Applying for and renewing a residence permit

The Directorate of Immigration (UDI) facilitates lawful and desirable immigration and ensures that those who meet the requirements are given an opportunity to come to Norway. At the same time, the UDI has a control function to ensure that the system is not abused and can revoke residence permits and citizenship.

The UDI considers applications for:

• Protection (asylum)
• Visitor visa
• Family immigration (family reunification)
• Residence permits for work and study purposes
• Citizenship
• Permanent residence permit
• Travel documents
• Assisted return and repatriation

The UDI also makes decisions on rejection and expulsion. In addition, the UDI is responsible for ensuring that all asylum seekers are offered somewhere to stay while they wait for their applications to be considered.

Information for people who fled the war in Ukraine

In order to apply for protection (asylum), you must be in Norway or at the Norwegian border. You will find information on the UDI’s website about how to apply for protection and what happens after you come to Norway. You will also find information about who can be granted collective protection, and whose applications for protection will be given individual consideration. 

Apply for residence

You can find information on the UDI's website about how to apply to visit or live in Norway, or whether you don’t need to apply. 

You start by selecting your citizenship and the purpose of the application. You will be given information about the requirements and whether you can apply from Norway or whether you must apply from abroad. Also go to the website if you already have a residence permit in Norway, but want to apply for another permit on new grounds. If you apply for and are granted a new residence permit, the old one will lapse. 

Also go to the website if you already have a residence permit in Norway, but want to apply for another permit on new grounds. If you apply for and are granted a new residence permit, the old one will lapse. 

Waiting times

Remember that you have to wait before you receive an answer to your application. The processing time for applications to the UDI varies depending on the type of application, the complexity of the case and the number of applications under consideration at the same time. 

Return

If you have previously applied for protection (asylum) and been granted residence in Norway, you can apply to the UDI for financial support if you now wish to return to your home country. You can also apply for financial support if you don't have a valid residence permit in Norway.

Renew residence

If you have a residence permit that can be renewed, it is important that you apply for renewal well before your residence permit expires.

You can find information on the UDI’s website about the possibility of extending your residence in Norway and how to apply for renewal. 

Permanent residence 

A permanent residence permit enables you to live and work in Norway for as long as you want. You also have extra protection against expulsion. You can read about how to apply for a permanent residence permit and the requirements that apply on the UDI’s website.

Requirements for being granted a permanent residence permit

The following requirements apply to be granted a permanent residence permit: 

• Residence time – that you have lived in Norway continuously for three or five years 
• continuously in Norway for three or five years
• Type of residence permit
• That you have no criminal convictions
• Self-support – that you have enough income to support yourself
• Tuition and tests in the Norwegian language and social studies