I do not know if I should apply for family immigration or protection (asylum). What is the difference between these two residence permits?

There are different requirements for obtaining family immigration and for obtaining protection (asylum). You must decide for yourself which permit suits you best.

A residence permit according to the rules on family immigration and a residence permit according to the rules for protection give you different rights and obligations in Norway.

If you are granted family immigration:

  • you keep your passport from your home country
  • you can travel to your home country if you wish
  • you must pay a fee to apply for family immigration
  • if you want to renew the family immigration permit, you are dependent on the relationship with the person with whom you have been granted family immigration continuing. For example, if you have been granted family immigration with a spouse or common-law partner, you must still be a spouse or common-law partner in order to renew your permit.
  • you may lose your residence permit with your spouse or partner in the event of a break-up. If you have children together, it is possible that you can get a new residence permit.
  • there may be certain benefits from NAV that you are not entitled to. If you have questions about this, you must contact NAV.
  • there is a requirement that you live in Norway for 3 years to get a permanent residence permit as long as the person you have family immigration with does not have a temporary residence permit as a refugee.

If you are granted protection (asylum):

  • you usually get a travel document for refugees, and you cannot keep your passport from your home country
  • you are not allowed to travel to your home country
  • you get refugee status and extended protection against return to your home country
  • you do not pay a fee when you apply
  • you have some special rights to benefits at NAV, for example pension rights. If you have questions about this, you must contact NAV.
  • you will not lose your permit in the event of a breakup
  • you must live in Norway for 5 years to get a permanent residence permit.