← FFCheckWho do I contact?NO
Papers · Norway
Updated September 2026

🏳️ How do I apply for citizenship, and who helps with the application?

Direct answer

Naturalisation has conditions (years of lawful residence, language level, integration test, income, no serious record), a procedure (application at UDI / politiet — utlendingsforvaltning (23 35 16 00), fee, interview, a decision within a legal deadline that is often exceeded), and consequences you should check first — whether you may keep your current nationality. Skatteetaten — Folkeregisteret (800 80 000) confirms your registration history, which is the proof of residence years. Fri rettshjelp (Statsforvalteren) / Jussbuss, JURK (statsforvalteren.no) advises for free if the case is complicated (gaps, a refusal, a criminal record).

Call firstUDI / politiet — utlendingsforvaltning
Report toSkatteetaten — Folkeregisteret
If that failsFri rettshjelp (Statsforvalteren) / Jussbuss, JURK

🗣️ What to say

"I have lived lawfully in Norway since [date] and hold [permit]. I would like to apply for naturalisation. Which conditions apply to my case, which documents do you need, what is the fee and the expected processing time?"

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check the conditionsYears, language level, test, income. UDI / politiet — utlendingsforvaltning's site has a checklist; migrant-support organisations run free info sessions.
  2. Collect proofRegistration history from Skatteetaten — Folkeregisteret, permits, language certificate, tax and income records, birth certificate with apostille and translation.
  3. Dual nationality?Check both countries' rules before applying; some require renunciation, some do not.
  4. Apply at UDI / politiet — utlendingsforvaltningFee is due at filing. Ask for the legal decision deadline and note it.
  5. Refused: objectWithin the deadline, with reasons; Fri rettshjelp (Statsforvalteren) / Jussbuss, JURK helps. Many refusals are about missing documents, not eligibility.

📇 All contacts

UDI / politiet — utlendingsforvaltningResidence permits, citizenshipFor residence and citizenship📞 23 35 16 00🔗 www.udi.no
Skatteetaten — FolkeregisteretChange of address, national ID / D-number, residence certificateWithin 8 days of moving📞 800 80 000🔗 www.skatteetaten.no/person/folkeregister
Fri rettshjelp (Statsforvalteren) / Jussbuss, JURKLegal aid on low income; free student legal clinicsWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.statsforvalteren.no/portal/folk-og-samfunn/fri-rettshjelp
SivilombudetComplaints about the administration, freeWhen the administration does not answer or acts unfairly📞 22 82 85 00🔗 www.sivilombudet.no

❓ Frequently asked

Do my children get citizenship too?

Usually included in the parent's application if minors and living with you; ask to add them explicitly.

I was abroad for a year in between

Long absences can break the residence count; check the rule for Norway before you apply, and explain the reason if allowed.

How long does it take?

From several months to a couple of years. The legal deadline gives you a lever (notice of default) if it is exceeded.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “apply citizenship Norway”
  • “naturalisation requirements Norway”
  • “citizenship test language level”
  • “dual nationality allowed Norway”
  • “naturalisation refused appeal”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

⏳Residence permit delay→🔢National ID number→📜Apostille→🎓Diploma recognition→

Your tools for Norway

Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Energy · NorwayElectricity & gasThe rules that protect you as an electricity and gas customer in Norway, and who to contact. Every fact is checked on an official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.