Preparation Phase
Work in Vestfold
This section offers advice and step-by-step guides to help you plan and prepare for working and living in Vestfold.
Quick Notes on Permits
- EU/EEA Citizens: You can stay in Norway for 6 months to find a job. Just be sure to register with the Norwegian police as a job seeker within 3 months of arriving.
- Non-EU/EEA Citizens: If you’re from outside the EU/EEA and want to work in Norway, you’ll need a residence permit (formerly known as a work permit).
Before Arrival
This guide outlines the essential steps you must complete before traveling to Vestfold, Norway. Following these steps in order will ensure you have the proper documentation and arrangements in place for a successful relocation.
Important Note
This guide provides general information. Always verify current requirements and procedures on official Norwegian government websites, as regulations may change.
Secure a Job
REQUIREDObtain a signed employment contract from a Norwegian employer. This contract is essential for your residence permit application and must meet Norwegian employment standards and salary requirements.
Why?
Your employment contract is the cornerstone of your immigration process. Without it, you cannot apply for a residence permit. The job must be for skilled work with salary and conditions that meet Norwegian standards.
Requirements
Clear job title and description
Salary meeting in Norwegian standards
Working hours and conditions
Employment duration
Get Your Permit
REQUIREDSubmit your residence permit application to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). This permit grants you the legal right to live and work in Norway for the duration specified in your employment contract.
Why?
A residence permit is your legal right to live and work in Norway. You cannot start your new job without it. The application process can take some time, so it’s essential to start this as soon as you have your job contract.
Required Documents
Valid passport
Employment contract
Educational qualifications
Applications fee payment
Find a Home
IMPORTANTArrange suitable housing accommodation in Vestfold before your arrival. Having confirmed housing is required for your residence permit application and ensures a smooth transition upon arrival in Norway.
Why?
Having a confirmed address is necessary for your residence permit application, as well as for registering with the authorities upon arrival. It provides a stable base for you to begin your new life.
Required Documents
Proof of income or savings
Security deposit (typically 3 months`rent)
Signed rental agreement
Resources
Finn.no
Popular rental and shared housing website
Hybel.no
Popular rental and shared housing website
Local Real Estate Agencies
Search "Eiendomsmegler" + Vestfold town names
Facebook Groups
Local rental groups like "Leiligheter til leie i Vestfold"
Book Your Travel
FINAL STEPBook your travel arrangements to Norway once your residence permit is approved. Coordinate your arrival date with your employer and ensure you have all necessary documentation for entry.
Why?
With your residence permit secured, you can now finalize your travel plans. Booking in advance can save money, and having a clear arrival date helps you coordinate with your employer and landlord.
Travel Checklist
Valid passport
Residence permit documentation
Confirmed arrival date
Resources
Travel Guides & Airlines
Popular rental and shared housing website
Smart to Have and Do
Additional services that will make your life in Norway easier and more convenient
Norwegian Mobile Plan
RecommendedA Norwegian phone number is essential for Vipps payments and many local services.
Quick Start: Pre-paid SIM
Get from Narvesen or 7-Eleven with just your passport
Long-term: Subscription
Telenor, Telia, ICE (requires bank account & ID number)
Resources: Consumer Council website, Mycall for international residents
Register with a GP
ImportantRegister with a general practitioner (fastlege) for healthcare access.
How to Register
Use HelseNorge.no with your BankID to find and register with a local GP
Requirement: BankID (highest security level) needed for HelseNorge access
Public Transport Card
ConvenientGet a travel card for buses and trains in Vestfold region.
Vestfold Transport
Visit VKT (Vestfold Kollektivtrafikk) website or local transport hubs
Tip: Many transport apps accept Norwegian bank cards
Vipps Payment App
EssentialNorway’s most popular payment app for person-to-person transfers and shopping.
Requirements
Norwegian bank account + Norwegian phone number
Usage: Split bills, pay at stores, send money to friends
After Arrival
The first few weeks after you arrive in Vestfold are crucial for getting settled in both work and daily life. This guide is designed to help you through two main priorities: the required administrative tasks to legally live and work here, and the practical steps for daily life that will help you settle in faster. Getting these sorted efficiently will allow you to focus on your new job and life in Vestfold.
Priority Timeline
Complete these steps in order within your first month. Some services depend on others, so following the sequence is important.
Key Authorities
To help you navigate the system, here is a quick guide to the main authorities you will encounter
UDI
Norwegian Directorate for Immigration
Handles your initial residence permit application. This is where you applied before arriving in Norway.
Politiet
The Police
Issues your physical residence card and registers your presence in Norway. You'll need to visit them after arrival.
Skatteetaten
The Norwegian Tax Administration
Assigns your ID number (D-number or National ID Number) and manages your tax card and address registration.
NAV
The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Authority
Manages social services and welfare, but you will not typically need to interact with them immediately upon arrival.
Important Note for Vestfold
There is no Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA) in Vestfold. You will need to visit the individual authorities (Police and Tax Administration) separately.
Register with Official Authorities
REQUIREDAttend a pre-booked appointment with the police to show your documents and register your physical residence.
Why?
This is the official step to confirm your identity and legally register your presence in Norway. For non-EU/EEA citizens, the residence card is your proof of your right to live and work here. For EU/EEA citizens, this is the required registration if you plan to stay for more than three months.
Requirements
Book appointment online via UDI portal
Bring your passport
Official letter granting residence permit
Signed employment contract
Resources
UDI.no
Norwegian Directorate of Immigration - main resource for booking appiontments
Get a D-Number or National ID Number
ESSENTIALVisit a tax office that performs ID checks to register your move to Norway.
Why?
This number is your official identification in Norway and is crucial for almost everything: getting a tax card, opening a bank account, and accessing public services.
Required Documents
Bring your passport
Residence permit card (if applicable)
Employment contract
Important Information
Staying 6+ months?
You'll be assigned a National ID Number (fødselsnummer)
Shorter stay?
You'll receive a D-number
Assignment Process
National ID Number is assigned automatically after police registration for non-EU/EEA citizens. EU/EEA citizens can apply at tax office after police registration.
Resources
Skatteetaten.no
Norwegian Tax Administration - "Move to Norway" page with information on tax offices that handle ID checks and required documents
Apply for a Tax Deduction Card
CRITICALApply for a tax deduction card as soon as you have your D-number or National ID Number.
Why This Is Critical!
Your employer is legally required to deduct a very high percentage of your salary (currently 50%) if you do not have a tax deduction card. Having one ensures you pay the correct amount of tax from the start.
Required Documents
Your identification number (D-number or National ID)
Employment start date
Employer's information
Tax Schemes
PAYE Scheme
Most new foreign workers are automatically enrolled in the Pay As You Earn fixed-percentage scheme
Standard Norwegian Tax
You can also choose the standard Norwegian tax system
Resources
Skatteetaten.no
Online application portal for tax deduction card and detailed information on tax schemes
Your Employer
Can guide you through this process
Open a Norwegian Bank Account
ESSENTIALVisit a local bank in Vestfold to open a bank account.
Why?
A Norwegian bank account is essential for receiving your salary and managing your finances. It is also required for getting a BankID, a secure electronic ID for online services.
Required Documents
Your passport
Residence permit card (if applicable)
D-number or National ID Number
Employment contract (may be required)
Timeframe & Tips
Processing Time
The process can take up to 4 weeks due to identity verification and postal delivery
Best Practice
The easiest way to open an account is to wait until you have your Norwegian ID number
Speed Up Process
Ensure all documents are correct and check your email regularly for messages from the bank
Getting Started
Once your account is open, you can set up popular digital services like BankID for secure identification and Vipps for easy person-to-person payments.
Get a Digital ID and Access Public Services
IMPORTANTOrder a digital ID to log in to secure online portals for government and health services.
Why?
A digital ID (eID) is your key to the digital public sector in Norway. It allows you to securely access online banking, your health journal, tax forms, and official messages from public agencies.
Types of eID
BankID
The most common and secure eID, provided by your bank. It has the highest security level and is required for most high-security services.
Requirement: Permanent National ID Number only
MinID
A lower-security eID that provides access to many public services, but not those with the highest security demands (like your health journal).
Available with: D-number
Key Digital Services
HelseNorge
Portal for all medical information. Requires highest security level (BankID) for health journal access and GP registration
Altinn
Primary platform for government communication, tax information, and official forms
Digital Mailbox
Secure inbox (Digipost/eBoks) where public agencies send official messages and documents
Smart to Have and Do
Additional services that will make your life in Norway easier and more convenient
Norwegian Mobile Plan
RecommendedA Norwegian phone number is essential for Vipps payments and many local services.
Quick Start: Pre-paid SIM
Get from Narvesen or 7-Eleven with just your passport
Long-term: Subscription
Telenor, Telia, ICE (requires bank account & ID number)
Resources: Consumer Council website, Mycall for international residents
Register with a GP
ImportantRegister with a general practitioner (fastlege) for healthcare access.
How to Register
Use HelseNorge.no with your BankID to find and register with a local GP
Requirement: BankID (highest security level) needed for HelseNorge access
Public Transport Card
ConvenientGet a travel card for buses and trains in Vestfold region.
Vestfold Transport
Visit VKT (Vestfold Kollektivtrafikk) website or local transport hubs
Tip: Many transport apps accept Norwegian bank cards
Vipps Payment App
EssentialNorway’s most popular payment app for person-to-person transfers and shopping.
Requirements
Norwegian bank account + Norwegian phone number
Usage: Split bills, pay at stores, send money to friends