Norway for UK Expats Post-Brexit: Work Permits, Healthcare

Moving from the UK to Norway used to be frictionless. Post-Brexit, it is not — but it is still very achievable. Norway remains outside the EU (it is an EEA member through EFTA) and now treats UK nationals the same as any other non-EEA country. This guide covers what actually changed and what you need to do.

What Brexit Changed for UK Nationals in Norway

Before 31 December 2020, UK nationals could move to Norway under EEA free movement rules: no permit needed, same rights as EU citizens, straightforward registration.

What changed:

• UK nationals can no longer use the EEA/EU route for working or living in Norway
• You now need a skilled worker permit (or another qualifying permit) before starting work
• You must apply through UDI — the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration — the same process as non-EEA nationals

What did not change:

• The Norwegian healthcare system still covers you once you are registered and contributing
• The UK-Norway tax treaty (double taxation agreement) remains in force
• UK qualifications are still assessed individually by employers or NOKUT — Norway never had automatic EU-wide qualification recognition for most occupations

UK nationals already in Norway before 31 December 2020 who registered under the EEA rules keep their acquired rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. If you were already resident and properly registered, you should not need to re-apply. Check your status with UDI if uncertain.

The Skilled Worker Permit Route

For most UK professionals moving to Norway now, the skilled worker permit is the correct route.

Requirements:

• A confirmed job offer from a Norwegian employer
• Relevant qualifications (degree or vocational equivalent)
• Salary at or above the applicable minimum threshold for the role
• Application submitted via udi.no

Family members (EEA national partners): If your partner is an EEA national, they may still be able to use the EEA family member route to join you in Norway — this is a separate process through UDI. If your whole family is UK nationals, all of you use the standard non-EEA family reunification process.

Processing time: Expect 2–4 months for standard applications. UDI publishes current processing times on their website — check before planning your move date.

D-Number and Getting Set Up

As a non-EEA arrival, the first Norwegian ID you will receive is a D-number — a temporary identification number issued by Skatteetaten (the Tax Administration). You need this to:

• Register for a tax card (skattekort)
• Open a Norwegian bank account
• Interact with most Norwegian government services

After 6+ months of continuous residence, you register with Folkeregisteret and receive a fødselsnummer (permanent national ID), which then unlocks BankID — required for Norwegian online banking, Vipps, and government portals.

The 3–6 month gap before BankID is the main operational frustration for new arrivals. Use Wise or Revolut to bridge it — both work without Norwegian BankID and are widely used by expats for day-to-day spending and international transfers.

Banking

Norwegian banks require BankID for full account functionality. Until you have a fødselsnummer, your options are limited but workable:

• DNB and Handelsbanken are known to open basic accounts with a D-number and passport
• Wise gives you a functional account immediately with no Norwegian address or BankID needed — useful for receiving salary if your employer can pay to a Wise IBAN
• Revolut is similarly accessible pre-BankID

Post-Brexit, there is no particular UK banking advantage in Norway. CHAPS/Faster Payments do not work directly with Norwegian accounts. Wise remains the cheapest option for GBP–NOK transfers in both directions.

NHS vs Norwegian Healthcare

While you are still UK-resident and temporarily in Norway: You can use the NHS for planned care. Once you move permanently, this changes.

Once registered as a Norwegian resident:

• You are assigned a fastlege (GP) via the national GP scheme — automatic once you register with Folkeregisteret
• Hospital and specialist care requires a GP referral in most cases
• Annual co-pay (egenandel) up to a ceiling (frikort), after which all further care in that calendar year is free
• Prescriptions have a small co-pay

The Norwegian public health system is generally considered excellent, though GP waiting times can be frustrating and getting a fastlege in major cities takes time. Register with Folkeregisteret as soon as you are eligible to get into the GP system.

EHIC / GHIC: Your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) covers emergency care in EEA countries — Norway participates in the European Health Insurance Card scheme. The GHIC is for temporary stays; it does not apply once you are a registered Norwegian resident.

Pension Implications

UK State Pension: National Insurance contributions in the UK count towards your UK State Pension. Once you move to Norway, you stop contributing to UK NI (unless you make voluntary Class 2 or Class 3 contributions). The minimum 10 qualifying years for any UK State Pension, and 35 years for the full amount, can be built up over a working lifetime even if you live abroad for periods. Check your NI record at gov.uk before leaving.

Norwegian pension (Alderspensjon): Norway's state pension (via NAV) is built on years of pensionable income in Norway. Years working in Norway accumulate pension rights. The UK-Norway social security agreement means you should not be double-contributing. Check the current terms of the bilateral agreement — consult a tax adviser for personal guidance.

Workplace pensions (UK): UK workplace pensions are generally portable — they stay invested where they are. Transferring a UK pension to a Norwegian QROPS scheme is possible but has tax implications in both countries. Take professional advice before any transfer.

Tax: The UK-Norway Double Taxation Agreement

Norway and the UK have a double taxation treaty that prevents you paying full tax on the same income in both countries. The general rule: you pay tax where you are tax-resident.

Once you are a Norwegian tax resident (typically from the date you register and start working), Norway has primary taxing rights on your employment income. The UK still taxes you on UK-source income (rental income from UK property, UK dividends, etc.) unless treaty exemptions apply.

Inform HMRC of your departure using form P85. Norwegian tax rates are generally comparable to UK rates for middle incomes — Norway's marginal rate is higher at top incomes.

Driving Licence Conversion

Your UK driving licence is valid in Norway for up to three years from the date you register as a resident (not from the date you arrive). After that:

1. You must convert to a Norwegian licence
2. Conversion requires passing a Norwegian theory test (teoriprøve) and a practical driving test (førerprøve)
3. The UK licence does not transfer automatically — unlike some EU licences which have reciprocal arrangements

Start the process well before your three years are up. Statens vegvesen (the Norwegian Public Roads Administration) manages this. Theory tests are available in English.

Common Problems and Fixes

Problem: Can't demonstrate sufficient salary for the permit threshold. Fix: Check the current minimum salary threshold on udi.no before accepting a job offer. Some sectors have collective agreement minimums that differ from the general threshold. Negotiate your offer with this in mind.

Problem: Partner is an EEA national and wants to use the EEA family route. Fix: This is possible but complex post-Brexit. Your EEA partner can apply for EEA family permits to bring you as a non-EEA spouse/partner. Consult UDI's guidance — rules depend on whether your partner is the primary permit holder or accompanying you.

Problem: UK bank charging high fees for NOK transactions. Fix: Open a Wise or Revolut account for Norway day-to-day spending. Standard UK high-street bank FX fees on NOK are poor value.

Problem: NHS appointment needed while settling in Norway. Fix: Until you have a Norwegian fastlege, you can use NHS services if you are still technically UK-resident. Once you de-register from UK and register in Norway, book a Norwegian GP appointment — even before your fastlege is formally assigned, the GP surgery can often see you as a temporary patient.

The Honest Summary

Norway is still very accessible for UK professionals. The main difference is a 2–4 month permit processing delay and the need to navigate BankID on arrival. The standard of living, salary levels (especially in tech and energy), and public services make it a strong destination. The extra paperwork is a one-time overhead — once you are registered and have BankID, day-to-day life is excellent.