tjenesteplasser

Tjenesteplasser is a term used in Norwegian public administration to describe points of contact where the public, businesses and other organizations can access a range of services and information. They may be physical offices, service counters, or digital interfaces and are often described as one-stop shops or citizen service centers. Tjenesteplasser exist at municipal, regional, and national levels and can be run by government agencies, municipalities, or in collaboration with private partners.

Functions and purpose

Tjenesteplasser provide information, guidance and assistance, handle intake for applications and registrations, process permits and benefits, collect fees, arrange appointments, and direct requests to the appropriate unit. They are designed to simplify administration by consolidating multiple services into a single access point and to improve predictability and efficiency for users. They typically support multiple languages and strive to be accessible for people with disabilities.

Organization and delivery

Service points can be staffed offices or digital services, or a combination of both. They often integrate with other e-government solutions, such as online portals, identity verification, and electronic forms, enabling citizens to complete many tasks remotely while offering in-person help when needed. The goal is to provide a coherent, user-friendly experience across services and agencies.

Common services

Examples of services commonly handled at tjenesteplasser include applications for permits and licenses, social benefits and welfare inquiries, address and personal data changes, information about local services and rights, and guidance on how to use digital public services.

Related concepts

The term is sometimes used interchangeably with service center, service desk, or citizen service center, depending on the organization. See also e-government, Altinn, NAV, and municipal service centers.