When it is clear that you will be in Norway for longer than three months, you have the right to compulsory schooling based on the same criteria as for other children in Norway.  Once you have been in Norway for three months, you have the obligation to attend compulsory school.

You have the right and obligation to attend school from the year that you turn six years old. The right and obligation to schooling lasts until the pupil has completed the tenth year of schooling.

 

Every municipality must have a child health centre and school health service. Immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers enjoy equal status with Norwegian citizens in most areas when it comes to health services.

 

If you are under 18, you cannot, as a general rule, take care of your own finances or enter into contracts. This right falls to your parents or guardian.

 

If you come to Norway without your parents, and there is uncertainty regarding your parents, a provisional guardian will be appointed for you. The assumption is that your usual guardians (parents) will not be able to look after your interests while you are alone in Norway. The provisional guardian will help your usual guardians (parents) to look after your interests. 

 

A parent/guardian’s duties will always be limited by your own right of self-determination and co-determination.

 

If you are over 14, your parents/guardian must ask you what you want, before they take decisions about your financial circumstances.

 

As you develop and mature, your parents/guardian must listen to you before they take decisions about your personal circumstances. When you turn seven, you must be allowed to give your opinion before any decisions are taken about your personal circumstances. When you turn 12, a great deal of weight must be given to what you say. The Children Act also states that parents must give their children greater right of self-determination as they get older.  On day-to-day issues such as clothing, haircut, etc. it is natural for children to be able to make their own decisions at quite an early stage.

 

It is difficult to set clear age limits. Who takes decisions will depend on what the decision relates to and on your age and maturity.
 
As a general rule, you should be allowed to make your own decisions in line with your capability to look after your own interests properly. These principles should also act as a guide for the guardian. 

 

There are special provisions covering specific circumstances, for example allowing you to choose your education once you have reached the age of 15. Girls over 16 are allowed to make their own decision regarding abortion.

 

Parents or others cannot enter into marriage contracts on your behalf. If such contracts are entered into, they are not binding.