Moving to Norway from the UK after Brexit

If you are planning on Moving to Norway from the UK , or any other European country then the information below will help you with the formalities of moving and then Living in Norway. Moving to Norway after Brexit involves navigating new rules and regulations as the UK has formally left the European Union. While Norway is not an EU member, it is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing for certain agreements and simplified processes for EU citizens. UK nationals looking to relocate to Norway post-Brexit need to adhere to the country's immigration and residency requirements, which may involve obtaining a residence permit. Understanding healthcare coverage, securing employment, and addressing any potential language barriers are essential aspects to consider. Staying informed about the evolving post-Brexit landscape and seeking guidance from relevant authorities or professional relocation services can help facilitate a smoother transition to life in Norway.

Visas and residency for moving to Norway

Click here to Check on the entry requirements for Norway.

If your Moving to Norway then You must register your intention to live in Norway with the Norwegian Immigration Directorate (UDI) and apply for a residence permit (oppholdstillatelse).

You can read the Norwegian Tax Administration’s guidance on how to register.

Norwegian ID number (residency number)

Everyone on the Norwegian National Population Registry (Folkeregisteret) is assigned a national identity number.

This is an 11-digit personal identifier. The last 5 digits are called a ‘personal number’.

Most public and private sector organisations require you to have a Norwegian identity number so you can access their services. You need it to open a bank account, register with a GP (fastlege), and pay taxes.

Visas and residency if you were living in Norway before 1 January 2021

If you applied for your new residence card (oppholdskort) before the 31st December 2021, then your rights are protected by the UK – EEA EFTA Separation Agreement pending a decision on your application. You should continue and complete the process to get your new residence card as soon as possible to get things finalised.

Dual UK-Norwegian nationals will not need to apply for a residence card.

You must renew your residence card (oppholdskort) when it expires or it will be invalid.

If you have not had a response to your residence card (oppholdskort) application, contact UDI and provide your application reference number if you have one and chase them up.

Appeal process if you are refused

If your application is refused, then you will be notified about the appeal process.

You can read the Norwegian government advice on how to appeal a residency decision.

If your appeal is unsuccessful, you will have to either apply for another residence permit or leave Norway by the deadline that the UDI gives you.

If you are not eligible to apply for residence under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement, you may be able to apply for residence as a third country national on other grounds. You should contact UDI for more information about alternative residence permits.

Late applications for Living in Norway

The deadline for applying for a new residence status was 31 December 2021. You can still apply if you have reasonable grounds for missing it. Applications will be considered on an individual basis.

You should apply as soon as possible. Contact UDI to find out how to apply.

Family members

Your close family members continue to be able to join you and settle in Norway at any time in the future if you have residency.

Find more information on who this applies to in the Living in Europe guidance.

You can read the Norwegian government guidance on how to apply as a family member.

Passports and travel to Norway

You can check the Norwegian travel advice for passport validity requirements.

You must always carry your passport when travelling within the Schengen area.

If you have citizenship of an EU or EFTA country, in addition to your British citizenship, you should enter and leave Norway using your EU or EFTA passport.

If you stay in Norway with a Norwegian residence permit or a long stay visa, this time does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If you visit other Schengen area countries outside Norway, you must make sure you that you do not exceed the visa-free 90 days in any 180-day period. You are responsible for counting how long you stay under the Schengen visa waiver, and you must comply with its conditions.

If you were living in Norway before 1 January 2021

When you travel, carry your residence card (oppholdskort) or frontier worker permit issued under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement, in addition to your valid passport.

You must proactively show your residence card, or other evidence of residence status, if you are asked to show your passport at border control. Until you receive your new residence card, you should show one of the approved documents to prove that you are a resident in Norway.

This can be the application receipt or:

• receipt for registration under the registration scheme for EEA nationals, dated before 1 January 2021
• certificate of application under sections 19-33 to 19-35 of the Immigration Regulations
• registration certificate or proof of permanent residence issued under the registration scheme for EEA nationals
• residence certificate from the National Population Register (bostedsattest)

You can order residence certificates from the Norwegian Tax Administration.

If you cannot prove that you are a resident in Norway, you may be asked additional questions at the border to enter the Schengen area. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. This will not affect your rights in the country or countries where you live or work. If a passport is stamped, the stamp is considered null and void when you can show evidence of lawful residence.

Working in Norway

If you are planning to move to Norway and work, you may need a visa. Norway has a quota for work permits.

You can read the Norwegian government’s guidance on working in Norway as a foreign national and how to get a visa.

To apply for a job you may need to provide a UK police certificate.

You can read working or providing services in Norway.

If you were living in Norway before 1 January 2021

You have the right to work under the UK-EEA EFTA Separation Agreement if you have an ‘oppholdskort’ residence document, or have applied for one.

If you live in Norway and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or EFTA country before 1 January 2021, read our guidance for frontier workers.

If you are working in Norway as a posted or detached worker, you need a work permit to continue working in Norway. Read UDI’s guidance on permits for posted workers.

More info on Moving to Norway

You can visit the Norwegian government site for more info on moving to Norway.