Dual Citizenship In Norway: An Expats Guide
A heart split between the fjords of Norway and another homeland?
Dual citizenship could be your bridge, before you embrace the best of both worlds.
Let’s dive deep into Norway’s dual citizenship nuances and paint a clearer northern picture for you.
Let’s dive in!
Dual Citizenship In Norway
Up until very recently, dual citizenship was not allowed. This meant that most applicants would have to renounce their previous citizenship in order to become a Norwegian citizen.
There were some exceptions to this rule, but it was a hurdle for many people who qualified from going forward with the process. Norway was one of the countries in Europe to have this restriction. Politicians had long debated removing this restriction.
In December 2018, the plans were finally approved with little to no opposition in Parliament. Opposition circled around issues such as whether people would contain divided loyalties in wartime.
Even so, if the country you are a citizen of now does not allow that you to have more than one citizenship, you can still lose this citizenship when you become a Norwegian citizen. You must make sure what the rules are in the countries you are now citizens of.
How Do You Become A Norwegian Dual Citizen?
Generally speaking, you are to have lived in Norway for a total of eight years.
This time period was elongated by a change in the Citizenship Act by the Norwegian government, in January 2022.
On top of that, you are required to have held a valid residence permit that covers that period of time. This permit could either be a work permit, study permit or a family visa.
The rules for residency depend, among other things, on whether you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or not.
If you have sufficient income, the residency requirement reduces to six of the last ten years. At the time of writing, sufficient income is written to be an annual figure of NOK 319,997.
What You Should Know About Norwegian Dual Citizenship By Birth
A person who acquired Norwegian citizenship at birth, but has not resided in Norway for a total period of two years or in Norway and other Nordic countries for a total of seven years shall lose his or her Norwegian citizenship upon reaching the age of 22. A person who loses their citizenship cannot continue to live in Norway, either for a limited period of time or for the rest of their life.There are certain criteria you have to meet depending on the circumstances of your birth:
| Born in Norway to parents with multiple citizenships | All children born after 1 September 2006 become Norwegian at birth if the father or mother is a Norwegian citizen. They will become dual citizens if the other country also permits it.Check with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) whether you are a Norwegian citizen if you have any queries. |
| Born in Norway to foreign parents | If you are born in Norway to foreign parents, you do not become a Norwegian citizen. |
| Born to parents who become norwegian citizens | Children by birth or adopted will automatically become citizens when their parents become Norwegian citizens. |
| Born abroad to a norwegian parent | Such children also gain dual citizenship, keeping in mind they have to fulfill the conditions mentioned above to maintain their citizenship. |
Can You Get Dual Citizenship If You Have A Norwegian Ancestor
There is also no provision for people with Norwegian heritage to become citizens proving they had Norwegian ancestors. This means that identifying as “Norwegian American” or because they had a Norwegian grandparent is not considered reason enough to be given Norwegian citizenship.
How You Can Get Dual Citizenship In Norway As A Naturalized Citizen
This goes to say that after spending a specified amount of time in Norway, you become eligible to become its citizen. Although this case scenario is not applicable to everyone.
Norway Citizenship Requirements For Naturalization
- You must have resided in Norway for at least seven years.
- You must have a valid permanent residence permit at the time of application.
- You must have acquired a decent sum of knowledge of the Norwegian language and society, customs, and historical background.
- You must live in Norway at the time of application and intend to continue living there as the application is processed and afterward.
- You must hand in your criminal records, which may affect the time you have to wait to become a citizen or the conclusion of your application.
If you can provide prove that you meet all the naturalization requirements, you can begin your application process.
Fill out the application form and compile a file with all the necessary documents, which prove you meet the requirements.
Can You Get Dual Citizenship Of Norway When Living In Another Country
You must be residing in Norway and intend to continue living there in the future.
To add to that, you are required to have permanent residence when you apply for Norwegian citizenship and when the application is processed.
What Does It Entail To Have Dual Citizenship?
You will have the same rights and obligations in relation to the Norwegian state as any other Norwegian citizen. On top of that, you are entitled to have two passports, one from each country.
In principle, you are entitled to consular aid and help from the authorities of both countries. However, it can be difficult for Norwegian authorities to aid you if you are residing in the country in which you have your other citizenship.
As a Norwegian citizen, you are obliged to serve your military service in Norway,
Advantages Of Having Norwegian Dual Citizenship
One of the primary privileges of Norwegian citizenship is obtaining a Norwegian passport. Norwegians can travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 183 countries and territories, providing them with much global mobility.
Norwegian nationals get social care and benefits beyond passport-related privileges.
The NAV provides Norwegians with unemployment benefits, financial aid, occupational accident insurance, sickness benefits, health services, family-related benefits, employment programs, and pensions.
Norwegian citizens above 18 have the right to vote in parliamentary, municipal, and county council elections.
What Are The Requirements Of Norway If You Become A Citizen Of Another Country
If you lost your Norwegian citizenship because you became a national of another country, make sure that this is registered in the Norwegian National Population Register.
If it is not already registered that you became a national of another country, you are required to send a letter to the National Population Register requesting this. You have to attach documentation on when and how you became a national of another country.
If you do not have confirmation about your status, check with the National Population Register. This has to be properly registered before giving the notification of citizenship.
Conclusion
Having roots in Norway and another country can be both enriching and complex. With a solid grasp on dual citizenship regulations, you’re now poised to embrace a truly global identity. To two homes and boundless horizons!
Dual Destiny!
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