How to get dual citizenship in Norway

Dual citizenship is the status of being a citizen of two different countries at the same time. Norway allowed it from 1 January 2020; before that, becoming Norwegian generally meant giving up your original citizenship. For those interested in obtaining dual citizenship in Norway, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the benefits and limitations.

Dual Citizenship Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Norwegian citizenship, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include:

1. Residency: the standard rule is eight of the last eleven years of residence with valid permits. Shorter periods apply to Nordic citizens, to spouses and registered partners of Norwegian citizens, and to applicants who meet the income requirement. Confirm your own case with the UDI, as these thresholds change.
2. Language and society: applicants in the relevant age range must document Norwegian oral skills and pass the citizenship test (statsborgerprøven). See our language learning guide.
3. Permanent residence: you normally need a permanent residence permit (permanent oppholdstillatelse) before applying for citizenship.
4. No criminal record: applicants must not have a criminal record that triggers a qualifying period, or have been involved in activities considered a threat to Norway’s national security.

Dual Citizenship Application Process

The application process involves several steps, including:

1. Obtaining necessary documentation: applicants must gather documents such as their passport, residence permits and proof of residence.
2. Submitting the application: applications go to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), usually online, with an in-person document check at the police or at an SUA service centre.
3. Waiting for approval: processing takes many months, and the queue is long.
4. Citizenship ceremony: successful applicants are invited to a ceremony, where they may take a voluntary oath of loyalty.

Benefits and Limitations of Dual Citizenship

There are several benefits and limitations to obtaining dual citizenship in Norway.

Benefits:

1. Security of residence: citizenship cannot be lost through time spent abroad in the way a residence permit can.
2. Freedom of movement: a Norwegian passport carries EEA free movement rights alongside whatever your other passport gives you.
3. Right to vote: citizens can vote in Norwegian parliamentary elections, which residents cannot.

Limitations:

1. Military service: dual citizens may in principle be liable for service obligations in more than one country.
2. Tax obligations: the United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence, so American dual citizens keep filing with the IRS. See how Norwegian tax works.
3. Your other country’s rules: Norway permits dual citizenship, but your original country may not. Check both sides before applying.

Conclusion

Dual citizenship in Norway offers real benefits, including security of residence, freedom of movement and the right to vote. However, obtaining it means meeting the residence and language requirements, working through a slow application process, and checking the rules on the other side. If you are starting from the United States, see immigrating to Norway from America.