What do I need to do?
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You should register your application online and book an appointment with the police well in advance, at least 3 months before your residence permit expires. Waiting times for an appointment with the police can be very long.
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Select the option that describes your family situation under "What is your family situation?" further down on this page, and log in to complete the online application form.
- Some people may now upload their documents digitally together with their application, while others will still have to print them out and submit them to the police. You will be told in the application form what you need to submit to the police.
When is my application considered submitted?
- I can upload my documents digitally:
We consider your application as submitted when you have paid the fee, uploaded your documents and submitted the application online. If you do this no later than one month before your residence permit expires, you will have the same rights while your application is being processed as you had before. - I have to hand in my documents to the police in person:
We consider your application as submitted when you attend your appointment with the police and deliver your documents. If you have a residence permit that can be renewed and have attended your appointment with the police and submitted an application for renewal no later than one month before your current residence permit expires, you will have the same rights as your current residence permit. You can read about what rights you have if you are going to apply for renewal but do not get an appointment with the police in time here.
Who is going to process my application, and what does that mean in terms of how long it will take?
The police handle most applications for residence-permit renewal.
If the police are unsure of whether you meet all the requirements to renew your permit and, as a consequence, are uncertain of whether they can reach a decision in your case, they will have to send your application on to UDI to be processed.
UDI often has much longer processing times than the police for family-immigration applications for a permit renewal. For this reason, make sure that you submit everything on the checklist for renewals - that is, the necessary documentation showing that you fulfil all the requirements.
You can find information about processing times at the police (external website) (waiting times and priority) as well as waiting times at UDI.
You can find more information about renewals, requirements and what you are to submit here.
What if I have a reference person who also has a residence permit?
If there are several of you who are applying for a new residence permit, you may have to apply in different ways. Only some types of applications allow you to upload documents when applying online. Therefore, you may be able to submit your application and documents online before your appointment at the police station, while your reference person might have to apply using a paper application form or might have to bring all documents to the police station to apply. Both you and your reference person will be directed to the correct option in the digital application form.
Can I travel abroad?
Please note that you may have trouble travelling in and out of Norway while waiting for your new permit. This is because your residence card will not be valid after it has expired. Without a residence card, you could be stopped by border control in other countries. You may also have trouble getting into Norway again when you return.
What is your family situation?
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My family situation has not changed
Please note:
- Residence permits issued for the purpose of marriage cannot be renewed. Once you are married, you must apply for a renewal on the basis of family immigration (please choose "I have married my fiancé(e)" below).
- Residence permits issued for the purpose of visiting your child in Norway for up to 9 months cannot be renewed. You must go back to your home country and wait 1 year before you can apply for such a residence permit again.
Requirements relating to renewal of a residence permit
- You must pay an application fee.
- Your family situation must be the same as the last time you applied (for example, a married couple must still be married and living together).
Requirement for the reference person, if he or she has a residence permit in Norway as a student or for work
- You must have an annual income of at least
NOK 396 890 per year pre-tax
.
If you registered the first application for family immigration before 1 February 2025, the income requirement for renewal of a family immigration permit is lower, equivalent to 2.7 G. This corresponds to NOK 334 876 for future income, and NOK 330 008 for previous income as of 1 May 2024.
How to apply
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I have married my fiancé(e)
If you have a residence permit for the purpose of marriage, you will have to apply for family immigration with your spouse after you marry.
Requirements for the applicant
- You must pay an application fee.
- You must have married your fiancé(e) and you must live together.
Requirement for the reference person
- You must now have an income of at least
NOK 396 890 per year pre-tax
. In addition, your income last year must have been at about the same level. Check what kind of income counts toward this requirement and whether you can be granted an exemption.
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My spouse/cohabitant and I have separated and we have children together
If you and your spouse or cohabitant are separated and you have a child in Norway, you can apply for family immigration with your child.
Requirements for applying
- You must pay an application fee.
- You must meet one of the following requirements:
- You have parental responsibility for a Norwegian child, and the child lives with you on a permanent basis.
- You have had a residence permit in Norway for the last year. You have shared parental responsibility for the child, have access rights with the child, and are going to continue to have access rights with the child in Norway. 'Access rights' normally means that the child, at a minimum, stays with you one afternoon a week, every other weekend, two weeks during the summer holidays and for Christmas or Easter.
- You have had a residence permit in Norway for the last year, and the child lives with you on a permanent basis. The child's other parent lives in Norway and has access rights with the child and shared parental responsibility. 'Access rights' normally means that the child, as a minimum, stays with the other parent one afternoon a week, every other weekend, two weeks during the summer holidays and for Christmas or Easter.
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My spouse/cohabitant and I have separated and we do not have children together
If you were granted a family immigration permit with your spouse or cohabitant, and you have since divorced or separated, it will normally not be possible to renew your family immigration permit.
If you wish to continue to live in Norway, you can check whether you meet the requirements for another type of residence permit, such as a permit for work purposes or studies.
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I have become a widow/widower
If your spouse or cohabitant has died since you came to Norway, you are entitled to a new residence permit if you apply for one.
Requirements relating to renewal of a residence permit
- You must have been granted family immigration with your spouse or cohabitant, who died after you came to Norway.
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My spouse or cohabitant has abused me or my child
If you were granted a family immigration permit with your spouse or cohabitant and you have since divorced or separated, it is normally not possible to renew your family immigration permit.
If you or your child has been abused by your spouse or cohabitant, you can instead apply for a residence permit for those who have been abused.
You or your child may apply for a residence permit for victims of abuse.
More information is available on what can be considered violence or abuse and how to get help.