Residence Permit for Family Immigration (Spouse/Cohabitant)
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 3-12 months depending on case complexity
- Fee
- NOK 11900
- Validity
- Up to 3 years initially, renewable. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For spouses, registered partners, cohabitants, and children of Norwegian citizens, Nordic citizens, or persons with residence in Norway. Both partners must be at least 24 years old (spouse/cohabitant applications). The reference person in Norway must meet income requirements. The couple must intend to live together in Norway. Marriage must be legally recognized in Norway. Includes right to work in Norway. Can lead to permanent residence after 5 years of continuous stay. Children under 18 can apply for family immigration with parents.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
All non-EU/EEA nationals who are spouses, cohabitants, or children of someone residing legally in Norway.
-
Age
Both the applicant and reference person must be at least 24 years old for spouse/cohabitant applications. No minimum age for children applying with parents.
Min age: 24
-
Financial
The reference person (sponsor) in Norway must demonstrate sufficient and stable income to support the family member.
Documents you need
-
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Must cover full stay: No
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
-
Visa fee payment
Amount: NOK 11,900
How to apply
-
Online application
Apply online through UDI's Application Portal Norway.
-
Document gathering
Prepare: marriage/partnership certificate, proof of relationship, reference person's income documentation, housing proof, passport copies, birth certificates (for children), and any previous visa/residence documentation.
-
Fee payment
Pay NOK 11,900 application fee (adults) or NOK 3,750 (children under 18).
-
Appointment booking
Book appointment at Norwegian embassy/consulate in your country of origin or country of residence (minimum 6 months' residence).
-
Biometrics
Provide biometrics and submit original documents at appointment.
-
Interview
Both the applicant and reference person may be called for separate interviews by the embassy or UDI to verify the relationship.
-
Processing wait
Processing takes 3-12 months. Complex cases or cases requiring additional investigation take longer.
-
Visa collection
If approved, receive entry visa to travel to Norway. Register with police and collect residence card upon arrival.