D-Number Norway: How Foreign Heirs Register Inherited Property

If you inherit real estate in Norway and you're not a Norwegian resident, you'll need a D-number — a temporary identification number — before you can register ownership in the Norwegian Land Registry (Grunnboken).

Without a D-number, Kartverket (the Norwegian Mapping Authority) cannot process the property transfer. Here's how the system works and how to avoid the most common delays.

When You Need a D-Number

A D-number is required only if you intend to keep the inherited property. If you're selling the property directly out of the estate or transferring it to another person, you can be identified in the transfer documents using just your name and date of birth — no D-number needed.

But if you want the property registered in your name, the D-number is mandatory.

How to Apply

The application is submitted to Kartverket along with:

1. A completed D-number application form (downloaded from kartverket.no)
2. A certified color copy of your valid passport

The passport copy must be certified by an authorized entity — a notary public, a Norwegian embassy or consulate, or a Norwegian lawyer.

Here's the critical detail: the certification stamp must be less than three months old when Kartverket receives the application. If the certification has expired, Kartverket returns the entire application unregistered.

Given postal times between your country and Norway, this three-month window is tight. Mail your application promptly after getting the certification, and use tracked international mail.

The Property Transfer Process

Once you have a D-number, you can proceed with the property transfer. This requires the Hjemmelserklæring ved arv (Declaration of Lawful Title), which has its own strict requirements:

• Must be printed and signed by hand — digital signatures are rejected
• Submitted to Kartverket in two identical physical copies
• Accompanied by the original probate certificate (skifteattest) or a certified copy
• Property shares entered as exact fractions (e.g., 1/2 for two equal heirs)

Before submitting, check the property's concession status with the local municipality. Depending on the property's size and location, you may need to file a self-declaration of exemption or apply for a formal concession. Kartverket will verify this in the municipal database and return uncleared documents unregistered.

Inheriting Money (No D-Number Required)

If you're inheriting bank accounts, investments, or other financial assets — but no real estate — you don't need a D-number. The probate certificate (skifteattest) and your identification documents are sufficient for banks to release funds.

However, if the deceased held stocks or mutual funds, you'll need a valid Norwegian Securities Register (VPS) account to receive direct share transfers. Alternatively, the estate can liquidate the investments and distribute cash.

The BankID Problem for Foreign Heirs

Norway's estate administration has moved heavily digital through the Digitalt dødsbo portal on Altinn. But accessing this portal requires Norwegian electronic ID (BankID or MinID) — which foreign heirs typically don't have.

This means you're stuck with the paper-based process: requesting certified documents by mail, presenting physical ID at the district court, and waiting for postal delivery of authorizations that Norwegian residents receive digitally in minutes.

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays

• Expired passport certification: The most frequent rejection reason. Get the certification as close to your mailing date as possible
• Black-and-white passport copies: Kartverket requires color copies specifically
• Missing concession clearance: The municipality must register the clearance in the cadastre before you submit to Kartverket, not after
• Unsigned forms: The Hjemmelserklæring must be signed by hand in ink on both copies

For the complete process of inheriting property in Norway as a foreign national, see our Someone Died in Norway guide.