What you need to know before you try
Yes, you can open a bank account in Norway, but the process and your options depend on whether you are a resident, a citizen of another EU/EEA country, or a citizen of a country outside that group. Norwegian banks require proof of identity, a Norwegian address, and usually a Norwegian personal identification number (personnummer). If you do not yet have a personnummer, you will need to register with the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) first — this is a separate step from opening the account.
The timeline varies. If you already have a personnummer and a Norwegian address, opening an account can take a few days to a week. If you need to obtain a personnummer first, add two to four weeks to that timeline. Some banks will not open an account for non-residents at all, so your options narrow depending on your immigration status.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a Norwegian personal identification number (personnummer) before most banks will open an account; obtain this from Skatteetaten if you do not already have one.
- You need a Norwegian address, a valid passport or national ID, and proof of residence (such as a rental contract or utility bill) to open an account.
- EU/EEA citizens can open accounts more easily than citizens of other countries, and some banks refuse non-residents entirely.
- The major banks (DNB, Nordea, Sparebank1, and Santander) have different requirements; checking their websites or calling ahead saves time.
- If you are moving to Norway for work or study, your employer or educational institution may help you navigate the process or recommend a specific bank.
Getting a Norwegian personal identification number first
Most Norwegian banks will not open an account without a personnummer (personal identification number). If you are moving to Norway to live, work, or study for more than six months, you must register with Skatteteaten to receive one. You can start this process before you arrive or immediately after you land.
To register, you will need your passport, proof of your Norwegian address (a rental contract, a letter from your employer confirming housing, or a statement from the person whose address you are using), and a completed registration form. You can submit these documents in person at a Skatteteaten office, by mail, or through their online portal if you have a Norwegian bank ID (which creates a chicken-and-egg problem if you are just arriving). Many people submit documents by mail or visit an office in person.
Processing takes two to four weeks. Once you receive your personnummer, you can proceed to open a bank account. If you are staying for fewer than six months, you may not be issued a personnummer, which limits your banking options significantly — some banks will refuse you outright.
Documents and information you will need to bring
Have these items ready before you visit a bank or start an online application:
- A valid passport or national ID card
- Your Norwegian personnummer (or proof that you have applied for one)
- Proof of a Norwegian address: a signed rental contract, a utility bill, or a letter from the person whose address you are using, dated within the last three months
- Proof of income or employment (a job offer letter, an employment contract, or a university acceptance letter), depending on the bank
- Your tax identification number from your home country, if requested
Some banks also ask for a reference from a previous bank or financial institution, especially if you are not an EU/EEA citizen. If you cannot provide one, explain your situation — many banks will proceed without it if you are relocating from outside Europe.
Which banks accept foreign residents and non-residents
The four largest banks in Norway are DNB, Nordea, Sparebank1, and Santander. DNB and Nordea have the most branches and online services, but their policies on non-residents vary by location and change periodically.
DNB generally requires a Norwegian personnummer and address. They accept EU/EEA citizens more readily than others. Non-residents may be refused unless they have a job offer or are enrolled in a Norwegian educational program.
Nordea has similar requirements but sometimes offers accounts to non-residents if they maintain a minimum balance or have a Norwegian employer. Their online application process is straightforward if you meet their criteria.
Sparebank1 is a network of regional banks with varying policies. Some regional branches are stricter than others. Contact your local branch directly before applying.
Santander (formerly Fokus Bank) has been more open to non-residents in the past, but this has tightened. Check their current policy on their website.
Smaller online banks and fintech services may have different rules. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut offer accounts to non-residents without a Norwegian personnummer, though these are not traditional bank accounts and have limits on what you can do with them. They work well for receiving international transfers or holding multiple currencies, but not for all banking needs.
The application process: in-person versus online
Most major banks offer both in-person and online applications. In-person is often faster if you have all documents ready — you can walk out with a debit card the same day or within a few days. Online applications take longer because the bank must verify your identity remotely, which can add a week or more.
If you apply online, you will upload scans of your passport, personnummer, and proof of address. The bank will contact you if they need clarification or additional documents. Some banks use video verification, where you show your ID to a representative on a video call.
In-person applications require you to visit a branch during business hours. Bring originals of all documents. The staff will make copies and may ask questions about your employment, income, and the purpose of the account. This conversation is routine and helps the bank comply with anti-money-laundering rules.
What happens after you open the account
Once approved, you will receive a debit card (usually within five to ten business days), online banking credentials, and a Norwegian IBAN number for receiving transfers. Your IBAN starts with "NO" and is 15 digits long. You will use this for direct deposits from your employer, receiving payments from abroad, and setting up bill payments.
Most Norwegian banks charge a monthly fee for a basic account, typically between 50 and 150 Norwegian krone (roughly 5 to 15 USD, though rates vary). Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up a salary deposit. Ask about this when you open the account.
You can set up online banking immediately. Norwegian banks use a two-factor authentication system called BankID, which is a digital ID tied to your personnummer. You will need to activate this to access your account online and make transfers. Your bank will guide you through this process.
If a bank refuses you
If you are refused by traditional banks, your options are limited but not zero. Fintech services like Wise and Revolut let you hold money and receive transfers without a Norwegian personnummer, though they are not full bank accounts. You can also ask your employer or educational institution whether they have a partnership with a specific bank that might be more flexible.
If you are staying long-term, persistence helps. Some people are refused initially but approved after they have been in Norway for a few months and can provide additional proof of residence or employment. You can reapply after a reasonable interval — usually three to six months.
Another option is to open an account in your home country that accepts international transfers, then use that account to receive your Norwegian salary while you work on opening a local account. This is not ideal but keeps you functional while you navigate the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Norwegian personnummer before I can open an account?
Most banks require one, yes. If you are moving to Norway to live for more than six months, register with Skatteteaten as soon as you have a Norwegian address. If you are staying shorter-term, you may be refused by traditional banks, though fintech services may accept you without one.
Can I open an account online if I am outside Norway?
Some banks allow online applications from abroad, but you will still need a Norwegian address and personnummer. A few fintech services accept applications from outside Norway without these, but they offer limited functionality compared to a full bank account.
How long does it take to get a personnummer?
Two to four weeks if you submit documents by mail or in person. Processing is faster if you submit through Skatteteaten's online portal, but you need a Norwegian bank ID to use it — another catch-22 for newcomers. Many people submit by mail and receive their number within three weeks.
What if my employer or school will help me open an account?
Take them up on it. Many employers and universities have relationships with specific banks and can fast-track the process or provide letters confirming your status, which banks view favorably. This can reduce the timeline by a week or more.
Can I use a temporary address to open an account?
Banks prefer a permanent address, but a temporary one (like a hostel or Airbnb) may work if you also provide a letter from your employer or school confirming your move to Norway. Be honest about whether the address is temporary — banks will ask, and misrepresenting it can cause problems later.