Do you need to pay the NRK license as a new resident in Norway? Short answer: No. The NRK license was abolished on January 1, 2020, and NRK is now financed through the state budget. This guide explains what happened, plus your rights to switch mobile subscriptions and port your phone number for free in 2026.

The NRK License Was Abolished on January 1, 2020

Until 2020, all households in Norway had to pay the broadcasting fee (NRK license) of approximately 3,100 kroner per year. The fee was tied to TV sets and was meant to finance NRK.

From January 1, 2020, the system has been abolished. The government replaced the license scheme with state budget financing through the personal tax deduction. No individual invoices are sent out anymore.

Consequences for you as a newcomer:

  • You will never receive an NRK license invoice after 2019
  • You do not need to register a TV, radio, or PC with NRK
  • No inspection of TV sets in your home
  • NRK content (nrk.no, NRK TV, NRK Radio) is free and accessible

How NRK Is Financed Today (Personal Tax Deduction)

NRK receives annual appropriations from the state budget. For 2026, the appropriation is over 7 billion kroner. The money comes from the ordinary personal tax deduction in the tax system.

If you pay taxes in Norway, you contribute indirectly to NRK — just like all other taxpayers. There is no separate 'media quota' on your tax bill.

Advantage: The system is fairer — those with low income pay less, while those with high income pay more. Under the license scheme, all households paid the same amount regardless of income.

No Invoice = No Obligation: Myth Busted

A common question: 'I received an invoice for the NRK license — do I have to pay?'

Answer: No. NRK does not issue license invoices after 2019. If you receive such an invoice, it is fraud. Here's how to handle it:

  1. Do not pay. Check the sender address and bank account number — compare it with official NRK channels.
  2. Report to police (see report to police) if it is a fraud attempt.
  3. Report to Consumer Authority⁠ if this is marketing fraud.
  4. Block the sender in your digital mailbox and email.

Such fraud attempts may use previous NRK license addressees for identity theft. If you suspect your data has been leaked, see GDPR and Privacy.

The Right to Switch Mobile Subscriptions (Max 24-Month Lock-in)

Norwegian telecommunications law (the eCommerce Act § 2-4) limits the lock-in period on mobile subscriptions to a maximum of 24 months. Many operators offer 12-month lock-in or no lock-in at all.

Your Rights When Switching

  • Switching operators is free after the lock-in period ends
  • Number porting is free (see next section)
  • The operator cannot refuse you the right to switch after the lock-in period
  • In case of death, serious illness, or moving abroad, you can normally break the contract earlier without fees
  • When canceling your subscription, the operator must give you free switching within 30 days

Cancellation During Lock-in

If you cancel while you are still in lock-in, the operator can demand:

  • Payment for the remaining months of the lock-in period
  • Or a cancellation fee (clearly stated in your contract)

Read your contract terms carefully. Complaints can be sent to Nkom (National Communications Authority) and Consumer Council.

Compare Prices and Operators

Major operators (2026): Telenor, Telia, Ice, One Call, Chess, Talkmore. All use Telenor or Telia networks. Check coverage where you live.

Use Nkom's teleprices.no for independent price and speed comparison.

Free Number Porting: How to Do It

Number porting means you take your phone number with you to a new operator. It is free and normally takes 1–3 business days.

Step by Step

  1. Choose a new operator and order a subscription on their website or in store.
  2. Provide the number you want to port to your new operator. They will need the IMEI or SIM card number.
  3. Your new operator sends a porting request to your old operator.
  4. Confirm the porting — you will receive an SMS confirmation from both operators.
  5. Insert the new SIM card (or activate eSIM) on the porting date.
  6. Your old subscription ends automatically. Do not cancel it yourself.

Important: Never manually cancel your old subscription before porting is complete. You will lose your number permanently.

How Long Does Porting Take?

  • Standard: 1–3 business days
  • Complex (business number, old metered phone): up to 10 days
  • During porting you may experience a brief outage (5–30 minutes) on the porting date

Complaints About Number Porting

If the operator refuses porting or it takes too long, complain to:

  1. The operator first (written complaint)
  2. Nkom — can order the operator to complete the porting
  3. Consumer Council for financial claims

Other Telecom Rights You Should Know

  • 14-day right of withdrawal: When purchasing a subscription online or by phone, you have the right to withdraw within 14 days.
  • Automatic renewal: After the lock-in period ends, your subscription renews monthly. You can cancel with 1 month's notice.
  • Quality complaints: For poor coverage or unstable internet, you can demand a price reduction or termination.
  • Roaming: Within the EEA, 'Roam like at home' applies — same prices as at home.
  • Billing errors: Complain in writing within 3 months.

Switching Broadband, TV Packages, and Electricity

Many of the same principles apply to other subscriptions:

  • Broadband: Max 24-month lock-in, free switching after lock-in
  • TV packages: Right of withdrawal, price protection, cancellation right
  • Electricity: No fixed lock-in period — electricity support and switching
  • Insurance: Annual contract lock-in, switch at renewal

Use personal finance tips to save money on fixed expenses.

Summary

The NRK license was abolished on January 1, 2020 — you will not receive invoices and have no obligation to register a TV. NRK is now financed through the state budget. If you received an NRK license invoice after 2020, it is fraud — report it to police and the Consumer Authority. Norwegian telecom law limits mobile lock-in to 24 months, and after the lock-in period you can freely switch operators. Number porting is free and takes 1–3 business days — let your new operator handle the cancellation automatically. For complaints, contact Nkom or the Consumer Council.