Norwegian citizenship (statsborgerskap) gives you the right to a Norwegian passport, the right to vote in national elections, and permanent security in Norway that cannot be revoked the way a residence permit can. The application is submitted to UDI — the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration — and the requirements have tightened significantly in recent years. This guide covers who qualifies, what tests you need to pass, what documents to gather, and how to submit.
Citizenship requirements are set by law and may change. Always verify current rules at udi.no before applying. This guide reflects requirements as of May 2026.
Who Can Apply
The main route to Norwegian citizenship is through residence. The standard requirements are:
Seven years of legal residence. You must have lived in Norway for a total of at least seven years over the last ten years, on valid permits. This does not need to be continuous — gaps of up to two years are allowed, but time spent abroad reduces the total count.
Permanent residence. In most cases, you must hold a Norwegian permanent residence permit before you can apply for citizenship. If you have not yet applied for permanent residence, do that first — see our guide to permanent residence.
Valid permit during the entire residence period. Each of the seven years must be on a valid permit. Periods when you were in Norway without a valid permit do not count and can cause complications.
There are exceptions and alternative routes — for example, for EEA/EFTA nationals, spouses of Norwegian citizens, stateless persons, and Nordic citizens. These have different requirements. Check udi.no for the route that applies to your situation.
The Language and Civics Requirements
Two tests are required for citizenship. Both must be passed before you submit your citizenship application — you cannot apply and pass the tests afterward.
Norskprøven — B1 oral
You must pass the oral section of the Norskprøven at B1 level or higher. This is a spoken exam conducted with a certified examiner. B1 means you can handle most everyday situations in Norwegian independently — expressing opinions, following conversations on familiar topics, managing unexpected questions.
The B1 oral is significantly more demanding than the A2 oral required for permanent residence. At B1, you need to speak at length, respond to follow-up questions, and handle tasks like describing a picture in detail or participating in a role play about a more complex topic. If you passed A2 for your permanent residence application, plan for another six to twelve months of preparation before attempting B1.
The written Norskprøven is not required for citizenship. Only the oral result counts, at B1 or above.
Samfunnskunnskapsprøven
You must also pass the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven — the civics knowledge test. This is a 30-question multiple-choice test on Norwegian history, government, welfare, and society. Crucially, this test can be taken in your own language (including English), so Norwegian proficiency is not required to pass it.
If you passed the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven for your permanent residence application, the same result counts for citizenship — you do not need to retake it. Keep your pass certificate.
Other Requirements
Age. You must be 18 or older to apply for citizenship in your own name. Children under 18 can be included in a parent's application in some cases.
Clean criminal record. Criminal convictions can delay or prevent a citizenship application. Serious offences can extend the waiting period significantly — in some cases by several years. UDI checks this automatically.
No outstanding public debt. Certain types of debt to the Norwegian state — unpaid taxes, child support, or fines — can block your application until resolved.
Release from previous citizenship (in some cases). Norway generally requires you to renounce your previous citizenship when you become Norwegian. There are exceptions — notably for EEA/EU nationals, who are now allowed to keep dual citizenship under Norwegian law as of 2020. Check whether the rules apply to your original nationality before applying.
Documents You Will Need
The exact documents depend on your situation, but most applicants need:
Valid passport. A copy of all pages of your current valid passport.
Documentation of residence. UDI has records of your permits, but you may need to document any periods spent abroad or gaps in your residence.
Test certificates. Your Norskprøven result showing B1 oral or higher, and your Samfunnskunnskapsprøven pass certificate. Both are issued by HK-dir.
Permanent residence documentation. Proof that you hold permanent residence in Norway.
Documentation of civil status. Birth certificate, and marriage/divorce documentation if relevant.
Use the document checklist at udi.no for your specific case — it is the most accurate source and is updated when requirements change.
How to Apply
Citizenship applications are submitted online through the UDI application portal at udi.no. The process is:
- Log in to the UDI portal using BankID or MinID.
- Select "Norwegian citizenship" and the relevant application type for your situation.
- Complete the application form. Be thorough about your residence history — any periods abroad or gaps in permits should be disclosed.
- Upload the required documents, including your test certificates.
- Pay the application fee (check udi.no for the current amount).
- Submit and note your case reference number.
Processing times for citizenship applications are typically longer than for residence permits — plan for several months to over a year. Check udi.no for current estimates. UDI may contact you for additional information or an interview during processing.
The Citizenship Ceremony
If your application is approved, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony (statsborgerseremoni) — a formal event where you confirm your commitment to Norway. Attendance is mandatory. Ceremonies are usually held at your local municipality and include a speech about Norwegian values and society. Bring identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my original citizenship?
It depends on your original nationality. Norwegian law changed in 2020 to allow dual citizenship, and Norway no longer requires you to renounce Norwegian citizenship to acquire another. However, whether you can keep your original citizenship depends on the laws of your home country — some countries do not allow dual citizenship and will automatically revoke your citizenship if you naturalise elsewhere. Check with your home country's embassy.
What if my seven years includes time on different permit types?
In most cases, time on different permit types counts, as long as each period was on a valid permit. However, certain permit types — such as student permits — may only count partially. Check udi.no for the specific rules for your permit history.
Can I apply if I haven't yet passed the B1 oral test?
No. Both tests must be passed before you submit the citizenship application. You cannot apply and sit the tests in parallel. Plan your test dates with enough time to pass before you intend to apply.
My Norskprøven result is A2. Do I need to retake at B1?
Yes. A2 oral is sufficient for permanent residence, but citizenship requires B1 oral. You need a new test result at B1 or higher.
What happens if my application is rejected?
UDI will give a reason for rejection. In most cases, you can reapply after resolving the issue — most commonly, waiting until you have the required years of residence, passing the required tests, or resolving any criminal record issues. You can also appeal a rejection to the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE).