A residence card is a plastic card that proves you have a residence permit in Norway. The card contains a photograph, your signature, and fingerprints, and you receive it from the police. Here you will see how to apply for the card, how long it is valid, what renewal costs, and what to do if you lose it.
What is a residence card?
A residence card is a plastic card in credit card format. It is the proof that you have a residence permit in Norway — but the card is not the permit itself. UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) grants the permit. The card only shows that the permit exists.
The card contains a facial photograph, your signature, and your fingerprints. The fingerprints are stored in a chip in the card. The same type of card is used throughout the Schengen area (European countries without border controls between them).
The distinction between card and permit is important. If your card expires, you do not lose your permit. This applies especially to you who have permanent residence permit — the permit lasts forever, but the card must be replaced.
Who gets a residence card?
All citizens from countries outside the EU/EEA (European Economic Area) who have a residence permit in Norway should have a residence card. EU/EEA citizens should not have a residence card — they have their own documents, such as registration certificate for EEA citizens.
One exception is important. If you are from a country outside the EU/EEA but are a family member of an EEA citizen, you receive your own "residence card under EU/EEA rules". This card has different rules for validity and renewal. We will return to this below.
How to apply for a residence card
You apply for a residence card by registering an application online and booking an appointment with the police. The process has three steps:
- Register the application in UDI's application portal (selfservice.udi.no) and book an appointment with the police.
- Attend the appointment with the police. The police will take your fingerprints, photograph you, and order the card. Children under 6 years old should not provide fingerprints.
- The card arrives in the mail from the card issuer.
How long does it take to get the card?
It takes approximately three weeks (up to 20 working days) before you receive the residence card in the mail. If you have not received the card after more than 20 working days, you should contact your police district.
Check your mailbox before you order. The postal service will not deliver the card if your name is not on the mailbox. Then the card is returned, and it takes 14 working days before the police receive it back. Only after that can the card be sent out again.
How long is the residence card valid?
How long the card is valid depends on which permit you have. If you have a temporary permit, the card is valid for as long as the permit. If you have a permanent residence permit, the card is only valid for 2 years — even though the permit never expires.
| Permit | Card validity |
|---|---|
| Temporary residence permit | As long as the permit |
| Permanent residence permit | 2 years |
| Continuous right of residence (EEA family member) | 10 years |
| Residence card under EU/EEA rules | As long as the conditions for the right of residence are met |
Remember: the card's expiration date is not the same as the permit's expiration date. If you want to know more about the permit itself, you can read SamfunnPrep's guide to permanent residence permit in Norway.
How to renew your residence card
Order a new card at least three months before the old one expires. This is UDI's own recommendation. You order in the application portal and attend the police station for a new photograph and new fingerprints.
The price depends on when you order (as of July 2026):
- If you have a permanent residence permit or continuous right of residence, and the old card is still valid: 0 kroner.
- If the old card has already expired: 300 kroner.
- If you do not hand in the old card at the police station, a fee of 300 kroner is added.
The amounts may change — check UDI's fee page for updated rates. If you have a temporary permit, you receive a new card when you renew your residence permit before the deadline. A residence card under EU/EEA rules cannot be renewed — you must apply for a new card.
When you turn 18, you are responsible for ensuring that your permit and card are in order. You must remember to order a new card before the old one expires.
Lost, stolen or damaged card
If you have lost your residence card, you should immediately report it to the police. If you are abroad, report it to the nearest Norwegian foreign service mission (embassy or consulate). You must explain what happened. The report must be made before a new card can be issued.
This is how you get a new card: book an appointment in UDI's application portal and attend the police station. A new card costs 300 kroner (as of July 2026) and arrives in the mail after approximately three weeks. If the card was stolen, you should also file a police report.
Can you travel with a residence card?
Yes — you can travel with your residence card, but only together with a valid passport. The card is not a travel document and never replaces your passport. With a valid card and passport, you can travel visa-free in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
If you travel with an expired card, it is at your own risk. UDI does not expedite card orders and does not issue travel certificates. If you need a visa because of your nationality, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa to return to Norway. Also expect longer time at border control.
If you cannot use your home country's passport, there are separate travel documents — read about travel documents and alien passports. Also remember that long stays abroad can affect your permit. See the rules for travel outside Norway with a residence permit.
When must you show the card?
You must show your residence card at border control and at immigration control in Norway. The authorities may also ask you to provide fingerprints to verify that the card is yours.
In practice, others also ask for the card. Employers want to document that you can work, and banks use it for customer verification. Practice varies, and the card is not valid identification everywhere. Bring your passport when required.
Next steps
A valid residence card saves you problems when travelling and at border controls. Set a reminder for the expiration date and order a new card in good time. SamfunnPrep has several guides on residence, work and rights in Norway.
If you are moving towards permanent residence or citizenship, you must pass the citizenship knowledge test — practice free on SamfunnPrep. Try free
