Application for Norwegian Citizenship

A child in the care of the Child Welfare Services may apply for Norwegian citizenship.

Consent

Parents with parental responsibility must always give their consent to a citizenship application for a child under the age of 18. This applies even if:

  • The child is in the care of the Child Welfare Services.
  • The parents live abroad.

Foster parents, Child Welfare Services staff and guardians cannot give consent on behalf of the parents as long as the parents retain parental responsibility.

A guardian may only give consent if:

  • The parents have been deprived of parental responsibility; or
  • The parents are deceased.

Authorisation

Parents with parental responsibility may authorise a foster parent, guardian or Child Welfare Services employee to act on their behalf during the application process.

If authorisation has been granted:

  • The authorised person will receive information about the application while it is being processed.
  • The authorised person will receive the decision from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
  • UDI will contact the authorised person if further information is required.

Please note that authorisation does not replace the requirement for parental consent. Parents with parental responsibility must still consent to the application.

Responsibility of the Child Welfare Services

The Child Welfare Services may:

  • Assist with the application process.
  • Help obtain the necessary consent and authorisation forms.
  • Support the child throughout the application process.
  • Accompany the child to appointments if required.

Application Process

  1. The application is submitted to UDI.
  2. The child must attend an appointment with the police in person for identity verification.
  3. Required documents, consent forms and any authorisation documents must be provided.
  4. The police forward the application to UDI.
  5. UDI considers the application and makes a decision.

If an authorised representative has been appointed, the decision will normally be sent to that person. Children aged 15 or over will also receive a copy of the decision.