For many years, Norway has had the status of the best country to live in the world. It is safe, prosperous and politically stable. That is why more and more expats dream of obtaining citizenship of this country. Find out which ways to obtain Norwegian citizenship in 2024 are available to expats and what are the requirements for foreigners

Norway's stable economy and strong social sphere attract thousands of expats every year. Foreigners come here to study, work or for other reasons, and then decide to get citizenship of the country. In fact, the path to a Norwegian passport is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance. Especially if you have grounds for obtaining Norwegian citizenship.

The ways to issue a Norwegian passport, the requirements and the package of documents are detailed in this material.

Ways to obtain Norwegian citizenship

Adult foreigners have 3 ways to get a Norwegian passport:

1. Naturalization

In order to become a citizen of Norway through naturalization, it is necessary to live in the country for at least 8 years during the last 11 years before submitting the application. It is important that the place of residence is legal.

Requirements for obtaining Norwegian citizenship by naturalization

- Be older than 12 years.

- Plan to stay in Norway for permanent residence after obtaining a passport.

- To speak Norwegian at the B1 level. Persons under the age of 18 and over 67 are exempt from taking the test.

- Pass the citizenship test. Persons under the age of 18 and over 67 are exempt from taking the test.

- Have no criminal record or if the waiting period has already passed, depending on the type of crime.

2. Marriage

Foreign spouses in an official marriage, registered partnership or cohabitation with Norwegian citizens can obtain citizenship. For this, it is necessary to live 5 out of 10 years before submitting the application. The couple must live together and be in an official relationship for at least 7 years.

Requirements for obtaining Norwegian citizenship through marriage

- Be and plan to remain a resident of Norway.

- Take Norwegian language and citizenship tests.

- Have a residence permit.

- Do not have a criminal record or have passed the waiting period, depending on the type of crime.

3. Notification

Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Iceland can obtain Norwegian citizenship under simplified conditions in accordance with the Nordic Agreement between these countries.

Citizens of the Nordic countries can obtain Norwegian citizenship in two ways: by submitting a notice or application.

Requirements for obtaining a Norwegian passport by mail:

- Be older than 18 years.

- Live in Norway for the past 7 years.

- Not to have a criminal record during these 7 years.

- Pay a fee of NOK 2,700 or EUR 235.

A Nordic citizen receives Norwegian citizenship by notification on the same day he applies.

Requirements for obtaining a Norwegian passport through an application:

- Be older than 12 years.

- Live in Norway for the past 2 years and not be absent for more than 2 months per year.

- Have no criminal record;

- Understand Norwegian or Sami language.

Ways to obtain Norwegian citizenship for children

1. Birth

A child becomes a Norwegian citizen at birth if his or her mother or father is a Norwegian citizen.

To be considered a Norwegian citizen, a newborn child must be registered in the National Birth Register. This can be done by a doctor, midwife or mother within 1 month after giving birth.

Usually, the person to whom the mother is married is considered the father of the child. If the father is a Norwegian citizen and is not married to the child's mother, paternity must be proven. For this, the man must submit a written application to the Norwegian Labor and Social Security Service.

2. Adoption

Minor children adopted by Norwegian citizens receive a passport of the country. It does not matter if the child is adopted in the country or abroad.

3. Citizenship for children of expats who have obtained a Norwegian passport through naturalization or marriage

Children of citizens who received a Norwegian passport through naturalization or marriage receive citizenship. If they are over 2 years old, they must have lived in Norway for at least 2 years before applying.

Married children do not have the right to obtain citizenship under the above conditions.

Children of Northern European citizens who have received a Norwegian passport receive citizenship automatically.

List of documents for obtaining Norwegian citizenship

The main list of documents includes:

- completed questionnaire;

- photographs;

- a copy of the passport;

- medical insurance;

- confirmation of the availability of means of maintenance;

- confirmation of housing in Norway;

- summary.

The complete list of required documents depends on the grounds for which you are applying. For example, you must provide an employment contract if you plan to work for a Norwegian company, or an enrollment certificate if you are applying for a student permit.

If you are applying for permanent residence or citizenship, you also present a temporary or permanent residence permit.

Importantly! All documents must be in English or Norwegian.

---

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

---

Step-by-step procedure for obtaining Norwegian citizenship

The procedure for obtaining Norwegian citizenship by naturalization usually takes at least 8 years. At the first stage, a foreigner must obtain a residence permit, and then a permanent residence permit.

1. Preliminary application

It is issued in accordance with the requirements for a residence permit - employment, company management, study or another reason.

The documents may differ depending on your country of citizenship and the type of residence permit you are applying for.

The application is submitted to the Norwegian embassy or consulate in the country in which you live.

2. Move to Norway and live in the country on the basis of a permit

A temporary residence permit is valid for 1 year and can be extended. You must live with her for at least 3 years to convert her to a permanent residence permit. To do this, it is necessary to continue to meet the previous requirements, for example, to have an employment contract.

3. Issue a permanent residence permit

In order to apply for a permanent residence permit, a foreigner can only stay outside of Norway for up to 7 months during the 3 years before applying.

A foreigner must also know the Norwegian language and pass certain exams.

4. Apply for citizenship

The required period of residence in Norway depends on the grounds on which the foreigner applies for the status. For example, ordinary naturalization requires at least 8 years of full-time residence in the country.

Applications are submitted to the Norwegian police or a Norwegian mission abroad.

5. Citizenship ceremony

Every person who receives Norwegian citizenship over the age of 12 participates in a citizenship ceremony. This is an official event that takes place once or twice a year and marks the transition to Norwegian citizenship.

During the ceremony, you will take an oath of allegiance to Norway.

Advantages of obtaining Norwegian citizenship

1. The opportunity to live in Norway

Norwegian citizens can enter Norway under any circumstances and spend as much time as they wish.

2. A strong passport

Citizens of Norway can enter 171 countries without visas - all the countries of the Schengen Agreement, Great Britain, Japan and many other countries.

3. Freedom of movement in the EU and EEA

As a member of the European Economic Area, Norway provides its citizens with the opportunity to study, live and work in the EU, EEA countries and Switzerland without a special residence permit.

4. High quality of life

Norway is one of the ten countries with the highest quality of life. The country is also considered one of the happiest countries in the world.

5. Access to the health care system

Norway is included in the list of the top 10 countries in terms of the level of development of the health care system.

Thanks to the quality of healthcare, life expectancy in Norway is 83 years, one of the highest in the world.

Norwegians can get a European Health Care Card, which allows them to access public health care in all EU countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, on the same terms as local residents.

6. Access to education

Citizens of Norway can study for free at public universities in Norway and EEA countries. Diplomas of Norwegian universities are recognized in the EU, USA and many other countries of the world.

7. Security

Norway is among the 35 safest countries in the world. It is known for its low crime rate and political stability.

8. Beautiful nature

Norway is a country rich in forests, glaciers and rivers. It is also home to a rare type of landscape called fjords.

We will remind you! In 2024, Norway will experience labor shortages in more than 190 occupations. The deficit is distributed among many sectors of the economy. Foreigners who plan to live and work in Norway must obtain a work visa before moving. We previously talked about the procedure for obtaining a work permit in Norway and which specialists will find it easier to find a job in Norway in 2024.

---

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

---

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

---