Norwegian citizenship by marriage

Norwegian citizenship by marriage is not granted automatically upon marrying a Norwegian citizen. Instead, spouses of Norwegian citizens can apply for Norwegian citizenship through a separate naturalization process.

How to obtain citizenship by marriage in Norway

To obtain Norwegian citizenship by marriage, you need to go through the naturalization process. Here is a general overview of the steps involved:

1. Meet the basic requirements. You must have a valid and subsisting marriage to a Norwegian citizen, be at least 18 years old, and meet the residency requirement, which typically involves having lived in Norway for a certain period.
2. Residency in Norway. You must have a residence permit in Norway and have resided in the country for a specified period, usually three years. The period may be shorter if you have completed a recognized Norwegian language course or have children with your Norwegian spouse.
3. Norwegian language skills. You must have basic knowledge of the Norwegian language, usually demonstrated by passing a language test or completing a Norwegian language course.
4. Integration requirements. You need to demonstrate integration into Norwegian society, such as having knowledge of Norwegian society, culture, and history. This can be achieved through a mandatory course or an interview with Norwegian authorities.
5. Application and documentation. Submit an application for Norwegian citizenship to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). You will need to provide various documents, including your marriage certificate, proof of identity, residence permits, language test results, and other supporting documents as required.
6. Processing and decision. The UDI will process your application and make a decision regarding your citizenship. This process may take several months.

Application and Documentation

To apply for Norwegian citizenship by marriage, you will generally need to follow these steps:

1. Complete the application form.
2. Gather required documentation, which may include:
   • Marriage certificate.
   • Proof of identity.
   • Residence permit.
   • Language test results. Provide evidence of your language skills, usually by submitting language test results or completion certificates from a recognized Norwegian language course.
   • Proof of residence. Gather documentation to demonstrate your residence in Norway for the required period, such as rental agreements, utility bills, or employment contracts.
   • Additional documents. Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to provide additional documents, such as proof of integration, employment history, or income statements.
3. Send in your application. As instructed in the application instructions, mail your filled-out application form and the necessary supporting documentation to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). You can also submit your application online.
4. Pay the application cost. Pay the application fee that is necessary as stipulated by the Norwegian government.
5. Await the result. Your application will be evaluated and a determination about your citizenship made by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). The decision will be communicated to you after it has been decided, albeit the processing time may vary.

Dual Nationality

Norway often forbids dual citizenship. This means that in order to maintain your former citizenship after obtaining Norwegian citizenship, you must usually renounce it or seek authorization to do so. There are certain exceptions to this norm, such as those who automatically share Norwegian citizenship with residents of the other Nordic nations of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden.