A residence card shows that you have a residence permit or right of residence in Norway. The card is not the permit itself, and it is not a passport. When you travel, you normally need both a valid residence card and a valid passport or another travel document.
If you have a permanent residence permit, the card is valid for two years. The permit itself has no fixed end date, but it can lapse or be withdrawn in some situations. You must therefore look after both the card and the conditions of the permit.
Residence card, ID card and permit
Three terms are often confused:
- A residence permit is the right UDI or the police has given you to live in Norway.
- A residence card is physical proof of the permit or right of residence.
- A national ID card is an identity card from the police. It is not proof of a residence permit.
A residence card includes your photo, signature and fingerprints. The police take the photo and order the card.
If you want a national ID card as identification, you must apply under different rules. See the difference in the passport and ID-card guide.
Who should have a residence card?
Everyone who has a Norwegian residence permit and is not a citizen of an EU/EEA country should normally have a residence card.
EU/EEA citizens do not receive an ordinary residence card. They use the registration scheme and document their right of residence in other ways.
There is one important separate group. You may be a family member of an EU/EEA citizen while you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA. You may then receive a residence card under the EU/EEA rules. This card depends on your family member having a right of residence in Norway.
Read about the registration scheme for EU/EEA citizens if you are unsure which rules apply.
How to get your first card
After your application has been approved, read the decision letter. It explains whether you need to attend an appointment with the police.
Some people receive a card without a new appointment because the police already have their photo and fingerprints. Others must book an appointment to:
- show their identity and documents
- have a photo taken
- provide a signature
- provide fingerprints when the rules require it
- confirm the correct address
Do not register an extra application just because you are waiting for the card. Follow the steps in the decision letter or on UDI's page for the permit you received.
Your full name must be clear on the letterbox. Your address must be correct. Otherwise, the card may be returned.
How long is the card valid?
| Situation | Normal validity |
|---|---|
| Temporary residence permit | As long as the permit |
| Permanent residence permit | 2 years |
| Permanent right of residence for a family member from outside the EU/EEA | 10 years |
| Residence card under the EU/EEA rules | Follows the decision and the conditions for the right of residence |
The date on the card and the duration of the permit are not always the same. An expired card therefore does not automatically mean that a permanent residence permit has ended. However, an expired card can create problems during checks and travel.
Read about the right itself in the guide to permanent residence.
When do you renew the permit, and when do you only order a card?
This difference is important.
- If your temporary residence permit will soon expire, apply to renew the permit. Do not only order a new card.
- If you have a permanent residence permit and the card will soon expire, order a new card.
- If you have a permanent right of residence and a card that will soon expire, order a new card under the rules for that scheme.
- If the card is lost, stolen, damaged or incorrect, order a replacement card.
UDI recommends that people with permanent residence or a permanent right of residence order a new card three months before it expires. You may also need to wait for a police appointment.
How much does a new residence card cost?
UDI's fee page showed these rates when checked on 12 September 2026:
| Reason for a new card | Fee |
|---|---|
| Old card has expired | NOK 300 |
| Card is lost, stolen or damaged | NOK 300 |
| Name or other details must be changed | NOK 300 |
| Valid permanent-residence card replaced before expiry | NOK 0 |
| Valid permanent-right-of-residence card replaced before expiry | NOK 0 |
| Card arrived damaged or with an issuer error | NOK 0 |
At the police appointment, you must hand in the old card. If you do not return it, you may have to pay an additional NOK 300.
A residence card under EU/EEA rules and an application for a permanent right of residence are free. Still check UDI's page before booking because fees can change.
How long does it take to receive the card?
There is no single delivery time for every case. On the replacement-card page, UDI says it may take up to three weeks after the police appointment. Some pages for particular permits state at least 20 working days.
Plan for several weeks. Follow the information for your permit. If the card does not arrive, contact the police district where you provided your information.
Before the appointment, check that:
- your address is registered correctly
- your full name is on the letterbox
- your phone number and contact details are current
- you have enough time before a planned trip
Can you travel with a residence card?
A residence card is not a travel document. You must always carry a valid passport or another valid travel document.
Unless the card says otherwise, it shows that you can travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. This limit is for short visits. It does not give you a right to work in other countries.
You should not travel with an expired card. UDI states that it does not speed up residence-card orders because of travel and does not issue a confirmation that can be used for the trip.
Returning home may be difficult if you are outside Norway without a valid card. If you lose the card abroad, contact the nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate. You may need to apply for an entry visa, also called a D visa, to return.
Lost, stolen or damaged card
If you are in Norway, use UDI's service to order a new card and attend the police appointment. Report theft to the police and keep the confirmation.
If you are abroad:
- contact the local police if the card was stolen
- contact a Norwegian embassy or consulate
- ask whether you need a D visa
- order a new card after returning to Norway
Do not use a card with the wrong name, citizenship or other incorrect details. Order a new card under UDI's rules.
A simple checklist
Look at the expiry date today. If you have permanent residence or a permanent right of residence, set a reminder at least three months before that date. Check your passport at the same time.
SamfunnPrep explains Norwegian rules with short steps and clear distinctions. If you are working towards permanent residence and must pass the social studies test, you can practise with SamfunnPrep. Start for free.
