Resources › Language and integration › Right to an interpreter
Right to an interpreter
Draft, translated: translated from the Norwegian original with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is the authoritative one. See the Norwegian original →
If you don't understand Norwegian well enough to communicate properly with public services, you have the right to a free, qualified interpreter. Applies to NAV, the health service, school, the courts and more.
Norwegian original last checked against official sources: 22 September 2026. Rules and figures change, so always check the official site before you act.
If you cannot communicate properly in Norwegian, you have the right to a free, qualified interpreter when dealing with public services. This applies across many of the areas this site covers, not just with one authority.
Where does the right apply?
The Interpreting Act (tolkeloven) applies to bodies covered by the Public Administration Act, the courts, the prosecuting authority, and private actors performing public services, including approved kindergartens, primary schools and upper secondary schools. In practice, this means the right applies at:
- NAV, see How to contact NAV,
- the health service, including your regular GP, hospitals and BUP,
- the child welfare service,
- school and kindergarten,
- the courts.
What does the law say?
The body must use a qualified interpreter, that is, a person who has completed public qualification and is listed in the National Register of Interpreters, when this is necessary for your legal rights or for proper help. This applies to both ordinary spoken-language interpreting and interpreting for deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind people.
What does it cost?
Nothing for you. It is the public body that is responsible for ordering and paying for the interpreter.
Children must not be used as interpreters
The Interpreting Act prohibits the use of children as interpreters. Neither your child nor any other child in the family should have to translate for you when dealing with public services. This also applies to other relatives or acquaintances without interpreter training.
How to ask for an interpreter
Say so when you book an appointment, call, or show up in person. It is the body you are in contact with that should assess the need and order the interpreter, but you can and should also clearly state that you need one yourself.
Example:
I don't understand Norwegian well enough for this conversation. I need an interpreter in [language].
Tip: Were you not offered an interpreter even though you needed one? This can be grounds for complaining about how your case was handled. See the complaint guide for the area your case concerns.
Sources
- IMDi. What does the Interpreting Act say? (Norwegian)
- Helsenorge. Right to an interpreter in the health service (Norwegian)
- NAV. Do you need an interpreter? (Norwegian)
Kontaktpunkt24 gives general information, not legal advice. If you need help with your own case, contact a lawyer, a legal aid service, or the relevant authority.
This page is translated from Norwegian with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is always the authoritative one.