Send Money Abroad from Norway

Before you can send money from Norway to another country, you need a Norwegian bank account or access to a regulated transfer service. Most Norwegian banks require either a fødselsnummer (national ID number) or a D-number — a temporary ID number issued by Skatteetaten for people not registered as residents.

Online banking applications in Norway are typically signed with BankID. If you do not yet have BankID, some banks allow you to open an account without it. DNB, for example, charges a NOK 650 fee and asks you to visit a branch or submit additional documentation (source: DNB). SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge also accepts customers without BankID from age 18, with a NOK 650 fee and a requirement for a fødselsnummer or D-number plus a foreign tax identification number (TIN) if you hold a D-number (source: SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge).

OBOS-banken charges NOK 1,000 and the process can take up to six weeks. You will need a valid passport, documented income, a reference letter from a bank in English, and — for non-EEA citizens — proof of residence permit (source: OBOS-banken).

There are three main ways to send money abroad from Norway: bank transfers, dedicated money transfer services, and in-person cash services. The right choice depends on the destination country, the amount, and how quickly the recipient needs the funds.

1. Bank International Transfers (IBAN / SWIFT)

Your Norwegian bank can send money to any bank account worldwide using the SWIFT network. For transfers within Europe, you will use an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). You will typically need the recipient's full name, IBAN, the bank's SWIFT/BIC code, and the transfer amount and currency. Bank transfers are reliable and well-regulated by Finanstilsynet, but fees and processing times vary by bank.

2. Online Money Transfer Services

Regulated platforms such as Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit, and Western Union let you send money from Norway online or via an app. These services often show the exchange rate and fee upfront before you confirm. They are authorised under EU/EEA financial regulations and must segregate customer funds.

3. In-Person Cash Services

Western Union and MoneyGram have agent locations in Norway where you can pay in cash and the recipient collects cash abroad. This can be useful if you or the recipient does not have a bank account, but fees tend to be higher for cash-to-cash transfers.

Sending an international payment is straightforward once you have a bank account or an account with a transfer service. Follow these steps:

1. Gather recipient details. You need the recipient's full legal name, their IBAN or account number, and the receiving bank's SWIFT/BIC code. For some services, a phone number or email is enough.
2. Choose your provider. Compare the total cost — flat fee plus exchange-rate markup — across your bank and at least one transfer service. Even a small difference in the exchange rate can add up to a significant sum on larger transfers.
3. Log in and enter the transfer. In your bank's nettbank or the provider's app, select international payment, enter the amount in NOK, and fill in the recipient's details.
4. Confirm the exchange rate and fee. Review the quoted rate against the mid-market rate (available on Norges Bank's website). The gap between the two is the markup you pay.
5. Authenticate with BankID or the provider's verification. Online banking in Norway uses BankID for signing transactions.
6. Save the receipt. Keep the transaction reference and confirmation email. Processing times vary by destination and provider — SEPA transfers within Europe are generally faster than SWIFT transfers to countries outside Europe.

The total cost of sending money abroad has two parts: the flat fee and the exchange-rate markup. Many providers advertise low fees but add a significant markup to the exchange rate. Always check both.

Compare the total amount the recipient receives, not just the fee you pay — the exchange-rate markup is often the biggest cost.

Below is a general comparison framework. Because provider fees change frequently, we recommend checking each provider's website on the day you send. The table uses qualitative ratings based on publicly available information (sist kontrollert oktober 2026).

For example, if your provider's quoted exchange rate differs from the mid-market rate published by Norges Bank, that gap is the markup you pay — and on a large transfer, even a small percentage difference can amount to a meaningful sum on top of any flat fee. Always compare the total cost before confirming.

If you have recently moved to Norway, opening a bank account is the first step toward affordable international transfers. Here is a quick comparison of banks that accept customers without BankID.

A D-number is a temporary ID number from Skatteetaten for people not registered as residents. You can apply for it through your employer or at a tax office. Once you receive a fødselsnummer (after registering as a resident), you can upgrade to full BankID, which makes online banking and transfers much simpler.

Any company offering money transfer services in Norway must be authorised by Finanstilsynet (the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway) or hold a valid licence from another EEA country under passporting rules. Before using a service, check its registration on Finanstilsynet's public register.

Regulated providers must keep customer funds in segregated accounts, separate from the company's own money. They must also comply with anti-money-laundering (AML) rules, which is why you are asked for ID verification and sometimes proof of the source of funds.

Avoid unregulated channels. Sending money through informal networks or unlicensed operators carries the risk of losing your funds with no legal recourse. Stick to your Norwegian bank or a provider you can verify on Finanstilsynet's or an equivalent EEA regulator's website.

Small adjustments can save you hundreds of kroner per transfer. Here are practical tips:

• Send in the recipient's currency. If your recipient has a EUR account, send EUR. Converting twice (NOK → USD → local currency) adds cost.
• Avoid weekend transfers. Banks and some services apply wider exchange-rate spreads on weekends when forex markets are closed.
• Batch your transfers. Sending one larger amount is usually cheaper per krone than several small transfers, because flat fees apply each time.
• Check Norges Bank's daily exchange rates. Norges Bank publishes indicative mid-market rates. Use these as a benchmark to evaluate your provider's quote.
• Use SEPA for European transfers. SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) transfers in EUR to EU/EEA countries are typically faster and cheaper than SWIFT transfers.

Based on common search patterns, many people in Norway send money to India, the Philippines, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and Ukraine. Each destination has its own considerations.

Europe and EEA Countries

Transfers within the EEA in EUR via SEPA are usually the fastest and cheapest option. Your Norwegian bank can process these relatively quickly. Ensure you have the recipient's IBAN and the bank's BIC/SWIFT code.

India, Philippines, and Other Asian Countries

Online transfer services often support direct bank deposits or mobile wallet top-ups in these countries. Delivery times and costs vary by service and corridor. Compare the NOK-to-INR or NOK-to-PHP rate carefully, as markups vary widely.

Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria

Mobile money (such as M-Pesa in Kenya) is a popular receiving method. Several regulated transfer services support sending from Norway directly to a mobile money account. For Nigeria, bank deposits are common. Always verify that the service covers your specific destination corridor.

Ukraine

Bank transfers and card deposits remain available to Ukraine through most regulated services. Check for any temporary restrictions or additional compliance requirements, as these can change.

If you are new to Norway, use this checklist before sending money abroad for the first time:

1. Obtain your D-number or fødselsnummer from Skatteetaten.
2. Open a Norwegian bank account (see the bank comparison table above).
3. Set up BankID once you have a fødselsnummer — this unlocks full online banking.
4. Collect your recipient's IBAN, SWIFT/BIC code, and full legal name.
5. Compare at least two providers: your bank and one online transfer service.
6. Check the provider's Finanstilsynet registration or EEA licence.
7. Review the total cost: flat fee + exchange-rate markup.
8. Keep your receipt and transaction reference number.