Return decision

A return decision entails that you are obligated to leave Norway and/or the EU / Schengen area by a specified date (deadline for departure)

A return decision will be imposed on you if you are located in Norway or the EU / Schengen area and:

  • your application for a residence permit is rejected,
  • you receive a decision letter with a refusal of entry or stay (bortvisning) or 
  • you receive a decision letter with an expulsion order (utvisning)

The decision letter you have received from UDI states whether you must leave Norway or the entire EU / Schengen area.

Which decision have you received?

  • I must leave the entire EU / Schengen area

Definition of terms

Deadline for departure: The date by which you must leave Norway or the EU / Schengen area. You will find your deadline in your decision letter.

Deportation: Being transported out of Norway by the police.

Return decision: You have an obligation to leave Norway and/or the EU / Schengen area by a stipulated date.

Expulsion: You must leave Norway or the EU / Schengen area. You will then be subject to an entry ban and cannot return until the ban period has expired.

Entry ban: You are not allowed to stay in or enter Norway and/or the EU / Schengen area. You will find where and how long the ban applies in your decision letter.

Registration of departure: If you have an obligation to leave Norway or the EU / Schengen area (return decision), you are responsible for ensuring that your departure is registered.

Refusal of entry or stay: You are not allowed to stay in or enter Norway and must leave the EU / Schengen area by a stipulated date.

Schengen Information System (SIS): SIS is a digital register with information about persons who have an obligation to leave the EU/Schengen area or who have been banned from entering the EU / Schengen area.

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