Legal area
Citizenship & Settling
Settling in Norway is a long process: language, work or education, and legal residence. Refugees may enter the Introduction Programme (introduksjonsprogram) through their municipality — Norwegian classes, society knowledge and work practice. Permanent residence and citizenship are decided by UDI after you meet the requirements.
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Why this matters
Permanent residence and citizenship are the long-term goal — they depend on years of legal stay, language and income that you start building now.
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Official services
Direct links to the official pages where you actually apply, book, order or register.
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Documents worth gathering
Not every document applies to everyone. Start with what you have — the AI can help identify gaps.
- All residence permits and UDI decisions
- Passport history and travel dates
- Norwegian/social-studies test certificates
- Income/employment documentation
- Introduction Programme records, if relevant
First steps for newcomers
- 1Contact your municipality (or NAV) about the Introduction Programme if you are a refugee aged 18–60.
- 2Sign up for Norwegian language training — rights and duration depend on your residence basis.
- 3Keep track of residence period, language proof and income — UDI publishes checklists for permanent residence and citizenship.
- 4Check udi.no for current requirements before applying — rules and waiting times change.
Common mistakes to avoid
Gaps in your legal residence period
Permanent residence and citizenship depend on continuous legal residence. Periods without a valid permit can break the count.
How to avoid it: Keep every permit valid and renew in good time; check the residence requirement on udi.no.
Missing language or test documentation
Citizenship often requires proof of Norwegian language and social studies. Missing certificates delay the application.
How to avoid it: Keep certificates from Norwegian classes and tests, and check current requirements on udi.no before applying.
Applying before you meet the requirements
Applying too early usually leads to a refusal and a lost fee. Requirements and waiting times also change over time.
How to avoid it: Confirm you meet every condition on udi.no before you apply.
Who handles this?
IMDi
Directorate of Integration and Diversity — oversees the Introduction Programme and integration policy.
For information about integration rights and programme standards.
Your municipality
Runs the Introduction Programme, Norwegian classes and local integration services.
When you arrive as a refugee or need language training where you live.
UDI
Processes applications for permanent residence and Norwegian citizenship.
When you believe you meet the requirements and are ready to apply.
Common questions
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When you need more help
- • Citizenship or permanent residence refused — appeal deadlines are short; get legal help.
- • Municipality did not offer Introduction Programme — ask NAV or a legal aid office about your rights.
Relevant laws
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Source: Lovdata (NLOD 2.0)
Your next step
Next: language and the introduction programme