Norwegian CitizenshipNorwegian citizenship: become a citizen of Norway
Norwegian citizenship by naturalisation is granted by UDI under Statsborgerloven (LOV-2005-06-10-51) and Statsborgerforskriften. Becoming a citizen gives legal security, full political rights and a Norwegian passport, and it is for many a declaration of belonging. We support the entire pathway: eligibility, the language test (Norskprøven), the citizenship test (Statsborgerprøven) and the final filing.
What Norwegian citizenship gives you
Citizenship is the deepest form of settlement. It removes the conditions and renewals tied to residence permits and gives you the full rights of a member of Norwegian society.
Citizenship is the deepest form of settlement, removing the conditions and renewals tied to residence permits.
The rights you gain as a citizen
Citizenship secures your place in Norway and across the wider EEA, for you and for your family.
Security and stability
A permanent, unconditional right to live, work and study in Norway that cannot lapse through renewals.
Political rights
The right to vote and stand in elections at every level, and to hold public office.
Norwegian passport
Strong visa-free travel and consular protection abroad as a Norwegian and EEA citizen.
EEA free movement
Freedom to live and work across the EU and EEA under free-movement rules.
Family rights
Children of Norwegian parents generally acquire citizenship at birth, and family routes are simpler.
Dual citizenship
Norway has permitted dual citizenship since 1 January 2020, so you can usually keep your original nationality if your other country allows it.
What is required for Norwegian citizenship
UDI assesses each condition under Statsborgerloven and Statsborgerforskriften before granting naturalisation.
Residence and identity
- An active permanent residence permit, or an EEA permanent right of residence, as the usual starting point
- Generally seven of the last ten years of legal residence, with special, shorter rules for spouses of Norwegian citizens, Nordic citizens, refugees and stateless persons
- Clarified and documented identity, normally with a valid passport
- A record of employment, business, study or other self-support, with limited reliance on social assistance
Tests, conduct and loyalty
- Norskprøven oral test at the level set in Statsborgerforskriften, in Norwegian or Sami
- Statsborgerprøven, covering Norwegian society, history and democracy, or completion of approved societal-studies instruction
- No serious criminal record; offences and unpaid penalties can add a waiting period
- A pledge of loyalty to Norway, commonly affirmed at a citizenship ceremony
Different rules for different backgrounds
The standard residence requirement is reduced or modified for several groups. We confirm which applies to you and assess each case individually under Statsborgerloven and, where relevant, EEA law.
Standard route
Most third-country nationals naturalise after seven of the last ten years of legal residence, meeting the language, test and self-sufficiency conditions.
Spouse or partner of a Norwegian citizen
A reduced residence requirement combined with a minimum period of marriage or cohabitation with the Norwegian citizen.
Nordic citizens
Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden can acquire Norwegian citizenship by notification after a short qualifying period of residence.
Refugees and stateless persons
Reduced residence requirements apply to recognised refugees and stateless persons under specific protected categories.
Children
Children of a Norwegian parent generally acquire citizenship automatically at birth, and minors can often be included in a parent’s application.
Adoption
Norwegian citizenship by adoption is available where the adoption is recognised under Norwegian law and a parent is Norwegian.
How a citizenship application runs
1. Eligibility assessment
We review your residence years, permit history, language and test status and self-sufficiency record against Statsborgerloven.
2. Document preparation
Passport and identity documents, permits, residence and income records, and exam certificates assembled and checked.
3. Language and citizenship tests
We confirm Norskprøven and Statsborgerprøven, or the approved instruction alternatives, are completed.
4. Application to UDI
We file the citizenship application with a complete supporting file and respond to any requests.
5. Decision by UDI
UDI decides the application under Statsborgerloven and Statsborgerforskriften.
6. Loyalty pledge and ceremony
New citizens commonly affirm loyalty to Norway at a citizenship ceremony.
Where citizenship applications run into trouble
What we screen for
Identity that is not fully documented or clarified
Residence gaps or absences that break the qualifying period
Language or citizenship test not yet passed or documented
Reliance on social assistance affecting the self-sufficiency condition
Offences or unpaid penalties that add a waiting period
How we support applicants
Eligibility and timing: we confirm when you qualify and plan around any waiting periods
Test guidance: direction on preparing for Norskprøven and Statsborgerprøven
Family coordination: we handle joint and child applications together
Filing and follow-up: we file with UDI and manage requests through to decision
Begin your Norwegian citizenship journey
The rules are strict, but with the right preparation and clean documentation, success is well within reach. We assess your eligibility honestly before you file.
