Residence Permits

All foreign nationals who plan to live in Norway for a period exceeding three months must apply for a residence permit. EU/EEA nationals can apply for this within Norway, by application to the police in the area where they plan to live. They must submit their passport or other travel document used to enter the country, along with the relevant application form. Other foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit from the Norwegian embassy or consulate in their home country, or another country where they have been legally resident for six months or more, and are not allowed to enter Norway until their application is approved.

Registration

Anyone arriving in Norway to live or work there for more than three months is required to obtain a personal ID number (or provisional 'D' number if staying for less than 6 months) from the National Registry office in their area of residence in Norway. This will be required in order to access health services, open a bank account etc. It normally takes up to six weeks to process applications.

Settlement Permits

Foreign nationals who have lived in Norway for at least three consecutive years on a valid residence permit or work permit, can apply for a Settlement Permit which entitles them to live and work in Norway indefinitely. Applicants for Settlement Permits are required to attend at least 250 hours of Norwegian Language training, and at least 50 hours of Social Studies instruction.

Citizenship

Applicants for Norwegian citizenship must be over 18, have lived in Norway for at least seven consecutive years, and have a record of good conduct. They are required to attend at least 300 hours of Norwegian language training, unless they have documentary evidence of proficiency in either Norwegian or Sami.

Full details of immigration, work and residence permit and settlement procedures are provided on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration website.

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