Nationality of Norway: all obtaining pathways
Norway requires seven years of residence within the last ten for naturalization, reduced to five with a marriage or registered partnership of at least four years. Nordic citizens may naturalize in two years, and descent is transmitted automatically by ius sanguinis.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 12 years of age or older and established identity
- 8 years of total residence in the last 11 years (permits of ≥1 year; reform in force since 1 Oct 2022)
- Living in Norway with the intention of staying (future domicile)
- Meeting the requirements for a permanent residence permit
- Passed Norwegian language test and citizenship test (exemptions for age/health)
- No convictions triggering a waiting period
- Norway has permitted dual nationality since 2020: those acquiring another citizenship no longer lose their Norwegian one (Citizenship Act; UDI)
Documentation
- Norwegian citizenship application
- Passport and residence permit
- Criminal record certificates from Norway and the country of origin
- Norwegian A2 proficiency certificate or a certificate of 300 hours of classes
- Certificate of the Norwegian society course (50 hours)
- Legalized birth and marriage certificates
- Proof of income
2Naturalization through marriage or registered partnership
Naturalization through marriage or registered partnership
Requirements
- Spouse, registered partner or cohabitant of a Norwegian citizen with a shared home
- 5 years of residence in the last 10 years (permits of ≥1 year)
- Residence in Norway + time married to a Norwegian must total at least 7 years
- General requirements of § 7 (identity, language, citizenship test, integrity)
- Residence and intention to remain
Documentation
- Norwegian citizenship application
- Marriage or partnership registration certificate
- Residence permit
- Criminal record certificate
- Norwegian A2 proficiency certificate
- Norwegian society course certificate
- Birth certificate
3Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Norwegian citizen at the time of birth
- The child acquires Norwegian citizenship automatically
- If the Norwegian father was born abroad and has not resided in Norway, the child must apply for the citizenship before turning 22 and show ties with Norway
- Children born abroad must be registered at the Norwegian consulate
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the child
- Birth certificate of the Norwegian father/mother
- Norwegian passport of the father/mother
- Consular registration application (if born abroad)
4Naturalization for Nordic citizens
Naturalization for Nordic citizens
Requirements
- Citizenship of Denmark, Finland, Iceland or Sweden
- Residence in Norway for the last 2 years
- No waiting period due to convictions
- The 8-year residence requirement of § 7 and permanent permit do not apply
Documentation
- Norwegian citizenship application for Nordic citizens
- Nordic passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of residence in Norway
- Birth certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Norway
How many years of residence does Norway require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Norway (Naturalization by residence), the term is 8 years of residence in the last 11 years, with permits of ≥1 year duration. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Norway allow dual nationality?
Norway has permitted dual nationality since 2020: those acquiring another citizenship no longer lose their Norwegian one (Citizenship Act; UDI)
Can the nationality of Norway be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization through marriage or registered partnership pathway (5 years of residence in the last 10 + residence and marriage/partnership with a Norwegian totalling ≥7 years). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Norway require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Norwegian citizenship application; Passport and residence permit; Criminal record certificates from Norway and the country of origin; Norwegian A2 proficiency certificate or a certificate of 300 hours of classes; Certificate of the Norwegian society course (50 hours); among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Norway?
Norway provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization through marriage or registered partnership, Citizenship by descent, Naturalization for Nordic citizens.
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