NAV basics for newcomers: National Insurance membership explained

NAV, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration, runs most benefits in Norway: sick pay, unemployment benefit, parental benefit, pensions and more. Your membership of the National Insurance Scheme (folketrygden) is what gives you the right to them.

When do you become a member?

• Resident: if you move to Norway to stay at least 12 months, and your stay is legal, you're generally a member from the date you arrive.
• Working: if you work in Norway you generally become a member from your first day of work, even if you live in another EU/EEA country.
• Membership does not depend on being a Norwegian citizen, being in the National Population Register, or paying tax in Norway.
• Usually you don't need to apply to confirm membership when you work in Norway.

Exceptions

• Posted workers: if an employer in an EU/EEA country sends you to work for them in Norway for up to 24 months, you generally stay in your home country's system.
• Social security agreements: Norway has agreements with other countries, and they take precedence over Norwegian law.
• If you aren't a compulsory member, you can apply for voluntary membership.

What it covers

For EU/EEA workers, NAV says membership gives you rights to healthcare in Norway, and you can earn pension rights. Membership also means you pay national insurance contributions. Some benefits require that you've been a member for a minimum time; NAV states the requirement for each benefit.

As an employee in Norway you have the right to sick pay from NAV if you are ill, and unemployment benefit if you lose your job (Ny i Norge).