What is the permanent personal number (Fødselsnummer)?
The permanent personal number is an 11-digit code assigned by the Norwegian authorities to every person residing in the country. It consists of the date of birth, a serial number, and two check digits, making it unique for each resident.
What is the temporary personal number (D-nummer)?
The D-nummer is a temporary identification number awarded in Norway to individuals who do not have a permanent personal number (fødselsnummer) but need an identifier for reasons such as work, taxes, or other bureaucratic requirements. Holding a temporary personal number (D-nummer), you cannot apply for a loan in Norway. Read more about this in this article.
What benefits does the permanent personal number provide in Norway?
Drawing on knowledge from specialists at MultiNOR, we can list the following benefits of having a permanent personal number:
- The ability to obtain BankID – by logging in with BankID, you can sign documents, applications, log into official websites, and sign a loan application.
- The opportunity to apply for a loan in Norway and build creditworthiness – individuals with a permanent personal number can apply for a loan in Norway and thus build their creditworthiness. Remember, after changing from a temporary to a permanent number, your tax settlement history on portals such as Bisnode (Dun & Bradstreet) or Experian will be empty. To have banks reviewing your creditworthiness see settlements from previous years, you need to contact Bisnode/Experian and ask for data update and transferring the information from the temporary number account to the permanent personal number account. You can check this for free at GjeldsMonitor.
- The permanent personal number does not need to be renewed – the permanent personal number is assigned once for a lifetime. It cannot be terminated and does not need to be renewed. The D-nummer, however, must be renewed in person at a Skatteetaten office every 5 years.
- The ability to purchase a parking subscription in the city of residence – only people permanently registered in Norway, that is, individuals with a permanent personal number, can purchase a parking subscription at their place of residence.
- More offers for car insurance
- The possibility to assign a general practitioner (fastlege) in Helfo
Why is the permanent personal number important for creditworthiness?
Having a permanent personal number is the first step towards building a credit history in Norway. Norwegian banks have access to a central credit registry where all financial obligations are recorded. With a permanent personal number, financial institutions can easily check your credit history, which is crucial for assessing creditworthiness.
Individuals with a good credit history have the chance for more favorable loan conditions, lower interest rates, and a faster loan approval process.
How to obtain a permanent personal number?
The process of obtaining a permanent personal number begins with scheduling an appointment at the Norwegian Tax Office (Skatteetaten). Below, we list the factors that influence the possibility or impossibility of applying for a permanent personal number.
Who has the best chance of getting a permanent personal number?
Anyone intending to permanently move to Norway and additionally meets the basic requirements:
- has a work contract in Norway for at least 6 months,
- has a rental agreement in Norway for at least 6 months or a purchase agreement for a residence in Norway,
- has a registered residence in Norway.
What could most likely exclude you from the possibility of applying for a permanent number?
- rotational work,
- salary from a Norwegian employer sent to a his/her national account,
- spouse and/or children living outside of Norway,
- property outside Norway,
- frequent trips out of Norway,
- not deregistering from the country of origin.
Summary
For people living in Norway, the permanent personal number is not just a formality but also a pass to a wider range of banking services, including cash loans. By taking care of your loan history and taking advantage of the opportunities offered by this system, you can easily realize your financial plans in Norway, enjoying stability and economic security in a new country.