🇳🇴 Norway · Citizenship
Naturalization rules: required residence years, language and civics requirements, and each country's dual-citizenship policy.
Quick answer
Norway generally grants citizenship after living there for 7 of the last 10 years (shorter for spouses of Norwegians and some others), with an oral Norwegian test (about B1), a social-studies test and a citizenship test. Norway has allowed dual citizenship since 2020. Applications go to UDI.
Norwegian citizenship is decided under UDI rules and generally depends on lawful residence, identity, language/social-studies requirements and conduct. Norway allows dual citizenship; UDI says applicants do not need a separate dual-citizenship application.
- Dual citizenship is allowed, but the other country’s law can still matter.
- Residence-period rules differ for ordinary applicants, Nordic citizens and some family cases.
- Use UDI’s personalised citizenship guide before filing; this is legal-status information, not advice.
Step-by-step
- 1
Confirm your route and residence
Meet the residence requirement (commonly 7 of the last 10 years; shorter for spouses of Norwegian citizens).
- 2
Meet language and knowledge tests
Pass the oral Norwegian test (about B1) and the citizenship/social-studies test.
- 3
Meet good-character and other conditions
Have a clean record (or clear any waiting period for offences) and intend to stay in Norway.
- 4
Apply to the nationality authority
Apply to UDI (the Directorate of Immigration) online with identity, residence and test documents.
- 5
Attend interview / test and formalities
On approval, attend a voluntary citizenship ceremony and make the oath of loyalty.
- 6
Receive citizenship and a passport
You become a Norwegian citizen; since 2020 Norway allows dual citizenship. Apply for a Norwegian passport.
Checklist
- Eligible route + qualifying residence period
- Continuous / legal residence conditions met
- Language + civic knowledge test passed
- Good character / clean record
- Application + documents + fee
- Interview / test / ceremony completed
- Dual-nationality rule checked
- Citizenship confirmed; passport applied
Official authorities
- UDI — citizenship
Official citizenship and dual-citizenship guidance.
Frequently asked questions
How long must I live in Norway?
Usually 7 of the last 10 years, though the period is shorter for spouses of Norwegian citizens and certain other groups.
Does Norway allow dual citizenship?
Yes — since 2020 Norway permits dual citizenship, so you can keep your original nationality.
What tests are required?
An oral Norwegian test at about B1 and a citizenship/social-studies test (with some exemptions by age or circumstance).
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.