A Norwegian national who acquired Norwegian nationality at birth, but who has not resided in Norway for a total of two years or in Norway or other Nordic countries for a total of seven years, shall lose his or her Norwegian nationality upon reaching the age of 22. This does not apply to a person who will become stateless as a result of the loss. A person with sufficient connection to Norway may, however, apply for retention of his/her Norwegian citizenship. Such application must be submitted in time before the the applicants reaches the age of 22 years.
Please note that only periods of +6 months at a time can be taken into account as residency. This also applies to persons who are born in Norway.
02/03/2008 :: In other words, only Norwegian citizens who hold citizenship of another country in additon to their Norwegian citizenship can lose their Norwegian citizenship on reaching the age of 22 years.
Application procedure:
If you reside abroad, your application shall be submitted to a Norwegian foreign service mission. Applications will be decided by the Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
An application may be dealt with even if it was lodged too late if the applicant is not essentially to blame for this, or if it would be unreasonable that the nationality were to be lost on account of the omission.
The following documents must be enclosed with the application:
- A detailed written explanation of the applicant’s tie with Norway and his/her reason for wanting to retain a Norwegian citizenship.
- The written explanation should include details of time spent in Norway, and for applicants who do not meet the +2 year criterea, preferably an account of time spent in Norway which adds up to a minimum total of 6 months. However, applications which do not include a record of a total of 6 months of residence in Norway will still be considered.
- Certified copy of applicant’s birth certificate.
- Certified copy of applicant’s Norwegian parent's passport.
- Certified copy of applicant’s Norwegian parent's birth certificate.
- Certified copy of applicant’s parents’ marriage certificate if it is the father who is Norwegian.
- Certified copy of applicant’s own Norwegian passport if he/she has one.
- Certified copy of applicant’s passport of second citizenship if he/she has one.
- Please also complete either Form GP-7054B in Norwegian language or Form GP-7054E in English language
Further information:
If you have any more questions, please contactor your nearest Norwegian foreign service mission. Please also see links.
The Directorate of Immigration
Hausmannsgate 21
P.O Box 8108 Dep
N-0032 Oslo
Norway
Tel: +47 2335 1500
Fax: +47 2335 1515
Email: udi@udi.no