KI 3503 Non-EU/EEA citizens: residence permit
(updated )
1. Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
→ Before arrivalBefore you can start working at UiB, you must apply for a residence permit as a skilled worker. This involves completing an online application through UDI's Want to Apply portal, and submitting your documents at a Norwegian embassy, consulate, or visa application centre. In most cases, you must apply from your home country.
Once your application is approved
You will receive a decision letter from UDI with all the information you need to know about your residence permit. You can also read more information about a first-time residence permit on their website. Remember to send a copy of the full decision letter to your local HR contact, as UiB needs it to confirm your right to work and issue your employment contract.
To finalise your process, you need to book an appointment with the police through the UDI application portal. As a rule, you have to report to the police within 7 days of arriving in Norway, but it can be a challenge to schedule an appointment before this deadline. According to UDI, you can start working as long as you already booked an appointment with the police. We ask you to check UDI's website for updated information on this matter.
Bringing family?
We recommend that family members apply at the same time as you, since applications submitted together are normally processed together. All applicants, including minors, will need to attend an ID control with the police, in the same way you do.
Already in Norway?
In some cases, it is possible to apply for a residence permit while you are already in Norway. Processing times are the same either way, and you cannot start working until your permit is granted. If you apply this way, choose "Bergen" as your municipality, and "Vest police district, Bergen immigration office" as the location for handing in your application.
Exceptional circumstances
In some cases, your employer may be able to apply on your behalf. If you think this applies to you, contact euraxess@uib.no
2. Police
→ Upon arrivalOnce your application is approved, you can book an appointment with the police through the UDI application portal. This appointment must take place within your first 7 days in Norway.
This appointment will
• Finalise your residence permit
• Order your residence card
• Issue your Norwegian ID number
After the appointment, your Norwegian ID number and residence card will be sent to you by post, usually within two to three weeks. You will receive two separate letters: one from the police with your residence card, and one from the Tax Administration with your Norwegian ID number. Make sure your name is clearly written on your mailbox, as otherwise your card and letter may not be delivered.
What to bring
• Your passport.
• A property purchase or rental contract valid for at least six months. If your rental contract is older than three months, bring confirmation from the owner that it is still valid. If you have changed address since applying for your residence permit, let the police know at this appointment, so that your correct address is registered.
• Your UiB employment contract, if you are already working for UiB. If it is older than three months, bring confirmation from your faculty that it is still valid.
• All original documents from your residence permit application. It is not common to be asked for these, but bring them in case the police carry out a random check.
Bringing family?
Each family member needs their own appointment with the police, including minors.
3. Electronic ID (MinID and BankID)
→ After arrival, once you have your ID numberMost public services in Norway are accessed digitally, including the next step below. Once you have your Norwegian ID number, you will need an electronic ID (eID) to register as an electronic user with the Tax Administration and apply for your tax card.
MinID
MinID is usually the first eID people set up, since it just requires your Norwegian ID number. This is absolutely necessary for you to apply for a tax card (section 4). You can apply for MinID at minid.no
BankID
BankID becomes available once you have opened a Norwegian bank account, and has a higher level of security than MinID, meaning that some services will only be accessible by using BankID. Make sure to ask your bank about BankID availability before you open a bank account.
You can start with MinID and get BankID later once you have opened a bank account. You do not need to choose just one.
4. Norwegian Tax Administration
→ After arrival, once you have your electronic ID (eID)Once your MinID account is active, log in to the Tax Administration's online services and apply for your tax card. You will need your employment contract to complete this. This step is entirely online, and there is no in person appointment for it. It usually takes some hours for the tax card to be updated in your profile.
Important information about your tax card
If your tax card has not been issued and registered in our payroll system by the time you receive your first salary payment, Norwegian law requires UiB to deduct 50% tax from that payment as a default rate. Salaries are paid on the 12th of each month, for that same month.
This is a common situation among new international employees, so please don't be alarmed if it happens to you. Unfortunately, UiB cannot stop your salary to avoid this.
Once your correct tax card is registered, your deduction rate will be corrected for future payments. Regarding any tax you overpaid during the months you were taxed at 50%, how this is refunded or corrected depends on which tax scheme you are on. You can find more information on our webpages.
5. UiB's Service Centre for Salary, Travel and Absence
Send your ID number to the Service Centre for Salary, Travel and Absence as soon as you receive it, even if you have not yet applied for your tax card. Your tax card is digital, and will be retrieved automatically by the payroll system once it has been issued, so there is nothing further you need to submit.
Contact the Service Centre for Salary, Travel and Absence