Residence

Citizenship

Real Estate

Country information

Population: 5.520 Mill hab Aprox.

Capital: Oslo.

Official Language: Norwegian.

Income percapita: $109.260 Dólares PPA.

Citizenship by Descent:

You may also acquire Norwegian citizenship by descent if one or both of your parents were Norwegian citizens when you were born, regardless of where you were born.

• Dual nationality: Norway allows dual nationality, so you may keep your original citizenship when acquiring Norwegian citizenship by descent.

Citizenship by Naturalization:

For foreign nationals, the most common pathway to Norwegian citizenship is through naturalization, which typically requires you to meet certain residency and other conditions. Below are the general requirements:

Requirements for Naturalization:

1. Residency Requirement:

   • Permanent residence in Norway: You must have lived in Norway for at least 7 years in the last 10 years with legal residence. This can include time spent with temporary residence permits (e.g., work or student visas).

   • Reduction for refugees: If you are a refugee, the residency requirement may be reduced to 3 years.

   • Time spent abroad: Time spent abroad can sometimes be deducted from the residency requirement, but it depends on the type of visa or residence permit you hold.

2. Language Skills:

   • You need to show that you can speak Norwegian at an A2 level (intermediate level). You must also pass a language test and social studies test unless you are exempt (e.g., elderly or unable to learn the language).

3. Economic Stability:

   • You must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself. This typically means you must have been employed and had a stable income for a certain period.

4. Clean Criminal Record:

   • You must not have a criminal record or outstanding debts in Norway, such as unpaid taxes. Serious criminal convictions or jail sentences can delay or prevent naturalization.

5. Oath of Allegiance:

   • You will need to take an oath of allegiance to Norway if your application for naturalization is approved.

6. Permanent Residency:

   • You must hold a permanent residence permit in Norway before applying for citizenship.

Exceptions to Residency Requirements:

• Nordic citizens (from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, or Sweden) may be able to apply for Norwegian citizenship after 2 years of residency in Norway.

• Spouses of Norwegian citizens can apply after 3 years of residency in Norway.

• Young people (under 18 years old) who have lived in Norway for at least 3 years can often acquire citizenship faster.

Naturalization Process:

1. Application: Once you meet the residency and other requirements, you can submit your citizenship application to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

2. Review: The authorities will review your application, including your residence history, language skills, financial stability, and criminal background.

3. Decision: If your application is approved, you will be granted Norwegian citizenship, and you will take an oath of allegiance.

Citizenship by Marriage:

If you marry a Norwegian citizen, you may be eligible for Norwegian citizenship after 3 years of marriage and living together in Norway. However, the general requirements, such as language skills and residency, still apply.

Dual Citizenship in Norway:

Norway allows dual citizenship as of January 1, 2020. This means that you do not have to give up your original nationality when you become a Norwegian citizen. However, some countries do not allow dual citizenship, so it’s important to check the laws of your home country before applying.

Special Considerations:

• Stateless Persons: If you are stateless, you may be eligible for Norwegian citizenship without meeting the usual residency requirements, provided you have lived in Norway for at least 3 years and meet other criteria.

• Exceptional Contributions: In rare cases, foreigners who have made exceptional contributions to Norway, such as through business, sports, or culture, might be fast-tracked for citizenship.

Children of Naturalized Citizens:

If a parent is granted Norwegian citizenship through naturalization, their minor children can also acquire Norwegian citizenship automatically, as long as they are under 18 years old and live in Norway with the parent.

Conclusion:

To summarize, acquiring Norwegian citizenship is possible primarily through:

• Citizenship by descent (if you have Norwegian parents).

• Citizenship by naturalization (through a legal and continuous stay in Norway for 7 years, or less for refugees, Nordic citizens, or spouses).

• Citizenship by marriage (if married to a Norwegian citizen and living together in Norway for 3 years).

• Children of Norwegian citizens can automatically gain citizenship.

Naturalization is the most common route for foreigners, and while it requires meeting residency, language, and economic stability requirements, Norway’s process is relatively straightforward compared to many other countries.

Make sure to check the latest requirements on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website, as regulations may change over time.

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