Am I allowed to vote in elections in Norway?
It depends on citizenship and which election it is. In parliamentary (Storting) elections only Norwegian citizens who turn 18 in the election year may vote. In municipal and county elections foreign nationals can also vote, after three continuous years' residence in Norway before election day. Nordic citizens from Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland can vote in local elections at once upon being registered as resident, without waiting three years. You must be in the electoral roll of your municipality. Voting is voluntary.
📋 The rules
- Storting: Norwegian citizen turning 18 in the election year
- Local elections: also foreigners after three years' residence
- Nordic citizens can vote in local elections at once
- You must be in the electoral roll of your municipality
- Voting is voluntary
🔓 Exceptions
- Nordic citizens are exempt from the three-year requirement in local elections
- Norwegians abroad can vote in advance in parliamentary elections
- If you live abroad over 10 years, you must apply to stay in the electoral roll
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There is no penalty for not voting. Voting twice or election fraud is punishable under the Penal Code.
📎 Official sources
- Valg.no · Voting rights →
- Government · The Norwegian electoral system →
- Election Regulation · Lovdata →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I vote in parliamentary elections?
Only if you are a Norwegian citizen turning 18 in the election year, and are in the electoral roll.
Can foreign nationals vote?
In local elections, yes, after three continuous years' residence. Nordic citizens can vote at once.
What is the voting age?
18. You can vote in the year you turn 18, including in parliamentary elections.
Must I do anything to be able to vote?
You must be in the electoral roll of your municipality. That happens automatically if you are registered as resident.
Is there a penalty for not voting?
No. Voting is voluntary, and there is no penalty for not voting.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I vote in norway”
- “voting rights parliament citizen”
- “local election foreigner three years”
- “nordic citizens vote”
- “voting age 18 norway”
- “electoral roll norway”