Ledsagerbevis is a card that lets a necessary companion enter for free or at a reduced price where the scheme is accepted, while you pay the normal price yourself. It is a voluntary municipal (kommune) scheme, not a statutory right. You apply to your home kommune (municipality) and must show that you have a lasting need for a companion. Below we explain who can get the card, how to apply, and where it is valid.
What is ledsagerbevis?
Ledsagerbevis is a card you can get if, because of a disability, you need a companion to take part in society. A companion is the person who joins you and helps you, for example at the cinema, in the swimming pool, or at an event. With the card, the companion enters for free or at a reduced price at places that accept the scheme, while you pay the normal ticket price. You choose who is your companion, and it can be different people each time. There is no age limit for who can be a companion. The card usually covers one companion, or two if you have a documented need for it. The card can be digital or a physical plastic card.
Who can get ledsagerbevis?
You can get ledsagerbevis if you have a disability or chronic illness that is expected to last at least 2 år (years), and that means you need a companion to take part. The scheme covers, among others, people with mobility, visual or hearing impairments, developmental disabilities, certain mental health conditions, and serious chronic illnesses such as heart and lung disease or dementia. The point is that without the disability, you could take part on your own. Children can also get a card if the need for help is great.
A temporary need, such as a broken leg, does not give the right to a card. Because the scheme is run by the kommune, your kommune can set its own requirements — many kommuner (municipalities) require that the need lasts at least 2–3 år. Age alone is not enough; you must have a real need for a companion.
How to apply
You apply to your home kommune, that is, the kommune where you are registered as a resident. Here is how:
- Find the application form on your kommune's website, or contact the kommune's service office.
- Fill in the form and attach documentation of the need, for example a medical certificate from your regular GP (fastlege), a specialist, or the kommune's health service.
- Attach a passport photo if the kommune asks for one, since the picture goes on the card.
- Submit the application digitally via ID-porten (Norway's digital ID login) or on paper, as your kommune describes.
- Wait for a reply. Processing time varies, but is often around 2–4 uker (weeks).
What does it cost, and how long is it valid?
Ledsagerbevis should normally be free. The national guidelines say the kommune should not charge a fee for issuing the card. How long the card is valid is decided by the kommune. It can be time-limited, for example a few years, or without an expiry date. If your card has an expiry date, you must reapply before it expires to keep the scheme. Check the date on your card in good time.
Where is the companion card valid?
The card is valid throughout Norway, but only where the organiser or venue has chosen to accept the scheme. Common places are cinemas, swimming pools, public transport, and cultural and sports events. Each venue decides for itself whether it accepts the card, and whether the companion enters for free or at a reduced price. Venues that receive state cultural funding should normally give the companion a free ticket. Look for a sign showing the card is accepted, or ask at the ticket window. The card is not valid abroad.
If you are refused
If you are refused, you normally have the right to appeal. The kommune must explain why you were refused and how to appeal, often within a three-week deadline. Common reasons for refusal are that the need is considered temporary, or that the documentation does not show a lasting need for a companion. A clearer medical certificate can then help. Remember that because the scheme is voluntary, not all kommuner offer ledsagerbevis — ask your kommune what applies where you live.
Ledsagerbevis is not the same as a parking permit or TT-card
Ledsagerbevis is one of several schemes for people with disabilities, and it does not replace the others. The parking permit for people with reduced mobility and the TT-ordning (adapted transport service) are separate schemes with their own applications and requirements. Ledsagerbevis is also not meant to replace help such as brukerstyrt personlig assistanse (user-controlled personal assistance, BPA), a support contact, or respite care, and it does not apply to patient travel. If you want to know more about your rights, you can read about rights for people with disabilities, aids and equipment from NAV, and basic benefit and attendance benefit.
