Welfare services

Membership of National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden)

You are required to be a part of the National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden) to access welfare services within the Norwegian welfare system. Membership becomes mandatory for individuals residing in Norway for more than a year, which entitles individuals to social security and healthcare where there could be regulations based on residence and employment. 

The "rule of thumb" is that you must register your move to Norway to become a part of National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden), if you are staying more than six months in Norway. 

Go to the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) to report a move to Norway. 

European Nationals (EU/EEA Citizens)

European Nationals (EU/EEA Citizens) have special regulations with National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden) according to the EEA Agreement with the European Union. 

Go to the European Union (EU) to find information about rights and duties for EU/EEA Citizens. 

Foreign Students 

The general rule is that foreign students staying less than a year, does not have the right to membership in National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden), when moving and living in Norway. There are different regulations between Nordic students, EU/EEA students, and non-EU/EEA students. 

NAV Call and Service Centre 

Contact NAV Call and Service Centre if you have questions about membership of the National Insurance Scheme and other questions regarding social and economic security if you are moving or have moved to Norway.

Go to Info Norden to find more information about social security and benefits in Norway.