Naturalisation by residence in Norway (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Ordinary naturalisation in Norway requires eight of the past eleven years of residence, an oral Norwegian test at B1 and the citizenship or social studies test. Shorter periods apply to some groups, and giving up the original citizenship has not been required since 1 January 2020.

RuleWhat applies
Years of residence requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residence8 years [1]
Shortened residence periodsOrdinary naturalisation by residenceProtection (asylum) permit: 7 of the past 10 years. Sufficient income: 6 of the past 10 years. Born in Norway or arrived before age 18: 5 of the past 7 years. A few other groups have their own periods. [1]
Language level requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residenceB1 (CEFR) [2]
Integration or civic knowledge testOrdinary naturalisation by residenceYes [2]
Giving up previous nationalityOrdinary naturalisation by residenceNot required [3]

Notes

  • Eight of the past eleven years, with residence permits each valid for at least one year. Also a permanent residence permit (or meeting its requirements) when UDI decides.
  • Sufficient income means total income of at least three times the average basic amount of the National Insurance Scheme in the tax settlement year: NOK 384,348 for the 2025 tax settlement (UDI, changed 5 December 2025).
  • Oral Norwegian test at B1 or higher for ages 18 to 67. A2 is enough for stateless people, for those over 55 who came as refugees or receive disability benefits, and for those who applied before 1 October 2022.
  • The applicant's other country may still end its citizenship if it does not allow dual citizenship.

Sources

  1. Utlendingsdirektoratet (UDI): Want to apply: Citizenship for people who hold a residence permit in Norway (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Utlendingsdirektoratet (UDI): Test requirements for Norwegian citizenship (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Utlendingsdirektoratet (UDI): Dual citizenship (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.