Last updated on October 28, 2025
Norway Permanent Residency
Norway’s permanent residency is for those who are already living in Norway, whether they are working or married to a Norwegian citizen and living a proper life in Norway. If you are one of those and are interested in applying for Norwegian permanent residency, then we are here to guide you with each step that you need to take. In this blog, we will guide you through the application process for Norwegian permanent residency and what you need to consider before applying for Norwegian PR.
Let’s start the discussion.
Check your eligibility
To start your application process for Norwegian permanent residency, the first thing that you do is that you have to check whether you are eligible to apply for and get permanent residence in Norway or not. However, the question is, how do you know or confirm your eligibility for permanent residency in Norway?
You have to evaluate these key points to confirm your eligibility.
In case of a work permit
If you have a work permit, then you have to consider these things:
1. You have stayed continuously in the territory of Norway for a period of three years.
2. You must be doing a job that meets the standard work permit requirements throughout your three years.
3. You are not receiving any support from the office that helps citizens living in Norway, e.g., social benefits, etc.
4. You have completed the Norwegian language requirements, e.g., completed 240 hours of Norwegian language from an official school, social studies course, etc. In addition, you have passed such tests.
5. You haven’t committed any crimes during your time in Norway.
Author Note for you: If you are going to complete three years of your stay on the basis of a job, then you can even apply three months before you reach three years because the immigration office will take 3-6 months for this process and issue you a decision. So I suggest you apply at least 3 months before. Second, you have to apply at the local police office in your city where you live, e.g. if you live in Asker city, then you do not need to go to Oslo office, you only need to go to the local police office, but not without an appointment that means you have to make appointment and then visit on that day of the appointment and submit all the required documents properly to avoid any delay.
In the case of a spouse-based permit
1. You still need to complete your three years in Norway. That means you have been living a proper life with your spouse in Norway for at least three years. Once you complete this time with your family in Norway, you can be considered eligible in terms of duration, even if you have a spouse in Norway.
2. You must complete the language requirement, e.g., complete 550 hours of studying Norwegian or pass the social studies exam, etc. If you pass all four Norwegian language modules with a minimum level of A2, then it is still acceptable.
3. You are working properly in Norway. That means you are doing a job and are not dependent on social support from the office.
4. During your family life in Norway with your spouse, you are not involved in any crime throughout the time.
Author Note for you: Some people do not work properly and go for social benefits and then apply for permanent residency. Although it seems normal to them, the immigration office sees it differently when issuing a PR. So my suggestion to you is to do a proper job and pay the tax properly, rather than only taking social benefits, just assuming that you are a spouse of a Norwegian citizen. This will not work and will take your process longer than usual. So if you want to get everything within a given time frame, then do a job, pay the taxes, and get involved with their culture, e.g., language, etc.
Start the application process.
If you complete the above requirements for Norwegian permanent residency, then you can start your application process.
Step 1: Create a login at UDI for PR
Create a login at UDI for the Permanent Residency application online. Remember that you can log in at UDI through BankID, Puypass, or by using your email; you can create an account.
Step 2: Complete your Permanent residency application
Complete the application form by filling in all the required information. Remember that you have to do this for at least three months before you complete the requirements. For example, if you complete your requirements in March, then you have to file an application for permanent residency in January.
Step 3: PR application fee Payment
Pay the application fee. The fee for Norwegian permanent residency is 4000 kroner, which is around 400 euros.
Step 4: Book an appointment with the police
Book an appointment to submit your application to the police in your city. That means you have to submit your application along with all the required documents (hard copies) to the local police station located in your city.
Step 5: Give an interview to the police (if asked)
Give an interview to the police if asked to come for an interview, where they may conduct various verifications, such as background checks, criminal records, and other related matters.
Step 6: Wait for immigration response
Wait for the response from UDI. If UDI asks for any additional information, submit it. If not, then you will receive a decision regarding your permanent residency application.
In case of PR rejection
If your application for permanent residency is rejected by the UDI, then they will automatically issue a new temporary residence permit instead of permanent residency. For example, suppose you have a work permit and are employed in Norway, and you apply for permanent residency after three years. If, for some reason, your application for permanent residency is rejected by UDI and you are still employed, then you will receive another residence permit after being rejected for permanent residency. The same applies to other types of applicants, such as spouse permits, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to submit my application through the police in Norway?
You have to understand that in Norway, the police are often the authority responsible for processing residence permit applications and managing immigration-related issues. They handle the initial processing of applications and may conduct interviews or investigations as part of the process. So, that’s why you have to submit your permanent residence application with all the documents to the police through an appointment.
How long can I stay outside of Norway if I have permanent residency?
You can stay outside of Norway for a certain period of time, but not longer than two years. That means you are allowed to stay for a maximum of two years if you have Norwegian permanent residency.
What happens if I stay longer outside of Norway with my permanent residency?
If you stay outside of Norway for more than two years continuously, then you will lose your status of permanent residency in Norway. That means you will lose your PR.
What should I do if I don’t get an appointment with the police for permanent residency?
In case you don’t get an appointment to submit your application in person to the police, you have to make sure that you make your online registration for a permanent residency application no later than 37 days. That means if you make an online registration for your permanent residence and your current residence permit is valid for up to 37 days, then you should not worry about your application.
Is my status legal if I don’t get an appointment, and my card is going to expire?
The rule is simple: if you do an online registration for a permanent residence application while your permanent residence permit is still valid and has been valid for 37 days, but you don’t have an appointment before the expiration of your card, your status will be legal even if your appointment with the police is after your card’s expiration date.
Can I file an appeal against my decision to grant Norway permanent residency?
If your PR case gets rejected by immigration, then you have the right to appeal against the decision. However, you have to understand that the appeal deadline depends on your application:
If you applied for permanent residence based on a work permit, then you have to file an appeal within 6 months.
If you applied based on your spouse and your PR application gets rejected, then you have 4 months to appeal against the decision.
Is there any chance of getting a negative decision for Norway’s permanent residency?
Well, you can expect anything when you apply for permanent residence in Norway. However, if you complete the requirements, either because you are in Norway based on work or because you have a spouse’s residency, then the chances of getting a negative decision are very low. In most cases, the immigration office rejects your application only if you don’t meet the requirements. So, we suggest you complete the requirements before you decide to apply for permanent residence if you want to avoid a negative decision.
What is the income requirement for permanent residency in Norway?
If you apply for permanent residence, then you have to keep in mind that your income should be at least 296,550 Norwegian kroner if you want to meet the basic income requirement in Norway. This means you have earned this specific amount in the last year of your stay in Norway or in the last 12 months of your stay.
Do I need to pay an additional fee for a Norwegian permanent resident rejection?
There is no appeal fee for a permanent residency application in Norway. That means you can file an appeal without paying any additional costs in Norway.
If I switch jobs in Norway, will I lose all the time I’ve built up toward permanent residency?
No, you won’t lose the time. The years you’ve already accumulated still count. The key is that there must be no gap between your old work permit and your new one. You must apply for a new permit with your new employer before your current one expires. As long as your residence is continuous, your “timer” does not reset.
Can I get permanent residency if I am self-employed or a freelancer?
Yes, but it is more difficult. The main challenge is you have to prove your self-employment is stable and provides a lasting income. The UDI will want to see several years of solid financial records, tax documents, and client contracts. It’s not impossible, but the burden of proof is much higher than for a salaried employee.
If I travel outside of Norway for a vacation or family visit, will it break my continuous residence?
Short trips are fine. You are allowed to be outside of Norway for up to 7 months in total within the 3-year period. The rule is that no single trip should be longer than 4 months. A normal vacation of a few weeks will not affect your permanent residency application at all.
Do I even need to apply for permanent residency as an EU/EAA citizens?
Strictly speaking, no, you don’t. Your right to live in Norway comes from the EEA agreement. However, applying for permanent residency gives you a more secure status. It means your right to stay is no longer tied to being a worker, student, or having health insurance. It’s a way to secure your future in Norway unconditionally.
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Disclaimer
While we make an effort to offer accurate and current information, it is advisable to independently verify the details on the official Norwegian immigration website for absolute accuracy and clarity.
Our blog’s objective is to offer helpful information and direction for completing the application process for Norway permanent residency. It is important to rely on the official resources and procedures outlined by the relevant immigration authorities to ensure the most precise and up-to-date information for your application.
What do we hope for?
We hope this blog post helps you understand how to apply for and get Norwegian permanent residency.
If you have any questions to ask, you are welcome to leave a comment below, and we will reply as quickly as possible.
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