1. Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
→ Before arrival
Before you can start working at UiB, you must apply for a residence permit as a skilled worker. This means completing an online application through UDI's portal, and submitting your documents to a Norwegian embassy, consulate or visa application centre. In most cases, you must apply from your home country.
Once your application is approved, you'll receive a decision letter from UDI. Send a copy of the full decision letter to your local HR contact right away, as UiB needs it to confirm your right to work and issue your employment contract.
If your spouse, partner, or children are joining you, we recommend they apply at the same time as you, since applications submitted together are normally processed together.
2. Police
→ Upon arrival
Once your application is approved, you can book an appointment with the police. This appointment has to take place within the first eight days of your arrival in Norway. The police will verify your identity, register your move to Norway, and take your photograph for your residence card.
Afterwards, your Norwegian ID number and residence card will be sent to you by post. Make sure your name is on your mailbox, as otherwise your card will not be delivered.
You will also receive another letter from the Tax Administration, which will have your Norwegian ID number.
3. Electronic ID (MinID or BankID)
→ After arrival, once you have your ID number
Most public services in Norway are accessed online, including the next step in the process. Once you receive your Norwegian ID number, you can obtain an electronic ID (e-ID). This allows you to log in to the Tax Administration and other public authorities.
There are two main e-ID options: BankID (external link)and MinID (external link). Since you do not yet have a Norwegian bank account, MinID is the most suitable option for now. You can apply for BankID later, once you have a bank account. BankID is generally considered more secure and is the most widely used e-ID in Norway.
4. Norwegian Tax Administration
→ After arrival, once you have your electronic ID
Once your MinID account is active, log in to the Tax Administration and apply for your tax card. You'll need your employment contract to complete this. This step is entirely online; there's no in-person appointment.
Important: if your tax card isn't issued by the time you receive your first salary payment, UiB is required by law to deduct 50% tax from your pay.
5. UiB's Service Centre for Salary, Travel and Absence
→ After arrival, once you have your ID number
Send your ID number to the Service Centre for Salary, Travel and Absence as soon as you receive it, even if you haven't applied for your tax card yet; it will be retrieved automatically by the payroll system once it's settled.