Norwegian visa resources
After you arrive in Norway
Once granted, you order/collect your residence card, get registered with the Tax Administration for a D-number or national ID number, and confirm your address.
Important
After a residence permit is granted, the key steps centre on the residence card and on being correctly registered in Norway. The residence card is a credit-card-sized plastic card proving you hold a permit; if you gave biometrics abroad, you typically arrange the card after arrival by meeting the police in Norway. UDI generally sends the card by post, and it is usually valid for the same period as your permit.
When you meet the police to order the card, UDI notifies the Norwegian Tax Administration that you have a permit. The Tax Administration then decides whether you receive a national identity number (fødselsnummer) or a D-number, and sends this to you by letter. Keeping your registered address up to date is important, as it feeds into the National Population Register (Folkeregister).
The residence card
- It proves your permit and, with your passport, supports travel within the Schengen area
- It is normally posted to you; if it does not arrive, contact the police office where you applied
- Order a replacement in good time before the card expires
Registration and identity numbers
- Meeting the police triggers notification to the Tax Administration
- You will receive either a national identity number or a D-number by letter
- Tell the police of any change of address so the National Population Register is correct
- EU/EEA citizens follow the separate EU/EEA registration process instead
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.