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Glossary

A reference of Norwegian agencies, services, and exams that immigrants are likely to encounter.

A

  • Altinn

    The shared digital inbox Norwegian public agencies use to send mail and forms to individuals and businesses.

B

  • BankID

    Norway’s national electronic ID — required for online banking, government services, and digital signatures.

F

  • Fastlege

    Your designated primary care doctor in Norway’s public health system — the first contact for all health issues.

  • Folkeregisteret

    Norway’s official population register, run by Skatteetaten — issues the national identity number or D-number.

  • Folketrygden

    Norway’s national insurance scheme — funds sick pay, pension, unemployment benefits, and health costs.

H

  • Helfo

    The agency that runs the GP scheme, European Health Insurance Card, and health-sector reimbursements.

  • HK-dir

    The agency that runs the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven and other official exams.

N

  • NAV

    The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration — handles unemployment, sick pay, parental benefits, and other welfare schemes.

  • Norskprøven

    The official Norwegian-language test at levels A1–C1, administered by HK-dir.

S

  • Skatteetaten

    The Norwegian Tax Administration — handles tax, national identity number, D-number, and the National Population Register.

  • Statsborgerprøven

    The mandatory citizenship test — requires B1 Norwegian and a pass in the social studies test.

U

  • UDI

    The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration — handles applications for residence, asylum, and citizenship.