How to Find a GP in Norway

Published July 11, 2026 · 5 min read

Everyone registered in Norway has the legal right to a personal GP — known as a fastlege in Norwegian. But navigating the system can be confusing, especially if you're new to Norway. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.

What is a fastlege?

A fastlege (literally "regular doctor" or "fixed doctor") is your dedicated general practitioner in Norway's primary healthcare system. They maintain your medical history, handle referrals to specialists, issue sick notes, and coordinate your overall care. Think of them as your long-term healthcare partner.

The GP scheme (fastlegeordningen) is a cornerstone of the Norwegian welfare state and is regulated by law. Municipalities are legally obligated to ensure every resident has access to a GP — though doctor shortages in some areas can make this challenging in practice.

Who is entitled to a GP in Norway?

You are entitled to register with a GP if you are registered in the Norwegian Population Register (Folkeregisteret). This typically includes:

• Norwegian citizens living in Norway
• EEA/EU citizens with a valid residence permit
• Foreign nationals with a residence permit of more than 6 months
• Refugees and asylum seekers granted protection

Tourists, short-term visitors, and international students without a permanent Norwegian address are not entitled to a GP but can use emergency care (legevakt) when needed.

Step-by-step: How to register with a GP

Step 1 – Log in to Helsenorge.no

Go to Helsenorge.no — the official Norwegian health portal. Log in with BankID (or another electronic ID). Navigate to "Min fastlege" (My GP) and select "Bytt fastlege" (Change GP).

Step 2 – Search for available GPs

You can search for GPs in your municipality or a nearby one. Doctors with open lists are shown with a green indicator. You can filter by gender, language spoken, and distance. FinnFastlege.no makes this even faster by aggregating available spots in one place.

Step 3 – Confirm your choice

Once you select a GP, confirm your choice on Helsenorge.no. You'll receive a confirmation, and the change takes effect from the first day of the following month. Until then, you retain your right to your current GP.

What does a GP visit cost?

Once you've paid a certain amount in co-payments in a calendar year, you receive a frikort (exemption card), which means all further consultations covered by the scheme are free for the rest of the year.

What if there are no available GPs?

GP shortages are a real issue in many Norwegian municipalities, particularly in rural areas. If no GP in your municipality has an open list, you still have options:

1. Contact your municipality. The municipality is legally responsible for ensuring your access to a GP. Call the local health administration and request assistance.
2. Ask to be waitlisted. Many GP practices maintain informal waiting lists. Contact clinics directly and ask to be added.
3. Look in a neighbouring municipality. You are legally allowed to choose a GP in a different municipality. Availability is often better in larger towns nearby.
4. Use the emergency GP service (legevakt). Available 24/7 for acute needs, regardless of whether you have a registered GP.
5. File a complaint with the County Governor. If you cannot get help within a reasonable time, you can formally complain to the Statsforvalter in your region.

Changing your GP

Common reasons to change GPs include moving to a new address, dissatisfaction with your current doctor, wanting a GP of a specific gender, or simply wanting someone closer to home or work. The process is identical to your initial registration — simply log in to Helsenorge.no and make the switch.

Changes take effect on the first day of the month following your request, and you can only do it twice a year. If you have exhausted your two annual switches, you must wait until the next calendar year unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Tips for expats and international residents

If you are new to Norway, registering with a GP should be one of your first steps after getting your Norwegian personal identification number (fødselsnummer or D-nummer). Without this number, you cannot use Helsenorge.no.

Some GPs in larger cities speak English, which can be helpful during your initial years. You can filter by language on Helsenorge.no or FinnFastlege.no.

This content is AI-generated and is intended as general information only. It is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personal health questions. Co-payment amounts and regulations may have changed — always check current rates at Helsenorge.no.