Information in English:
How to become a bank customer in Norway

How to become a bank customer in Norway

Are you new to Norway? This is where you’ll find the information you need to become a bank customer with DNB.

Become a DNB customer

For people with a valid passport

For people who do not have a valid passport

Register at the nearest bank branch
Becoming a bank customer without a valid passport is only possible for asylum seekers and refugees.
First, send us an application to become a customer. You can then attend a meeting at your local DNB office to identify yourself with
- an Asylum seeker certificate or residence permit
- D-number
- Identification, such as driver’s license, debit card with a photo or national ID, or other documentation that can show your identity

Apply to become a customer

For people who already have a BankID

Need any help? Make an appointment

The bank must know its customers

As a bank in Norway, DNB is obliged to help prevent financial crime. In order to do this, we need to know our customers, so that we are sure that you are who you say you are. Therefore, we need you to provide valid proof of identity when applying to become a customer.

Refugees and asylum seekers without proof of identity

Banking services are essential for taking part in society. Refugees and asylum seekers who lack a passport or other valid ID that is normally required may still become a DNB customer by submitting an application form.

Proof of identity: You must prove to the bank that you are who you say you are

To become a customer at a bank in Norway, you need to show that you are who you say you are. You can do this by showing valid proof of identity and documentation at a bank branch. Bring an interpreter if you cannot communicate in Norwegian or English.

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Find your local DNB branch

As a new person in Norway, you need to identify yourself at one of our branches to become a customer.

Find the closest DNB branch

As new person to Norway, you will need a temporary social security number (D-number)

We have two types of identity numbers in Norway: national identity numbers and temporary social security numbers (D-numbers).

D-numbers are used to gain access to public and private services, such as paying tax, getting a job, getting a GP, renting and buying a home, or becoming a bank customer.

How to get a temporary social security number (D-number)

If you are an EU/EEA citizen and are coming to Norway to work for less than six months, you’ll get a temporary social security number (D-number) when you apply for a tax withholding card from the Norwegian Tax Administration.

If you have received a residence permit in Norway, you’ll get your ID number in a letter from the Norwegian Tax Administration about two weeks after you meet with the police to order a residence card.

If you are an asylum seeker or refugee, you’ll get a temporary social security number (D-number) when you arrive in Norway. You will receive this from the UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) or National Police Immigration Service (PU) when you register. Refugees within asylum intake units will be given help to register and get a temporary social security number (D-number). For refugees coming to Norway outside of intake units, the local police must be contacted for registration and distribution of the temporary social security number (D-number).

Questions and answers

What is an asylum seeker’s certificate and how do I get it?

You will receive an asylum seeker’s certificate when you apply for protection (asylum) in Norway. The certificate confirms that you are allowed to stay in Norway while your application is being processed.

The police will provide the asylum seeker’s certificate. It is therefore important that you get in touch with the police when you arrive in Norway.

Asylum seeker certificates are part of what the bank will ask for when you apply to become a customer.

How do I get a residence card?

Become a customer and get BankID as a diplomat or other embassy personnel

Diplomats, embassy employees and their partners can become DNB customers and have a BankID created by submitting a customer application form. Both customer accounts and BankID are assessed as part of the same process.

If you are already a DNB customer, but don’t have BankID, you still need to apply to become a customer – this is to ensure we have the updated and correct information about you.

In the application, you will be asked about the reason for opening an account. Then select “other” and then “Embassy”.

After submitting your application, you will be contacted by email within a week. It can take up to six weeks to complete your application. The customer service centre and our bank branches cannot help to set up a BankID.

For people aged over 18, issuing a BankID costs NOK 3,500 (incl. VAT).

Your BankID will expire when your connection to the embassy ends.

Become a customer and apply for BankID

Which banking services do I get as a refugee or an asylum seeker?

For refugees and asylum seekers with a passport, a user account, online banking and debit card are offered. You will be able to make international transactions and shop online.

If you do not have a passport, a current account, online banking and debit card are still offered, but the card will not be able to be used online and in most cases it will not be possible to make international transactions.

How long does it take to become a new customer in Norway?

It can take up to 4-6 weeks to become a customer when you are new to Norway and need to provide proof of identity at your local DNB branch. You start by filling out a form to become a customer. We will then contact you by email within three working days with information about what happens next.

If you already have BankID from another Norwegian bank, you can become a DNB customer immediately. It’s quick and simple.