A police clearance certificate is a document from the police that shows whether you have any records in the police registry. Many jobs in Norway require it – especially in childcare, schools, health services and work with children. You apply for free online, and the certificate cannot be more than three months old when you submit it.
What is a police clearance certificate?
A police clearance certificate (also called a certificate of good conduct) is a confirmation from the police showing whether you are registered in the criminal record for certain offences. The employer uses it to assess whether you are suitable for a particular position.
An employer cannot demand a police clearance certificate freely. There must be a legal basis in a law or regulation that gives the right to request it for that specific job. You always apply yourself – the employer cannot obtain the certificate on your behalf. For many who come to Norway to work, this is one of several requirements to enter the workforce; on SamfunnPrep we collect practical guides about work and labour immigration in Norway.
Who must have a police clearance certificate?
You must present a police clearance certificate when the law requires it for the position. The requirement applies most often to jobs where you are close to children, young people, sick or vulnerable persons. Common examples:
- Childcare and schools – all employees, including substitutes
- Health and care services – for example care homes and home care
- Work with children and young people – out-of-school care, child welfare, sports clubs and voluntary organisations
- Certain licensed or regulated professions – for example taxi driver, who also needs a driving permit from the police
- Security guards, lawyers and some positions in the civil service
If you are going to work in a regulated profession that requires recognition, a police clearance certificate may be one of several documents you must obtain. If you are still looking for work, the guide on finding a job in Norway can help you further.
Childcare certificate for childcare and schools
For work in childcare and schools you must present a childcare certificate. This is an extended certificate that shows more types of offences than a standard certificate.
The rules are strict, and you should know them:
- The certificate must be delivered and assessed by the employer before you start work.
- The requirement applies to everyone who works in childcare, not just those who work with the children. Cleaners, caretakers and kitchen staff must also show a certificate.
- The certificate must not be more than three months old when you submit it.
- If you have been convicted of sexual offences against children, you cannot be employed in childcare or schools. Other records are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The requirement is in the Childcare Act § 30 and in a separate regulation. The point is not to shut people out, but to protect the children – the vast majority receive a blank certificate without problems.
What types of police clearance certificate are there?
Which type of certificate you receive depends on the purpose. You do not choose yourself – the regulations for the job determine it.
| Type of certificate | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Standard certificate | A selection of offences, and older cases usually fall away after a few years |
| Comprehensive and extended certificate | All records, including old cases and ongoing cases |
| Childcare certificate | Specially selected offences relevant to work with children; certain sexual offences are shown regardless of age |
How to apply for a police clearance certificate step by step
You apply most easily online at politiet.no. Almost everyone does it this way – in the first half of 2025, 97.5 per cent applied online. Here is how you do it:
- Get confirmation of purpose from the employer or organisation. Without this document you cannot apply.
- Log in at politiet.no with electronic ID. If you use BankID or MinID through ID-porten, login is quick.
- Select the correct purpose and upload the confirmation.
- Send the application. You receive an email with a case number confirming that the application has been received, and you can follow the status by logging in.
- Receive the certificate digitally and submit it to the employer.
Good to know: Police clearance certificate for work, studies and voluntary work is free. Processing time is normally up to 14 days after the police have received all documentation, but it can take longer during busy periods. If you are under 18 years old, one of your parents must sign the application.
How long is the police clearance certificate valid?
A police clearance certificate has no fixed expiration date, but it shows the situation on the day it was issued. Therefore most employers require that the certificate is not more than three months old. For childcare and schools, three months is a clear rule.
A certificate applies only to the purpose it was requested for. You therefore cannot use the same certificate for a new job with a different purpose – you must apply again. It is free, so there is no reason to wait.
Have you lived abroad?
A Norwegian police clearance certificate shows only what is in Norwegian registers. If you have recently lived in another country, some employers may additionally ask for a similar certificate from your home country or the country you came from. This applies most often to jobs with children and vulnerable persons.
You obtain such a foreign certificate from the police or authorities in the relevant country, and sometimes it must be translated into Norwegian or English by an authorised translator. Ask the employer early what is required, as this can take longer than the Norwegian certificate.
Common mistakes you should avoid
Many people take unnecessary time because they apply incorrectly. Watch out for this:
- Do not apply before you have confirmation of purpose. The application will be rejected without it.
- One certificate = one purpose. A new job with a new legal basis means a new application.
- Apply with plenty of time. Calculate up to 14 days processing time, so you can meet the start date.
- A record does not automatically exclude you. With the exception of offences against children, the employer must assess each case individually – and you have the right to explain yourself.
The rules for working life are also part of the curriculum for the citizenship test. If you want to understand your rights in Norwegian working life better, you can practise for free on SamfunnPrep.
