When are you regarded as a tourist?
You are regarded as a tourist when you stay in Norway
- for less than 12 months, and
- have no income from work in Norway
What happens when you go to Norway on holiday?
EEA countries and Switzerland
- Coming from an EEA-country or Switzerland - take your European Health Insurance Card with you. The card gives proof of your entitlement to emergency and necessary medical treatment covered under the National Insurance Act.
Australia
- Coming from Australia - you will be entitled to coverage under the National Insurance Act if you become ill while on holiday in Norway.
Other countries
- Coming from other countries - you must purchase private insurance to cover expenses in case of sickness while on holiday in Norway.
When are you no longer regarded as a tourist?
If you start work in Norway, you are no longer regarded as a tourist.
If you stay in Norway longer than 12 months, other rules will apply. You will no longer be regarded as a tourist and will have to apply for a residence permit.
If you need a visa to holiday in Norway, you are no longer regarded as a tourist after its expiration. Normally a visa is issued for up to three months.
What can you do to become a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme?
As a rule, you will not be granted membership when you are a tourist. Persons who have a family in Norway or close ties with Norway may, on application, obtain voluntary membership when staying in Norway from three to twelve months.
Form and application
Application to become a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme during a stay in Norway
Resided in Norway
You can use this form if you are going to stay in Norway for less than 12 months without working. This may be appropriate if you intend to:
- study in Norway
- visit a family member in Norway
If you come to Norway from an EEA country or Switzerland, you must use the form for residence in the EEA.
Work in Norway
You can also use the form if you live in Norway and work
- at a foreign embassy
- in an international organization
- on a ship registered outside the EEA
Are you applying for someone other than yourself?
Then you cannot send the application digitally, because it will be linked to you personally. Select "Submit by post" when asked how you want to submit the form.