2026–27 edition. Checked against official sources on 7 and 9 November 2026. Rules can change, so confirm on the official page before you act. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
The short answer
You do not need a residence permit. If you are an EU/EEA citizen, for example from Italy, you do not apply for a residence permit (oppholdstillatelse). You only need to register.
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) writes:
“EU/EEA citizens do not need a residence permit to work in Norway.”
“EU/EEA nationals must register if they are going to be in Norway for more than three months.”
Registration is free. You must register no later than three months after you arrive. Source: UDI – Frequently asked questions (EU/EEA).
Two myths this guide corrects
Myth 1: “Italians need a residence permit for Norway.”
This is wrong. It is the most common error online. Many websites copy the rules for people from outside Europe. Those people apply for a residence permit. EU/EEA citizens do not. They use the registration scheme for EU/EEA nationals.
Myth 2: “You can bring your car to Norway free when you move.”
This is also wrong. Norwegian Customs (Tolletaten) writes: “Vehicles are not exempt from customs duty and other taxes/duties in connection with moving.” Source: Tolletaten – Moving goods.
Who this guide is for
- Citizens of an EU or EEA country who plan to live in Norway for more than three months.
- It is written first for Italians. The steps in Norway are the same for every EU/EEA citizen.
- Workers, students, self-employed people and job seekers, with or without family.
Citizens of Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden) do not register with the police. People from outside the EU/EEA follow other rules on udi.no.
What is inside the full guide
- Words you will see on every form
- Before you leave: documents, money and plans
- The EEA registration with the police, step by step
- National identity number or D number
- Tax card, bank account and BankID
- Health care and your regular doctor
- Housing: rentals, contracts and deposits
- Family members, kindergarten and school
- Your car, your driving licence and your household goods
- Worker, student, self-employed or job seeker: what changes
- For Italians: AIRE and the Italian side
- Learning Norwegian
- Your 12-month timeline
- Quick reference page, self-check quiz and answer key
- Your first job: contract, pay and rights
- Your first tax return, emergency numbers and Norwegian for every office
- Frequently asked questions and all official sources
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