D-nummer and personnummer in Norway - how are they different and how can you get them?
In Norway, an identity number is needed for work, taxes, a bank account, contact with public authorities, and logging in to digital services. You will come across two names: D-nummer and personnummer. In practice, it is also worth knowing the formal name fødselsnummer.
In this article, we explain how D-nummer (a temporary Norwegian identity number for people with a connection to Norway) differs from fødselsnummer (the Norwegian identity number of a person registered as living in Norway) and how to obtain them step by step.
D-nummer, fødselsnummer and personnummer - basic concepts
There are two main identity numbers for people in Norway:
- fødselsnummer - an 11-digit Norwegian identity number assigned, among others, to people born in Norway and to people whose move to Norway has been approved in Folkeregisteret (the Norwegian National Population Register),
- D-nummer - an 11-digit identity number for people who have a case or connection with Norway, but do not meet the conditions for a fødselsnummer.
In everyday language, many Poles use personnummer to refer to the entire Norwegian personal number. Interestingly, formally personnummer means the last five digits of a fødselsnummer. The full 11-digit number is fødselsnummer. In this article, we use the formal distinction, but we know that in practice the question "how do I get a personnummer?" usually means "how do I get a fødselsnummer?" :)
Both numbers have 11 digits. For a D-nummer, the first 6 digits refer to the date of birth, but the first digit is increased by 4. Example: a person born on 01.01.1985 may have a D-nummer starting with 410185.
You can find the legal basis for assigning numbers in folkeregisterloven § 2-2.
The most important practical differences
Simply put: D-nummer is for people who need a Norwegian number for a specific matter, for example temporary work in Norway, while fødselsnummer is linked to registration as a resident of Norway in Folkeregisteret on a permanent basis.
| Feature | D-nummer | Fødselsnummer, commonly called personnummer |
|---|---|---|
| Number of digits | 11 | 11 |
| For whom | For a person with a connection to Norway who does not qualify for a fødselsnummer | For a person registered as living in Norway permanently or born in Norway |
| Typical situations | Work for a few months, taxes, a role in a company, property | Moving to Norway for at least 6 months and approval of the move notification |
| Status in Folkeregisteret | Does not mean registration as a resident | Means registration as a resident if the number was assigned after move approval |
| Validity | After 5 years the number becomes inactive, reactivation is required | As a rule, it stays with the person for life |
| Digital access | May be enough for MinID and many services | Provides a fuller basis for services requiring fødselsnummer or a higher level of identification |
| Tax residence | The number alone does not determine it | The number alone does not determine it |
Important: simply having a D-nummer or fødselsnummer does not determine tax residence. Tax residence depends, among other things, on the length of stay. Staying in Norway for more than 183 days within 12 months or more than 270 days within 36 months may mean tax residence in Norway.
How do you get a D-nummer?
A D-nummer is assigned when a Norwegian institution or company needs your identity number to handle a specific matter. As a rule, a private individual cannot apply for a D-nummer just to "have a number".
A D-nummer may be ordered, among others, during:
- employment in a Norwegian company,
- work on assignment in Norway,
- company registration in Norway,
- property-related matters.
D-nummer for work in Norway
If you are coming to Norway for work and do not yet have a Norwegian identity number, in practice you start with a tax matter: you need a skattekort (tax card). Most foreign workers then need a D-nummer or a fødselsnummer.
The procedure usually looks like this:
The form mentioned above is used to obtain a tax card for a foreign employee. If a D-nummer is needed during this procedure, it will be assigned in connection with the tax matter.
The employer may apply for a tax card on behalf of the employee, but the employee must complete the required identity check. The employer retrieves the finished skattekort electronically.
Documents for D-nummer and ID check
For citizens of the EU/EEA/EFTA, including Poles, the basic document for ID-kontroll (identity check) is:
- passport, or
- national identity card with a photo and information about citizenship and sex.
In situations where a D-nummer is ordered by an authorized institution without your personal visit, a certified copy of the document is usually required. Such a copy must, among other things, be in color, include both the front and back of the document, have a signature, stamp and date of certification, and be no older than 3 months.
Inactive D-nummer after 5 years
After 5 years from being assigned, a D-nummer receives the status inactive. The number does not disappear and is not deleted, but some institutions require an active status. This applies, for example, when a new skattekort is issued.
If you have had a D-nummer for 5 years or longer and want to work in Norway, you usually need to go through a new ID check. If you already have a skattekort for a given year, you can use it until the end of the year. Reactivation will be needed to obtain a new skattekort for the following year.
How do you get a fødselsnummer, that is, a personnummer in everyday language?
You receive a fødselsnummer when your move to Norway is approved in Folkeregisteret. There is no separate "application for a personnummer" as an independent matter. You submit a notification of moving to Norway, and the number is assigned after the notification is approved.
What needs to be documented when moving?
When submitting the move notification, you must go through ID check and show documentation that your stay in Norway will last at least 6 months. In practice, this may include:
| Type of documentation | Examples |
|---|---|
| Housing | A lease agreement for at least 6 months or written confirmation from the landlord |
| Work | An employment contract for at least 6 months or an assignment confirmation from the employer |
| Variable working hours | Work schedules or timesheets |
| Studies | Documentation of studies lasting at least 6 months |
If you already have a D-nummer and plan to stay in Norway for at least 6 months, you should report your move to Norway.
What does the number give you in taxes, NAV and digital services?
A Norwegian identity number is needed for many practical matters, but the number alone does not automatically grant all rights.
| Area | What D-nummer or fødselsnummer means |
|---|---|
| Taxes | The number allows tax matters to be handled, including skattekort. Without a skattekort, the employer deducts 50% advance tax |
| NAV | The number alone does not automatically grant benefits. The conditions for the specific benefit, lawful residence and membership in the Norwegian social security system matter |
| e-ID and Altinn | To get e-ID, you need a D-nummer or fødselsnummer. After receiving a D-nummer, you can usually set up MinID and log in to many services |
| Banking and private services | Some banks and companies may require additional identity verification or a fødselsnummer |
If you work in Norway and are considering PAYE, you will find more practical information in the article 25% withholding tax (PAYE) - who does it suit? Key information. Just remember that tax advances withheld during the year and the final tax settlement are different matters. PAYE works differently from standard tax rules, and choosing the system affects, among other things, the ability to claim deductions.
Do not share your e-ID, passwords or identity number with your employer, friends or family. Electronic access allows official matters to be handled on your behalf, so handing it over creates a real risk of identity misuse.
FAQ - frequently asked questions
Summary
- D-nummer is for people who have a case or connection with Norway, but are not registered as residents of Norway.
- Fødselsnummer, commonly called personnummer, is received after your notification of moving to Norway is approved, usually for a stay of at least 6 months.
- When working in Norway, you need a skattekort. Without it, the employer must deduct 50% advance tax.
- A D-nummer becomes inactive after 5 years and, if necessary, must be reactivated through an ID check or an authorized institution.
If you need help obtaining a D-nummer or fødselsnummer, call us at: +47 21 38 38 21. We help Poles in Norway get their formalities in order after arrival.
Article author: Marcin - marcin@efirma.no
