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Have you been living and working in Norway for years? If so, it is worth considering formalizing your stay in the country of the fjords by obtaining Norwegian citizenship - one of the best ways to do it. If you are wondering how you can get it and what it can provide you, here is some information.
Who can apply for Norwegian citizenship? Until 2020, it was not possible to obtain dual citizenship in Norway, so Poles who wanted Norwegian citizenship had to renounce their Polish citizenship. However, from 2020 it is possible to have dual citizenship and no longer have to make such a decision. However, it is necessary to meet several important requirements:
- Turning 12 years old
- Confirmation of your identity, e.g. with a Polish passport
- Permanent residence in Norway and planning to stay in the country in the future
- Living in Norway for at least 8 years if you earn less than NOK 334 gross, or for at least 431 years if you earn more
- Having a work permit in Norway
- Passing an oral exam in Norwegian at a level of at least B1
- Documenting your knowledge about the culture and community Norway – it is necessary to pass the Norwegian knowledge test society (statsborgerprøven)
- No criminal record - a certificate of no criminal record is required.
If you meet the above requirements, you can apply for Norwegian citizenship. What can it do for you? First of all, the right to stay and work in Norway without the need to have a work permit, as well as the ability to use Norwegian public institutions, such as schools, health care or the pension system. It is also worth emphasizing that Norway is a country with a high standard of living and stable political situation, which may also be an important factor in applying for Norwegian citizenship.
How to get Norwegian citizenship?
To apply for Norwegian citizenship, you must meet certain requirements and submit the relevant documents. This process can be started by visiting the website of the Office for Foreigners and checking the checklist to select the required documents and print, complete and sign them.
Then you need to register on the website of the Office for Foreigners, which is a prerequisite before applying for citizenship. Before submitting your application, please select the appropriate option on the UDI website that is tailored to your situation.
Select the group you belong to, e.g. an adult over 18 years of age, a person with a partner, husband or wife, or a person with a common-law partner who is a Norwegian citizen. Then complete the application and pay for it. Currently, the cost of the application fee is SEK 6500, plus the cost of the language and social studies exam.
After completing and paying for the application, make an appointment with the police at the Office for Foreigners, submit a signed application and attach copies of all required documents. Please remember to bring the originals of the documents that are needed for inspection.
If you are in a relationship with a Norwegian citizen, slightly different rules apply. Citizenship can only be granted if you are still in a relationship with a Norwegian or Norwegian woman. For children under 18 years of age, the application is submitted by the parents and the child must have been in Norway for the last 2 years and have received a school certificate (applies to children between 6 and 16 years of age).
The waiting time for obtaining Norwegian citizenship depends on the individual situation and usually takes several months.
What are the benefits of Norwegian citizenship?
Norwegian citizenship provides many benefits for Poles who decide to acquire dual citizenship. First of all, having a Norwegian passport, they gain full belonging to the Norwegian community, which is important for people planning their future in the country of the fjords. In addition, Norwegian citizenship gives you the right to work in Norway without the need for a work permit.
Having Norwegian citizenship allows you to participate in elections in Norway, which gives you a real impact on the way the country functions. People with Norwegian citizenship can also take advantage of the help and care of the Norwegian consulate abroad, and receive better social security.
Having Norwegian citizenship also opens up many professional opportunities, allowing you to work in the judiciary, diplomacy, army and police. People from Norwegian citizenship they can also represent Norway in sports and run for office in the Norwegian government.
In summary, Norwegian citizenship provides many advantages, not only in terms of everyday life, but also in terms of professional opportunities and influence on the functioning of the country.
