Obtaining Norwegian citizenship is an important step for an immigrant that opens up new rights and opportunities. Unlike temporary visas or even permanent residence (PR), Norwegian citizenship makes you a full member of the state. This means that you receive a Norwegian passport, political rights, and protection from the state that are not available to residence permit holders. A Norwegian citizen is also not dependent on renewing residence permits — your status is permanent and cannot be revoked.

In this article, we will look at why immigrants seek Norwegian citizenship, how it differs from other statuses, and most importantly — how to obtain it: who is eligible, what pathways exist, the requirements, application steps, processing times, and possible challenges. The article is aimed at a broad international audience, meaning the information will be relevant for applicants from different countries in 2026.

Advantages of Norwegian citizenship

The status of a Norwegian citizen provides numerous benefits both within the country and on the international stage:

• A strong passport and visa-free travel. The Norwegian passport ranks among the top 5 passports in the world in terms of freedom of movement. As of early 2025, Norwegian citizens could visit 188 countries and territories without a visa (or with a visa on arrival), placing the Norwegian passport 4th in the world. By comparison, passports of many other countries require visas even for travel to neighboring states. Norwegian citizenship eliminates lengthy visa procedures and opens the door to travel worldwide.
• The right to live and work in Norway without restrictions. A citizen does not need residence permits. You can live permanently in Norway, change employers or fields of activity at your discretion. In addition, Norwegians can freely move to other Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Finland) under agreements on free movement within Scandinavia, and also benefit from the rights provided by Norway’s participation in the European Economic Area (EEA) for living and working in EU countries.
• Social guarantees and benefits. Norway is known for its high level of social protection and quality of life. Citizens are entitled to comprehensive free healthcare under the public system, education, adequate pension provision, and other social benefits. Many of these rights are also available to permanent residents, however citizenship provides maximum security. For example, consular protection abroad: if you encounter trouble overseas, Norwegian embassies will assist you as a citizen (such protection is not available to permanent residents).
• Political rights and participation in governing the country. Only citizens can vote in parliamentary elections and referendums, and hold certain public offices. For example, a Norwegian citizen can be elected to the Storting (parliament) or local authorities, while foreigners with temporary or permanent residence do not participate in national elections. Citizenship allows you to influence the future of the country you live in through voting rights.
• Transfer of citizenship to children. Citizenship status is valuable not only for you, but also for your children. A child born to a Norwegian citizen automatically receives Norwegian citizenship at birth (based on the principle of jus sanguinis), regardless of place of birth. Thus, by obtaining citizenship, you secure a Norwegian passport for your future children. Moreover, if you already have minor children, they can obtain citizenship together with you in a simplified manner: usually children are included in the application, no fee is required for them, and the requirements are reduced (no exams, shorter residence period).
• Additional opportunities and simplifications. Norwegian citizenship opens doors to professions and sectors closed to foreigners. For example, certain positions in law enforcement and government bodies are available only to citizens. Naturalized citizens, however, may face some limitations: it is known that in Norway some positions in the police and higher levels of administration are traditionally held only by individuals with Norwegian citizenship by birth. Nevertheless, by obtaining citizenship, you significantly expand your career prospects. Citizenship also removes the risk of losing your status — unlike a residence permit, which can be revoked due to long absences from the country or failure to meet requirements, citizenship is almost impossible to revoke (except in cases of providing false information or threats to national security).

Finally, citizenship provides a sense of belonging — you officially become Norwegian, with full rights and responsibilities. For many immigrants, this is a logical completion of the path of integration into Norwegian society.

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Who can apply for Norwegian citizenship

Norwegian legislation provides for several categories of individuals who can obtain citizenship. The general principle is that a passport can be obtained both by people connected to Norway by origin and by foreigners who have lived in the country for a long time or have other grounds. Let us consider the main groups of applicants:

• Children of Norwegian citizens (by origin). If at least one of the child’s parents is a Norwegian citizen, the child usually automatically becomes a citizen (for those born after September 1, 2006 — regardless of whether the mother or father is Norwegian, and regardless of the place of birth). In cases where a child is born abroad and has Norwegian citizenship but has not lived in Norway, there are conditions for retaining citizenship: it is necessary either to live in the country for at least 2 years before the age of 22, or to apply to retain citizenship, otherwise it will be lost. Children adopted by Norwegian citizens can also obtain citizenship (subject to adoption formalities). Thus, direct descendants of Norwegian citizens are entitled to a passport under a simplified procedure. If your Norwegian roots go deeper (for example, your grandparents were Norwegian), unfortunately, the law does not provide direct “citizenship by descent” if your parents were not citizens. You will have to obtain a passport on general grounds by living in the country. An exception applies to former Norwegian citizens: if you previously had Norwegian citizenship and lost it (for example, renounced it or automatically lost it due to acquiring another passport before 2020), you have the right to restore citizenship by application. Since 2020, after changes to the dual citizenship law, a procedure for reacquisition has been introduced: starting from February 2020, people who lost Norwegian citizenship due to previous restrictions can apply to have it reinstated (such an application is reviewed by UDI and is subject to a fee, currently 3,200 NOK).
• Immigrants through naturalization. Most foreign citizens obtain a Norwegian passport through this route — by naturalization, that is, by submitting an application after several years of residence in the country. Any foreign citizen or stateless person (apatrid) can apply if they have reached a certain age (usually 18, although the law allows application from age 12 through parents, but the decision is postponed until 18), legally reside in Norway on a permanent basis, and meet all the requirements (discussed in detail later). This category includes: labor migrants who came for work; refugees and persons granted asylum; students and other foreigners who found employment after studies and stayed; entrepreneurs and investors who arrived on business visas, etc. In simple terms, if you have managed to first obtain a temporary residence permit, then a permanent one, and have lived long enough — you become eligible for citizenship. Naturalization is the main pathway for most people without Norwegian origin. It is also worth noting that some groups have special naturalization conditions: for example, stateless persons and refugees may obtain citizenship faster (their residence requirements are reduced), and citizens of Nordic Council countries (Scandinavia) can apply for citizenship through notification rather than a standard application (simplified, without exams). However, the general principle remains the same — you must live in the country and integrate.
• Marriage to a Norwegian citizen. Another common category is foreigners who marry a Norwegian citizen. Marriage itself does not grant automatic citizenship, but it significantly eases naturalization requirements. Norway applies the “7 years (5+2)” rule: if you have lived in Norway for at least 5 years and have been married to a Norwegian citizen for at least 2 years, the combined “marriage-residence” period is considered equal to 7 years, which is sufficient to apply for citizenship. In simple terms, having a Norwegian spouse allows you to obtain a passport faster (effectively after 5 years of residence instead of the usual 8, provided the marriage has lasted at least 2 years). Time spent living together abroad in marriage is also counted toward these 7 years. For cohabitants (unregistered partnerships), the requirements are similar to marriage if the relationship is officially recognized and you have lived together. Keep in mind that you must still meet all other criteria (language exam, no criminal record, etc.), only the residence period is reduced.
• Investments and business (indirect route). Norway does not have a “citizenship by investment” program in the form seen in some other countries (where a large sum can be invested to immediately obtain a passport). Norwegian citizenship cannot be purchased directly — any websites offering to buy a Norwegian passport are unreliable. However, investments can help indirectly: if you have capital, you can open a business or invest in the economy, obtain a residence permit as an entrepreneur or investor, live the required number of years, meet the conditions, and naturalize in the standard way. For example, if you establish a company in Oslo and obtain a work permit as its manager, after several years of working and living in the country you can apply for permanent residence and then for citizenship. But there is no special preferential procedure for accelerated citizenship through investment — you will still need to reside the required number of years and become a resident. Be cautious of intermediaries promising a “second Norwegian passport for money” — this is a myth.
• Special merits and other grounds. The citizenship law allows the government, in exceptional cases, to grant citizenship bypassing the main requirements — “for merits to the state or in special national interests.” This happens extremely rarely and has no clear criteria. In theory, an outstanding scientist, athlete, or individual valuable to Norway may receive a passport through an accelerated procedure by decision of the King (government). Citizenship may also be simplified in some humanitarian cases, such as for stateless children born in Norway. For example, if a child is born in Norway to foreign parents and would otherwise become stateless (not receive any citizenship), Norwegian citizenship may be granted to avoid statelessness. However, as a standard rule, birth in Norway does not grant citizenship if the parents are foreigners (not Norwegian citizens). This is important to understand: simply giving birth in Oslo is not enough for a child to become a citizen (unlike, for example, in the United States). The child must have at least one Norwegian parent or live in the country until adulthood and then naturalize on general grounds.

In summary: both descendants of Norwegians and foreigners can apply for Norwegian citizenship, but in all cases it is necessary either to have a blood connection (citizen parents), or to legally reside in the country for a significant period, or to have other valid grounds. Next, we will look at specific pathways to obtaining citizenship in more detail.

Ways to obtain Norwegian citizenship

Depending on your status and life situation, citizenship of the Kingdom of Norway can be acquired through one of the following pathways.

By birth (jus sanguinis)

If at the time of a child’s birth either the mother or the father is a Norwegian citizen, the child automatically acquires Norwegian citizenship. This principle applies regardless of the place of birth (whether in Norway or abroad) and concerns children born after September 1, 2006. Previously, certain restrictions applied (for example, citizenship was always passed from the mother, and from the father only if the parents were married or if the child was born in Norway). These gender distinctions have now been eliminated: it is sufficient that one parent is Norwegian. If both parents are foreigners, birth on Norwegian territory does not grant citizenship (except in cases where the child would otherwise not obtain any citizenship). Such children of foreign nationals must obtain a residence permit and later go through the naturalization process, just like their parents.

By descent (restoration of citizenship or repatriation)

This category includes situations where a person or their parents were previously Norwegian citizens, and the person wishes to return to this status. For example, restoration of citizenship is possible if you lost your Norwegian passport after acquiring citizenship of another country in the past (before 2020, Norway required renunciation of its citizenship when obtaining a new one, and thousands of Norwegians lost their passports this way). Now, following changes to the dual citizenship law, such individuals can apply for reacquisition of citizenship — this is a simpler procedure than standard naturalization (no language exams or residence requirements are needed, since you were previously a citizen).

In addition, persons of Norwegian origin (born to Norwegian parents but who did not automatically receive citizenship under older laws) may use the notification procedure for citizenship. For example, if you were born before 2006 in a family where only the father was Norwegian and the parents were not married, you may not have received citizenship automatically — but you can obtain it through a notification (notification) by providing proof of kinship. Citizenship for citizens of Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Finland) also falls under the notification procedure: adult citizens of these countries who have lived in Norway for at least 2 years can submit a notification and obtain citizenship without the standard exam and long waiting period. This is part of agreements on free movement within the Nordic region.

Naturalization (through residence)

The most common way is to obtain citizenship by application after living in Norway for a certain number of years. The standard requirement now is to have lived in the country legally for at least 8 of the last 11 years. This means that, out of the last 11 years of your life, you must have held valid residence permits in Norway for at least 8 years and have actually lived here. Short absences are allowed: you may spend up to 2 months per year outside Norway without losing your residence period. If you were absent longer, the residence period may be shifted.

It is also not allowed to interrupt the legality of your stay: if there were gaps of more than 2 months between residence permits, that time is not counted. In general, you need to accumulate 8 years of legal residence. This rule is a recent amendment to the law (previously, 7 years of residence out of 10 were required, but the lawmakers made the conditions stricter). However, there are exceptions and reduced time requirements for certain categories:

• If you have a high official income, the required period is reduced to 6 of the last 10 years. “Sufficient income” under the law means that your annual income, as stated in your tax return, for the last year was at least 3 basic amounts of the National Insurance Scheme (3G). In 2024, this amounted to NOK 366,675. Thus, foreigners with a good income can naturalize faster — after 6 years of residence. This amendment came into force in 2021 to encourage economically active immigrants. Income must be confirmed by a tax certificate (UDI checks your tax data automatically).
• If you are married to a Norwegian citizen, the combined period mentioned earlier applies: it is sufficient for the total number of years of marriage and residence in the country to be 7 (with at least 5 of those years being actual residence).
• Refugees and stateless persons can often obtain a passport after just 3 or 5 years of residence, depending on the circumstances. For example, stateless persons (those who do not have any citizenship) were previously allowed by law to apply after 3 years of residence. Refugees may also benefit from reduced naturalization periods. In 2025, there were changes concerning residence requirements for stateless persons — they were given more flexible conditions.
• Children (minors under 18) may obtain citizenship together with a parent even if they have lived in the country for less than the required period. For children, there is generally no strict residence requirement in terms of years — the decision is made based on the child’s best interests and the parents’ status. As a rule, if the parents meet the requirements and apply, the children are included automatically. If a child applies separately (for example, a 17-year-old who has lived most of their life in Norway), the requirements are less strict than for adults.

Thus, naturalization is a flexible process, but in a typical case a standard immigrant must live in the country for about 8 years before applying. During this time, a person usually first obtains a temporary residence permit, then permanent residence, integrates (learns the language, works), and only then becomes a citizen. In the next section, we will describe in detail how the naturalization procedure works step by step.

Through marriage (simplified naturalization)

Although marriage has already been mentioned, it is worth highlighting it as a separate pathway, since in practice many people obtain citizenship this way: a foreigner marries a Norwegian citizen, moves to Norway through family immigration, and after the required period (usually 5–7 years of living together) receives a passport. An important point is that it is not enough to simply be married — you must also live together. In the citizenship application, you will need to prove that you actually lived with your spouse for the required period, including time spent abroad (for example, joint address registration, rental agreements, etc. for periods outside Norway).

If the marriage is dissolved before submitting the application, the reduced residence benefits may be canceled — you must be married at the time the citizenship decision is made. Also keep in mind that sham marriages are prosecuted; immigration authorities carefully verify couples for the authenticity of their relationship when initially granting residence permits and may refuse citizenship if they suspect fraud.

Through military service or by special decision

As mentioned earlier, Norway does not have a formal citizenship-by-military-service program (unlike, for example, the United States, where service can accelerate naturalization). In Norway, military service is carried out by citizens themselves. A foreigner cannot realistically join the Norwegian armed forces without citizenship. Therefore, there is no direct path of “becoming a soldier to obtain a passport.” However, if you are an immigrant of conscription age who has obtained permanent residence and you are drafted into the military, successful completion of service may positively characterize you when applying for citizenship later (but it does not replace other requirements). In addition, the government may theoretically grant citizenship by special decision for outstanding service to the state — but these are extraordinary cases. In general, the standard pathway for a foreigner remains naturalization through residence.

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Step-by-step procedure for obtaining Norwegian citizenship

The naturalization process is quite lengthy and requires preparation. Below is a step-by-step plan to help you navigate it:

1. Check your grounds and eligibility. Before you start collecting documents, make sure that you are entitled to apply. If you do not yet meet the criteria, it is better to wait. The Norwegian authorities explicitly state: “Do not apply until you meet all the conditions. If you apply too early and do not meet the requirements at the time of consideration, the application will be rejected.” Therefore, first assess your situation realistically. On the UDI website (Directorate of Immigration), there are convenient guides: you choose your status, and the site provides a list of requirements specifically for you. Use official sources to make sure that you are already eligible to apply for a passport. If you are unsure, consult a specialist.
2. Collect the necessary documents. Citizenship processing is a bureaucratic procedure that requires a number of documents. The standard list includes: a valid foreign passport of your current citizenship (for identity verification), a residence permit (residence card) or another document confirming your right to stay, a police clearance certificate (in Norway, a politiattest, which must be ordered no earlier than 3 months before submission), proof of residence (for example, an extract from the population register showing your addresses, rental contracts if requested), children’s birth certificates or a marriage certificate (if you are applying with family or on the basis of marriage), documents confirming a name change (if you changed your surname), etc. You will also need certificates proving completion of mandatory courses and tests: a certificate of passing the language exam (at least oral B1 level) and a certificate of passing the social studies exam / “citizenship test” (statsborgerprøven). These exams are discussed below in the requirements section; here we simply include them in the document package. If any documents are not in Norwegian, English, or another Scandinavian language, obtain a certified translation. Usually, a translation into Norwegian is preferred. Documents issued outside Norway may require an apostille or consular legalization. Take care of this in advance, since obtaining an apostille or a police certificate from your home country may take time. Also prepare proof of payment of the fee — it can be paid online when filling out the application. In 2026, the state fee is NOK 6,500 for adult applicants. There is no fee for children (under 18) included in the application.
3. Submit an electronic application online. In Norway, the citizenship application process takes place mainly online. You need to register on the UDI portal (through the Application Portal system on the UDI website or ID-porten) and fill out the electronic application form. The form includes your personal data, residence and employment history, questions about marital status, criminal record, and consent to verification of tax and other data. At the end of the form, the system will offer you the option to pay the fee by bank card (Visa/Mastercard). After successful submission, you will receive confirmation and will be able to book an appointment with the police. Keep in mind: even after completing the online form, the application is considered officially submitted only when you personally appear before the police or another authority representative with the original documents. Therefore, the next step is a visit to the police.
4. Appear at the police station to submit documents. After completing the online registration, the system will offer you a time and place to visit a police station (or immigration office) to submit your documents. In Norway, it is the police who accept citizenship documents and identify the applicant. On the appointed day, you must come with a printed list of documents (checklist) and all originals. A police officer will check your passport, make copies, take fingerprints and a photo (if biometric data needs to be updated). You will also bring the prepared police clearance certificate (it is required for all applicants over 15 years old) and other documents that cannot be sent online. The officer will compare the originals with the submitted scans. Usually, no exam or interview is conducted at the police station — this is more of a formality: to verify identity, obtain missing papers, and ensure that the application is filled out correctly. After that, your materials will be sent to UDI. Important: you must attend the appointment before 3 months have passed from the date you obtained the police clearance certificate, otherwise they may ask for a new one. Also, if you claimed a high income for a reduced residence period, some applicants may receive additional questions — but as a rule, UDI obtains tax data itself. After the visit, your task is to wait and track the status.
5. Waiting for consideration. While waiting for the decision, you will need to be patient. Processing times for citizenship applications vary, averaging from 6 to 12 months. The duration depends on UDI’s workload and the complexity of verifying your case (for example, identity confirmation, security checks, etc.). Sometimes the decision may come faster — there are known cases where a response was given 2 months after submission. But often the process takes close to a year, especially after 2020, when the flow of applications increased due to the permission of dual citizenship. You can check approximate waiting times on the UDI website (they publish data on how long people are currently waiting for citizenship decisions). During this period, do not leave Norway for too long, and keep track of the renewal of your residence permit (if it is about to expire). The fact of having submitted an application does not in itself give you the right to remain in the country if your residence permit has expired. Therefore, maintain your resident status until you actually receive citizenship. If UDI needs additional information, they may send you a request by mail or through the electronic portal — respond promptly.
6. Decision-making — receiving the citizenship letter. When UDI issues a positive decision, you will receive an official letter (usually by mail or electronically through Altinn) stating that Norwegian citizenship has been granted to you. The letter will indicate what needs to be done next. From that moment, you become a Norwegian citizen, but formally the process is completed by the ceremony and obtaining the passport. If the decision is negative (a refusal), the letter will also state the reason and the appeal procedure. Refusals usually occur due to non-compliance with the requirements (for example, it turns out that you applied several months too early, or did not pass the language test, or there are problems with the documents). A refusal can be appealed through the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE), but it is better to do everything correctly from the start to avoid this. Assuming the decision is positive — congratulations, you are almost there! Only a few final formalities remain.
7. Citizenship ceremony (oath). Norway holds a formal citizenship ceremony for new citizens (statsborgerseremoni). It is not strictly mandatory, but it is an important tradition. Everyone over the age of 12 is invited to the next ceremony in their county (as a rule, they are held 1–2 times a year in each fylke and are organized by the governor). At the ceremony, together with other new Norwegians, you will take an oath of loyalty to the country. The text of the oath is established by royal decree and usually sounds like a promise to obey the laws and faithfully serve Norway. Citizens aged 18 and older recite the oath aloud and sign it. After that, diplomas/certificates of citizenship are presented, the anthem is played, and the event concludes in a celebratory manner. Although participation is voluntary, for an immigrant this is an important moment of integration, and attending is recommended. If you do not appear, the citizenship is still valid, but the oath will have to be given in writing when obtaining the passport.
8. Obtaining a Norwegian passport and ID card. After receiving the decision, you are entitled to apply for a Norwegian passport. The passport issuance process is separate — it is handled by the police (document issuance department). You need to book an appointment for passport issuance (through the police website) and provide your proof of citizenship (the UDI decision or certificate from the ceremony), your old foreign passport, and pay the passport issuance fee (about NOK 1,200 for an adult, cheaper for children). You will be photographed, your fingerprints will be taken, and within a few days you will receive your long-awaited biometric Norwegian passport. Together with the passport, it is also recommended to apply for a national identity card (ID-kort) — a plastic card proving that you are a citizen of Norway. It is convenient for domestic use and travel within Europe. After that, you will officially be able to call yourself a citizen of Norway in every sense!

As you can see, the procedure consists of many stages, but with careful preparation everything goes smoothly. Next, we will examine the specific requirements that must be met in order for the application to be successful.

Requirements for obtaining Norwegian citizenship

To obtain Norwegian citizenship, an applicant must meet a number of formal criteria established by the Citizenship Act (Statsborgerloven). The main requirements are as follows:

• Residence in Norway for the required period. This is the key condition for naturalization. As mentioned, the standard requirement is to live in the country for at least 8 out of the last 11 years with valid residence permits. In some cases, the period may be reduced: to 6 years for those with high income, to a total of 7 years in the case of marriage to a Norwegian citizen, etc. In any case, at the time of the decision, the applicant must have a valid residence permit or permanent residence and intend to continue living in Norway. If you have spent significant time outside the country or lost your status for a period, you must first restore continuous residence. Keep in mind that applying for citizenship usually requires holding a permanent residence permit or meeting the conditions to obtain one. This means you must qualify for permanent residence: live continuously for 3 years with a residence permit, have an income, and complete integration courses (these conditions are usually already met by the time of applying for citizenship). It is also possible to apply without permanent residence, but in that case UDI will check whether you meet all the criteria for permanent residence, and if not, citizenship will not be granted. Therefore, in practice, permanent residence is a preliminary step.
• Verified identity (ID). Your passport and personal data must be verified. Norway takes the establishment of an applicant’s identity very seriously. If you provide your national passport, this is usually sufficient. Problems arise for refugees and some foreigners who do not have a passport. In such cases, additional identification is required: certificates, official documents, possibly DNA testing to confirm family ties — even participation in special identity verification programs. Without verified identity, citizenship will not be granted. Therefore, if you do not have a foreign passport, try to obtain one from the authorities of your country (or documents confirming your date of birth, name, and citizenship). Persons with refugee status are often issued a temporary travel document (UDI card or so-called immigrant’s passport), which also serves as ID, but a verification procedure may still be required. In summary: all biographical data (full name, date and place of birth, citizenship) must be accurate and documented.
• An individual aged 18 or older may apply independently. If you are under 18, the application is submitted by your parents or guardians, and citizenship is usually granted together with a parent. Important: children over the age of 12 must give their own consent to acquire citizenship (that is, if a 15-year-old child does not want to change citizenship, they cannot be forced). There is no upper age limit — even at 90, you can naturalize if you meet the conditions.
• Knowledge of the language and society. Since 2022, Norway has introduced stricter integration requirements. The applicant must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the Norwegian language and knowledge of society:
  Norwegian language: You must pass an oral Norwegian exam at no lower than level B1 according to the Common European Framework. Previously, level A2 was sufficient, but from October 1, 2022, the requirement was raised to B1 for most applicants. B1 is an intermediate level, meaning the ability to communicate on everyday topics and express opinions. The exam (Norskprøve) is conducted by public educational institutions. There are exceptions: persons over 55 who arrived in Norway as refugees may pass A2 only; stateless persons may also pass A2; persons with serious physical or mental health conditions may be exempt. However, most immigrants aged 18–55 must demonstrate B1 level. If you studied in a Norwegian school and have a certificate in Norwegian, or graduated from a university where instruction was in Norwegian, this may replace the exam (you will be exempt based on your diploma). However, the vast majority of applicants need to prepare in advance and successfully pass the exam.
  Test on society/laws: You must pass the Statsborgerprøven — a test on basic facts about Norway: its history, culture, political system, citizens’ rights and obligations, and the fundamentals of the law. An alternative is the social studies test (prøve i samfunnskunnskap). Essentially, it assesses how well you understand Norwegian society. The test is conducted in Norwegian (available in Bokmål and Nynorsk), and taking it in English or another language is allowed only in exceptional cases (for example, if you are over 55 and completed social studies courses in your own language). Since 2022, the rule is that the test must be taken in Norwegian. The test includes about 30 questions, with a passing threshold of approximately 75% correct answers. You can prepare using the official booklet “Norway, society and history” and sample questions (many resources are available online, including materials from Kompetanse Norge). If you are exempt from the language test (due to health or education), you are usually exempt from this test as well, but this is decided individually. In practice, exams are a crucial part of the requirements. Without them, an adult immigrant cannot obtain a passport. Exceptions are made only for a very limited number of groups (for example, people with serious illnesses, illiterate elderly refugees, etc.). Therefore, be prepared to start learning Norwegian from your first days in the country.
• No criminal record and compliance with the law. The applicant must have a clean legal record. This means:
  No serious criminal offenses. If there is a conviction, the application is usually postponed until a waiting period has passed. In Norway, there is a system that determines how many years must pass after a conviction before you can obtain citizenship. For example, a minor fine may result in a delay of several months, while imprisonment may lead to a delay of many years. If you have had issues with the police, UDI evaluates each case individually. An unexpired conviction typically leads to refusal until the required period has passed. Therefore, it is better to wait until the end of the probation period before applying.
  No significant debts or bankruptcies. Formally, the citizenship law requires financial reliability: if you owe significant amounts to the state (taxes, fines) or avoid paying child support, this may negatively affect your application. There is no direct requirement of “no debts,” but your self-sufficiency is indirectly assessed through the permanent residence criteria (for permanent residence, you must show income and not rely on social benefits).
  Compliance with immigration rules. If you have violated your residence status (lived illegally) or provided false information when obtaining visas or residence permits, this may be discovered and become grounds for refusal. You must follow the law, pay taxes, and avoid problems — then citizenship will be achievable.
• Renunciation of previous citizenship (no longer required). Previously, Norway strictly required applicants to renounce their previous citizenship. However, since 2020, Norway has officially allowed dual citizenship. You are now NOT required to give up your original passport when obtaining Norwegian citizenship. When applying, you will not even be asked about this — it is considered your personal matter. However, there are nuances: if your current country of citizenship does not recognize dual citizenship, you may automatically lose it upon acquiring Norwegian citizenship. For example, citizens of China or India who become Norwegian citizens lose their original citizenship under their home country’s laws. Norwegian authorities are not concerned with this — they allow dual citizenship but cannot force another country to retain your citizenship. Therefore, you should study the laws of your country. In some situations, Norway may still require renunciation: for example, if you work in a field related to national security, you may be asked not to hold a second passport. However, this is not a legal requirement — rather a matter of security or personal discretion. Overall, dual citizenship in Norway is now the norm, and the vast majority of new citizens retain their previous passports. In the first years after the legal change, tens of thousands of foreigners took advantage of the opportunity to become Norwegian citizens without losing their original citizenship. This is a major advantage, especially for those who want to maintain ties with their country of origin or have a “backup option.”
• Compliance with procedures and loyalty. During naturalization, you are required to take an oath of allegiance (either at a ceremony or in writing). This is a formality but a necessary one: you commit to respecting the Constitution and laws of Norway. It is also expected that you sever any unlawful connections (for example, if someone is found to be involved in terrorist organizations, citizenship may be revoked even after it has been granted, especially for dual citizens in cases involving serious offenses against the state). In ordinary situations, it is sufficient to follow the law and respect the duties of a citizen, and no problems will arise.

These are the main requirements. In summary, the profile of an ideal candidate for citizenship looks like this: an adult immigrant who has lived in Norway for 8+ years, is integrated (speaks Norwegian, understands the culture), is financially self-sufficient, law-abiding, has a verified identity, and intends to continue living in the country. If this describes you, there is a high likelihood that your citizenship application will be approved.

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Processing time and cost

How long does it take to obtain citizenship? The process can be divided into two parts: the time required to meet the conditions, and the time needed for the application to be processed.

• Meeting the conditions (years of residence): this varies individually. The minimum residence period, as we have established, is 6–8 years for most applicants. It is difficult to speed up this stage — the law is the law. However, you can influence it indirectly: for example, learn the language as early as possible in order to pass the exam without waiting for all the years to pass. Or, if you understand that you will need to renounce your previous citizenship (not because of Norwegian requirements, but due to your own country’s laws), you can start this process in advance so that by the time Norwegian citizenship is approved, the issue with your previous citizenship is already resolved.
• Application processing: after submission, you will have to wait for a decision. Official processing times may change. UDI publishes updates, for example: “Currently, citizenship applications take up to 12 months to process.” As of 2025, many applicants waited around 9–10 months. In some cases (simple applications without complications), decisions were issued within 2–4 months, but this should not be expected. Be prepared to wait around a year. If more time has passed than indicated and there is no response, you can contact UDI or check your status through the online system. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to speed up the process — you will need to wait patiently, unless you have exceptional circumstances (for example, urgent need for citizenship due to serious illness and the need to travel abroad for treatment — you may try to request expedited processing, but there are no guarantees).

The cost of obtaining citizenship consists of several components:

• State fee (application fee). The standard application fee for an adult is NOK 6,500. Payment is made online, and the receipt is attached to the application. If your application is rejected, the money is not refunded (the fee is charged for processing, not for the result). A new application will require a new fee, so it is important to submit everything correctly the first time. There is no fee for children under 18 included in the application. If a child submits a separate notification for citizenship (for example, a child who is Norwegian by birth and needs to confirm citizenship), it is also free. The fee is reduced (NOK 2,700) for adult citizens of other Nordic countries applying through the simplified notification procedure. Applications for retention or renunciation of citizenship are also free. In most cases, you will need to pay NOK 6,500.
• Translation and notary services. If your documents from your home country (birth certificates, official records) are not in English or Norwegian, you will need an official translation. The cost of translation depends on the language and volume; certified translators may charge around NOK 200–400 per page. Certified translations are often required. You may also need to notarize copies of certain documents or obtain an apostille. For example, it is advisable to apostille a marriage certificate issued in your country so that Norwegian authorities have no doubts about its authenticity. The cost of an apostille varies by country (on average 20–50 USD). It is best to clarify UDI requirements for foreign documents in advance — this will help avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Legal or intermediary services (optional). Formally, the entire process can be completed independently without involving legal firms. However, some immigrants turn to migration consultants for help with document preparation or application review. Consultations may cost from NOK 500 per session, while full assistance can amount to several thousand kroner. If your case is complex (for example, identity verification issues or criminal records), seeking professional help can be a good decision to avoid mistakes. However, this is not a mandatory expense — the law allows applicants to handle the process themselves.
• Education and exams. Another indirect expense is language courses and tests. Many applicants have taken free government integration courses (for new immigrants this used to be mandatory — 250 hours of language training and 50 hours of social studies, but since 2021 this has been replaced by the requirement to pass exams). If you did not benefit from free courses, you may need to pay for language classes or study materials. The exams themselves (Norskprøve and Statsborgerprøven) are paid but relatively inexpensive: about NOK 600–800 per test. These are minor expenses, but worth mentioning.

Overall, obtaining citizenship is not a cheap process, but it is not prohibitively expensive either. The main financial burden is the application fee of NOK 6,500 (≈ $600) and possible costs for translations and exams. However, once you become a citizen, you no longer need to renew visas (which also required fees each time) — in the long term, the passport effectively “pays for itself.”

Dual citizenship in Norway

Is dual citizenship allowed? Yes! Since January 1, 2020, Norway has officially allowed its citizens to hold passports from other countries. This was a historic change: previously, Norway strictly required new citizens to renounce their previous citizenship. Now the situation has changed for the better for immigrants. Let’s look at what this means in practice:

• You are not required to renounce your original citizenship in order to obtain Norwegian citizenship. When applying, you do not sign any renunciation and do not inform UDI about your plans regarding another passport. After naturalization, you automatically become a Norwegian citizen while retaining your previous citizenship, provided that the laws of your country allow it. Therefore, in each case, you need to study the laws of your country of citizenship, but the Norwegian side does not impose any restrictions on dual citizenship.
• Advantages of dual status: You can enjoy the rights of both countries. For example, you can have a Norwegian passport for travel and your original passport to freely enter your home country, own property there, and retain social rights. This is especially important if you maintain close ties with your country of origin (family, business, etc.). Previously, people hesitated to obtain Norwegian citizenship in order not to lose their connection to their homeland — now this problem no longer exists. It is no coincidence that immediately after the reform in 2020, the number of citizenship applications increased sharply — thousands of foreigners who had lived in Norway for a long time and did not want to give up their passports applied for naturalization.
• Limitations of dual citizenship: Norway allows dual citizenship but expects your loyalty to prioritize Norway. If it is discovered that a person with two passports commits unlawful acts against Norway, this may even lead to revocation of citizenship (but only if the person has another passport, so as not to make them stateless). For example, in the 2020s, there was public discussion about laws allowing the revocation of Norwegian citizenship from terrorists with dual citizenship — and such measures were adopted. For law-abiding citizens, this is not relevant. Another nuance: service in the military or government institutions of another country — if, after becoming Norwegian, you serve in the army of your original country, this may theoretically raise questions (although there is no direct prohibition). Also, when applying for highly sensitive security clearances (for example, in the police or military), having a second citizenship may complicate the process, although it is not formally prohibited.

Overall, dual citizenship is a major advantage for new citizens. You can become Norwegian without legally severing ties with your homeland. Many immigrants in Norway now hold two passports, and this is normal. Moreover, Norwegians themselves can now obtain second citizenships without losing their own. For example, a Norwegian living in the United States can acquire American citizenship and keep both. This has increased people’s mobility.

Important: if your country requires you to notify authorities about obtaining another citizenship, do so on time to avoid problems in your home country. Norway does not transmit this information — you must handle this yourself with your country of origin.

In summary: Norway = yes, dual citizenship is allowed. Decide for yourself whether you want to keep your first passport. If not, you can voluntarily renounce it after obtaining Norwegian citizenship (some people do this, for example, to avoid notification requirements). In any case, having a second citizenship does not affect your rights as a Norwegian citizen within the country — here you are considered only Norwegian.

Obtaining Norwegian citizenship is a long journey that requires both time and effort to integrate. However, for thousands of immigrants, it is worth it. Norwegian citizenship opens the door to one of the best countries in the world in terms of quality of life, provides freedom of movement, social security, and confidence in the future of your children.

Tips for successful naturalization: Start preparing in advance. From your first years of residence, focus on learning the language — this will make everyday life easier and help you meet formal requirements. Follow the law and avoid any issues with the police. Keep your documents in order: retain all certificates, contracts, and proof of residence and employment — they may be needed. When the time comes, fill out the application carefully, preferably in English or Norwegian (this helps speed up processing). Double-check everything and attach the correct documents. If something is unclear, do not hesitate to seek advice. You can consult UDI (they have an information service) or hire an immigration lawyer if your case is complex.

Common mistakes to avoid: Do not submit documents if you fall short of the required residence period even by a couple of months — UDI will check precisely, and if you are even a week short, your application will be rejected and you will lose the fee. It is better to wait a bit longer and be safe. Do not ignore the language exam requirement thinking “it will be fine anyway” — this is a common mistake. Without a B1 certificate, applications are not accepted. Also, do not lie in the application: any false information (for example, hiding a criminal record or another citizenship) can lead not only to rejection but also to serious consequences, including deportation.

Remember that each case is individual. The law provides general rules, but in practice the process may differ for different people. Therefore, if you feel uncertain, it is better to seek professional assistance. Start with a consultation with immigration specialists — they will assess your chances and advise what steps are missing. In some cases, proper guidance saves time and effort.

In conclusion, by becoming a citizen of Norway, you solidify your immigration success. Many immigrants note that obtaining a Norwegian passport becomes a landmark event — the final step of a long journey of relocation and settlement. Moreover, Norwegian citizenship is an excellent gift for your children and future generations, who will be able to grow up with unlimited opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Norwegian citizenship

We have compiled answers to the most common questions about obtaining Norwegian citizenship. If you did not find the information you were looking for or want to learn more about the requirements, timelines, and benefits of Norwegian passport, contact us for a free consultation.

Can I apply for Norwegian citizenship online without a personal visit?

Yes, the initial stage of the application is online. Through the UDI website, you fill out the application, attach electronic copies of documents, and pay the fee. However, it is not possible to complete the process entirely remotely — after online registration, you must personally visit the police (or a Norwegian embassy if applying from abroad) with the original documents. The personal visit is required to confirm your identity, provide fingerprints, and submit original certificates. Without this step, the application will not be considered.

Do I need to pass exams to obtain Norwegian citizenship?

Yes, you must pass two types of exams: a Norwegian language test and a social studies (citizenship) test. Adult applicants aged 18 to 55 are required to demonstrate Norwegian proficiency at at least B1 level (oral exam), and also pass a test on knowledge of society and laws (Statsborgerprøven). These exams are usually taken in advance, before submitting the application, and the certificates are attached to the documents. Exemptions are possible only for limited categories — for example, people with documented serious illnesses, elderly refugees over 55, or children.

Do I need to renounce my previous citizenship when obtaining Norwegian citizenship?

No, you do not. Since 2020, Norway allows dual citizenship. Upon naturalization, you automatically become a Norwegian citizen while retaining your previous passport (unless your home country itself prohibits dual citizenship). Norwegian authorities no longer require proof of renunciation of previous citizenship, as they did in the past. However, you should check the laws of your country, as some states automatically revoke your citizenship when you acquire a foreign one.

Does a child born in Norway automatically receive citizenship?

No, place of birth alone does not grant the right to Norwegian citizenship. Norway follows the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), not jus soli (right of soil). A newborn’s citizenship depends on the parents’ citizenship, not on being born in Norway. If at least one parent is a Norwegian citizen, the child becomes a Norwegian citizen at birth. However, if both parents are foreigners, the child does not automatically receive Norwegian citizenship. The child must obtain the parents’ citizenship and a residence permit in Norway if the family remains in the country. An exception exists if the child would otherwise become stateless (not receive any citizenship at all).

Is there “citizenship by investment” in Norway or any fast-track way to obtain a passport?

No, there is no direct citizenship-by-investment program in Norway. Norway does not sell its passports and does not offer simplified economic naturalization like some EU or Caribbean countries. The only option for wealthy individuals is to obtain a residence permit based on investment or entrepreneurship, then live in the country for the required number of years and go through the standard naturalization process. Capital may help you obtain a residence permit (for example, by starting a business and investing in it), but it does not allow you to bypass requirements such as residence period, language, etc.