Permanent residence (permanent oppholdstillatelse) lets you live and work in Norway without a time-limited permit. This guide explains eligibility, test requirements, documents and the application process. The main test rules changed on 1 September 2025; age limits, exemptions and transitional rules may affect which requirements apply to you.
Requirements are set by UDI and may change. Always verify the current rules at udi.no before applying. Requirements checked: . Published: May 2026.
In this guide
Who Can Apply
You normally need three or five years of continuous residence on permits that form the basis for permanent residence. Your permit type when applying determines the period. UDI explains qualifying permits, residence periods and permitted absences.
Three-year route: generally work immigration and family immigration with a Norwegian or Nordic citizen, or with a foreign citizen whose residence is not based on protection or humanitarian grounds.
Five-year route: generally protection (including derived refugee status and resettlement), strong humanitarian grounds, and family immigration with people in these categories, including after they obtain permanent residence.
Continuity and absences: normally no more than seven months abroad in total during the three-year period, or ten months in total during the five-year period. Gaps without a valid permit must not exceed three months in total. Skilled workers may have up to 15 months abroad if at least eight months were documented employer-related work travel; this exception does not apply to self-employed applicants. Check UDI’s detailed calculation rules and exemptions.
EEA/EU citizens have a separate pathway under the EEA regulations and different residence card rules.
Apply while your current permit is valid and check that you still meet its conditions. UDI says requirements other than financial self-support must also be met when the police or UDI decide the case. If you are not yet eligible, check whether you should renew your current permit instead. Use UDI’s application guidance for your situation.
Language and Civics Requirements
Under the rules effective from 1 September 2025, applicants aged 18–67 normally need an oral Norwegian test at A2 or higher and a passed social studies test in a language they understand. Documented exemptions are available, including certain education, health or personal circumstances and municipal exemption decisions. Completing courses alone does not meet the new main rule. Check UDI’s test requirements and exemptions.
1. Norskprøven — A2 oral
Unless exempt, you need a passed oral Norwegian test at A2 or higher. The written Norskprøven sections are not part of this permanent-residence test requirement. UDI lists the requirement and acceptable exemptions.
2. Samfunnskunnskapsprøven
Unless exempt, you need a passed Samfunnskunnskapsprøven in a language you understand. The test has 38 tasks, of which 34 count towards your score; at least 26 correct answers are needed to pass. The maximum duration is 60 minutes. English is one of the available languages. HK-dir explains the format, languages and registration. See also our guide to the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven.
You can prepare for the tests in parallel. Your municipality or test centre can confirm dates, registration, prices and whether you are entitled to a free test. Transitional rules: applications registered before 24 August 2025 may still follow the earlier A1 or training rules even with a police appointment on or after 1 September. Use UDI’s registration-date and police-appointment rules to identify your requirements.
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Costs and Processing Times
The application fee is paid at the time of submission and is not refunded if your application is rejected. If you withdraw your application before a decision is made, a partial refund may apply — check udi.no.
While you wait: check your current permit and renewal requirements. The police may need to renew your temporary permit while UDI processes the permanent-residence application. Do not assume that an online application alone preserves every right. UDI explains what happens while you wait.
Step-by-Step Application Process
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1Confirm you meet the residence requirement
Check whether the three- or five-year route applies and whether your permits and absences meet UDI’s residence-period rules.
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2Register for and pass the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven
If the requirement applies to you, follow HK-dir’s registration guidance and contact your municipality or test centre for dates, fees and any entitlement to a free test. English is an available language.
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3Prepare for and pass the Norskprøven oral section
If the requirement applies to you, register for an oral Norwegian test at a test centre. The main requirement is A2 or higher; check UDI’s exemptions and transitional rules first.
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4Collect your documents
Gather your test result certificates, passport, proof of income, and any other documents required for your permit type. See the checklist below.
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5Log in to the UDI portal at udi.no
Use BankID, MinID, or another approved login. Navigate to "Apply for a residence permit" and select "Permanent residence permit."
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6Complete the application form
Answer all questions about your residence history, employment, income, time spent abroad, and any criminal matters. Be accurate — inconsistencies can delay or complicate your case.
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7Upload your documents
Attach scanned copies of all required documents. Ensure scans are clear and legible. Documents not in Norwegian or English may need a certified translation.
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8Pay the application fee
The fee is paid online by card during the submission process. Payment is required to complete the application. Check the current amount at udi.no/fees before applying.
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9Submit and save your case reference number
After submission, UDI will send a confirmation with a case reference number. Keep this — you will need it to check the status of your application.
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10Attend a biometrics appointment if required
UDI may ask you to attend a police station or service centre to have your fingerprints and photo recorded. You will be notified if this is required.
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11Receive the decision and collect your residence card
If approved, you will receive a permanent residence card (permanent oppholdskort). This replaces your existing time-limited permit. If rejected, you have the right to appeal.
Documents Checklist
The exact list depends on your permit type. Use the checklist at udi.no for your specific application. Most applications require the following:
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Valid passport Your current passport must be valid. Bring the original to any in-person appointments. Upload a clear scan of the photo page.
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Norskprøven result certificate — A2 oral or higher If this requirement applies, provide your oral result at A2 or higher, or the required exemption documentation. Ask your test centre how to obtain your test certificate.
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Samfunnskunnskapsprøven pass certificate If this requirement applies, provide your passed result, or the required exemption documentation. Ask your test centre how to obtain your certificate.
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Proof of registered address in Norway Confirmation from the National Registry (folkeregisteret). You can order this from skatteetaten.no or show a folkeregistert adresse confirmation.
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Income documentation Recent payslips (typically last 3 months), most recent tax return (skattemelding), or employer confirmation. Required to demonstrate self-support.
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Employment contract or confirmation Current employment contract or a letter from your employer confirming your position and salary. For self-employed applicants: registration documents and accounts.
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Documentation of time spent abroad (if applicable) If you have spent extended periods outside Norway during your qualifying period, you may need to document this. Passport stamps or travel records may be requested.
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Current residence permit documentation Your existing residence card or permit. UDI has your permit history in their system, but having your documents ready avoids delays.
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Translations of foreign documents (if required) Any documents not in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, or English may need a certified Norwegian translation. Check udi.no for which documents require this.
Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected
Check the following requirements and documents before applying. This list describes issues to review; it is not a ranking of UDI’s rejection statistics.
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Missing or insufficient test results Provide the test results required for your age and application route, or documentation supporting an exemption. For the main rule, this means oral Norwegian A2+ and a passed social studies test. Check UDI’s documentation and exemption rules.
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Insufficient continuous residence Check the three- or five-year period, qualifying permits, gaps and total absences. The normal absence limits are seven months in three years or ten months in five years; some skilled workers qualify for the work-travel exception. See UDI’s calculation rules.
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Criminal record or pending charges Certain convictions disqualify you or extend the required waiting period. Serious crimes can result in permanent rejection. UDI checks police records automatically. Undisclosed convictions — especially from other countries — can also cause rejection.
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Financial self-support Receiving social assistance in the past no longer automatically disqualifies an applicant; that restriction was removed in April 2024. You must still meet the current financial self-support requirement unless exempt. Source: the Norwegian government’s migration report, section 2.4.1. Check current UDI income requirements and exemptions.
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Applying on an expired permit Apply before your current permit expires and check renewal deadlines. If it has already expired, contact the police or UDI promptly to clarify your situation; do not assume automatic rejection or that you must restart the entire residence period. Check UDI’s application guidance.
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Incomplete or inconsistent application Missing documents, unanswered questions, or information that contradicts UDI's records (e.g. time spent abroad not disclosed) can result in rejection or lengthy delays while UDI requests clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my three years include time on different permit types?
In some cases yes, but the rules depend on which permit types are combined. Some permit types count toward the qualifying period and others do not. Check udi.no for your specific combination — using the online eligibility checker is the most reliable way to verify this before applying.
What happens if I fail the Norskprøven or Samfunnskunnskapsprøven?
If you do not meet an applicable test requirement, prepare for another available test date and ask the test centre about registration and fees. Before applying, check whether UDI’s exemptions or transitional rules apply. If you are not yet eligible, UDI recommends renewing your current permit while you work towards meeting the requirements.
Does my spouse or family member also need to pass the tests?
Each applicant must meet the requirements that apply to their own age and circumstances. One family member’s test result does not cover another, but documented exemptions and transitional rules may apply individually.
Can I travel abroad while my application is being processed?
Yes, but with caution. You remain on the basis of your existing permit during processing, and you should still be able to re-enter Norway. However, extended absences during processing could complicate your case. Inform UDI if you plan to travel for a significant period. Do not let any underlying visa or permit expire while abroad.
What if I completed Norwegian courses before September 2025?
Course completion alone does not meet the new main test rule. However, applications registered before 24 August 2025 may follow the earlier A1 or training rules even with a later police appointment, and documented exemptions may apply. Check UDI’s transition and exemption guidance rather than assuming that everyone with earlier coursework must take both tests.
What happens if my application is rejected — can I appeal?
Yes. If UDI rejects your application, you have the right to appeal (klage) within three weeks of receiving the decision. The appeal is reviewed by UDI first, and if they uphold the rejection, it goes to UNE (Utlendingsnemnda), the independent immigration appeals board. You should state clearly why you believe the decision is incorrect and attach any new documentation. Consider seeking legal advice before submitting an appeal.
Can I apply for a permanent residence permit for my child?
Yes, in some cases. Children born in Norway to parents who meet the permanent residence requirements can be included if the application is submitted before the child turns one year old. For children over one year old, different rules apply depending on the child's situation and permit history. See the UDI guidance for children at udi.no and use their eligibility selector to confirm which rules apply.
How is the three- or five-year residence period calculated?
The relevant period is normally three or five continuous years on qualifying permits. The usual absence limits are seven months in three years or ten months in five years; qualifying skilled workers have a separate work-travel exception. Gaps without a permit must not exceed three months in total. The start date depends on how your first qualifying permit was granted. Do not simply subtract an entire foreign stay or assume a single calculation date for every case. Use UDI’s residence-period guidance.
Where do I submit the official UDI application?
Applications are started online at udi.no — permanent residence permit. You fill in the form, pay the fee online, and then book an appointment at your local police station to hand in your documents in person. The police may process straightforward cases directly; others are forwarded to UDI.
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