Do I have to report to the police when I arrive in Norway


Yes, you have to report to the police when you arrive in Norway. The police will register your fingerprints, take your photo and order a residence card for you.

The residence card - a plastic card the size of a credit card - shows that you have a residence permit in Norway.

If you receive notification about your application for a residence permit while you are outside Norway, you will — at the very latest — have to report to the police within 7 days of arriving in Norway or within 7 days of the date when you received your decision letter if you are already in the country.

For some police districts, it can be a challenge to schedule an appointment before your deadline. In such case, you must book the first appointment available. Follow along on the police's website for up-to-date information (external website)

How to book an appointment with the police

If you registered your application online on our website, you can book an appointment with the police from the My Applications page by logging into UDI's My Page (external website).  

If you live in Oslo and have not applied electronically, you will have to book an appointment with the police by phone (tel: 22 34 21 00). For other police districts, see Contact information for your local police

What do I need to do to receive my residence card by post?

  • Make sure the names of everyone in the family are on your letterbox. Otherwise, the post office will not deliver the residence card and it will be returned to the police.
  • If you are a new postal recipient in Norway, fill out this form and hand it in at a post office or in-store post office. Remember to bring identification.
  • If you are already a registered postal recipient, check that your correct postal address is registered with Posten (external website, opens in new window). The site requires login with BankID or MinID.
  • You should not book any trips abroad until you have received your new residence card.