Buying property in Norway: Residency, D-Numbers, and bank accounts

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Buying property in Norway as a foreigner is not as complicated as you might think. While the rules for living and settling in Norway can be complex, the process of acquiring real estate is relatively straightforward—provided that your finances are in order.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what’s required to buy property, how to handle residency questions, and what to do if you need a Norwegian bank account.


Can Foreigners Buy Property in Norway?

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Norway without significant restrictions. The main requirement is proof of financing. When you make a purchase offer, you must demonstrate that your funds are available and legitimate.

Due to anti-money laundering laws, sellers (or their agents) may ask about the origin of your funds. If your money comes from salary, savings, or other legitimate sources, this is not an issue.

Tip: Always have documentation ready, such as bank statements or proof of transfer, to avoid delays during the purchase process.


Residency Rules: What You Need to Know

While buying property is easy, obtaining residence or the right to live in Norway is a separate matter. Norwegian residency rules are complex and depend on your nationality, employment situation, and other factors.

This is not my area of expertise, which is why I work with an experienced immigration lawyer who can guide you through the process and assess your chances of getting a residence permit. If you need help, I can provide his contact details.


What Is a D-Number, and Why Do You Need One?

A D-number is a temporary identification number issued by the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). It’s often needed when you have financial or official ties to Norway but are not a resident.

To get a D-number, you generally need:

  • A connection to Norway (e.g., temporary residence, paying taxes, or receiving salary here).

If you buy property in Norway, you will automatically be assigned a special D-number to register your ownership with the Norwegian Land Registry (Kartverket).
Important: This property-related D-number is not the same as a general identification number and cannot be used for all services.


Opening a Bank Account in Norway

Most foreign buyers want a Norwegian bank account to pay property-related expenses. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to open a bank account without a D-number(the “proper” one from the tax office).

So, how can you handle costs such as:

  • Housing association (felleskostnader) fees?

  • Municipal taxes and utilities?

  • Other running costs?

The solution is to pay from your foreign bank account using IBAN details (International Bank Account Number) provided on the invoices you receive.


Paying Bills Without a Norwegian Bank Account

Even if you can’t open a Norwegian bank account, you can still pay bills for your property:

  1. Use your foreign bank account.

  2. Ensure you include the IBAN number (listed on the invoice).

  3. Use SWIFT/BIC codes if required for international transfers.

This system works well for most property owners living abroad.


Final Thoughts

Buying property in Norway is straightforward for foreigners, but settling here is a different story. Make sure you have the right legal advice on residency and understand how to handle banking challenges.

Even without a Norwegian bank account, paying property expenses is manageable with international transfers and IBAN numbers.

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The Housing Market in Norway Right Now – And Some Summer Tips for Those Planning to Buy

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After a sharp increase in prices earlier this year, the housing market has calmed down somewhat as we head into summer. Prices have remained fairly stable over the past few months, but activity is still high — with many homes being bought and sold. Nationwide, housing prices have risen by 6.6% so far this year.

In June, we saw the first interest rate cut of the year — a modest reduction of 0.25% — but further cuts are expected throughout the autumn as inflation becomes more controlled. So far, this hasn’t had much impact on prices, but it’s quite typical for the housing market to quiet down a bit during the summer months. If interest rates continue to fall, we might see prices rising again this autumn.

However, there are large variations from region to region, so if you are considering buying a home, it’s wise to get an updated overview of the market in the area you’re interested in. Feel free to reach out to me — I’m more than happy to help you explore the opportunities where you want to live.

My Summer Plans – And My Availability for You

This summer, I’m enjoying time here in beautiful Norway — both at the cabin and with family and friends along the southern coast. This year, we also have family visiting from Canada, and we’re looking forward to showing them all the wonderful things our country has to offer.

Even though I’ll be on holiday for most of July, I always keep an eye on the housing market. If something interesting comes up, I’m never far from my phone. In fact, many people choose to list their homes early in the summer holidays, so there can definitely be good opportunities for buyers right now. Don’t hesitate to reach out if something urgent comes up.

A Small Piece of Summer Advice for Those Dreaming of Buying This Autumn
If you’re considering buying a home this autumn, I recommend using the summer wisely. When you have a bit more time and peace, it can be helpful to sit down and make a simple list of your “MUST HAVES” and “NICE TO HAVES” for your next home. This will give you clarity and confidence when the right home appears.

Wishing you a wonderful summer! Enjoy these days — and feel free to reach out if you’d like to have a nice chat about your home-buying plans in the summer sun.

Best wishes
Boligdama – Trude Larsen
e.mail: trude@boligdama.no

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What it’s like to live in Norway in 2025

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Living in Norway is a unique experience shaped by its geography, culture, and evolving societal dynamics. As a country with approximately 5 million inhabitants and rich natural beauty, Norway often stands out in discussions about quality of life, governance, and social welfare.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what it’s like to live here, I aim to share insights beneficial for my international clients who are considering establishing roots or investing in property in this exciting nation.

A safe haven amid global unrest.
Our world is changing rapidly, and events in the United States—particularly with its political climate—raise eyebrows here in Norway. We simply do not understand what is happening and how the current administration views us in Europe and Norway., and this contrast prompts reflection on what constitutes a good society. However, in Norway, we take pride in our stable political landscape. Most politicians agree on the importance of nurturing the welfare state that has been carefully cultivated over decades. Despite occasional grumbles about taxes, most citizens appreciate the safety net provided by free healthcare, education, pensions, and elderly care.

Norway boasts a flourishing diversity of political parties, strong labour unions, and active non-profit organizations contributing to a multifaceted society. Immigration is a hot topic, similar to other parts of the world, with one political party exhibiting more scepticism than others. Nevertheless, there’s widespread recognition of the essential role immigrants play in our economy, leading to a broadly supported immigration policy that emphasizes regulation and inclusion.
Recent experience with an American family
I recently helped a young American couple who wish to settle in a small village on the West Coast by purchasing a small farm. They view Norway as an ideal location for raising their children, with excellent schools, universal right to education, and breathtaking nature. Their journey to homeownership will be detailed in a future blog.

Will we see more emigrants from America?

I have noticed that there are several posts on social media about which countries residents from the USA most easily can move to on Instagram and other social media. I wouldn’t want to comment on how widespread this desire is, social media isn’t always reflecting the reality.

So far, I have mostly helped international clients who are already living and working in Norway, or people who want a holiday home here, often with a prior connection to Norway. There have been fewer families looking to move here for a completely new life in a new country.

For your information:
To obtain residency in Norway for an extended period, you need to have a job and a work permit in Norway, often linked to a specific skill set and a minimum income to support yourself. If you do not already have a job in Norway and an employer who can assist with a work permit, you should seek legal advice to clarify your options before deciding to move. This is not my area of expertise, but I can help you find someone who can provide you with good advice.

And you aver of course welcome to reach out for assistance if you are interested in buying property or have any questions!

The Norwegian housing market: Opportunities and Challenges
Norway’s housing market operates purely on market principles—there’s no trace of socialism here! Following World War II, we initiated a phase of social housing construction with regulated markets and subsidized lots. Although this system has been absent for about 40 years, the official policy still encourages homeownership, with around 80% of families owning their homes today. However, there’s a consistent 10% of the population wishing to rent, and another 10% struggling to enter the housing market due to financial constraints.

First-time buyers face increasing challenges; only those receiving support from parents with valuable properties often secure a foothold in the market 60% of first-time buyers gets financial help from their parents. In recent years, co-ownership models have also been developed where companies buy properties together with private individuals who rent part of the property while owning another part. This arrangement allows them the opportunity to gradually increase their ownership share over time. This has also helped first-time buyers enter the market.

Despite these hurdles, most Norwegians enjoy a solid housing situation.

Because of the emphasis on homeownership, our rental sector lacks stability and security. Lease agreements are relatively short, and most landlords are private individuals who have purchased properties for rental income. Recent surges in rental prices—especially in larger cities—have made it difficult for some families to afford housing.

Navigating the housing process
While there is room for improvement in the housing market, especially for first-time buyers and low-income families, the purchasing process is securely governed by laws and oversight. I encourage you to explore my English-language blogs for more information about how the market functions and how property transactions take place. Alternatively, feel free to reach out for a digital meeting to learn more.

In this blog, I touched upon political and social insights more than I typically do, but context is vital. I promise to maintain objectivity and remain free from political agendas if you seek assistance in purchasing property in Norway!

Living in Norway offers unique advantages, and as the world continues to evolve, understanding the nuances of this society can be particularly beneficial for future part full- time and part-time residents.
Welcome to Norway!

 

 

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Cabin life holds a special place in Norwegian culture

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Cabins hold a special place in Norwegian culture. Many families own one or have access to a shared family cabin. Recently, there has been an increase in foreign buyers, but they still make up only about 5% of total purchases.

Buying a cabin is a unique type of investment.

Some see it as a lifelong retreat, a place to pass down through generations. Others take a more short-term approach, choosing a cabin suited to a particular life stage or financial situation. No matter the perspective, the cabin dream is deeply personal – and that’s what makes it so fascinating.

I assist with several cabin purchases throughout the year, and interestingly, most of my clients in this area are international buyers. Their dreams are unique and diverse.

Some seek mountains and snow, while others long for coastal serenity. Some prefer simplicity, while others look for luxury. But one thing remains the same – the desire to create special moments with loved ones and experience the beauty of Norwegian nature.

The cabin market in Norway – a short overview

During the pandemic, there was a significant growth in cabin construction and cabin purchases. After 2022, sales volumes have dropped sharply, and prices have either declined or flattened. The reasons are inflation and high interest rates. It is natural for people to prioritize their primary homes and not a luxury item like purchasing a new cabin, which often turns out to be the case, despite varying price ranges. In popular areas, especially in the mountains, many cabins and apartments have been built that remain unsold.

Now, there are reports of an increase in sales, while prices remain steady. It seems that those built and currently vacant will eventually be sold, but it will take time before new construction resumes. Additionally, there are many used cabins on the market that can be good alternatives. Many who invested in cabin life during the pandemic have discovered that cabin living may not suit them as well as they thought and have chosen to put their cabins up for sale again.

If you were to invest in a cabin in Norway, what would be most important to you?

Feel free to contact me or request a non-binding digital meeting to discuss your dreams and situation.

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