Bostedsadresse

Bostedsadresse is a term used in Norway to describe the address where a person actually lives and intends to have as their permanent home. In official registers, such as the National Population Register, bostedsadresse identifies the place that is considered a person’s primary residence. It is distinct from postadresse, which is the address used for mail, and from midlertidig adresse, which can apply when someone stays somewhere for a limited period.

In practice, bostedsadresse is determined by where you live most of the year and where you have your home and household, as well as your intention to remain there. This address has significance in several administrative areas, including taxation, eligibility for social benefits, schooling and healthcare, and where official letters and notices are sent. It can also influence electoral arrangements, since your registered address is used to determine certain civic processes.

Updating bostedsadresse occurs when a person moves. You are generally expected to notify the relevant authorities to ensure the address is correct in the population register and tax records. This is usually done through the Norwegian Tax Administration and other official channels, such as the systems used for population registration. If you have a temporary stay rather than a permanent move, you may also register a midlertidig adresse to reflect that arrangement, while maintaining your primary bostedsadresse.

The concept is established in the Population Register Act and related regulations, and it underpins how authorities allocate services, communication, and rights based on where a person is considered to reside.