Norwegian nationality law
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Norwegian nationality law is based on the principle of Jus sanguinis. In general, Norwegian citizenship is conferred by birth to a Norwegian parent, or by naturalisation in Norway.
Norway restricts, but does not absolutely prohibit, dual citizenship.
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[edit] Birth in Norway
In general, birth in Norway does not, in itself, confer Norwegian citizenship.
[edit] Descent from a Norwegian parent
A child (born in Norway or elsewhere) acquires Norwegian citizenship at birth if:
- the father is a Norwegian citizen; or
- the mother is a Norwegian citizen.
From 1 September 2006 the law no longer requires the father to be married to the mother. Norwegian mothers have only been able to automatically pass on Norwegian citizenship since 1 January 1979.
[edit] Naturalisation as a Norwegian citizen
In principle, it is possible to naturalise as a Norwegian citizen after residing in Norway seven years over the last ten years.
- it is necessary to qualify for permanent residence and not have a criminal record. (If the foreigner has a criminal record a "quarantine" period dependent on the crime committed must lapse before the foreigner is allowed to apply for citizenship)
- citizens of other Nordic Council countries may naturalise after a two-year residence
- a person married to a Norwegian citizen may naturalise after three years residence during the last ten years, provided that the total period of time resident in Norway plus the total period of marriage equals at least seven years. (The time of residence and marriage may be earned up the same time, in effect foreigners married to Norwegian citizens can therefore obtain citizenship after four years marriage if they have been residing in Norway for at least three of them)
This rule also apply to non-married cohabiting partners and homosexuals in civil unions
- Former Norwegian citizens may naturalise after one year's residence during the last two years.
From 1 September 2008 an applicant for Norwegian citizenship must also give evidence of proficiency in either the Norwegian or Sami language or give proof of having attended classes in Norwegian for 300 hours.
Persons becoming naturalised Norwegian citizens are after acquisition of citizenship generally expected to prove they have lost or renounced any foreign citizenship they have.
Children aged under 18 years become Norwegian citizens upon the naturalisation of their parents if they have resided in Norway the last two years. (Not necessary for children aged under 18 years who are citizens of another Nordic Council country
[edit] Notification of Norwegian citizenship
Norwegian citizenship may be acquired by notification to the Directorate of Immigration. This is a simplified form of naturalisation exempted from application fees.
As with naturalisation, a person becoming Norwegian by notification must normally renounce any other citizenship held, unless exempted.
The following categories of persons are eligible for citizenship by notification
- a child aged under 18 who was born before 1 September 2006 to a Norwegian father and a foreign mother who were not married. (renunciation of foreign citizenship not required)
- a child aged 12-18 adopted by a Norwegian citizen after 1 October 1999 but before 1 September 2006. (renunciation of foreign citizenship not required)
- a citizen of another Nordic Council country who has lived in Norway for 7 years
- a former Norwegian citizen who has since the loss of Norwegian citizenship only been a citizen of another Nordic Council state. No residence period is required provided the person has settled in Norway.
[edit] Norwegian citizenship by adoption
As from 1 September 2006 a child under 18 adopted by Norwegian citizens acquires Norwegian citizenship automatically. In cases where children are adopted outside Norway, the consent of the Norwegian government is required.
[edit] Loss of Norwegian citizenship
[edit] Acquisition of another citizenship
A Norwegian citizen who voluntarily acquires another citizenship automatically loses Norwegian citizenship.
[edit] Norwegian permanently residing outside Norway
Norwegian citizens who acquire citizenship by birth but have resided less than 2 years in Norway or 7 years in Nordic Council countries must apply to retain Norwegian citizenship before turning 22 years of age. Applicants are not required to renounce other citizenships, but are required to demonstrate "adequate ties" to Norway. Often, frequent travel to Norway or a year of study in Norway are accepted.
[edit] Dual citizenship
In general, dual citizenship is restricted under Norwegian law. However a number of exceptions apply:
- persons born outside Norway to a Norwegian citizen who acquire the citizenship of the country of birth (for example, a person born to Norwegian parents in the United States)
- persons born to a Norwegian and a foreign parent who also acquire the other parent's nationality at birth. (Also apply to children born before 1 September 2006 to a Norwegian father and a foreign mother not married who has acquired Norwegian citizenship by notification)
- where persons acquiring Norwegian citizenship by notification or naturalisation cannot give up their existing nationality
