Family immigration permits can be granted to members of the student’s immediate family. That means a spouse/partner, children under the age of 18, and a cohabitant who has either lived with the student for more than two years, or who is expecting or has a child with the student. As a main rule, family immigration is only granted if the student is studying at a higher level (Master’s or doctoral degree) and has at least one year left of his/her education.

Applications for family immigration with a person who is going to study in Norway can be submitted along with the student’s residence permit application. However, the application will be processed after the student has been granted a residence permit in Norway.

Financial maintenance and shared accommodation

The student and his/her family members must also share accommodation. Moreover, the student must ensure that his/her family members are guaranteed financial maintenance (subsistence) during their stay in Norway.

Read more about financial maintenance

Opportunity to work full-time

Persons who are granted family immigration permits with a foreign student can now work full-time during their stay in Norway. Family members can work full-time although the student can only work part-time in addition to his/her studies. Separate rules apply to persons under the age of 18.

A permit to work is granted at the same time as the residence permit, and you no longer need to apply for this separately.

Must return to their home country

A family immigration permit with a student does not form the basis for permanent residence in Norway. In principle, it is also a requirement that the family members and the student return to their home country once the student has completed his/her education.

Read more about family immigration permits with a student