New routines for buying alcohol in Svalbard

Persons who are entered in the population register on Svalbard (permanent residents) and who are over 18 or 20 years of age can purchase the following monthly quota:

• up to 2 bottles of spirits (or up to 4 bottles of strong wine)
• up to 0.5 bottle of fortified wine (alternatively one bottle every two months)
• up to 24 cans or half bottles of beer
• light wine for reasonable consumption.

If a person can document residence and age, there is a right to purchase a monthly quota and no additional permission is required from the Governor.

As a permanent resident, you no longer have to seek permission from the Governor to buy alcohol (the former alcohol card). When making a purchase, you must show proof of residence as well as identification. Nordpolet AS is responsible for checking that the monthly quota is respected.

The residence confirmation can be ordered digitally at skatteetaten.no:
Confirmation of residence in Svalbard - The Norwegian Tax Administration

Persons with a d-number can order confirmation from the population register electronically. The procedure for issuing an electronic ID can be found here:
An electronic ID gives you online access to public services - The Norwegian Tax Administration

Routines for people with temporary residence
The Governor of Svalbard can give people who stay in Svalbard for more than 30 days, but who are not entered in the population register, a special permit to buy alcohol. If the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a purchase permit with a monthly quota based on length of stay.

This group includes students with a study place in Svalbard, seasonal workers and other persons with a certain duration of their stay in Svalbard.

More information can be found on this website:
https://www.sysselmesteren.no/en/alcohol/