A D-number is the first step for most foreigners opening a bank account in Norway. You can receive one by registering with Skatteetaten, either through your employer or by visiting a tax office (skattekontor) in person.

1. Your employer submits a request to Skatteetaten on your behalf, or you apply directly at a tax office with your passport and employment contract or other documentation.
2. Skatteetaten processes the application and issues a D-number.
3. You receive a letter with your D-number at your registered Norwegian address.

Once you have the D-number, you can approach a bank. Keep in mind that some banks also ask for a foreign tax identification number (TIN) if you hold only a D-number — SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge states this requirement on their website.

The exact process varies by bank, but the core steps are the same across Norway.

1. Gather documents: Valid passport, D-number or fødselsnummer, proof of address in Norway, and — for non-EEA citizens — your residence permit.
2. Choose a bank: Compare fees, branch locations, and whether the bank accepts customers without BankID (see comparison table below).
3. Start the application: Some banks let you begin online; others require you to book an appointment at a branch for ID verification.
4. Attend ID verification: Bring originals of all documents. The bank photographs or scans them.
5. Wait for confirmation: Processing times vary — DNB states you will receive an email within two weeks, while OBOS-banken states the process can take up to six weeks.
6. Receive your debit card: SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge states cards arrive within approximately 16 days after signing.
7. Set up online banking: If you have BankID, activate full digital access. Without BankID, you use a limited login.

Tip for newcomers: start the D-number process as soon as you arrive — every week you wait delays your bank account.

Not every Norwegian bank makes it easy for foreigners without BankID. Below is a comparison of banks that explicitly offer account opening without BankID, based on information from their websites (last verified October 2026).

Sbanken (part of DNB) requires BankID to become a customer, so it is not an option for newcomers who have not yet obtained a fødselsnummer and BankID.

As you can see, DNB and SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge offer the most straightforward process for foreigners, both at a fee of NOK 650. OBOS-banken has the most extensive documentation requirements and the longest stated wait — up to six weeks — but may suit those who already bank with OBOS for housing reasons.

BankID is Norway's electronic identification system, and you need it for online banking, signing loan applications, accessing public services, and more. However, BankID requires a Norwegian fødselsnummer — a D-number alone is not enough.

Once you have a fødselsnummer (typically after registering as a resident with Skatteetaten and the National Population Register), you can request BankID through your bank. The bank verifies your identity in person, and you receive BankID credentials.

Until you have BankID, you will use a limited "without BankID" login for your bank account. This means you can check balances and make transfers, but you cannot sign digital contracts or access services that require BankID.

Can I open a bank account in Norway without BankID?

Yes. As shown in the table above, DNB, several SpareBank 1 branches, and OBOS-banken all accept customers without BankID. You will have reduced digital functionality until you upgrade to BankID with a fødselsnummer.

Once your account is active, several essential Norwegian services become available to you.

• Vipps: Norway's widely used mobile payment app. Requires BankID.
• eFaktura: Digital invoices sent directly to your online bank.
• Avtalegiro: Automatic direct debit for recurring bills.
• Contactless payment (kontaktløs betaling): Tap your Norwegian debit card at terminals once you receive your card.

If you plan to apply for a loan in Norway later, be aware that online loan applications are signed with BankID and most lenders require a fødselsnummer. Norwegian lending rules (utlånsforskriften) state that total debt may not exceed five times your gross annual income. Unsecured consumer debt is registered in Gjeldsregisteret (operational since 2019), which banks check before granting credit.

The biggest delay is usually waiting for your D-number or fødselsnummer. Here is a checklist to move things along:

• Apply for your D-number or fødselsnummer at Skatteetaten as soon as you arrive — do not wait until you need the bank account.
• Choose a bank with a branch near you and book an appointment in advance.
• Bring all documents to your first visit: passport, ID number, proof of address, employment contract, and — if required — a reference letter from your home bank in English.
• Ask the bank upfront whether they charge a setup fee and how long the process takes.
• If you are from outside the EU/EEA, have your residence permit (oppholdstillatelse) ready — not just your oppholdskort.

Following this checklist and having all documents ready can help reduce unnecessary delays in the process.

Once your Norwegian bank account is active, you may want to send money abroad or receive transfers from family. Norwegian banks offer international transfers via IBAN and SWIFT, but fees and exchange-rate markups vary.

For better rates, many newcomers use regulated money-transfer services. Compare the exchange-rate markup and any flat fee before choosing a provider. Always use services that are regulated by a financial authority (such as Finanstilsynet in Norway or equivalent in the provider's home country).

Receiving money into your Norwegian account is straightforward: share your IBAN and the bank's SWIFT/BIC code with the sender.