Norwegian citizenship by investment

Norway does not have a specific citizenship by investment program. Obtaining Norwegian citizenship typically requires meeting the eligibility criteria based on factors such as ancestry, birth, residence, or marriage to a Norwegian citizen. The Norwegian government does not offer a direct route to citizenship through investment or financial contributions.

How to get citizenship by investment in Norway

To become a Norwegian citizen, investors generally need to fulfill residency requirements, demonstrate proficiency in the Norwegian language, and have a clean criminal record. The typical pathways to Norwegian citizenship include naturalization, citizenship by descent, or through marriage to a Norwegian citizen.

Investors interested in residing in Norway may explore options such as obtaining a residence permit for work, study, or investment purposes. Norway offers various types of residence permits, including those for skilled workers, students, entrepreneurs, and investors. These residence permits provide legal residence and certain rights but do not automatically lead to citizenship.

Application and Documentation

To apply for Norwegian citizenship, including through naturalization or other eligible pathways, you generally need to follow these steps and provide the required documentation:

1. Application form. Obtain and complete the application form for Norwegian citizenship. You can obtain the form from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website or the nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate.
2. Residency requirement. Ensure that you meet the residency requirement for Norwegian citizenship. Typically, this involves having legally resided in Norway for a certain number of years, with specific conditions and exceptions depending on your situation.
3. Language requirement. Demonstrate proficiency in the Norwegian language. This usually involves passing a language test or providing documentation of completed Norwegian language courses.
4. Integration program. Complete the mandatory integration program, which includes attending classes and courses on Norwegian society, culture, and values. This requirement may vary based on individual circumstances.
5. Documentation. Gather the necessary documentation, which may include but is not limited to:
   • Valid passport or travel document
   • Residence permit
   • Birth certificate
   • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
   • Proof of legal residence in Norway
   • Proof of language proficiency
   • Certificates of completed integration program (if applicable)
   • Police clearance certificate or other evidence of a clean criminal record
6. Fees. Pay the required application fees, which can vary based on your age and circumstances. The fees are usually non-refundable.
7. Application submission. Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) or the designated Norwegian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
8. Processing and decision. The authorities will review your application and supporting documents. The processing time can vary, but you will receive a decision on your application once it has been assessed.

Dual Citizenship

Norway generally does not allow dual citizenship. This means that if you acquire Norwegian citizenship, you are typically required to renounce your previous citizenship or obtain permission to retain it. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, such as for citizens of other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden) who have automatic dual citizenship with Norway.