Open a Bank Account

International students can apply for a Norwegian bank account by contacting a bank. In order to open a bank account in Norway and receive a Norwegian debit card, you need to have either a Norwegian ID number or a D-number.

It is not mandatory to open a bank account. However, students who have deposited money to SiB's Student Deposit Account must open a Norwegian bank account so that SiB can transfer the money to your account.

Students staying for more than 6 months

Students staying in Norway for more than 6 months have to apply for a Norwegian ID number. You apply for a Norwegian ID number at the local National Registry (Folkeregisteret/Skattetaten) upon your arrival in Bergen.

When a Norwegian ID number has been issued, you can contact any bank and open a bank account. Remember to bring:

• Letter of Acceptance, passport/ ID card, residence registration certificate (EU/ EEA/ EFTA citizens), residence permit and residence card (non-EU/ EEA/ EFTA citizens) and documentation of your Norwegian ID number.

Students staying in Norway less than 6 months

6 months can apply for a D-number. A D-number corresponds to an ID number, but is only used for tax and bank purposes. Please note that it may take four to six weeks to obtain a D-number.

To obtain a D-number, please go to a bank and they will assist you with the application to the National Registry. You cannot apply directly on your own. You must bring the following documentaion to the bank:

• Letter of Acceptance, passport/ ID card, residence registration certificate (EU/ EEA/ EFTA citizens), residence permit and residence card (non-EU/ EEA/ EFTA citizens).

Student Deposit Account

If you have deposited money in the ‘Deposit Account for Foreign Students’, please contact the Student Welfare Organisation (SIB):

Address: Villaveien 10 (campus map index. no. 12)

Opening hours: Monday–Friday 10:00–14:00

E-mail: sib.okonomi@sib.no

As soon as you notify SIB of your Norwegian bank account number, SIB will transfer the money to your account. If you do not have an account yet, SIB can issue a check to cover your living expenses until you have acquired one. The check can be ordered by sending an e-mail to SIB with your name and the amount required, or you can visit the office in person. The check will be ready to be picked up the following day.

Please note:

Only one withdrawal can be made before you open a Norwegian bank account. Make sure that the amount is sufficient to cover your expenses until you get your own bank account. The maximum amount is NOK 20,000.

For more information, see SiB's website.