Identity documents and certificates

Start with residence/work permit and immigration matters.

• Non-Nordic citizens generally need the appropriate residence permit to move to the Faroe Islands.

• Nordic citizens do not need a residence permit to move.

• After receiving the required permit, you must register with your municipality to receive your P-number (p-tal).

• The P-number is important for everyday life, including banking, employment/tax matters, social services and healthcare.

You can access online self-services and information from the public authorities on:

Samleikin

Your digital ID/login. You use it to prove who you are and log in to digital services. It can also be used as a digital signature. 

Vangin

A digital self-service portal where you access public services, messages and digital post (Mínboks), applications, personal information, etc. You log in to Vangin with Samleikin. 

Mínboks

You can receive Digital Post from the public authorities if you have a P-number and Samleikin. 

Skjáttan

Learn more about how you can access your faroise driving licence and identity card.

The digital licence is available through the Skjáttan app, making it easier for people to carry their driving licence on their phone. The digital driving licence is valid in the Faroe Islands and Denmark but is only valid for faroise driving licences and does not replace the physical plastic driving licence.

The Identity Card is a digital proof of identity available in the Skjáttan app. You can also choose which information is shown; for example, you can hide your P-number and address. To use the Identity Card, you must first register with Samleikin in Skjáttan. 

Go to the Faroese Police website 

• Complete the passport application.

• Bring the required identification/documents and passport photograph.

• An appointment is required for the Tórshavn citizen service.

• Passport services are also available at police stations elsewhere in the Faroe Islands.

If you have a driving licence from another country, you may be able to use it in the Faroe Islands. The rules depend on where your licence was issued and whether you are visiting or living in the Faroe Islands.

If you are visiting

If you are in the Faroe Islands temporarily, you can generally drive with a valid foreign driving licence, as long as it covers the type of vehicle you are driving.

Always carry your driving licence with you when driving.

If you live in the Faroe Islands

If you establish normal residence in the Faroe Islands, you may need to exchange your foreign driving licence for a Faroese licence.

A valid licence from an EU country, Norway, Iceland or the UK can generally be exchanged for a Faroese driving licence without taking a driving test.

Licence from another country

If your licence was issued outside the EU, Norway, Iceland or the UK, you can generally use it for up to 180 days after you establish normal residence in the Faroe Islands.

After this period, you must exchange it for a Faroese licence. This normally requires you to pass:

• a theory test

• a practical driving test

Additional requirements may apply, including a medical certificate.

The rules can vary depending on the country that issued your licence and your residence status.

Do not wait until your foreign licence is no longer valid for driving in the Faroe Islands. Check your situation with Akstovan as soon as possible after moving here.

If you are unsure what applies to you, contact Akstovan directly.

To obtain a Certificate of Residence, contact the municipality where you are registered. A residence certificate can document your current or previous addresses in the Faroe Islands.

For proof of marital status, contact your municipality or Faroese Environment Agency - Umhvorvisstovan, depending on the document you require.