Registering with UDI
Registrering hos UDI
Why this matters
Non-EU/EEA citizens must apply for a residence permit (oppholdstillatelse) through UDI before or after arriving in Norway. EU/EEA citizens register separately. Missing or delaying this step means you cannot legally work, access healthcare, or get a personnummer.
Key Vocabulary
UDI
OO-dee-ee
Utlendingsdirektoratet — the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration
oppholdstillatelse
op-HOLDS-til-la-tel-se
residence permit
arbeidstillatelse
AR-bayds-til-la-tel-se
work permit (often combined with residence permit)
visum
VEE-sum
visa
EØS-registrering
EH-øs-re-gi-stre-ring
EU/EEA registration (for EU citizens)
politiet
po-LI-ti-et
the police
biometri
bi-o-ME-tri
biometric data (fingerprints and photo)
søknadsskjema
søk-NADS-shay-ma
application form
dokumentasjon
do-ku-men-ta-SHOON
documentation
arbeidskontrakt
AR-bayds-kon-trakt
employment contract
forsørgelse
for-SØR-gel-se
financial support / means of support
familiegjenforening
fa-MI-lie-yen-for-e-ning
family reunification
oppholdskort
op-HOLDS-kort
residence card (physical card issued after approval)
forlengelse
for-LENG-el-se
renewal / extension
Cultural Tips
EU and non-EU processes are completely different
EU/EEA citizens (including Nordic countries) do not need a formal oppholdstillatelse — they register online at udi.no and then visit a service centre. Non-EU citizens must apply for a permit through their home country's Norwegian embassy or through an employer sponsorship before arriving in most cases.
You must provide biometrics in person
All non-EU applicants must submit fingerprints and a photo at a police service centre (politiets service senter) or a UDI service centre. This cannot be done online. Book early — appointments at major cities can be weeks out.
Keep your permit up to date — there is no grace period
Norwegian authorities are strict about permit expiry. If your oppholdstillatelse expires while you are waiting for a renewal, you may be legally required to stop working. Apply for forlengelse at least 3 months before expiry. Late applications are treated seriously.
UDI's processing times vary widely by case type
Skilled worker applications are typically processed in 1–2 months. Family reunification can take 6–12 months or more. Check current processing times at udi.no/om-udi/statistikk-og-analyse/saksbehandlingstider/ before planning your move or any major life decision around your permit.
Key Phrases
Jeg har søkt om oppholdstillatelse.
I have applied for a residence permit.
Explaining your status to an employer or landlord
Jeg trenger en time for biometri.
I need an appointment for biometrics.
Booking at a police service centre
Hva er status på søknaden min?
What is the status of my application?
Checking with UDI by phone or online
Jeg er EØS-borger og ønsker å registrere meg.
I am an EU/EEA citizen and would like to register.
At a UDI or police registration centre
Når utløper tillatelsen min?
When does my permit expire?
Checking your oppholdskort
Jeg vil søke om forlengelse.
I want to apply for an extension.
Renewing before expiry
Hvilke dokumenter trenger jeg å sende inn?
Which documents do I need to submit?
Preparing an application
Practical Steps
Determine your category at udi.no
Go to udi.no and use the "Søk om tillatelse" guide. Answer whether you are EU/EEA or non-EU, and your reason for coming (work, study, family). The website gives you the exact permit type to apply for and the full document list.
EU/EEA citizens: register online then in person
Go to udi.no/registrering-eu-eos. Register online first, then book a service centre appointment within 3 months of arriving. Bring: passport, employment contract or proof of self-support. You will receive a registration certificate on the day.
Non-EU citizens: apply through your employer (skilled worker)
Your Norwegian employer applies on your behalf via the Arbeidsinnvandring portal. You receive a reference number and must submit biometrics at the Norwegian embassy in your home country or a police service centre after provisional approval.
Book the biometrics appointment early
Book at politiet.no/tjenester/pass-og-id-kort/time for police service centres, or the UDI service centre in your city. Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger centres are heavily booked. Book the moment your application is submitted.
Collect your oppholdskort
Once your permit is approved, you will receive a physical oppholdskort (residence card) by post or for collection at the police station. Carry this card with you — it is your legal right to live and work in Norway.
Set a reminder to renew 3 months before expiry
Check the expiry date on your oppholdskort and set a phone reminder 3 months earlier. Log in to udi.no with BankID to submit the forlengelse application online well ahead of the deadline.