Permanent Residence and Norwegian Citizenship

Permanent residence permit

A permanent residence permit lets you live and work in Norway for as long as you like. In general you must:

• have lived in Norway continuously for three or five years, depending on your type of permit, with a permit that forms a basis for permanent residence
• meet the requirements for Norwegian language and social studies, which depend on when you received your first residence permit
• meet other conditions, such as income and no serious criminal record

To count as continuous residence, you cannot have been without a valid permit for more than a total of three months in the period. If you need three years, you also cannot have been outside Norway for more than a total of seven months, and for five years the limit is ten months. Not every permit counts, and a student permit, for example, is not normally a basis for permanent residence.

Norwegian citizenship

To apply, you must hold a valid residence permit and live in Norway permanently. In general you must also hold a permanent residence permit or meet the requirements for one, and you must meet all requirements when UDI processes your application. UDI advises against applying before you meet every requirement.

• Requirements include documented Norwegian language skills and a knowledge test. The language requirements changed in 2025.
• Your identity and conduct are checked.
• Norway has allowed dual citizenship since 2020, so you are generally not required to give up your current citizenship. Check your other country’s rules too.

Special rules apply to Nordic citizens, spouses, children, and others. UDI sorts applicants into groups, so find yours on the official page.

Official sources

• The residence period for permanent residence (UDI)
• Citizenship for people who hold a residence permit (UDI)
• UDI notice on language requirements for permanent residence