A residence permit is the legal basis for you to live and work in Norway. If it expires without you having applied for renewal in time, you may lose the right to stay in the country.
When must you apply for renewal? (normally 1 month before expiry)
UDI recommends that you submit a renewal application at least 1 month before the permit expires. For some permit types (e.g., where extensive documentation is required), you should apply even earlier.
Most important timing rules:
- If you apply before the expiry date: you have the right to continue residing and working in Norway while your application is being processed
- If you apply after the expiry date: you may have resided illegally in Norway – this can result in a ban on future applications and in the worst case deportation
- Exception: EEA citizens with a registration certificate have different rules – check at udi.no
Apply via UDI portal: step by step
Most renewal applications are submitted digitally via the UDI portal (selfservice.udi.no):
- Log in with BankID, BankID on mobile or Buypass
- Select the correct permit type – e.g. 'Renewal of residence permit for work' or 'family reunification'
- Fill in personal information and residential address – must match the population register
- Upload documents (see list per type below)
- Pay the application fee – payment is made digitally. Fee rates for 2026: check udi.no/gebyr
- Receive confirmation by email with reference number – keep this
- The police call you in for identity verification if required (fingerprints, biometrics) – waiting time may vary
Without Norwegian BankID: You can apply via paper form and submit in person to the police or a Norwegian foreign mission. Check if the UDI portal supports other login methods for your situation.
Extended right to stay while application is being processed
This is a very important right:
If you apply BEFORE the expiry date of your current permit:
- You have the right to continue residing in Norway throughout the entire processing period
- You have the right to work (if the permit grants work rights) until a decision is made
- Your permit is automatically considered 'extended on condition'
Note: This does not apply to all permit types – particularly not for certain humanitarian or temporary permits. Check your letter from UDI.
What happens if you apply too late?
If you apply after the expiry date:
- You have resided without a valid permit – this is a breach of the Immigration Act
- UDI will assess whether there was 'justifiable reason' for the delay (illness, force majeure)
- Without good reason you risk:
- Fee increase (application fee may increase)
- Ban on future applications
- Deportation decision (rare but possible if significantly overdue)
- Contact UDI immediately at 23 35 15 00 if you discover you have overstayed
Documentation requirements per permit type
Labour immigration (EEA):
- Valid passport
- Documentation of employment (employment contract, pay slips)
- Confirmation from employer
Family reunification:
- Passport
- Valid permit for the reference person in Norway
- Documentation of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Documentation of maintenance requirement (income, housing)
Self-employed/students/others:
- Check specific requirements at udi.no for your permit type
Ukrainians with collective protection:
- Special rules apply – see udi.no for updated information on renewal of temporary collective protection
Read more about family reunification in Norway.
Which documents do you need for renewal?
When you need to renew your residence permit, you must gather a package of documents. This is not difficult, but it is important to know exactly what is required so that your application is not rejected.
First and foremost: a valid passport or identity document. Your passport must be valid when you submit the application, and it should have at least one year of validity remaining when the application is processed. If your passport is no longer valid, you must renew it first from your own country's embassy or consulate in Norway.
If you have work in Norway, you must provide proof of this. This can be an employment contract, pay slips from the last three months, or your tax return (which you can find at skatteetaten.si). Your employer can also write a confirmation stating that you still work there.
If you are studying, you must have an enrolment certificate or transcript from the school or university. It is important that this is recent (not older than one year).
If you are supported by a family member, you must provide documentation showing this. This can be bank statements showing transfers from that person, or a confirmation from that person stating that they support you.
You must also provide two new color passport photos. These must be 35x45 millimeters and meet Norwegian requirements for passport photos (straight to camera, neutral background, no hat or sunglasses). You can take these at any photo studio in Norway.
The application costs a fee. In 2026 the fee is NOK 3,800 for renewal of a residence permit. You pay this directly on the UDI portal when you submit the application online. If you send the application by post, you must include proof of payment or a bank transfer.
All documents that are not in Norwegian or English must be translated into Norwegian by an authorized translator. This costs money, but is required if the documents are in another language.
Right to stay while application is being processed
This is an important right that many don't know about: you have a legal right to live in Norway while your application is being processed, even if your old permit has expired.
This is regulated in the Immigration Act § 61, which states that if you apply for renewal of your residence permit before your old permit expires, you can legally live in Norway while UDI processes your application. This applies even if it takes several months.
This is a major right. It means you can work, study, and live a normal life while you wait. You should not be afraid of being deported or losing your right to work.
There is one condition: you must submit the application while your old permit is still valid. If your old permit expired more than 30 days ago, you normally cannot use this right. Therefore, it is important to apply early – at least three months before your permit expires.
When you work while your application is being processed, it is important to be able to show your employer that you have a legal right. UDI automatically gives you a written confirmation when they receive your application – this is called a 'confirmation that the application has been received'. You can show this confirmation to your employer and to the Tax Authority. They will accept that you work while you wait.
Processing time in 2026: what is realistic to expect?
The processing time for renewal of a residence permit varies greatly depending on what type of permit you have. UDI does its best to process applications quickly, but you should know what is realistic.
For work permits, processing time is normally 3–6 months. If your application is straightforward (you work for the same employer, no new circumstances), it can be processed faster. If it is complicated (new employer, change of salary, or other circumstances), it can take up to eight months.
For study permits, processing time is usually 2–4 months. UDI must have proof that you are still studying and that you have financial support, so this is relatively fast.
For residence permits based on family ties, processing time is 3–5 months. If a family member who supports you needs to be verified, it can take a bit longer.
You can follow the process on UDI's portal. When you log in with BankID, you can see the status of your application. It shows whether your application is in the received phase, processing phase, or ready for decision. This is the most reliable way to know how far the work has progressed.
If it has taken longer than the typical processing times and your application has not yet been processed, you can contact UDI. Use your reference number when you inquire. UDI is required to process applications within a reasonable time.
Important: it is usually not possible to have your application processed faster than the normal time – there is no 'fast track' offer for regular renewals. The exception is if you need to travel on short notice for reasons completely beyond your control, such as acute illness or a death in the family.
Especially for Ukrainians with collective protection
If you are Ukrainian and have received collective protection in Norway, different rules apply for renewal of your residence permit than for others.
You do not need to apply for renewal in the usual way. Instead, your permit is automatically renewed each year as long as collective protection remains in effect. This is an important simplification that makes it much easier for Ukrainians.
You do not need to provide documentation for employment or study background if you don't have any. The most important thing is just that you inform UDI if your address has changed or if any other important information has changed.
The fee for renewal is significantly lower for Ukrainians. Many receive renewal without any fee at all, depending on your personal financial situation. You should ask UDI directly whether the fee applies in your case.
If you get a job while you have collective protection, you can start working without submitting any special application. You can work for anyone, without needing a work permit. This is a major advantage that makes it possible to start working quickly.
If you wish to obtain a permanent residence permit or work permit instead of collective protection, you can apply for it. Then you must meet the same requirements as other applicants, including employment contract, Norwegian language skills, or other conditions.
It is important to understand that collective protection can end. If the situation in Ukraine changes significantly, the Norwegian government may decide to end it. Therefore, it is a good idea to work towards obtaining permanent status if possible.
