Norwegian citizenship requirements 2025: residence period, language and application

Do you want to become a Norwegian citizen? The requirements for Norwegian citizenship in 2025 concern residence period, language, knowledge of society and criminal record (clean). This guide gives you a complete overview of what you must fulfil before you can apply. You will learn exactly how long you must have lived in Norway, which tests you must pass, and how to submit your application to UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration). The rules were updated in September 2025, with new language level requirements and changes to how the residence period is calculated. Some applicants may qualify for a shorter residence period if they have a high income. Others face stricter requirements for identity documentation. Whatever group you belong to, this article gives you what you need to plan your application correctly. We cover everything from the residence period and Norwegian language test to Statsborgerprøven (Citizenship Test) and the application process itself at the police station.

Who can apply for Norwegian citizenship in 2025?

Not everyone is entitled to apply for Norwegian citizenship. The rules vary according to age, residence status and family situation.

The main rule is that you must have a valid residence permit in Norway and live here permanently. The application itself in practice concerns adults aged 18 and over. Children under 18 may apply together with their parents and do not need to meet the language requirements themselves.

You must also hold a permanent residence permit, or meet the requirements for one. According to UDI, your application will be rejected if you do not meet the conditions for permanent residence when your application is processed. Apply for a permanent residence permit first if you do not already have one. After 1 September 2025, new rules for permanent residence apply, and you must meet all requirements on the day UDI processes your case.

The requirements differ for different groups. Spouses and cohabiting partners of Norwegian citizens may have a shorter residence period requirement. Nordic citizens have their own rules and may in some cases become Norwegian by notification rather than application. Refugees with protection status have a residence period requirement of seven years instead of eight.

Stateless applicants also had their rules changed in 2025. UDI updates its information on a continuous basis, so always check the current regulations.

Before submitting your application, check carefully which group you belong to. UDI has a dedicated guide on its website to help you find the correct rules for your situation. Also read our guide on permanent residence permit to ensure you meet the basic requirements.

Residence period and residence permit requirements for citizenship

The residence period is the most fundamental requirement for Norwegian citizenship. The main rule states that you must have lived in Norway for at least eight of the last eleven years with a valid residence permit.

Not all types of residence count equally. A student permit is not normally regarded as a basis for permanent residence. Only residence permits that qualify for permanent residence are relevant for the calculation. You must have had lawful residence throughout the entire period. Residence abroad may affect the calculation negatively if you have been away for extended periods.

If you have a high income, you may qualify for a shorter residence period. According to regjeringen.no, six years of residence within the last ten years is required if you have had sufficient income. Sufficient income means at least three times the basic amount (grunnbeløp) in the National Insurance scheme. For the 2025 income year, this corresponds to approximately 384,000 Norwegian kroner. You can check your income in the tax settlement on the Norwegian Tax Administration's website.

If you have been granted protection in Norway, a residence period requirement of seven years applies. Spouses and cohabiting partners of Norwegian citizens may also have a shorter requirement. Combined residence and time in the relationship must normally amount to a certain number of years. Check UDI's guide to see what applies to your situation.

You may travel on holidays or business trips without affecting your application. The decisive factor is that you still have your permanent place of residence in Norway until UDI processes your case.

Language requirements and tests you must pass for citizenship

To obtain Norwegian citizenship you must document oral Norwegian language skills and pass a knowledge test. These requirements apply to all applicants between the ages of 18 and 67.

You must pass the oral Norwegian language test at minimum B1 level. B1 means you can participate in ordinary conversations, express opinions and describe experiences in a comprehensible manner. This is a clear step up from A2, which only requires basic communication. Some groups, such as applicants over 55 years of age with a protection background, may receive an exemption and only need A2 oral level. The test is administered by HK-dir (Directorate for Higher Education and Skills), and you register via prove.hkdir.no.

In addition, you must pass either Statsborgerprøven (Citizenship Test) or Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) in Norwegian. Statsborgerprøven (Citizenship Test) has 32 multiple-choice questions and you need at least 24 correct answers to pass. The topics cover Norwegian history, politics, the welfare system and everyday life. Over 92 percent passed in 2024, so with good preparation your chances are high. Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (Social Studies Test) must be taken in Norwegian for it to count towards citizenship — a passed test in another language is not sufficient. Read more about Samfunnskunnskapsprøven and how to prepare.

Start your preparation well in advance. The tests are held several times a year, but there may be waiting times for registration in popular municipalities.

Criminal record (clean), identity and other conditions for the application

Language and residence period are not everything. UDI also requires a clean criminal record, confirmed identity, and that you have no outstanding matters with the authorities.

You must have a clean criminal record. This means you must not have been convicted of or received any other sanctions for a criminal offence. If you have a conviction, you must wait out a disqualification period before you can apply. The length of the disqualification period depends on the seriousness of the matter. Even fines for minor offences may affect your application. UDI assesses each case individually, but the starting point is clear: criminal matters delay or prevent Norwegian citizenship.

Your identity must be established. You must submit a valid passport or other identity documents that UDI accepts. For citizens from countries where documents are regarded as unreliable, such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Eritrea and Somalia, stricter documentation requirements apply. According to the appeals body UNE (Immigration Appeals Board), unresolved identity is the most common reason why UDI decisions are upheld on appeal.

You also need a police certificate. You apply for this at the police station, specifying the purpose as "application for citizenship". The police certificate has a limited validity period, so order it close to the time you plan to submit your application. Ordering it too early means it may expire before UDI processes your case.

Gather all documents well in advance, but order the police certificate last. A complete set of documents is the single most important thing you can do to avoid delays in processing.

How to submit your application to UDI step by step

Once you have met all the requirements for Norwegian citizenship, the application process itself is straightforward. Here is the procedure.

First, register your application on UDI's website. You complete an electronic form with personal details, information about residence permits and family situation. Be accurate and honest — errors or missing information may delay processing or lead to rejection.

Then book an appointment at the police station. You must attend in person and submit all documents: passport, police certificate, test results and any other attachments. The police check that the documents are in order and forward the case to UDI for processing.

Processing times vary. UDI states estimated waiting times on its pages, but complex cases take longer. Do not apply too early. If UDI processes your application before you meet all the requirements, you will receive a rejection. Therefore check carefully that your residence period, tests and criminal record are in order before booking your police appointment.

When your Norwegian citizenship is granted, you will be invited to a voluntary citizenship ceremony at the county governor's office (statsforvalteren) in your county. There you take the oath of allegiance together with other new citizens. The ceremony is held one to two times per year. Since 1 January 2020, Norway has permitted dual citizenship, so you do not need to give up your original passport. However, do check the rules in your country of origin.

Prepare your application thoroughly from the outset. Submit all documents complete at the police meeting, and you will avoid unnecessary delays in the UDI queue.