D-number – The Essential Key to Digital Access in Norway

A Practical Guide

Team Intermediary AS

12/7/202512 min read

D-number – The Essential Key to Digital Access in Norway: A Practical Guide

For any foreign company entering the Norwegian market, the highly digital business world presents an immediate challenge. Before you can register your business and get a Norwegian Organisation Number (Organisasjonsnummer), every foreign director or board member first needs a personal identifier: the D-number.

This is the non-negotiable first step. Without it, you are locked out of Norwegian banking, government portals, and essential digital services required for company registration, KYC/AML compliance, and tax reporting. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step explanation of why the D-number is critical and how to navigate the application process efficiently.

Your First Step into Norway's Digital Business World

Starting a business in Norway is about more than a great idea and a solid plan. It requires connecting to the country's advanced digital infrastructure. For international companies, this journey begins with two critical identifiers: the personal D-number (D-nummer) for individuals and the Organisation Number (Organisasjonsnummer) for the company.

Think of them as sequential keys. You simply cannot get the company key (the Organisation Number) until every foreign representative has their personal key (the D-number). This guide explains how the D-number bridges the gap between your international ambitions and Norway’s seamless digital systems, enabling you to operate legally and efficiently.

Why the D-Number Comes First

A D-number is a temporary identification number issued by the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) under the Population Registration Act (LOV-2016-12-09-88). It is specifically for individuals who have a legitimate need for a Norwegian ID but do not have a standard national identity number (fødselsnummer).

Before the Brønnøysund Register Centre will issue an Organisation Number for your new Norwegian Limited Company (AS) or Norwegian Branch Office (NUF), it must link the company to legally accountable individuals. That accountability is established through their D-numbers. This is the foundational step for all subsequent registrations and compliance activities.

Compliance Note: This process is deeply rooted in Norway's strict anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. The D-number ensures that every director, board member, and person with significant control can be uniquely identified and verified. It is a mandatory component for creating a transparent and secure business environment.

Who Absolutely Needs a D-Number

If you are a foreign national taking on a key role in a Norwegian company, you will need a D-number. The table below clarifies who needs one and why. It is a mandatory requirement for company registration and opening a corporate bank account. If you're ready to get started, you can also explore our guide on how to register your company from any device.

Who Needs a D-Number and Why

Role/EntityMandatory D-Number For Primary Reason Foreign Director Every non-resident director of a Norwegian AS or NUF. Required by the Brønnøysund Register Centre to formally register the company and its leadership. Board Members All non-resident members of the board of directors.Essential for legal accountability and to be listed in the official company register. General Manager The non-resident individual appointed as the daglig leder (General Manager).Needed for day-to-day operational authority and to sign documents on behalf of the company.Bank Account Signatory Any foreign individual authorised to operate the corporate bank account.Banks require a D-number to complete mandatory KYC/AML identity verification checks. ShareholdersOften required for shareholders with significant control, especially during KYC processes.Helps financial institutions and authorities verify the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) of the company.

In short: a D-number is essential whenever a foreign company representative needs to prove their identity digitally in Norway.

What a D-Number Actually Unlocks for Your Business

A D-number is more than a bureaucratic requirement; it is your digital passport to the Norwegian business ecosystem. It is the single tool that transforms you from an outsider into a recognized participant in Norway’s highly digitized economy, enabling you to manage your company remotely and interact with Norwegian systems efficiently.

Without a D-number, you are limited to slow, manual, and often impossible processes. With it, you can operate your business from day one.

Your Gateway to Core Digital Services

The D-number is the key that opens the door to critical digital platforms that are non-negotiable for compliance, banking, and official communication in Norway.

Altinn Access: This is Norway’s central government portal for businesses. Your D-number lets you log in to submit mandatory filings like tax returns, VAT statements, and annual accounts. Failure to do so results in non-compliance and significant penalties.
Corporate Banking and KYC/AML: Norwegian banks are legally obligated to perform rigorous Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks. A D-number is the primary method for verifying the identity of a non-resident director. Attempting to open a business bank account without one is a common and critical roadblock.
Digital Signatures: Much of official business in Norway, from board meeting minutes to shareholder agreements, is conducted using legally binding digital signatures. Your D-number is a prerequisite for obtaining an electronic ID, such as BankID, which facilitates these transactions.

Real-World Scenario: An international software company planned to establish a Norwegian AS to enter the Scandinavian market. Their progress stalled for over three months because the non-resident CEO could not open a corporate bank account to deposit the required share capital. The bank's compliance department repeatedly rejected the application. The issue was only resolved once the CEO obtained a D-number, which allowed the bank to complete the mandatory KYC verification. This delay cost them their target launch date.

D-Number vs. National Identity Number

It is crucial to understand the distinction between a D-number (D-nummer) and a national identity number (fødselsnummer). Both are 11-digit identifiers, but they serve different purposes.

A fødselsnummer is a permanent ID issued to Norwegian citizens and foreign nationals registered as residents in the National Population Register. It signifies a long-term, settled status.

A D-number, however, is a temporary identifier designed specifically for individuals with a connection to Norway (such as directing a company) who are not official residents. For a foreign director, it is the correct and necessary tool.

More Than Just Business Compliance

The D-number's utility extends beyond basic business filings. Its integration into daily life underscores the centrality of digital identity in Norwegian society.

The public sector utilizes it in systems like the National Insurance Scheme (NAV). In healthcare, it is used to register with a general practitioner and access health records online. This widespread adoption, detailed by sources like Statistics Norway, demonstrates how deeply digital identity is embedded at every level.

Ultimately, the D-number is your essential key because it validates your identity within a system built on trust and verification. It allows you to run your business efficiently, fulfill legal obligations, and participate fully in one of Europe’s most advanced digital economies.

Untangling the Traditional D-Number Application

While the D-number is your golden ticket, the traditional application method is a bureaucratic maze. This manual process is often the first major hurdle for foreign companies, halting everything from company registration to opening a bank account. It involves physical forms, certified documents, and in-person appointments that are difficult to coordinate from abroad.

First, You Have to Prove You Need One

The first step is justifying to the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) why you need a D-number. You must prove you have a legitimate reason tied to a specific requirement in Norway. For a foreign director, this typically means demonstrating your role in a planned Norwegian company. This creates a classic catch-22: you need the D-number to register the company, but you need proof of the company to get the D-number.

Here are common ways to prove your need:

Drafts of foundation documents for a new Norwegian AS, clearly listing you as a director.
A formal letter of intent showing your connection to a planned NUF.
Written communication from a Norwegian bank stating that a D-number is required to open a corporate account.

Getting Your Paperwork in Order

Once you establish your need, you must gather precise documentation. Even minor errors can lead to rejection, sending you back to the start.

Your application package must include:

The official application form (RF-1420), completed without errors.
A certified copy of your valid passport or a recognized national ID card from an EU/EEA country. This must be notarized or certified by a recognized authority.
Proof of your business connection to Norway, using the documents mentioned above.

Common Pitfall: One of the most frequent reasons for rejection is an improperly certified ID copy. A standard photocopy is insufficient. The copy must be stamped and signed by an authorized body, like a notary public or a Norwegian embassy, confirming it is a true copy of the original. This small detail can cause significant delays.

The In-Person Identity Check Hurdle

For most non-residents, the greatest challenge is the requirement for an in-person identity verification. Traditionally, this means booking an appointment at a designated tax office in Norway and presenting your original passport. Organizing this from another country while your business launch is on hold is a major logistical and financial burden.

This single step can add weeks or months to your timeline. Flying to Norway for a 15-minute identity check is impractical for most international founders. This logistical nightmare highlights why a modern, digital alternative is essential. If you are pursuing this route, our guide on the application for a D-number provides more detail.

A Digital Approach Makes Getting a D-Number Much Simpler

The old way of getting a D-number is slow and fraught with logistical traps. A modern, digital alternative now exists that integrates the D-number application directly into the company registration workflow. This approach transforms a major hurdle into a seamless part of your business setup, allowing you to initiate the entire process from your home country.

At Intermediary AS, we have developed a solution where the D-number application is fully integrated into our digital company registration and onboarding process. This eliminates manual forms and significantly reduces the risk of human error, which often leads to rejections and delays.

The Power of Integrated Digital Systems

This modern method connects previously separate systems through secure technology. By leveraging digital identity verification compliant with European eIDAS regulations, these platforms confirm your identity remotely and accurately. This is a game-changer compared to flying to Norway for an in-person ID check.

This digital verification is the key to a fully remote setup. Our guide on verifying your identity instantly on any device in Norway explains how this technology provides both security and convenience. This innovation combines government APIs, D-number flows, and public registers into one unified digital system.

Key elements of our solution:

Digital, automated handling of the D-number application: The system identifies the need for a D-number and initiates the process automatically. No manual forms are required.
Secure Document Uploads: Upload necessary documents, like a high-quality scan of your passport, through a secure online portal. This eliminates the cost and hassle of certified copies and international mail.
Built in line with the EU Data Act and the eIDAS Regulation: The process supports secure data exchange, digital identity, and cross-border interoperability across the EU/EEA.

This digital-first strategy fundamentally changes how foreign entrepreneurs enter the Norwegian market. It replaces uncertainty with a clear, predictable, and efficient path to getting your business operational.

From Bottleneck to Onboarding Milestone

This shift offers significant benefits for foreign founders. The most important is speed. What used to take weeks or months can now be accomplished in a fraction of the time. Accuracy is another major advantage; automated checks and guided inputs minimize the risk of minor errors that would otherwise delay your application.

Our automated method for cross-border company formation was documented in our Patentability Review (Zenodo, 2024). Experts concluded that our method represents a new and useful approach to combining government APIs, D-number flows, and public registers.

This modern approach allows you to focus on your business strategy instead of administrative hurdles. It makes Norwegian digital infrastructure accessible, turning a major barrier into a straightforward part of establishing your company.

The Digital Path to Forming Your Norwegian Company

A modern, unified platform transforms the fragmented process of setting up a Norwegian company into a single, straightforward digital flow. The process begins the moment you start your company registration. A smart system immediately identifies that you, as a non-resident director, need a D-number and automatically triggers the application as the first step.

Your Step-by-Step Digital Journey

This integrated approach eliminates guesswork and administrative burdens. It guides you through a clear, digital workflow from start to finish.

Here is a step-by-step overview of the journey:

Start Your Company Registration: You begin setting up your Norwegian AS or NUF on the platform. The system instantly flags the D-number requirement for any non-resident directors.
Automatic D-Number Application: Using the information you provide, the platform pre-fills and initiates the D-number application. You do not need to find or complete separate forms like RF-1420.
Secure Identity Check: You are prompted to submit identity documents through a secure digital portal by uploading a high-quality photo of your passport, compliant with eIDAS regulations for cross-border verification.
Connected Processing: The platform manages all communication with the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). You can track the status directly from your dashboard, eliminating the uncertainty of traditional methods.
Seamless Handover to Company Registration: Once your D-number is issued, the system automatically uses it to finalize your company registration with the Brønnøysund Register Centre. You receive your D-number and your Organisasjonsnummer in one connected process.

The difference between this digital workflow and the traditional paper-based process is night and day.

This integrated approach saves you a massive amount of time, effort, and stress.

What You'll Need for a Smooth Process

To ensure your digital application proceeds without delays, it is helpful to have your information ready.

Founder & Director Information Checklist:

Full Legal Name: Exactly as it appears on your official ID.
Date of Birth and Nationality: Standard personal details for official records.
Residential Address: Your current home address outside of Norway.
Valid Passport: A clear, high-resolution digital copy. Ensure it is not expired.
Company Details: The proposed name for your Norwegian AS or NUF and a business address in Norway.

This automated approach to cross-border company formation is a genuinely new way of combining government APIs, D-number workflows, and public registers. As documented in our patentability review, experts have recognized that it creates a truly unified digital system. You can discover more about this innovative process.

Key Takeaway: A modern digital platform handles the procedural complexity for you. Your role is to provide accurate information through a guided interface, transforming a bureaucratic challenge into a manageable task.

Comparing the Old Way with the New

A side-by-side comparison highlights the benefits of a modern, integrated solution over the traditional manual process. The difference in time, cost, and stress is substantial.

D-Number Application Process Comparison

The table below illustrates the differences between the two experiences.

Process StepTraditional Method (Manual)Integrated Solution (Digital)Application StartManually download and complete the correct government forms (e.g., RF-1420).The system automatically initiates the application based on your company registration details.Document SubmissionArrange for certified/notarised copies of your passport and mail them physically.Securely upload a digital scan of your passport via an online portal.Identity VerificationRequires an in-person appointment at a Norwegian tax office or embassy.Completed remotely using secure digital identity verification compliant with eIDAS standards.Processing TimeCan take 2–10 weeks, often with delays due to errors or postal services.Significantly faster, as correct information is submitted digitally and tracked in real-time.Error HandlingHigh risk of rejection due to minor errors, requiring the entire process to be restarted.Guided input and automated checks minimise errors, ensuring a higher first-time success rate.Overall ExperienceA fragmented, stressful, and unpredictable process that often stalls business plans.A transparent, connected, and efficient experience managed from a single dashboard.

Moving from a manual, paper-driven system to an integrated digital one is a fundamental shift that empowers the user and accelerates market entry.

Common Questions About the D-Number Process

Navigating the rules for setting up a business in Norway raises many questions, particularly regarding the D-number. Here are clear, practical answers to the most common queries from foreign companies.

Can I Register a Norwegian Company Without a D-number?

No. A foreign director or board member cannot finalize the registration of a Norwegian company (AS or NUF) without a D-number. While you can begin the process, the Brønnøysund Register Centre requires a valid Norwegian identifier for every individual with legal responsibilities before it will issue an Organisation Number.

This is a non-negotiable compliance step. It is why an integrated setup process that secures the D-number first is critical for a successful launch.

How Long Does It Typically Take to Get a D-number?

The timeline varies significantly. The traditional manual route can take anywhere from two to ten weeks, with longer delays if there are errors in your documentation.

In contrast, a streamlined digital process significantly reduces this time. By ensuring the application is correct from the start and submitted digitally, the wait is often much shorter, aligning with your company formation schedule and removing a major bottleneck.

Will My D-number Expire?

Yes. D-numbers are typically issued with an active status for five years. After this period, the number becomes inactive, which can lock you out of essential digital services like Altinn for tax filings or your corporate bank account.

If you maintain ties to Norway that require a D-number (e.g., as a director of an active company), you must apply to have it reactivated. Forgetting this is a common pitfall that can cause serious compliance disruptions.

Pro Tip: Think of a D-number as the digital key to Norway's business ecosystem. Like any key, it requires maintenance to keep doors open. Proactively managing its status is vital for uninterrupted operations.

What Is the Difference Between a D-number and a Fødselsnummer?

The primary difference relates to residency status.

A D-number (D-nummer) is a temporary ID for individuals not registered as permanent residents in Norway's National Population Register. It identifies you as a non-resident with a legitimate reason to be in the Norwegian system.

A national identity number (fødselsnummer) is a permanent, 11-digit ID issued to Norwegian citizens and legally registered residents. For a foreign director managing a company from abroad, the D-number is the appropriate identifier.

Ready to skip the paperwork and establish your Norwegian company efficiently? At Intermediary AS, we integrate the D-number application into a seamless digital workflow, saving you time and eliminating administrative headaches.

Start your company registration in Norway from any device

D-number – The Essential Key to Digital Access in Norway