in norway? - Høgskolen i Bergen

New
in norway
Engelsk

Allmennyttige midler fra
Who has created this guide
(Hvem har utarbeidet veilederen)
Bergen Uavhengige Sosialrådgivning (BUS), Feltteamet, Høgskolen i Bergen
(Bergen Independent Social Advice Office – The Field Team, Bergen University College
Who has financed it
(Hvem har finansiert den)
Bergen Kommune, Sparebanken Vest and Høyskolen i Bergen/
(The Municipality of Bergen, Sparebanken Vest (bank) and the Bergen University College)
Who has quality controlled it
(Kvalitetssikring utført av)
Bergen Kommune (Byrådsavd. for barnehage og skole,
Helsevernetaten ), Hordaland fylkeskommune og Skatteetaten,
NAV Hordaland
(The Municipality of Bergen (Department of Education, The Health
Protection Agency), Hordaland County Council and The Inland Revenue,
The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration)
When was it created (Når er den utarbeidet): June 2008
SparebankenVe st

WHAT IS THIS GUIDE ABOUT
(HVA ER DENNE VEILEDEREN)
In this guide we have tried to collect information that may be useful to you as a newcomer in Bergen
It is a guide to:
Housing
Child day care facilities/education
Health services
Labour and Welfare services and other
The majority of the websites that are referred to in the brochure are in Norwegian.
3

ORTH KNOWING
VERDT Å VITE!

INTERPRETER
(TOLK)
Everyone has the right to an interpreter in their
contact with municipal offices. The municipal
office concerned is obliged to provide an
interpreter. If you order the interpreter yourself,
you must cover the cost.
Translation & Interpreter
Service’s contact information
(Tolketjenesten)
Address: Bispengsgt. 25
Tel: 55 56 79 05 (Mon-Fri. 8 am – 2.30 pm)
Email: tolketjenesten@bergen.kommune.no
Website: www.bergen.kommune.no/moks
(click on‘Tolketjenesten’)
When needing an interpreter in an emergency
outside office hours tel: 55 56 75 96/97 (the
Muncipality of Bergen’s emergency phoneline)
-Personnummer/National Insurance Number
(Norwegian National Insurance Number)
A national insurance number is issued when a stay
is intended to be for more than 6 mths. Foreign
nationals, including immigrants from EU
countries must first apply for a residence permit
which lasts more than 6 mths in order to receive a
national insurance number. This must be done at the
police station.
If you have been issued with a residence permit
for more than 6 mths you must go to your local tax
office to apply for a Norwegian nationalinsurance
number.
NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBERS
AND THE REGISTRY OFFICE
(FØDSELSNUMMER OG
FOLKEREGISTERET)
It is important to get a national insurance number or
a D-number in order to be registered at the registry
office and to gain entrance into the Norwegian
welfare system.
-D-number
An immigrant worker is issued with a D-number
when their length of stay in Norway will be less
than 6 mths. A D-number is a temporary number
which is used for tax forms. The number may also
be used to open a bank account. If you do not work
and just need an account in a bank, the bank has to
apply for the D-number.
5

BOLIGOUSING

IMPORTANT WHEN RENTING
ACCOMMODATION
(VIKTIG VED LEIE AV BOLIG)
• Rent contract:
The Norwegian Consumer Coucil has
created a rent contract which ensures that
renting is regulated by the Rent Act. This
may benefit both landlords and tenants.
You may download the rent contract here:
www.forbrukerportalen.no/Publikasjoner/
kontrakt_skjema/husleiekontrakt
• Deposit:
A special bank account should be opened
when the landlord requires a deposit
You must pay any bank charges in
connection with this. Neither the landlord
or tenant may use the account without
consent from the other party.
THE ASSOCIATION FOR TENANTS
(LEIEBOERFORENINGEN)
You may become a member and receive
assistance in connection with renting housing.
Visitor’s address:
Hollendergt. 3 in Robin Hood-huset
(Robin Hood Building)
Tel: 55 31 65 00
Email: post@leieboerportalen.no
Website: www.leieboerportalen.no
THE MUNICIPALITY OF BERGEN –
THE HOUSING OFFICE
(BERGEN KOMMUNE –
BOLIGAVDELINGEN)
Services offered by the Housing Office
- Home financing
- Housing benefit: Financial support to cover
living expenses. It is directed at the elderly,
people claiming benefits through the
national insurance scheme and families
with children on a low income.
- Municipal owned rented housing: rented
housing for disadvantaged people who are
looking for housing, but do not have the
finances to buy a flat and have no
possibilities of renting in the private market.
Visitor’s address:
Domkirkegaten 6a, 5017 Bergen.
The reception is on the 2nd floor.
Mailing address: Boligetaten,
Postboks 7700, 5020 Bergen
Opening hours: 8.30 am – 2.30 pm 3 pm
(during the summer period)
Tel: 55 56 65 76 / 0556 (from 8.00 am – 3 pm)
Email: postmottak.bmbt@bergen.kommune.no
www.bergen.kommune.no/boligavdelingen
TIPS
-The rented accommodation adverts in
Bergens Tidende (BT) and
Bergensavisen (BA)/ -
(Bergen’s local newspapers) – is a good way
to find accommodation. You may also find
many other advertisements on the Internet.
The most often used websites are:
www.finn.no
www.zett.no
Housing
7

HILD DAY CARE
FACILITIES/EDUCATION
BARNEHAGE/UTDANNING

Applications for a place at a child day care facility
owned by the Municipality of Bergen are made
electronically. You will also find a child day care
facility in your area on the internet.
NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBER
(FØDSELSNUMMER)
If you do not have a valid Norwegian national
insurance number you may go in person to the
Seksjon for barnehage (Section for Child Day Care
Facilities) to register an application. You must take
valid identification with you. To apply for a place
at a child day care facility electronically, you must
have a Norwegian national insurance number
(11 digits) for both the child and applicant.
FEES
(PRIS)
In 2008 the maximum fee for a child day care
facility place was 2 330 kr, however, what you will
pay depends on your income and how long the child
will be at the child day care facility each day.
APPLICATION DEADLINE DATES
(SØKNADFRIST)
Applications for the main intake was the 1 March
for 2008. There are supplementary intakes for
places that become available through the year. There
are no application deadline dates for
supplementary intakes. You may apply whenever
you wish.
WAITING LIST
(VENTELISTE)
The date on the waiting list and level of priority
decides when your child will be offered a place. You
must contact the child day care facilities you have
applied to yourself to find out were you are
on the waiting list. You are responsible for
following up your application to check that it
corresponds with your requirements.
You may find and apply for a child day care facility
place here:
www.bergen.kommune.no/barnehage
SECTION FOR CHILD DAY CARE
FACILITIES
(SEKSJON BARNEHAGE)
Visitor’s address: Landåsveien 31A
Mailing address: Postboks 7700, 5020 Bergen
Tel: 05556 (the Municipality of Bergen’s
switchboard)
Email: seksjon.barnehage@bergen.kommune.no
PRIMARY AND LOWER SECONDARY
SCHOOL EDUCATION
(GRUNNSKOLE)
Primary and lower secondary school education in
Norway is free. All children residing in Norway
for more than 3 months have a right, as well an
obligation to attend Norwegian primary and lower
secondary school education. Usually children start
school in the year they turn six . There are ten-years
of schooling. If you have school age children you
must contact the nearest primary/lower secondary
school or the Municipality of Bergen to register
your child at a school.
Primary and lower secondary school education in
Norway is free. All children residing in Norway
for more than 3 months have a right, as well an
obligation to attend Norwegian primary and lower
secondary school.
From year 8 pupils are given grades. Year 10 ends
with an examination. Thereafter, pupils have the
right to go to upper secondary school, however, this
is not mandatory.
Schools expect collaboration with parents. Your
attendance at parent information meetings parentteacher
meetings at school is required. You will
receive a letter from the school with dates and times
for meetings.
Child day care facilities/education
9

During the first year in Bergen your child will be
offered a place at Nygård skole/School which
is a Norwegian primary and lower secondary
school. The school focuses on teaching Norwegian
and pupils are given bilingual tuition in most
mother tongue languages. After a year, pupils are
transferred to their local school.
MOTHER TONGUE
(MORSMÅL)
Pupils with another mother tongue have the right
to special Norwegian tuition until they master
Norwegian well enough to follow the normal tuition
in class. These pupils also have the right to mother
tongue tuition or bilingual tuition in their school
subjects or both.
We have two official languages in Norway. These
are nynorsk and bokmål. Parents must choose which
one the pupil will have as a target language. During
the final two years at school pupils learn how to use
both languages. However, those who have the right
to Norwegian special needs tuition may qualify for
exemption from this.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
FOR ADULTS
(GRUNNSKOLEOPPLÆRING FOR VOKSNE)
All adults with a need for primary and lower
secondary school education have the right to such
tuition. This is the so-called right of adults. It
applies to everyone over the age of sixteen
and includes both those with a foreign mother
tongue and those who speak Norwegian. If you
have already completed primary and secondary
school education the length of tuition will be
shorter. Applicants with a foreign mother tongue
must have a valid residence permit (and must have
completed a beginner course in Norwegian).
This type of tuition is offered at Nygård skole/
School in Bergen.
SECTION FOR SCHOOLS
(SEKSJON SKOLE):
Visitor’s address: Landåsveien 31A
Mailing address: Postboks 7700, 5020 Bergen
Tel: 05556 (The Municipality of Bergen’s
switchboard)
Email: seksjon.skole@bergen.kommune.no
Nygård skole/School
Address: Nina Griegs gate 2 / Lars Hilles gate 16A
Tel: 55 56 80 60
Email: Nygard.Skole@bergen.kommune.no
www.nygardskole.no
www.bergensskolen.no/nygard/
DAY CARE FACILITIES FOR SCHOOL
CHILDREN
(SKOLEFRITIDSORDNINGEN (SFO)
Most of the primary schools in the municipality
offer supervision and care for children usually until
they are in Year 4, before and after normal school
hours. This is the so-called skolefritidsordningen/
day care facility for schoolchildren (SFO). You
must pay for the service.
On the enrollment form for primary and secondary
school education you may cross off for a place for
your child at SFO. You may also get an application
form by contacting the school. Furthermore, you
may apply online.
UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL
(VIDEREGÅENDE SKOLE)
On completion of primary and secondary school
education it is usual for children to continue their
education at upper secondary school. Young people
have the right to attend upper secondary school,
however, it is not mandatory.
The majority of upper secondary schools are state
schools and free. A few are private schools
and pupils have to pay school fees.
At upper secondary school, pupils may choose
10

etween different programmes which either give
qualifications for a career within trade, industry and
health or entrance into colleges of higher education
and university. It is possible to take a one-year
supplementary programme after completing a career
oriented program. This extra year will provide you
with a general academic qualification which gives
the opportunity for further study as it is an entrance
requirement for colleges of higher education/
universities.
Pupils with a foreign mother tongue who are due to
start upper secondary school are exempt from
some school subjects and programmes. In addition,
the duration of tuition may be extended. Contact
the Admissions Office/Inntakskontoret for further
information.
HOW TO APPLY
(HVORDAN SØKE)
If your child attends lower secondary school he/
she will receive help and information on how to
apply to upper secondary school. If your child
is not a pupil at lower secondary school and is
aged between 16-20 get in touch directly with the
Admissions Office /Inntakskontoret (contact details
may be found below). When applying to private
upper secondary schools you must contact the
school directly.
In 2008 the application deadline date for upper
secondary school was 1 March. People moving
to Norway after this date should contact the
Admissions Office/Inntakskontoret as soon as
possible if they have children between the ages of
16-20.
Usually a form is handed out at lower secondary
school, but you may also contact the School
Enrolment Office/Inntakskontoret or Statens
Lånekasse/The Norwegian State Educational Loan
Fund for a form to be posted to you.
ADMISSIONS OFFICE
(INNTAKSKONTORET)
Visitor’s address: Agnes Mowinckelsgt. 5, Bergen
Tel. 55 23 94 60 (8 am – 3.30 pm)
Email: postmottak.inntak@post.hfk.no
Applications are to be sent to:
Hordaland fylkeskommune,
Inntakskontoret
Postboks 7900
5020 Bergen
Applications may also be sent online:
www.vigo.no
Statens Lånekasse/The Norwegian State
Educational Loan Fund
www.lanekassen.no
COLLEGES OF HIGHER EDUCATION/
UNIVERSITY/OTHER
(HØGSKOLE/UNIVERSITET/ANNET)
On completion of upper secondary school one may
study further at a college of higher education and/
or university.
HOW TO APPLY
(HVORDAN SØKE)
Child day care facilities/education
FINANCING
(FINANSIERING)
There is a grant and student loan fund for upper
secondary schools from Statens Lånekasse/The
Norwegian State Educational Fund. It is normal
to take advantage of this when young people no
longer live at home or if a family only lives on one
income for instance.
11
Applications to university/colleges of higher
education are to be sent to Samordna opptak/The
Norwegian Universities and College Admissions
Service. This is a general admission and service
agency which handles admissions to colleges of
higher education and university. The application
deadline date is normally 15 April. All applicants
must apply online from 2008:
www.samordnaopptak.no

WORK EXPERIENCE – ASSESSMENT
OF PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE
(REALKOMPETANSE)
If you were born before 1978 and have not
previously completed upper secondary school
education you have a legal right to a free
assessment of your education and work experience.
This is the so called right of adults. Hordaland
fylkeskommune/Hordaland County Council will
offer you adult education built on your previous
knowledge and (work) experience.
After assessing your experience you may be
given a certificate of expertise which documents
the knowledge you have. This may be used as
documentation when applying for jobs and further
education. For instance, university.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR
EDUCATION IN HORDALAND COUNTY
COUNCIL
(KONTAKTINFO FOR OPPLÆRING -
HORDALAND FYLKESKOMMUNE)
Address: Agnes Mowinckelsgate 5, 9th Floor
Tel: 55 23 92 30
Email: Postmottak.opplaering@post.hfk.no
www.hordalnd.no/templates/page.aspxid=7178
FINANCING STUDIES
(STUDIEFINANSIERING)
A relatively small semester fee must be paid at
the higher educational institutions. Books may be
borrowed from the library or they may be bought.
Good grants and student loan schemes are available
from Lånekassen/The Norwegian State Educational
Loan Fund to finance your studies. For instance,
interest on student loans is frozen while you study.
Application forms are available at your educational
institution or you may apply online:
www.lanekassen.no
LANGUAGE TUITION
(SPRÅKOPPLÆRING)
People who come from other EU/EEA/EFTA
countries will not get their expenses for Norwegian
tuition covered by the state.
Some employers choose to cover their employee’s
expenses for language courses. Talk to your
employer about this.
In Bergen several language schools offer
Norwegian tuition.
School
(Nygård skole)
The school provides tuition at all levels in
Norwegian and social studies for all adults over
16-years-old, from students with little or no school
background from their home country to those
who have a background from colleges of higher
education and university from their home country.
The school provides its services in the mornings,
afternoons or evenings.
Address: Nina Griegs gate 2 / Lars Hilles gate 16A
Tel: 55 56 80 60
Email: Nygard.Skole@bergen.kommune.no
www.nygardskole.no/en_betalingskurs.php
Open University and other courses
(Folkeuniversitetet)
Address: Jonas Reins gt. 4
Email: fib@fu.no
www.fuhordaland.no
AOF/The Study Association of Affiliated
Organisations
Address: Teatergt. 34
Email: hordaland@aof.no
www.hordaland.aof.no
12

HELSETJENESTER

Everyone who is a member of the national
insurance scheme is entitled to health services in
Norway (see NAV (The Norwegian Labour and
Welfare Administration) pg. 19).
If you are an employee of a firm in another EEA
country and have been sent to work in Norway you
are entitled to health services at the expense of your
country. You must document this by filling in
form E 101. Contact your local NAV office for
further information (see NAV* pg. 21).
THE RIGHT TO HAVE A REGULAR
GP SCHEME
(FASTLEGEORDNINGEN)
After you have registered yourself at the registry
office you will receive a letter from NAV/The
Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration
informing you of your right to choose a doctor
close to your home.
- You are pregnant. Your GP will tell you of the
health services available to you and follow your
pregnancy should you want this.
- You are pregnant and want an abortion. Your GP
will refer you to the hospital.
- You have mental problems or are going through a
difficult life situation.
You may find further information on the right to
have a regular GP scheme, etc.
www.nav.no
You may also find information on which GP
you have and change your GP by ringing the GP
scheme’s telephone line:
The GP scheme’s office tel: 810 59 500
The regular GP scheme gives all inhabitants of
Norway the right to have a general practitioner
(GP) as their regular doctor. You may choose
whether you want to have a male or female doctor.
If you need information on Norway’s health system
you may ask your GP.
Children under the age of 16 have the right to have
the same GP as their parents or guardians,
however, they may also choose another doctor other
than their parents GP.
The GP is responsible for taking care of the
patient’s medical records and keeping the patient’s
medical history updated as well as supervising the
patient’s medication.
Always contact your GP when:
- You think you need a consultation or treatment
by a specialist. Your GP will assess whether you
should be referred to a specialist or to a hospital.
DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENT
(TIME HOS LEGE)
If you need to see a doctor you must phone for an
appointment. Most of the doctors’ surgeries are
open Monday to Friday between 8 am – 3 pm.
If you are very ill you will generally be given
an appointment the same day. If you have an
appointment with the doctor, but do not turn up, you
must still pay for the appointment.
MEDICAL TREATMENT CONTRIBUTIONS
(EGENANDEL)
You must pay contributions for medical treatment
when you go to see a doctor. Contributions must be
paid until you have medical expenses above the top
sum for medical treatment contributions.
14

The state will then pay the rest (see ‘free medical
treatment card’). Children under 12 and pregnant
women do not pay medical treatment contributions.
Even though the state pays for the majority of the
health services, the medical treatment contributions
system has been introduced to make people think
more conciously about using primary health care.
FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT CARD
(FRIKORT)
When you have paid your medical treatment
contributions up to a certain amount you are entitled
to a free medical treatment card. You will not pay
for medical treatment for the rest of the year.
The amount is determined by the Storting/
Parliament each year.
Contact your local NAV office for further
information on free medical treatment cards.
How to apply for a free medical treatment card/
frikort
When you have paid your medical treatment
contributions up to the top sum you may apply to
your local NAV office for a free medical treatment
card. Mail or hand in receipts together with the
stamped/signed medical treatment card for paid
contributions and application form to your local
NAV office.
Use your medical treatment contributions card
from the very first time you see a doctor
The medical treatment contributions card is a
receipt card on which the person treating you writes
how much you have paid in medical contributions.
If you do not have a medical treatment contributions
card you must take care of each individual receipt.
Which medical treatment contributions/
egenandeler are accepted
Only approved contributions are accepted. Some
medical expenses are not covered by the free
medical treatment card scheme, for instance,
charges for bandages when seeing a doctor. This is
called own payment. You must pay for these
charges even if you have a card for free medical
treatment or are exempt from paying medical
treatment contributions. Own payments cannot be
be written in the receipt card for medical treatment
contributions.
HEALTH PROTECTION AGENCY
(HELSEVERNETATEN)
The Health Service is responsible for offering
first-time health checks to resettlement refugees,
those arriving for family reunification and pupils in
primary and lower secondary education at Nygård
skole/School. These check ups are free.
A tuberculosis examination is mandatory for people
coming from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania who
will be residing in Norway for more than three
months. A check up and tuberculosis vaccination
(BCG) is given at the Health Protection Agency/
Smittevernkontoret.
Visitor’s address: Bontelabo 8
Tel: 55 56 52 00
www.bergen.kommune.no/helsevernetaten
CHILD CLINICS
(HELSESTASJONER)
Child clinics aim to help prevent illness and to
improve the mental and physical health and well
being of pregnant women, families with children
between 0-5 years and young school age
children.
Health services
15

Child clinics are staffed by nurses who have taken
further training to be midwives or child health
nurses. In addition, a doctor and psychologist are
available through the child clinics.
There are also health clinics aimed at youths and
students.
accident and emergency clinic. You will be referred
to a hospital should it be necessary. Hospitalisation
is free if you are a member of the national insurance
scheme.
There are four accident and emergency clinics in
Bergen:
There are child clinics in all areas in Bergen. All
services at child clinics are free. An appointment is
often not necessary. Contact the child clinic in your
local area.
An overview of the different child clinics in Bergen
with addresses and telephone numbers may
be found here:
www.bergen.kommune.no/info_/ekstern/h_og_h/
jordmortjenesten.html
HEALTH SERVICES IN PRIMARY AND
LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOLS
(SKOLE HELSETJENESTEN I
GRUNNSKOLEN)
All primary and lower secondary schools offer
health services. Children are given health checks
and are offered vaccinations. This is a normal and
free service to all children in Norway. It is
extremely important in preventing the spread of
serious diseases.
Children and parents/guardians may also contact the
school health service at their school.
• Bergen Legevakt
(you will also find an emergency dentist/
tannlegevakt here, a rape centre/voldtektsmottak
and life crisis help/livskrisehjelpen
- Address: Vestre Strømkaien 19
- Open 24 hours
- Tel: 55 56 87 00
• Fana Legevakt
- Address: Wollert Konows plass 2
- Opening hours: Monday-Friday 4 pm – 10 pm,
Saturday-Sunday 12 pm - 6 pm
- Tel: 55 56 13 00
• Loddefjord Legevakt
- Address: Vestkanten
- Opening hours: Monday-Friday 4 pm – 10 pm,
Saturday-Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
- Tel: 55 51 33 70
• Åsane Legevakt
- Address: Åsane Senter 38
- Opening hours: Monday-Friday 4 pm – 10 pm,
Saturday-Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
- Tel: 55 56 70 00
ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY CLINICS MENTAL HEALTH
(LEGEVAKTEN) AND HOSPITALS
(PSYKISK HELSE)
(SYKEHUS)
Approximately one third of the Norwegian
In Norway, you do not just turn up at the hospital population has a mental illness during their life.
when you are ill. During office hours you must
contact your GP. If your condition is serious or you If you feel strong symptoms or if something has
need a doctor outside normal office hours you bothered you for a while do not hesitate to get
must contact the accident and emergency clinic. help.
You do not need to make an appointment at the
16

Your GP can give you treatment for light and
moderate mental conditions, and refer you for
other treatment. Your GP can help you contact a
psychologist or specialists at district psychiatric
centres, psychiatric clinics or hospitals.
In emergency situations when you cannot contact
your GP – contact Bergen Legevakt/accident and
emergency clinic. Life crisis help is also available
here which gives support in times of crisis and
the emergency psychiatric clinic here offers
consultations with psychiatrists.
HOME-BASED HEALTH SERVICES
(HJEMMEBASERTE TJENESTER)
The handicapped, elderly and others who require it
may be offered various help in their homes.
PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE
(PRAKTISK BISTAND)
Practical assistance is a common term for home
helps and other services for those who can no
longer manage daily chores in their homes. First
and foremost, the purpose of this is to give
help and perhaps training in practical daily home
chores. For instance, cleaning, cooking, buying
groceries, etc. The service may also include social
support and help with caring for oneself and
personal grooming.
RELIEF CARE
(AVLASTNING)
SUPPORT PERSON
(STØTTEKONTAKT)
The support person service is a means to prevent
social isolation and gives purpose to an individual’s
leisure time. This service can be an important
measure for children, young people and adults with
mental problems, people with alcohol and drug
problems, young and old handicapped people, and
immigrants who are unfamiliar with Norwegian
society, etc.
COMMUNITY NURSING
(HJEMMESYKEPLEIE)
Community nursing is an important service
for the sick and needy who live at home. The
community nurse give medical help in the form of
administering medicines, personal care/changing
of sores, preparation of tests and examinations etc.
The community nurse can also arrange contact with
doctors and other offices.
Health services
Relief care is a term for various measures which
can be implemented to give family members much
needed spare time and holidays in order to prevent
exhaustion. Relief care may be offered in private
homes which is aimed at families with handicapped
children for instance, or relief care may be given as
in the form of a relief care place in a nursing home
for the elderly in need of care.

ARBEID- OG VELFERDSTJENESTER OG ANNET
ABOUR AND
WELFARE SERVICES
AND OTHER

NAV – the reform is one of the most comprehensive
public administration reforms in modern times
in Norway. The old Aetat (former employment
office) and national insurance office have merged
together to be one department; NAV. By 2010, each
municipality will have its own NAV office with
an integrated municipal social welfare service. A
NAV office will therefore be able to offer services
that were previously sorted under Aetat, national
insurance and social office. In municipalities/
city suburbs where NAV offices have not been
established, you will only find the employment
office and national insurance office on the same
location.
You may register as an unemployed person on
www.nav.no and make changes/updates on your
CV.
On www.nav.no you will find the country’s most
comprehensive database of job vacancies which
are advertised each and everyday. You may apply
and look for jobs, and subscribe to receive job
vacancies that are relevant for you. There is also a
lot of relevant information regarding the job market
situation and different ways of getting an education.
Should you require further advice on employment
or education, you may contact your local NAV
office.
www.nav.no
NAV also gives information on your rights to
financial support in various situations.
in Norway for at least 12 months. When you
move to Norway to live here for at least 12 months
you become a member from the date of arrival.
Residence must be legal.
When you work in Norway you must be a member
of the national insurance scheme. Everyone who
works in Norway becomes an obligated member of
the national insurance scheme from their first
day at work. You have the right to have medical
expenses covered in Norway and you will earn
pension rights according to the national insurance
scheme’s rules when you become member.
You will not be a member if you work temporarily
in Norway for a foreign employer.
COMING FROM AN EEA COUNTRY
(FRA EØS-LAND)
When you come from an EEA country to work in
Norway, you become an obligated member of the
national insurance scheme from the first day you
start work. unless an employer in your home
country has sent you to Norway.
SICK PAY FOR EMPLOYEES
(SYKEPENGER FOR ARBEIDSTAKERE)
Sick pay is to compensate for loss of income for
work active members who are unable to work due
to illness or injury.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SICK PAY
(HVEM KAN FÅ SYKEPENGER)
Membership is the entrance to national insurance
scheme rights.
Who is a member of the national insurance
scheme
(Hvem er medlem av folketrygden)
If you are a resident of Norway you will as a
general rule be a member of the national insurance
scheme. To be a resident means that you have lived
19
- You must be unable to work due to reduced
strength which is clearly caused by your own
ill health or injury.
- You must have been employed for at least four
weeks
- Your incapacity to work can be documented
by a self-certified sick note or a doctor’s
certificate.
Labour and Welfare services and other

ABOUT SELF CERTIFIED SICK NOTES
(EGENMELDING)
Self-certified sick notes means that you as an
employee notify your employer that you will be
unable to attend work due to illness or injury
without submitting a doctor’s certificate. There
are several rules applying to how many days a
self-certified sick note will cover and how many
sick notes you can use during the year. If you have
children you are entitled to more days away from
work. Ask your employer for more exact details on
this.
A self-certified sickness form must be filled in and
handed to your employer on your first day back at
work. You will be given a doctor’s certificate when
you go to your doctor/doctor at the accident and
emergency clinic. Contact NAV or your employer
for further information.
CHILD BENEFIT
(BARNETRYGD)
Child benefit is to help towards covering expenses
for children.
Who can get child benefit
You are entitled to child benefit if you have children
under the age of 18. The child must live with you
permanently.
The main rule is that a child must reside in Norway.
The child is generally seen as a resident of Norway
when he/she is resident in Norway for more than
twelve months. Child benefit may also be given to
children who reside in another EEA country other
than Norway if one of the parents: work in Norway,
or if they are a member of the national insurance
scheme through working on a continental shelf, or
on a Norwegian ship in another EEA country or
receive a pension from Norway due to earlier
employment.
How do you apply
As a general rule child benefit is automatically
given to children who are born in Norway.
However, an application must be submitted when:
- the mother is not registered as living in
Norway
- the child is more than six-months old when the
right to child benefit comes into force.
- you may have the right to supplementary
child benefit (as a single parent).
- child benefit is to be assessed in accordance
with the EEA agreement or other national
insurance agreements.
Applications are to be sent to your local NAV
office.
BENEFITS WITH CHILDREN’S OR CLOSE
FAMILY’S ILLNESS/INCAPACITY
(YTELSER VED BARNS OG ANDRE
NÆRE PÅRØRENDES SYKDOM/
FUNSKJONSNEDSETTELSE)
NAV gives financial support in the form of
care benefits, nursing benefits and educational/
training benefits. The purpose of the support is
to compensate for the loss of income for people
in work in connection with their child’s or
childminders illness, children’s handicap and the
care of close relatives when lives are coming to an
end.
Families with seriously ill or handicapped children
have the need for many services – not just benefits.
NAV can assist with information on different
schemes which may help daily life – for instance,
computerised aids or aids for children. Families
with children who have serious handicaps can be
allocated a permanent contact person at their local
20

NAV office and technical aids centre.
THE WELFARE SYSTEM (NAV)
(SOSIALTJENESTEN)
The Social Welfare Office can also assist in
providing:
Each municipality has a welfare office. The welfare
office gives information, advice and guidance aimed
at helping to solve or prevent social problems. This
service is available to everyone who resides in or is
temporarily living in the municipality. The service
is free of charge.
If the welfare office cannot solve the actual problem
it will refer you to the correct office. In this
instance, the welfare office arranges contact and
appointments with other offices. Financial support
can be given to those who are not capable of
supporting themselves, or in special cases, to those
who need help to get over or to adjust to a difficult
life situation.
FINANCIAL SOCIAL SUPPORT
(ØKONOMISK SOSIALHJELP)
The support is seen as temporary and the help
is to assist in making the recipient financially
independent. This means that before financial
support can be given you must use and assess
other means of supporting yourself. For instance,
this may be income from employment, national
insurance scheme rights, work/training schemes,
student loans and savings or a reduction in living
expenses.
The Welfare Act applies to all people who reside
legally in Norway. Those who cannot support
themselves through employment or through other
rights are entitled to financial assistance. Everyone
has the right to submit an application for the
assessment of their case.
Married couples are responsible for supporting one
another. The requirement is that a spouse’s income
and his/her ability to offer financial support is
assessed before a person has the right to support/
benefits.
21
• Information, advice and guidance
- on family and relatonship problems
- on alchohol/drug problems
- on mental health
- on employment, national insurance
and education
- financial advice
• Temporary housing
• Other services
• Help for the handicapped
• Home helps
Benefits and services which are currently offered
by the social office will gradually be transferred to
NAV offices, however, they will still be controlled
by the municipality. From now and until 2010 NAV
offices will be established in all city suburbs in the
Municipality of Bergen. During this period the
organisation of social welfare offices will vary from
area to area.
Contact information for NAV in the Municipality
of Bergen
You may reach all NAV offices by phoning the
same number: 815 810 00
NAV in Arna:
- Øyrane torg, 3rd floor
Tel: 53 04 33 00
NAV in Central Bergen:
- NAV Bergenhus arbeid og trygd/Nav in Central
Bergen, Employment and National Insurance
Office, Olav Kyrresgt. 22
- Sandviken Sosialkontor/Welfare Office,
Ladegårdsgt. 67.
Tel: 55 56 72 50
- Sentrum Sosialkontor/City Centre Welfare
Office, Håkonsgt. 1.
Tel: 55 56 95 00
Labour and Welfare services and other

NAV in Fana:
- NAV Fana arbeid og trygd/NAV in Fana,
Employment and National Insurance Office,
Øvre Nesttunvei 8
- Fana Sosialkontor/Welfare Office,
Wollert Konows plass 2.
Tel: 55 56 13 21
NAV in Fyllingsdalen:
- Spelhaugen 18
Tel: 815 81 000
NAV in Laksevåg
- NAV Laksevåg arbeid og trygd/NAV in
Laksevåg, Employment and National
Insurance Office, Vestkanten, 5th floor.
- Laksevåg Sosialkontor/Social Welfare Office,
Kommunehuset, 2nd floor.
Tel: 55 56 98 44.
- Loddefjord Sosialkontor/Social Welfare
Office, Vestkanten.
Tel: 55 51 99 00.
NAV in Ytrebygda:
- NAV Ytrebygda, Fanatorget, Aurdalslia 10,
Sandsli
- Sandsli Sosialtjeneste/Social Services,
Fanatorget, Aurdalslia 12, Sandsli.
Tel: 55 56 17 00.
NAV in Årstad:
- Solheimsgaten 13, inngang/entrance F from
Michael Krohnsgt.
Tel: 53 04 33 00
NAV in Åsane:
- NAV Åsane arbeid og trygd/Employment and
National Insurance Office, Åsane senter
- Sosialtjenesten/Social Services in Åsane,
Åsane Senter 38.
Tel: 55 56 70 50
THE INLAND REVENUE
(SKATTEETATEN)
TAX AND TAX CARD
(SKATT OG SKATTEKORT)
When you are planning on working you must ask
for a tax card from the tax office in the municipality
where you live. A tax card shows how much
tax will be deducted from your pay.
You must give your tax card and bank account
number to your employer. The employer will deduct
tax from your pay before it is paid out.
You are given a new tax card each year and you
may change your tax card during the year should it
be required.
WHAT MUST BE TAKEN TO THE
TAX OFFICE
(HVA MÅ MAN HA MED PÅ
SKATTEKONTORET)
Persons applying for either a D-number to get a
tax card or Norwegian national insurance number/
personnummer(fødselsnummer) must take a valid
passport with them. In addition you must take your
residence permit with you that has been issued by
the police should you wish to apply for a national
insurance number. It is also advisable to take any
contracts of employment and rent contracts that you
may have with you.
BERGEN TAX OFFICE
(SKATT-VEST, Bergen)
Address: Nonnesetergaten 4,
5015 Bergen
Pb8103, 4068 Stavanger
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8.00 am – 3.30 pm
15 May-14 September: 8.30 am – 3.00 pm
Tel: 800 80 000 (9.00 am – 3.00 pm)
Reception is open between: 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
22

TAX FORM
(SELVANGIVELSE)
A tax form is a complete overview of your financial
situation. It calculates your taxes and shows
how much you have earned during the year in
addition to other relevant financial information.
You are obligated to submit a tax form when you
have received pay or a business income in Norway.
The tax form is prepared on the basis that you have
had a reported income or business income. Tax
forms are submitted each year in the following
April. It must be checked and corrected if necessary.
New information may be added by the taxpayer. Tax
forms may be submitted by email or to the tax office
where the taxpayer resides.
You may find information on tax forms online:
www.skatteetaten.no
WHAT IS TAX MONEY USED FOR
(HVA GÅR SKATTEN TIL)
Everyone must pay tax on their income and savings
to the state and the municipality in which they live.
In Norway, hospitalisation, among other things, is
free because tax money is used to run the hospitals.
It also goes to child day care facilities, schools,
asylum reception centres, the building of roads and
many other services to society. By paying tax
everyone contributes to society.
FAITHS
(TROSSAMFUNN)
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, ST PAUL
(DEN KATOLSKE KIRKE)
The church holds mass in many languages each
week. An overview of when the different masses are
held may be found online.
Address: St. Paul Katolske kirke/Catholic Church,
Nygårdsgaten 3, 5015, Bergen.
Tel: 55 21 59 50.
Email: bergen@katolsk.no
www.bergen.katolsk.no (Tamil)
23
FIDES
“Fides” is a catholic student association in Bergen.
The members come from all the corners of the world
and you don’t need to be a student to join.
www.fides.nuk.no
THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
(DEN RUSSISK-ORTODOKSE KIRKE)
The church is temporarily holding services in
Mariakirken/church in Dreggsallmenningen.
Email: Bergen_menighet@hotmail.com
www.ortodoks.no/Bogojavlenie/info.html
OTHER RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
(ANDRE MENIGHETER)
Lutheran church services
www.bergen.kirken.no
Bergen Baptist Church
www.baptistkirken.org
ISLAM
THE ISLAMIC ASSOCIATION IN BERGEN
(DET ISLAMSKE FORBUNDET I BERGEN)
Visitor’s address: Nøstegaten 43
Tel: 55 23 37 10
THE ISLAMIC COLLABORATION IN
BERGEN
(DET ISLAMSKE SAMBAND I BERGEN)
Visitor’s address: Fjørsangerveien 57
SPORT AND LEISURE
(SPORT OG FRITID)
SPORT
If you would like to join a sports club the most
common thing to do is to contact the club directly.
Labour and Welfare services and other

SPORTS SERVICE
Information on sport and outdoor activities in the
Municipality of Bergen
Address: Landåsveien 31a
Tel: 55 56 24 80
www.bergen.kommune.no
(click on ‘idrett og friluftsliv ” on the left).
CENTRAL BATHS
(SENTRALBADET)
There is a 25m swimming pool with a diving board/
tower and a separate children’s pool.
Address: Teatergaten 37
Tel: 55 56 95 70
VANNKANTEN/ISKANTEN
Fun pool and swimming pool
Address: Same building as Vestkanten Shopping
Centre, Loddefjord
www.vannkanten.no
In the same centre “iskanten” (an ice skating rink)
may be found. There is an ice skating rink and three
curling rinks.
www.vannkanten.no/ny/iskanten.phpmapping=89
CULTURE
(KULTUR)
Bergen is an important cultural city in Norway. The
city offers a rich culture life including a renowned
music and small theatre scene, galleries, culture
workshops etc. At the same time there are numerous
volunteer organisations who run different culture
activities. You are bound to find something to suit
your interests. Contact the culture office nearest to
you to find out what is going on in your area.
Culture Offices:
www.bergen.kommune.no/organisasjonsenhet/bkni/
avdelinger
CINEMA
(BERGEN KINO)
Address: Neumannsgate 3, Bergen
Ticket booking service: Tel: 820 00 082/820 50 005
www.filmweb.no/bergenkino/
THE NATIONAL THEATRE
(DEN NASJONALE SCENE)
Address: Engen 1, Bergen
Ticket booking: Tel: 55 60 70 80
www.dns.no
BERGEN INTERNATIONAL CULTURE
CENTRE (BIKS)
(BERGEN INTERNASJONALE
KULTURSENTER)
The culture centre aims to offer people in Bergen
with different ethnic backgrounds a place where
multicultural activities can flourish.
In addition to a book café with newspapers and
journals from different parts of the world, they
arrange dance courses, concerts, exhibitions, theatre
plays, etc. Several organisations at the culture centre
also arrange culture weeks and independence day
celebrations which are open to all. Additionally, the
book café has its own computer room with Internet
access which is open to the public.
Address: Kong Oscars gt. 15, 5015 Bergen
Tel: 55 31 42 65
www.uib.no/Peiople/hdbdv/biks/index.html
24

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
(FRIVILLIGE ORGANISASJONER)
THE RED CROSS
(RØDE KORS)
The Red Cross has various types of voluntary work
for you who would like to become involved in this.
The organisation offers these activities among
others:
NORWEGIAN LANGUAGE TRAINING
(NORSKTRENING)
The Red Cross offers Norwegian language training
for adult immigrants. This is run by 21 retired
teachers. In addition to learning Norwegian the
immigrants have the opportunity to exchange life
experiences, meet other Norwegians and learn about
Norwegian society.
Contact the Red Cross for further information.
25
MULTIMIX
Multimix arrange different activities and trips for
adult youths with the intention of youths becoming
more acquainted with people from different
cultures.
Contact the Red Cross for further information.
Visitor’s address for the Red Cross:
Damsgårdsveien 69
www.rodekors.no(Distrikt_hjemmesider/
Hordaland_Rode_Kors
THE CHURCH CITY MISSION
(KIRKENS BYMISJON)
CAFÉ
(EMPOKAFEEN)
Empo – The intercultural women’s group which
was started in March 2007 works in collaboration
with Kafe Magdelena. With culinary chefs from
Chile, Somalia, Vietnam, Iraq and Sudan the
Empo café can tempt you with exciting
international cuisine each Monday and Tuesday
Labour and Welfare services and other

from 3 pm – 4.30 pm.
Address: Kong Oscars gate 22
Telephone: 55 33 07 33 – mobile 990 12 223
Opening hours: Monday and Thursday 5 pm–8 pm,
Tuesday 10 am – 3 pm.
Email: jannike.grieg@skbb.no
OPEN CHILD DAY CARE FACILITIES
(ÅPEN BARNEHAGE)
Are a popular meeting place for parents and
children from 0-6 years old in the mornings. This
is offered to all parents who stay at home to look
after children. In child friendly premises children
and adults may play and eat lunch together. Since
parents are present this also functions as a meeting
place for adults. The open child day care facilities
are lead by a teacher and voluntary workers,
however, parental help is required with the activities
and parents are responsible for their own children.
There are four open child day care facilities in
Bergen through the Church City Mission/Kirkens
Bymisjon.
www.bymisjon.no/templates/page____14281.aspx
‘BAMSEHIET’ CHILD DAY CARE FACILITY
Is a meeting place for parents and children. In
contrast to other open child day care facilities
Bamsehiet is open during the afternoon and
evenings in addition to some weekends. During
the weekends overnight stays are also offered.
Bamsehiet is aimed at parents who have the need
for a place to go to other than those which are
offered during the day. A teacher manages the
facility together with volunteers. Parents are also
present. In addition to being a safe and good
meeting place, Bamsehiet also offers relief care.
This is arranged individually after discussions
between parents and teacher.
Address: Damsgårdsveien 106
Opening hours: Tuesday and Wednesday
3.30 pm – 7.30 pm.
Tel: 974 185 14
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES AND
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
(VIKTIGE ADRESSER OG
TELEFONNUMMER)
EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBERS
(NØDNUMMER)
Brann/fire 110
Police 112
Ambulance 113
Explain what has happened and say which address
you want the help to go to in addition to the
telephone number from which you are calling.
WOMEN’S SHELTER IN BERGEN
(BERGEN KRISESENTER)
The women’s shelter is for women who have been
exposed to abuse.
Tel: 55 31 50 50
Fax: 55325058
Mailing address: Postboks 728, 5001 Bergen
Email: post@bergenkrisesenter.no
www.bergenkrisesenter.no
POLICE, IMMIGRATION SERVICE
(POLITIET, UTLENDINGSSEKSJONEN)
All enquiries to do with immigration are to be
handled at the local police station from 1 February
2008. That is, the police station in the area where
you live.
By calling the telephone number below you will
automatically be redirected to the nearest police
district.
Telephone: 02800
26

IMMIGRATION OFFICE
(UDI – UTLENDINGSDIREKTORATET)
The websites offer different types of information
which may be useful to you.
www.udi.no
About the EU/EEA/EFTA in particular
www.udi.no/templates/Tema.aspxid=7239
THE JOINT IMMIGRANT BOARD IN
HORDALAND
(DET FELLES INNVANDRERRÅD
HORDALAND)
Det Felles Innvandrerråd in Hordaland is an
umbrella political organisation for immigrants and
immigrant organisations in Hordaland.
www.dfirh.no
Western Regional Office:
Visitor’s address: Rasmus Meyers allé 5
Mailing address: Postboks 44, 5803 Bergen
Tel: 815 48 222
Fax: 55 59 82 30
Email: vestlandet@arbeidstilsynet.no
www.arbeidstilsynet.no
THE JOINT ORGANISATION
FOR THE HANDICAPPED
(FUNKSJONSHEMMEDES
FELLESORGANISASJON
HORDALAND) (FFO-H)
Address: Vestre Strømkaien 7, 5008 BERGEN
Office hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 3.30 pm
Telephone: Work: 55 33 31 20. Mobile: 47 61 15 16
Email: ffo@fi-senteret.no
www.ffohordaland.no
BAZAR – AN ONLINE SERVICE FOR
MINORITY GROUPS
(NETTJENESTE FOR SPRÅKLIGE
MINORITETER)
On this website you will find information on
Norwegian society and culture, Norwegian
language training, newspapers from sixty countries
and fourteen different languages are available.
www.bazar.deichman.no
EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION AGENCY
(ARBEIDSTILSYNET)
The Employment Protection Agency is a overnment
department. The Department’s job is to check that
employers follow the Work Environment Act.
The Immigration Act and the General Public Act
gives the Employment Protection Agency the
responsibility and the authority to inspect pay and
employment conditions for foreign employees.
27
COUNCIL FOR THE HANDICAPPED
(FUNKSJONSHEMMEDES
FELLESORGANISASJON HORDALAND)
The Municipality of Bergen has formed a council
which expresses its opinions and takes the initiative
in things concerning the handicapped.
Tel: 55325602
Email: liv.skreden@bergen.kommun.no
Visitor’s address: Bispengsgaten 25
Mailing address: Postboks 7700, 5020 Bergen
LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE
(JUSSFORMIDLINGEN)
Jussformidlingen/Legal Advice Service is run by
advanced law students at the Faculty of Law at the
University of Bergen. The main aim is to give free
legal advice to those who need it.
Tel: 55 58 96 00
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs 9 am-3 pm,
Wed until 7 pm
Address: Sydneshaugen 10, 5007 Bergen
Email: jussformidlingen@jur.uib.no
www.jussformidlingen.no
Labour and Welfare services and other

BERGEN INDEPENDENT SOCIAL ADVICE
OFFICE (BUS)
(BERGEN UAVHENGIGE
SOSIALRÅDGIVNING)
What is BUS
- BUS has created this guide
- BUS is run by students who wish to
become social workers
- BUS is a voluntary service for people of
all ages and it is free of charge
- BUS is a place where you may go to:
• If you need someone to talk to with hardship
in your life. We have plenty of time to listen
and perhaps together we will find a light at the
end of the tunnel with a solution.
• If you believe you have the right to help from
a public office, but you are uncertain where
to make enquiries and where you may get
information you need. BUS will try to help
you find out your rights and where to get help.
• If you are reluctant to seek help because you
are uncertain where to go, perhaps you could
seek advice with us first.
• If you have received a decision from a public
office which you are dissatisfied with and you
believe that you still have the right to help,
BUS can help you write a complaint or send
a new application if you cannot get such help
elsewhere.
Should you have any enquiries or if you would
like to make an appointment:
Tel: 55 58 78 02
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs 2 pm – 6 pm
Address: Haugeveien 28, Nordnes
www.hib.no/bus/

Graphic Design: Mediesenter, Høgskolen i Bergen - Photo: Mauricio Pavez