Children in the care of the child welfare service


A child who is in the care of the child welfare service and who is not an unaccompanied minor asylum seeker can apply for residence in Norway on grounds of strong humanitarian considerations.

How to apply

In principle, it is the person or persons with parental responsibility for the child who must sign the application. In most cases, this will be one or both of the child’s parents.

If the parents are unable to sign the application, the child welfare service may sign it. In such case, the child welfare service must also submit a written explanation of why the parents are unable to sign the application.

Which documents must be enclosed with the application?

  • passport – copy of all used pages (not necessary if the child is born in Norway)
  • birth certificate
  • care order issued by the County Social Welfare Board
  • statement from the child welfare service on the current care situation
  • if applicable, a written explanation of why one or more of these documents cannot be submitted

The child and the person(s) with parental responsibility must go to the police to submit the signed application and all the documentation.

How to submit the application?

Alternatively, the child welfare service may accompany the child. If the child welfare service accompanies the child, they must also submit a written explanation of why the parents are unable to attend.  

Contact the local police directly to schedule an appointment for submitting the application.

Does the child need a passport?

If the child is unable to obtain a passport from their country of origin, they may apply for an immigrant’s passport from the Norwegian authorities. The child welfare service may apply for a passport on the child’s behalf.

See the conditions for applying for an immigrant’s passport

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