Getting your D-Number – Living with Norwegians

Should you manage to successfully navigate UDI and obtain your resident permit, you’ll next be issued a D number. This is a temporary identification number given to expats. Norwegians citizens themselves use a national ID number for the same purposes as a D number.

Much like a Social Security number in the United States, the D number is your unique identification code. It’s used in many aspects of life in Norway such as obtaining a bank account, renting an apartment, and so on. It’s also used as part of your tax records.

Depending on your situation you might be issued either a D number (typically for stays of less than six months) or a national ID number (if you’re planning to stay longer).

Your D number consists of your birthday (written DD-MM-YY) followed by a code. This is a number you can freely give out when asked for and not something you need to protect or hide. Norway is a country of great transparency, so such information is shared freely.

What is a D-Number?

The D-number is a temporary personal identification number that is issued to individuals in Norway for a specific purpose, particularly when they don’t qualify for or need a full fødselsnummer (national identification number). While a fødselsnummer is typically assigned to Norwegian citizens or permanent residents, a D-number is assigned to temporary residents, foreign workers, or others who require identification for specific reasons.

Purpose of the D-Number

The D-number serves a range of essential functions in Norway:

Employment: Foreign workers who come to Norway to work often require a D-number to be employed legally. It’s a vital component of Norway’s comprehensive tax system, allowing employers to withhold taxes from employees’ salaries.
Banking and Finance: Individuals who need to open a bank account, apply for loans, or conduct financial transactions in Norway but lack a fødselsnummer may be assigned a D-number for these purposes.
Education: Non-resident students who come to Norway to study also use the D-number for enrollment, access to student benefits, and interaction with educational institutions.
Healthcare: The D-number is used for accessing healthcare services in Norway, especially for individuals who are not eligible for the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden).
Immigration: Foreign nationals temporarily residing in Norway may use the D-number as their identifier for various immigration and residency processes.

Format of the D-Number

The D-number follows a specific format: it typically consists of the birthdate of the individual, plus an extra digit (often 4 or 5) to distinguish it from a regular fødselsnummer. For example, if a person’s birthdate is January 1, 1990, their D-number might look like 0101904.

Validity and Duration

The D-number is temporary, and its validity is often linked to the specific purpose for which it was issued. For example, if you receive a D-number for employment, it may remain valid as long as you are working in Norway. It is not a substitute for a permanent fødselsnummer, which is issued to individuals who become long-term residents or citizens of Norway.

Applying for a D-Number

To obtain a D-number, you typically need to follow these steps:

Have a Valid Reason: You must have a valid reason for needing a D-number, such as employment, study, or temporary residence.
Apply with the Tax Authorities: You apply for a D-number through the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). Your employer or educational institution can assist with the application process.
Provide Documentation: You’ll need to provide specific documentation depending on the reason for needing a D-number. This may include a job offer, enrollment confirmation from an educational institution, or proof of temporary residence.
Receive the D-Number: Once your application is approved, you will be issued a D-number, which you can use for your specified purpose in Norway.

In conclusion, the D-number is a valuable tool in Norway’s system for identifying and providing services to individuals who have specific, temporary needs in the country. Whether you’re working, studying, or temporarily residing in Norway, the D-number ensures you can access essential services and benefits while adhering to the country’s comprehensive regulatory framework.