Module 13

Being New in Norway

Residence permits, asylum, family immigration, introduction programme, permanent residence, citizenship and everyday rules.

Last updated: 2026-11-06

Residence permits

If you come from a country outside the EU/EEA and want to live, work or study in Norway, you usually need a residence permit. You apply to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). UDI decides the application. The police receive some applications. They take a photo and fingerprints and check documents.

There are different grounds for residence, for example work, study, family and protection (asylum). The permit states what you are allowed to do. If you have a permit to study, it does not mean you can work full time. You receive a residence card (oppholdskort) that shows you have permission to be in Norway.

You cannot work in Norway without legal residence and a work permit. It is a punishable offence for an employer to let you work without a permit.

If UDI says no, you can appeal. The appeal goes to the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE), an independent appeals body.

EU/EEA citizens and their families can live and work in Norway without a residence permit, but must register with the police if they stay longer than three months. Nordic citizens can live and work freely and do not need to apply. Norwegian citizens have the same right to live, work and study in other EEA countries (free movement).

Tourists from countries outside the EEA can usually stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days without a residence permit. Some need a visa. Norway is part of Schengen.

You must follow the conditions of your permit. If you give false information, UDI can revoke your permit.

The full module and all questions are in the app.

Key points

Residence permits

• UDI decides applications for residence permits
• The Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) handles appeals against UDI decisions
• You need a residence permit and a work permit to work if you are from outside the EEA
• EU/EEA citizens register with the police if they stay over three months
• Tourists can stay in Schengen for 90 days within 180 days

Asylum and refugees

• An asylum seeker is waiting for an answer; a refugee has been granted protection
• You can appeal to UNE if UDI says no
• Living in an asylum reception centre is voluntary
• Municipalities decide themselves whether to receive refugees, and IMDi helps with settlement
• Unaccompanied minor asylum seekers are under 18 and without parents

Family immigration

• The reference person must usually have enough income to support the family
• Spouses must normally be at least 18
• Children under 18 can apply for family immigration to their parents
• If you experience violence, you can apply for an independent residence permit

Introduction programme and Norwegian training

• The introduction programme prepares you for work or education
• The introduction benefit is taxable income
• The right to free Norwegian training depends on the residence permit
• Training can give up to 600 hours of Norwegian and social studies for more recent arrivals

National ID number, ID and digital services

• The national ID number has 11 digits
• You get a national ID number if you will live in Norway for more than 6 months
• A D number is for people who will not live here long
• You report a move to the Population Register, usually within 8 days
• BankID is personal, and you should not share the code

Permanent residence

• Usually 3 years of residence with a permit that can lead to permanent residence are required
• You must have sufficient income of your own in the last year
• Oral Norwegian A2 and the social studies test are required (applications after 1 September 2025)
• The social studies test can be taken in a language you understand
• The requirements apply to people aged 18-67

Citizenship and the tests

• The requirement is 8 of the last 11 years
• Oral Norwegian B1 is required for citizenship
• Citizenship test: 36 tasks, 32 count, 24 correct to pass, 60 minutes
• Social studies test: 38 tasks, 34 count, 26 correct, 23 languages
• Dual citizenship has been allowed since 1 January 2020
• Children born in Norway to foreign parents do not automatically become Norwegian

Voting rights and duties as a citizen

• Norwegian citizens can vote in parliamentary elections from age 18
• Foreign citizens can vote in municipal elections after three years' residence
• You must check your tax return and submit it every year
• Norwegian law applies to everyone in Norway

Traffic rules

• Speed limit without signs: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside
• Give way to traffic from the right at junctions without signs
• The alcohol limit is 0.2 per mille
• Class B licence from 18; moped (AM) from 16
• Minimum tread depth: 1.6 mm summer tyres, 3 mm winter tyres
• Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt

Alcohol, tobacco, gambling and everyday rules

• 18 for beer and wine, 20 for strong alcohol (over 22 percent)
• Ordinary shops only sell drinks with up to 4.7 percent alcohol
• Vinmonopolet has the monopoly on wine and spirits above 4.7 percent
• The age limit for tobacco is 18; for Norsk Tipping 18
• 14-day right of withdrawal for online shopping
• Emergency numbers: 110, 112, 113; police (non-urgent): 02800

Sample questions from this module

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