How to obtain Norwegian citizenship for Ukrainians: basic requirements and steps
Citizenship of Norway for Ukrainians has several key requirements, including a confirmed residence permit in Norway and fulfillment of additional conditions.
The main requirements for obtaining Norwegian citizenship for Ukrainians are as follows
1. Residence permit. You must have a valid permanent or long-term residence permit in Norway.
2. Length of stay:
- If you are married or a registered partner/cohabitant with a Norwegian citizen, your total period of residence in Norway and the period of living together must be at least 7 years.
- In the absence of such a partnership, residence in Norway for at least 7 years out of the last 10 years is usually required.
3. Knowledge of Norwegian language: Ukrainians wishing to obtain Norwegian citizenship must have completed at least 300 hours of Norwegian language training or prove their knowledge of the language by passing official tests such as Norskprøve (A2 or B1 level, as applicable), Bergenstest or other certified exams.
4. Integrity. You must not have a criminal record or be involuntarily committed to psychiatric treatment.
5. Knowledge of Norway. Since 2014, all applicants must pass a test on Norwegian society, law and history. This includes a social studies exam or a citizenship test that tests knowledge of the country's culture and laws.
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Citizenship for children of Ukrainians in Norway
Children of Ukrainians living in Norway can obtain Norwegian citizenship automatically if at least one of the parents is a Norwegian citizen, regardless of the child's place of birth.
Special rules for children and the elderly
For Ukrainians under the age of 18 who came to Norway earlier, the minimum period of residence is 5 years within the last 7 years. For persons over 55 years of age, there may be somewhat simplified requirements for learning the Norwegian language.
The main steps for Ukrainians to obtain Norwegian citizenship
- Make sure you have a valid permanent residence permit.
- Prove your language competence by taking a test.
- Pass the civics and citizenship exam.
- Fill out and submit the citizenship application on the official UDI portal.
How can Ukrainians obtain a residence permit in Norway? Types of permits
There are several types of residence permits for Ukrainians who want to move to Norway. Initially, a temporary residence permit is granted, which can be extended or changed to a permanent residence permit.
Main types of residence permits in Norway for Ukrainians
- Residence permit for work - granted to those who have a confirmed job offer from a Norwegian employer.
- Residence permit for study - for those who have been enrolled in an educational institution in Norway and have proof of financial support.
- Family reunification permit - for Ukrainians who want to join relatives who already have a residence permit or are Norwegian citizens.
- Humanitarian permit or asylum - for those who need protection for humanitarian reasons.
How do I get a permanent residence permit in Norway?
After three years of continuous residence in Norway with a temporary permit, Ukrainians can apply for a permanent residence permit. It gives the right to live and work in Norway without restrictions. However, it will need to be renewed every two years.
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Documents for obtaining a residence permit in Norway for Ukrainians
General documents:
- Passport: original and copies of all filled pages.
- Cover letter: generated after submitting an online application on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration website.
- Passport-size photo with a white background.
- Proof of residence in Norway: a lease agreement or other document confirming housing.
Additional documents for specific purposes of relocation:
1. For work:
- Confirmation of a job offer and a contract from the employer.
- Proof of salary compliance with the requirements.
- Documents on education and work experience.
- Resume.
2. For studying:
- Letter of acceptance to a Norwegian educational institution.
- Proof of financial resources to cover living and study expenses.
3. For family reunification:
- Proof of family ties (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
- Proof that the relative has a stable income and has not received social benefits in the last year.
How do Ukrainians apply for a residence permit in Norway?
Applications are submitted online through the official website of the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration. Next, you need to make an appointment at the embassy or at a local migration center to submit the original documents.
If you want to live in Norway for up to 2 years, there is another option - Au Pair. This is a special program that allows you to live with a local family to get to know the country's culture better and learn Norwegian.
It is open to persons aged 18 to 30 who:
- unmarried;
- do not have children;
- had experience in child care;
- interested in studying the cultural customs of Norway.
Although the requirements for participation are the same for all nationalities, the requirements for admission may differ depending on your nationality. If you are from any EU / EEA / EFTA country, just look at the following signature.
Before completing the application, you need to check the application process for your country. This can be done on the UDI website.
Your host family can be:
- Married couple, partners or cohabitants with or without children, as well as one of the parents with children.
The family must be well acquainted with Norwegian society and speak Norwegian with the host.
If the person is in the host family of the same country of origin as the Au pair, you usually cannot be the host family. In rare cases, we may make an exception.
None of the host family may be a spouse, cohabitant, father, child, brother or sister, cousin or uncle / aunt.
You can read about the rights and responsibilities of family and candidates during your stay in Norway here.
To become a member, you usually need to find a host family yourself. This can be done through thematic sites.
If you are applying for the program for the first time, you need to have the following documents:
- passport and copy of all used pages;
- signed form from the application portal - more details on the link.
- passport photos taken recently;
- cultural exchange contract signed by you and your host family - details at the link.
- certificate that the host family has completed a specialized online course.
- a copy of the passports of the host family.
Before visiting the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway in your country, check whether you need to draw up additional documents. Typical package of documents and additional information for those who want to follow the link.
Remember that a work visa is issued for this program.
