Opening a bank account should be one of your top priorities upon arrival in Norway, especially if your stay exceeds six months.
How to open a bank account
Timeline: 2-6 weeks
In Norway, anyone can open a deposit account and use the bank’s payment system. Wage earners must usually open a salary account/current account into which their salary is paid. There are also other types of accounts, e.g. various types of savings accounts or investment accounts with varying interest rates depending on the amount deposited contact your bank of choice for more information.
To open a bank account in Norway you need a national identity number (permanent or temporary). Note that the case processing time for national identity numbers is about two weeks, provided you have completed the EU/EEA registration or visa/residence permit process. Call your bank of choice and to book an apointment then bring the following documents to the branch of the bank you wish to open an account:
- National ID-number or D-number
- Passport
- Passport photo
- Employment contract
Choosing a bank
These banks have websites and services in English:
Common banking services
Banking systems in Norway offer a large array of digital, online, and mobile services.
Online banking
Online banking is the easiest way to transfer money and pay bills and is therefore recommended.
Debit card
Banks offer either an ordinary magnetic-stripe and chip debit cards that can be used at any Cashpoint (ATM) or point of sale terminal in the country, or you will be offered an international debit card, such as Visa.
FINANSPORTALEN
How to transferring money abroad:
Debit cards also serves as an identity card in Norway, as long as it has your photograph, National ID-number and signature printed on it.
Credit card
Most banks also offer a credit card, such as MasterCard or Visa.
Transferring money abroad
Transferring money abroad online banking is the easiest way to transfer money to a foreign bank account. However, you may also use money transfer companies or banks.
Prices vary. The Norwegian Consumer Council financial services portal offers the online service finansportalen that helps you find the best way to send money from Norway to other countries.
Checks
Checks are seldom used in Norway and most banks have limited services related to checks. If your bank does not write or cash checks, you can try the Post Office (in Norwegian).