Yes, you can open a bank account in Norway, but the process depends on whether you live there
You can open a bank account in Norway if you are a resident, a citizen of another EU or EEA country, or someone with a work visa or residence permit. If you live outside Norway and are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country, most banks will not open an account for you remotely. The easiest path is to open an account in person after you arrive, which takes a few days to a week.
Norwegian banks treat residency as the main dividing line. If you have a Norwegian address and a residence permit or work contract, you meet the basic requirement. If you are moving to Norway and do not yet have these documents, you can often open an account as soon as you arrive with your passport and proof of your job offer or housing arrangement.
Key Takeaways
- EU and EEA citizens can open accounts more easily than non-EU citizens, and most Norwegian banks accept them with just a passport and proof of address.
- Non-EU citizens need a residence permit, work visa, or other official documentation showing they will live in Norway; a job offer letter or rental agreement can help while you wait for the permit.
- Opening an account in person at a branch is faster and more reliable than trying to open remotely, and most banks can complete it within a few days.
- You will need a Norwegian personal identification number (personnummer) for some services, but banks can often issue a temporary number to get you started.
- If you are moving to Norway temporarily or do not plan to live there, some international banks and fintech services may offer accounts, but they have stricter limits and higher fees.
What Norwegian banks require from EU and EEA citizens
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country (which includes all EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway itself), opening an account is straightforward. You need a valid passport or national ID card, proof of a Norwegian address, and usually a phone number. Some banks ask for a utility bill or rental agreement as proof of address; others accept a letter from your employer or landlord.
You do not need a Norwegian personal identification number (personnummer) to open the account, though you will need one later if you want to work, pay taxes, or use certain services. The bank can help you get a temporary number while you explore for a permanent one through the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten).
The major banks that accept EU citizens with minimal documentation include DNB, Nordea, Sparebank 1, and Danske Bank. Each has slightly different requirements, so calling ahead or visiting a branch saves time. Most can open an account the same day or within 24 hours.
What Norwegian banks require from non-EU citizens
If you are not from an EU or EEA country, the process is more involved. Banks require proof that you will live in Norway legally. This means a work visa, residence permit, student visa, or a job offer letter from a Norwegian employer. A rental agreement or letter from your housing provider also helps, but it is not enough on its own.
You will need a passport valid for at least six months, and many banks ask for a Norwegian personal identification number. If you do not have one yet, bring your visa or work permit and ask the bank to help you explore. The process can take a few weeks, so some banks will issue a temporary account number to let you start using the account while you wait.
Non-EU citizens should contact the bank before arriving in Norway. Call or email the international desk and explain your situation — your visa type, your job, and when you arrive. Some banks have faster processes for people with job offers from large employers. DNB and Nordea both have English-language support lines for this.
Opening an account in person versus remotely
Opening an account in person at a Norwegian bank branch is almost always faster and more reliable than trying to open remotely. When you visit a branch with your documents, staff can verify everything on the spot, answer questions about Norwegian banking rules, and often issue a temporary account number the same day. You can usually start using the account within 24 hours.
Remote account opening is possible for some EU citizens through online banking platforms, but it requires a video call with the bank to verify your identity. This process can take several days and sometimes fails if the bank cannot confirm your address or if there are questions about your documents. Non-EU citizens are rarely able to open accounts remotely at all.
If you are moving to Norway, plan to open your account in person during your first week. Bring your passport, proof of address (rental agreement, job offer, or letter from your employer), and your visa or residence permit if you have it. Most branches are open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and do not require an appointment.
Getting a Norwegian personal identification number
A personnummer is a 11-digit identification number that Norway assigns to everyone who lives there. You need it to work, pay taxes, open a bank account fully, and use most government services. If you are moving to Norway, you should explore for one as soon as you arrive.
You explore through the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) in person at a local tax office or by mail. You need your passport, proof of your Norwegian address, and proof of your right to live in Norway (work contract, residence permit, or student visa). The process usually takes two to four weeks. While you wait, the bank can issue a temporary account number so you can receive your salary or make transfers.
EU citizens can explore at any tax office; non-EU citizens must explore at the tax office in the municipality where they live. If you are unsure which office covers your address, the Skatteetaten website has a search tool, or you can call their helpline.
Banks that serve foreigners and what they offer
The largest Norwegian banks — DNB, Nordea, Sparebank 1, and Danske Bank — all serve foreign residents and have English-speaking staff at many branches. DNB is the largest and has the most branches nationwide. Nordea has strong ties to other Scandinavian countries and is often easier for people moving from Sweden, Denmark, or Finland.
Smaller regional banks (Sparebank 1 has many local branches) sometimes have stricter rules for non-residents but may be faster if you are opening an account in a smaller city. Online-only banks like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut offer accounts that non-residents can sometimes open, but they have limits on what you can do and charge higher fees for some services.
If you are staying in Norway temporarily or do not plan to live there long-term, an international fintech account may be easier than a traditional bank. However, you will not be able to use it for a Norwegian salary, and some Norwegian services will not accept it. For anyone planning to stay more than a few months, a regular bank account is worth the extra effort.
What happens if you cannot open an account right away
If you arrive in Norway without a residence permit or work visa yet, you have a few options. Some banks will open a temporary account with just a job offer letter and your passport, especially if your employer is large or well-known. Others will ask you to come back once your permit arrives. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks.
While you wait, you can receive money through your employer's payroll system or through international transfer services like Wise, which do not require a Norwegian account. You can also ask your employer if they can advance you cash or help you open an account — many large companies have relationships with banks and can speed up the process.
If you are stuck, contact the bank's international or relocation desk directly. Explain your situation and ask what documents they will accept. Being proactive and calling ahead is much faster than showing up at a branch and being turned away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Norwegian personal number to open a bank account?
No, but you will need one eventually. Most banks can open an account with just a passport and proof of address, and they can help you explore for a personal number afterward. Some banks issue a temporary account number while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.
Can I open a Norwegian bank account from outside Norway before I move?
It depends on your citizenship. EU citizens can sometimes open accounts remotely through video verification, though it takes longer. Non-EU citizens almost always have to open in person after they arrive. Calling the bank's international desk before you move is the fastest way to find out what they will accept.
What if my employer has not given me a job contract yet, only an offer letter?
Most banks will accept a job offer letter as proof that you will live in Norway, especially if it includes a start date and your salary. Bring it with your passport and any other documents you have. If one bank turns you down, try another — policies vary.
How long does it take to open a bank account in Norway?
In person at a branch, usually the same day or within 24 hours. Remotely, it can take three to five business days. Getting a permanent personal number takes two to four weeks, but you can use a temporary account number in the meantime.
Can I use an international bank account instead of opening a Norwegian one?
You can, but it is not ideal. Norwegian employers, landlords, and government agencies expect a Norwegian account number. International accounts often have higher fees and lower limits. If you are staying more than a few months, a Norwegian bank account will save you money and make life simpler.