Bank account and cash in Norway
Source: https://www.uio.no/english/studies/international-students/before-arrival/bank-services/index.html Parent: https://www.uio.no/english/studies/international-students/before-arrival/
Opening a bank account in Norway can take a while, and for those who stays shorter than 6 months it's nearly impossible. We recommend that you bring your credit/debit card from your home country. Norway is more or less a cashless society, many services and shops prefers cards.
Open a bank account
In order to open a bank account in Norway you will need a Norwegian identification number (permanent or temporary). Please note that the bank may charge you service fee in order to open a bank account.
If you are staying in Norway for 2 semesters or more, we recommend that you wait until you have received the national identity number from the Tax Administration before contacting a bank.
For more information about opening a bank account, please go to Oslo municipality's guidelines and information.
Staying for 2 semesters or more (more than 6 months)
If you are staying for more than 6 months you must have a Norwegian ID number before you can open a bank account.
- Meet up personally at the bank of your choice
- Bring your National ID card or passport
- Please expect several weeks for the account to be opened
Staying for 1 semester (less than 6 months)
Non EU/EEA-citizens staying in Norway for 6 months or less, will receive a D-number (temporary ID number) after they have registered with the police. With a D-number you may be able to open a bank account, but please note that some banks will only open a bank account for students with a national identity number.
EU/EEA-citizens staying in Norway for 6 months or less will find it nearly impossible to open a Norwegian bank account. UiO therefore recommends that you bring with you a credit card (visa/master) that can be used in Norway during your stay in Norway.
However, if you still would like to open a bank account you must go to the bank of your choice and ask for this service. The bank must apply for a D-number for you. Remember that this is an extra service and that the bank might say no. Please expect several weeks for the account to be opened.
Have you transferred money to the SiO Deposit account?
Some Non-EU students have transferred money to the SiO Deposit account in connection with their residence permit application.
In order to have the money transferred back to your Norwegian bank account, you must apply for a refund on MyPage.
Published Nov. 27, 2019 6:18 PM - Last modified Aug. 20, 2025 1:40 PM