How do I apply for Norwegian citizenship?
In order to apply for Norwegian citizenship, you must complete form GP-7053 B (Application form for Norwegian citizenship). In Norway, the application must be submitted to the police in the place you live. In cities, there is often a separate office you must go to. Contact the police for more information. Abroad, deliver the form to the Norwegian embassy or foreign service mission. The police and foreign service missions can provide guidance about completing the forms.
At the latest at the same time as you deliver your application, you must pay a fee. The fee is NOK 2,500.
What documents do I have to enclose?
Certain other documents must be enclosed in addition to the application form. The application form states which documents must be enclosed with the application. Among other documents, the following shall be enclosed:
- Birth certificate if you were born abroad (for children who apply, the birth certificate must show the names of the parents)
- Marriage certificate/ confirmation of cohabitation/ partnership certificate (only applies if you are married, are a cohabitant or a registered partner)
- List of entries to and departures from Norway
- A tax certificate
- A police certificate of good conduct if you are more than 15 years old (will be enclosed by the police)
- A copy of all the pages in old and new travel documents (passport or other types of travel documents) for the last ten years
- Everyone who applies for Norwegian citizenship after 1 September 2008 must be able to document that they have completed 300 hours of Norwegian language tuition or be able to document adequate knowledge of Norwegian or Sami. This applies to everyone regardless of when they were granted residence permits. For further information, see www.imdi.no.
If the applicant is under 18 years old, the following additional documents must be enclosed:
- Confirmation from school that the child/children attend tuition (if they are of school age)
- Documentation from an official body of who has parental responsibility (this applies if one of the parents does not have parental responsibility or if other persons than the parents have parental responsibility)
- If you have parental responsibility together with someone else, you must enclose the other person’s declaration of consent unless consent has been given on the application form.
For more information about the documentation requirements, you can contact your local police station or the Directorate of Immigration’s Information Service (OTS) by e-mail or by phone (+47) 23 35 16 00. If you live abroad, you can contact your nearest foreign service mission.
As a main rule, it is sufficient that copies of the documents are sent with the application. However, you have to produce the original documents when you hand in your application.
All documents attached to the application have to be translated into English or Norwegian.
How long does it take to process applications?
Once your application has been submitted, the police check that it has been completed correctly and that the papers are in order, and they will then send the case to the Directorate of Immigration for a decision. You will be automatically notified by post that the immigration authorities have received your application. The notification will contain information about the case-processing time.
The case processing time varies somewhat. You can obtain an overview of how long it takes on average to process the various types of applications, the case-prcessing time, or by contacting the Information Service (OTS) by e-mail or phoning (+ 47) 23 35 16 00.
Can I appeal if my application for Norwegian citizenship is rejected?
If your application for citizenship is rejected, you may appeal the decision. Appeals against rejections shall be sent to the same place you submitted the application. The Immigration Appeals Board is the appeal body.
