Residence-time calculator: permanent residence and citizenship
Enter when you got legal residence in Norway and pick your situation. The calculator shows when — under the main rules — you reach the residence-time thresholds. This is general information, not a decision.
Residence time (botid) is how long you have lived continuously in Norway with a valid residence permit. Both a permanent residence permit and citizenship have residence-time requirements, but the requirement depends on your situation — and the rules have many exceptions.
The calculator works out the main-rule milestones for the situation you choose. It assumes unbroken residence and that the other conditions (such as language training, income and conduct) are met. Your actual case is always decided by UDI or the police.
Calculate your residence time
Everything is calculated in your browser — nothing is sent to us or stored.
Important
This tool gives general guidance and is not legal advice. SamfunnPrep is independent and not affiliated with UDI or any authority. Residence rules and exceptions change, and only UDI (and the police) can decide your case. Always check udi.no for current requirements.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
- What is residence time (botid)?
- Residence time is how long you have lived continuously in Norway with a valid residence permit. It is used to assess permanent residence and citizenship.
- Does all time in Norway count as residence time?
- Not necessarily. Periods without a valid permit, or long stays abroad, can break your residence time or not count. The rules have many exceptions — check UDI for your situation.
- How long can I stay abroad without losing residence time?
- For citizenship, stays abroad of up to 2 months per calendar year normally count as residence time. For a permanent residence permit under the main rule, you can spend up to 7 months abroad in total during the period. Longer absences can break your residence time.
- I am married to or cohabiting with a Norwegian citizen — what applies to me?
- The requirement can then be shorter: at least 3 years of residence, when your residence time and time married/cohabiting with a shared home total at least 7 years. The calculator applies this if you pick that situation.
- What applies to Ukrainians with collective protection?
- Temporary collective protection does not normally form a basis for a permanent residence permit, and the time does not count as residence time for it. The rules can change — follow udi.no.
- Do I need to pass tests in addition to residence time?
- Often yes. Citizenship normally requires both the social studies test (or the citizenship test) and a level of oral Norwegian. See our guides on the tests.
- Does this calculator decide whether I get residence or citizenship?
- No. It only shows main-rule milestones and assumes all other conditions are met. Only UDI can decide an application.