Norwegian Citizenship Under Norwegian Law: Application Requirements, Dual Citizenship, Process, Grounds for Refusal, and Current Rules Until 2026

In Norwegian law, citizenship is not simply a matter of obtaining a passport. Citizenship is the formal recognition of a person's permanent legal bond with the state, their political affiliation, and their long-term intention to reside there. In Norway, this area is primarily the Norwegian Nationality Act and related regulations. The initial review of applications is primarily the UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) ; appeals against negative decisions are generally the UNE (Immigration Appeals Board) . According to current official statements from the Norwegian government, citizenship is divided into multiple legal regimes, including application, notification, birth, adoption, retention of citizenship, loss, and regaining citizenship. (Regjeringen.no)

The Norwegian citizenship system, unlike some other European countries, is not entirely a one-stop shop. A person can become a Norwegian citizen because they automatically acquired this status by birth, because they were naturalized after a long period of legal residence, because they benefited from the simplified notification regime for Nordic citizens, or because they regained Norwegian citizenship they had previously lost. Therefore, the correct answer to the question "How to obtain Norwegian citizenship?" depends on which category the person falls into. (Regjeringen.no)

How to Obtain Norwegian Citizenship by Birth in Norway?

One of the most important starting points in Norwegian law that not everyone born in Norway automatically becomes a Norwegian citizen . According to current explanations from the UDI (Norwegian Institute of Justice), being born in Norway alone does not result in citizenship. Even if a child is born in Norway, if both parents are citizens of a foreign country, the child is not automatically considered a Norwegian citizen at birth. However, born on or after September 1, 2006, it is sufficient for one parent to be a Norwegian citizen; the child acquires Norwegian citizenship at birth, regardless of whether they were born in Norway or abroad, and regardless of whether the parents are married. (UDI)

The legal regime differs for earlier birth dates. those born before September 1, 2006, additional conditions were required, such as the mother being a Norwegian citizen or the father being a Norwegian citizen and married to the mother. Therefore, in cases with older birth dates, automatic citizenship analysis should be based on the legislation in force at the time of birth, not on current rules. In particular, the legal establishment of kinship, marital status, and paternity becomes crucial in such cases. (UDI)

Norwegian Citizenship Through Adoption

In Norwegian law, citizenship can also be acquired automatically through adoption. According to the UDI (Norwegian Civil Code), if a child is adopted by a Norwegian citizen on or after September 1, 2006 , and is under 18 years of age , and the adoption was granted by Norwegian authorities or the foreign adoption decree is recognized as valid in Norway, the child automatically becomes a Norwegian citizen. However, automatic acquisition is not always the case for earlier adoptions; notification or application may be required. Therefore, in adoption cases, the date, the competent authority, and the issue of recognition/eligibility in Norway must be examined together. ( UDI )

Norwegian Citizenship by Application: General System

According to the Norwegian government's official statement, updated January 21, 2026, the basic system for citizenship by application is based on the following core requirements: the applicant must have a clear identity, be over 12 years of age, be present in Norway and intend to remain there, possess a permanent residence permit or meet its conditions, have completed the required residency period, meet the requirements for Norwegian oral proficiency and the citizenship test, and have no criminal record that would necessitate a waiting period. The government summary states that, as a general rule, the applicant for at least 8 of the last 11 years ; for those who have had sufficient income in the last year, 6 years out of the last 10 years are considered sufficient. (Regjeringen.no)

It is important to note here that Norwegian citizenship requires not only having lived in the country for a certain period in the past, but also having a legally sound residence status at the time of the decision . The UDI explicitly states that even if the person has not received a permanent residence permit, they must at least meet the conditions of that permit. In other words, the defense of "I have been in Norway for years" is not sufficient on its own; the legal chain of residence must be correctly established, there must be no gaps in the permits, and the person's status must be maintained at the time the application is decided. For applicants awaiting a temporary permit, renewal at least one month before the permit expires is particularly important. (Regjeringen.no)

The Relationship Between Permanent Residence and Citizenship

One of the most common mistakes in practice is confusing indefinite leave to remain in Norway with citizenship. However, these are different statuses. Indefinite leave to remain grants the right to live and work in Norway indefinitely; citizenship, in addition to this, includes political affiliation, a Norwegian passport, and full citizenship rights. According to the current UDI (Norwegian National Institute of Human Rights), the basic residency period for indefinite leave to remain 3 or 5 years . 5 years is required for protection/asylum-related statuses and some related family reunification cases; 3 years is required for many other statuses such as labor migration or family reunification with Norwegian/Nordic citizens. (UDI)

This distinction also has indirect significance in terms of citizenship. Because even if a person applying for citizenship has not actually received permanent residency, they must demonstrate that they meet its requirements. Furthermore, a significant change was made to the permanent residency regime as of September 1, 2025 ; the requirement to complete Norwegian language and social studies courses was removed, and replaced with a requirement to pass an A2 level oral Norwegian test and a social studies test in a language the applicant understands. In contrast, the language standard required for citizenship is higher; as a rule, a B1 level of oral Norwegian is required for citizenship. Therefore, having received permanent residency does not automatically mean that the language requirement for citizenship has also been met. ( UDI )

How is the residency period calculated for Norwegian citizenship?

In Norwegian citizenship law, the residency period is not solely a calendar calculation; the type of permit, the legal status under which one resides, and the duration of uninterrupted residence are also important. While the government summary states the general framework as 8/11, the UDI (National Institute of Naturalization) provides more specific period regimes for different statuses. For example, for some applicants, if sufficient income is available, the required residency period for citizenship can be reduced to 6 years within a 10-year period . The UDI's statement, updated on December 5, 2025, states that for this income exemption to apply, income and benefits must reach three times the national insurance base amount (1G) for the relevant tax year. According to the same statement, this threshold was calculated as NOK 366,675 based on the 2024 tax finalization . ( UDI )

Equally important is the situation of marriage, registered partnership, or cohabitation with a Norwegian citizen. According to the UDI (Norwegian Civil Code), for citizenship assessment based on a Norwegian spouse/partner/cohabitant, the applicant have lived in Norway for at least 5 years within the last 10 years ; furthermore, the sum of the marriage/cohabitation period and residence must be at least 7 years . The duration of the marriage is calculated not only from the date of the official marriage but also from the period of actual cohabitation; even periods spent cohabiting abroad may be taken into account under certain conditions. However, the marriage or cohabitation relationship must be ongoing at the time of the decision. This regulation requires that the family bond not only be established in the past but also constitute a genuine and continuing life union at the time of application. (UDI)

There is a separate calculation system for EU/EEA citizens and their immediate family members. UDI states that, for EU/EEA citizens using the registration system, residence or residency rights are generally for 8 out of the last 11 years ; however, shorter periods may be sufficient for certain special groups. For EU/EEA citizens or related family members living with a Norwegian spouse, 5 years of residence + a total of 7 years of marriage/residence applies. Therefore, in a Norwegian citizenship application, it must be correctly determined from the outset whether the applicant is under the EU/EEA regime, the classic residence permit regime, or the family-based residence right. (UDI)

Easier Route for Citizens of Nordic Countries

Norwegian law has simplified rules for citizens of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. According to the UDI ( Nordic Citizenship Regulation) , a citizen of a Nordic country who has reached the age of 18 and has lived continuously in Norway for 7 years can become a Norwegian citizen through a notification procedure instead of the classic application process . This is a simpler mechanism than the normal application, and if the conditions are met, the individual acquires citizenship on the date the notification is received by the police. The UDI also states that some Nordic citizens over the age of 12 can apply for citizenship under certain conditions, based on a shorter residency period. This special regime reflects the historical freedom of movement and close integration within Nordic law. ( UDI )

Language Requirement and Citizenship Test

One of the most critical stages in Norwegian citizenship applications is the language and social skills requirement. According to UDI , applicants aged 18–67 must meet two basic conditions during the document submission phase: passing an oral Norwegian language exam at least at B1 level and passing either the citizenship test or a Norwegian social skills test . This requirement demonstrates that Norway links citizenship not only to residency duration but also to genuine integration into society. ( UDI )

However, the law is not absolutely rigid. The UDI considers the A2 level sufficient for some groups. For example, stateless persons, refugees over 55 who have arrived in Norway with protection status or have been resettled, those over 55 receiving disability benefits, and those who applied before October 1, 2022, may be eligible for the A2 level. Furthermore, exceptions may be requested for reasons such as health, compelling personal circumstances, or educational documents demonstrating prior knowledge of Norwegian/Norwegian society. Education in Norwegian or Sámi at primary and secondary school, Norwegian/Sámi courses at university level, or credit-based academic studies on Norwegian society may be significant in this exception area. ( UDI )

Criminal Record, Sentence and Waiting Period

In Norwegian citizenship law, a criminal record is a directly determining factor. The UDI over the age of 15 to submit a police criminal record certificate; this certificate must not be older than 3 months. More importantly, any convictions, fines, or ongoing investigations against the applicant can seriously affect the citizenship case. According to the UDI's official tables, some sentences waiting periods ; a person cannot obtain citizenship before this period expires. Furthermore, the case processing may be suspended while an investigation or prosecution is ongoing. (UDI)

The practical conclusion here is that Norwegian citizenship is not simply about “having resided in the country for a long time”; it also requires presenting a profile that is suitable from a public order perspective. In particular, the fact that even a fine can, in some cases, have a deferred effect on citizenship necessitates a detailed legal analysis of the applicant's criminal record and administrative sanctions history before applying. If the applicant has an ongoing case, the best strategy is often to assess the impact of that criminal process on Norwegian citizenship law beforehand. (UDI)

Is dual citizenship possible in Norway?

Yes. As explicitly stated by the UDI (Norway since January 1, 2020. In other words, it is no longer mandatory under Norwegian law for someone wishing to become a Norwegian citizen to renounce their previous citizenship. There is also no need to separately notify the Norwegian authorities that one wishes to retain their previous citizenship. However, there is a crucial nuance here: Norway allowing dual citizenship does not automatically mean that the person's current country of citizenship also allows it. If the person's current country does not accept multiple citizenship, the loss of the previous citizenship may still be considered under that country's laws. (UDI)

Therefore, for Turkish citizens or citizens of other countries, it is not sufficient to look only at Norwegian law. The second stage of the case must also examine the individual's current citizenship law. This is where the most common mistake in practice occurs: the applicant learns that dual citizenship is possible in Norway, but neglects their obligations regarding loss or notification in their own country. However, conflicts of citizenship can have serious consequences in terms of international personal status. (UDI)

How to Lose Norwegian Citizenship?

Loss of citizenship is also an important topic in Norwegian law. According to the government's current summary, a Norwegian citizen may automatically lose their citizenship if they have not lived in Norway for a total of two years by the age of 22 ; however, such individuals can apply to retain their citizenship. The UDI explains this regime in more detail, specifically stating that individuals with dual citizenship by birth who have not lived in Norway for at least two years or in the Scandinavian countries for a total of seven years by the age of 22 must apply to retain their citizenship. ( Regjeringen.no )

Furthermore, in the past, acquiring citizenship of another country could also lead to the loss of Norwegian citizenship. According to UDI, if a person or their parents applied for and obtained another citizenship between September 1, 2006, and December 31, 2019 , Norwegian citizenship could be considered lost under certain conditions. In contrast, acquiring citizenship of another country after January 1, 2020 , no longer leads to the loss of Norwegian citizenship solely on this basis. This date distinction creates a crucial difference between older and newer cases. ( UDI )

Regaining Lost Norwegian Citizenship

Norway has also provided a special reinstatement mechanism for former citizens. According to the UDI (Norwegian Civil Code), if a person was previously a Norwegian citizen and lost it because they acquired the citizenship of another country or because they did not renounce their former citizenship after being granted Norwegian citizenship, they can regain their citizenship in some cases through a simple notification process. However, this simplified procedure is not always available if citizenship was lost due to the 22-year-old rule . Furthermore, the applicant's identity must be verified, certain criminal record conditions must be met, and in some cases, a specific period of residence in Norway before the age of 22 must be required. ( UDI )

Renunciation of Norwegian Citizenship

Although the current trend is towards recognizing dual citizenship, it is also possible to renounce Norwegian citizenship. According to the UDI (Norwegian National Institute of Human Rights), a person can apply to renounce citizenship in three main situations: if they live abroad and need to renounce their Norwegian citizenship in order to acquire the citizenship of another country; if they live abroad and are already citizens of another country; or if they live in Norway but are citizens of another country and the refusal of the request to renounce citizenship would clearly result in disproportionate/inappropriate consequences. The application is made by mail; it can be delivered in person to the police station or, if abroad, to the Norwegian diplomatic mission, along with identification documents. (UDI)

Application Procedure, Fees and Appeals

In Norwegian citizenship applications, procedure is at least as important as the financial requirements. According to the government's current statement, applications and notifications are submitted through the Norwegian police or Norwegian diplomatic missions . The first authority to review the file is the UDI (Norwegian National Institute of Justice ). In case of refusal, the decision is, as a rule, subject to appeal to the UNE (National Institute of Justice) . The Ministry does not make decisions on individual cases. This institutional structure also determines which arguments the applicant will present to which authority in the administrative process. ( Regjeringen.no )

Current figures are also important regarding fees. According to the UDI fee schedule, the application fee for Norwegian citizenship for adults is NOK 6,500 , while for children under 18 it is 0. For adults who were previously Norwegian citizens, the fee for regaining citizenship is NOK 3,200 , and for citizens of Nordic countries, the fee for notification purposes is NOK 2,700 for adults . There are also some items for which no fee is charged for applications to retain or renounce citizenship. ( UDI )

Most Common Reasons for Refusal in Practice

In Norwegian citizenship law, grounds for refusal often stem not from "major violations," but from technical deficiencies. Main risk areas include insufficient clarification of identity, inconsistencies in passports or original identity documents, incorrect calculation of residency requirements for citizenship purposes, failure to renew temporary residence permits on time, incomplete fulfillment of permanent residence requirements at the time of the decision, inability to prove B1 level spoken Norwegian, failure to pass citizenship or social studies tests in the correct language and format, and disregard of criminal record/fines. This outcome becomes clear when all official requirements are considered together. (Regjeringen.no)

In cases specifically targeting citizenship through marriage, the mere existence of a civil marriage is insufficient. The application must convincingly demonstrate that a shared life is genuinely ongoing, that the applicant resides together, and that the partnership continues at the time of the decision. Similarly, in EU/EEA origin cases, the failure to fully document which "right of residence" status existed and during which period can weaken the application. Therefore, in Norwegian citizenship law, success often depends not only on meeting the material conditions but also on the proper management of the case structure. (UDI)

Conclusion

Norwegian law establishes a strict but predictable system for citizenship. Clarity of identity, intention to settle, lawful and sufficiently long residence, fulfillment of conditions related to indefinite leave to remain, language and social skills tests, and a clean criminal record check form the main pillars of this system. However, the law does not completely exclude special cases; more specific regimes are provided for children, Nordic citizens, those living in family unity with a Norwegian citizen, applicants with sufficient income, and those who have lost their Norwegian citizenship in the past. The acceptance of dual citizenship since 2020 has also significantly softened the system. (Regjeringen.no)

Therefore, the most accurate approach to applying for Norwegian citizenship is not to give general, one-sentence answers, but to concretely analyze which category the person falls into, which historical legislation they are subject to, and where the risks in their case are concentrated. For those with fragmented residency histories, those who have lost citizenship in the past, those with conflicts of dual citizenship, those with criminal records, and those considering applying through a Norwegian spouse, a pre-application legal assessment significantly reduces the risk of rejection. This article is based on the current framework in official Norwegian sources as of March 2026. (Regjeringen.no)