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==Introduction==
Permanent residency refers to a person's visa status: the person is allowed to reside indefinitely within a country of which he or she is not a citizen. A person with such status is known as a permanent resident.
A permanent residence permit entitles the holder to live and work in Norway indefinitely. The permit also gives you improved protection against expulsion.
In order to apply for a permanent residence permit, you need to have a certain kind of current residence permit.
'''Examples of permits which can form a basis for permanent residence:'''
'''Work'''
*permit as a skilled worker or a specialist
*permit as a self-employed person
*permit as a permanent employee of a Norwegian shipping company. You must have been employed at a ship registered in the The Norwegian Ordinary Ship Register for at least 4 out the last 6 years
'''Family'''
*Permits regarding family immigration to be with a Norwegian citizen, a citizen of one of the Nordic countries, a foreign citizen with a permanent residence permit, or a foreign citizen who has a permit which forms a basis for a permanent residence permit.
*A permit because at least one of your parents was a Norwegian citizen when you were born.
'''Other kinds of residence permits/asylum:'''
*asylum/permit as a resettlement refugee
*refugee permit
*permit given because of strong humanitarian considerations or a special connection to Norway, or on another individual basis, unless it is written in the decision letter that the permit can not be renewed and that it does not form a basis for a permanent residence permit.
*permits for Iraqis who formerly have held a “MUF”-permit (special temporary residence permits)
If you are unsure whether your permit forms a basis for a permanent residence permit, you will find this information in the decision letter you received when you got your current permit.
Please note these examples of permits which do not form a basis for a permanent residence permit.
*EU/EEA/EFTA-registration
*Parental visit (residence permit to visit children in Norway for up to nine months)
*fiancé permit
*student permit
*au pair permit
*seasonal worker permit
To know more about residence permits that can form a basis for a permanent residence permit: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Central-topics/Permanent-Residence-Permit/What-are-the-requirements-for-a-settlement-permit/Which-residence-permits-can-form-a-basis-for-a-permanent-residence-permit-/
==Eligibility==
In order to be granted a permanent residence permit, you must have stayed in Norway for a continuous period of three years during which you have held permits forming a basis for such a permit, and have completed tuition in the Norwegian language.
'''Stayed in Norway for a continuous period of time'''
You must have stayed in Norway for a continuous three-year period in order to be granted a permanent residence period (see exceptions below). During these three years, you must have held residence permits that form a basis for permanent residence. This applies to, among others, persons who have been granted asylum or protection, residence for strong humanitarian considerations, most family immigration permits, skilled worker permits or specialist permits. It is no longer a requirement that your stay must have been on the same grounds for the whole three-year period. This means that you can have held different types of permits, but they must all be of a type that forms a basis for permanent residence.
If you are uncertain about whether or not the permits you hold and have held form a basis for permanent residence, you can check this in the letter you received when you were granted the previous permits.
'''NOTE:'''The UDI is revising the way we process applications for permanent residence permits. This means that most likely the case processing time will be much shorter than it used to be.
Therefore, it is important that you do not apply for a permanent residence permit until you believe that you have stayed in Norway with a residence permit for the required number of years. If you apply too soon, the application may be rejected.
'''Continuous Stay'''
In order for your stay to be deemed to have been continuous, you must:
*not have gaps of more than three months between permits during the last three years. There may be periods during your period of residence when you have been without a residence permit because you have submitted an application for renewal after the previous residence permit had expired. The gap is reckoned from the date when your permit expired until you submitted an application for a new residence permit.
*not have stayed outside Norway for a total of more than seven months over the last three years (see list of exceptions below).
To see example and to know more: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Central-topics/Permanent-Residence-Permit/What-are-the-requirements-for-a-settlement-permit/
'''The period of residence is reckoned from the date on which you received your first residence permit that forms a basis for a permanent residence permit.'''
*If you were granted such a permit before you entered Norway, your period of residence is deemed to have started on the date on which you reported to the police.
*If you stayed in Norway when you applied for such a permit, your period of residence is deemed to have started on the date on which you were granted such a permit.
*If you were granted asylum, your period of residence is deemed to have started on the date when you applied for asylum.
*If you are a resettlement refugee, your period of residence is deemed to have started on the date when you arrived in Norway.
'''Your application must be submitted while you hold a valid residence permit.'''
In principle, you are only entitled to a permanent residence permit if you apply on time. This means that the application must be submitted while you hold a valid residence permit. If you submit an application for a permanent residence permit after your previous residence permit has expired, the police will consider your application an application for renewal. The police will send your application for a permanent residence permit to the Directorate of Immigration to be decided.
In order to be entitled to stay on the same conditions until your application has been finally decided, you must apply for a permanent residence permit at least one month before your residence permit expires. If you apply later than this, you may be granted residence on the same conditions until your application has been decided subject to the Directorate of Immigration’s assessment.
'''Good conduct requirement'''
The Directorate of Immigration can reject an application for a permanent residence permit if you have been sentenced for criminal offences that can result in expulsion. If you are not expelled, an additional period of residence will be required before you are eligible for a permanent residence permit. This additional period will be reckoned from the time when you met the rest of the requirements to be granted a permanent residence permit.
'''Requirement to complete tuition in Norwegian or Sami language and social studies'''
Documentation showing that tuition as described in the Introduction Act has been completed must be enclosed with the application for a permanent residence permit.
*Applicants who were granted their first permit after 1 September 2005:
According to the Introduction Act, foreign nationals between the ages of 16 and 55 who, after 1 September 2005, were granted a first work or residence permit that forms the basis for a permanent residence permit have a right and obligation to complete tuition in the Norwegian or Sami language and social studies.
If you were granted your first residence permit that formed a basis for permanent residence permit before 1 January 2012, you are required to complete tuition in the Norwegian or Sami Language (at least 250 hours) and social studies (at least 50 hours)
*Applicants who are granted their first permit after 1 January 2012
If you were granted your first residence permit that formed a basis for permanent residence permit after January first 2012, you are required to completed tuition in the Norwegian or Sami Language (at least 550 hours) and social studies (at least 50 hours). This will only be relevant if you are applying for permanent residence permit after 1 January 2015.
Exemptions from the obligation to complete 600 hours:
Labour immigrants from countries outside the EEA/EU/ EFTA area and their family members, who are obliged to participate in 300 hours tuition without the right to education free of charge, are exempt from the increase to 600 hours.
This group will still have an obligation to complete tuition in the Norwegian or Sami Language (at least 250 hours) and social studies (at least 50 hours).
Completed tuition at the following training places have been approved:
*municipal adult education center
*training providers which the municipality has entered into an agreement with
*education and online schools that are approved according to the Adult Education Act
*Folk High Schools that are approved according to the "Folkehøgskoleloven"
*universities and colleges which are approved pursuant to the Higher Education Act, or
*private provider approved by the National Agency for Lifelong Learning (VOX).
If education in Norwegian and social studies are conducted by the municipal adult education, you must attach a certificate of participation from the community.
If the Norwegian classes are provided by an approved provider, the municipality has no obligation to register it. You must submit documentation from the provider that you have completed Norwegian classes. You must also submit documentation that you have completed 50 hours mandatory tuition in social studies.
All participants who receive tuition by a private provider on behalf of a municipality shall be registered by the municipality in the National Introduction Register (NIR).
Exemption from the tuition can be given if you apply for it. It is the municipality that decides whether you can be exempted from the Norwegian education. If you are exempt from tuition, this must be documented by the decision from the municipality.
'''Exceptions from the requirements for three years' residence'''
Certain groups can apply for a permanent residence permit even though they do not meet the period of residence requirements as described above. This applies in the following cases, among others:
*If you have held a residence permit that forms a basis for a permanent residence permit for the last year, you may in some cases be granted a permanent residence permit. For this to happen, you must either have previously stayed in Norway for a long period of time (8-10 years), have stayed on Svalbard for a long period of time, or particularly strong grounds of reasonableness must exist. Generally, a permanent residence permit pursuant to this provision is only granted in exceptional circumstances.
*The spouse or cohabitant of a Norwegian national employed by a Norwegian embassy or consulate may be granted a permanent residence permit subject to certain conditions.
*Children born in Norway to parents resident in Norway. The parents must apply for permanent residence for the child before it is one year old. Both parents must hold a permanent residence permit or have Norwegian citizenship at that time, or have applied and meet the requirements to be granted a permanent residence permit or Norwegian citizenship.
==Instructions==
Applicants who are applying in Oslo, need to book an appointment for handing in their documents. This also applies to those who are getting themselves residence cards. Most applicants can book their appointment online through the Application Portal Norway: https://selfservice.udi.no/ you still have to hand in the documents that are necessary for processing the application at a police station.
More information for applicants in Oslo: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/News/2011/Information-for-applicants-in-Oslo/
==Required Information==
*Your personal details
*Details regarding identity/travel documents
*Details or information about the current permit you are holding
*Criminal offences, if any
*Completed tuition in Norwegian language and social studies
*Time spent abroad
==Procedure==
#Register your application online: https://selfservice.udi.no/ (You may nominate a person in Norway to register an application on your behalf. However, you are responsible for the application and have to hand in the supporting documentation yourself.)
#When you register the application, you will at the same time book an appointment for handing in your documents to the police or the Norwegian embassy. You will not have to wait in line when you turn up for your appointment.
#If you are not able to register your application online, you may download and print the application form. You should submit your application no later than a month before your temporary residence permit expires. If you submit your application on time, you are entitled to stay in Norway on the same conditions as previously until a decision has been reached on your application.
#Once your application is received, The police will make the decision if there is no doubt that you meet the requirements to be granted a permanent residence permit. In practice, this means that the police process most applications for permanent residence permits.
#If the police are in doubt as to whether the requirements are met, they will send the case to the Directorate of Immigration for processing. Doubts can be due to numerous or prolonged stays abroad during the three-year period, lack of clarity relating to the basis for various permits, good conduct requirements or the application being submitted too late. The police consider whether they should process the case themselves or whether it should be forwarded to the Directorate of Immigration for processing.
#If your application is granted, you must get yourself a residence card. This is a proof that you have the right to live in Norway. You will receive a letter which informs you that you must visit the police to have your fingerprints and photo taken. About ten days later the card will be sent to you by post.
#If you have received a rejection of your residence permit or visa application, you can appeal the decision within three weeks. You can appeal decisions by the Directorate of Immigration or a foreign service mission (an embassy or a consulate). To know more about appeals: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Oversiktsider/Case-processing-times/Appeal-against-a-decision/
*Case Procedure - Permanent residence permit: http://www.udi.no/Global/UPLOAD/Saksgangskjema/engelsk/Case_procedure_permanent_residence.pdf
==Required Documents==
In addition to the application form, you must show your passport and hand in releveant supporting documentation to the police or the embassy.
'''List of documents you must hand in:''' http://www.udi.no/Global/UPLOAD/Sjekklister/Permanent%20opphold%20engelsk/Permanent_%20residence_%20checklist.pdf
*Print out the list and hand it in together with the documents.
==Fees==
'''Permanent residence permit''' (previously called settlement permit)= 1.900 NOK
*For more information regarding permit fees, who must pay and how to pay the fees: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Oversiktsider/Fee-payment-when-submitting-applicationX/
==Validity==
The '''residence card''' is valid for two years, and must therefore be renewed. A couple of months before the card is about to expire, you must go to the police again to have your fingerprints and photo taken.
The residence cards replace the old scheme with stickers in passports. If you have a sticker in your passport which is still valid, you wait until a couple of months before it expires to get your first residence card.
Please note that you do not need to reapply for a permanent residence permit or pay an application fee in order to get the card.
If the sticker or residence card expires, that does not mean that you lose your permanent residence permit. It is, however, important to renew an expired sticker or residence card before any travelling abroad, since it functions as a return visa to Norway and the Schengen area. As a person subject to a visa requirement, you will need a separate visa to enter Norway without a valid sticker or residence card.
*To know more about Residence Card: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Oversiktsider/Information-about-residence-cards/
==Documents to Use==
*Download form "Application for a permanent residence permit": http://www.udi.no/PageFiles/17924/S%C3%B8knad%20om%20permanent%20oppholdstillatelse_engelsk.pdf
==Sample Documents==
Please attach sample completed documents which would help other people who would like to follow this procedure.
==Processing Time==
The case processing time depends on whether the police process the case or if it is sent to the Directorate of Immigration for processing. You can ask the police where you submit your application how long they expect it to take if the application is processed by the police. You can find more information about case processing times in the event of the Directorate of Immigration processing your application under expected case processing times for permanent permits.
*Case-processing times for permanent residence permits: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Oversiktsider/Case-processing-times/Case-processing-times-for-settlement-permits/
==Office Locations & Contacts==
'''The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration'''
'''Mail address'''
Utlendingsdirektoratet
Postboks 8108 Dep.
NO-0032 Oslo
Norway
E-mail: udi@udi.no
The e-mail address cannot be used if you have questions regarding applications or rules and procedures. Contact: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Contact-UDI/The-Information-Service-OTS/ for these types of inquiries.
'''Visiting address'''
Utlendingsdirektoratet
Hausmanns g. 21
0182 Oslo
Map: http://kart.gulesider.no/m/9boBH
'''Switchboard'''
*For general inquiries, please call the switchboard at +47 23 35 15 00 between 8.00–15.45, Mon-Fri
'''Fax'''
*For fax numbers for the different departments: http://www.udi.no/Kontakt-oss/Faksnummer/
'''Contact Information for the Police:''' https://www.politi.no/kontakt_oss/kontakt_ditt_politidistrikt/
'''To search for Norway's diplomatic and consular missions abroad''': http://www.norway.info/
More contact info: http://www.udi.no/contact
==Video==
Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type="website">video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites.
Please remove the "&" inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver,
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M" Video ID is "Y0US7oR_t3M".
==Information which might help==
'''You can lose your permanent residence permit if you do not stay in Norway'''
You will lose your permanent residence permit if you stay abroad for a continuous period of two years or more after being granted a permanent permit. The stay outside Norway will be deemed to have been continuous even if you have stayed in Norway for one or more periods of a certain duration.
You can, however, apply to stay abroad for more than two years without losing your permanent residence permit if you are to settle in Norway again after your stay abroad. However, this only applies if you:
*are to serve your military service or other equivalent service in your home country
*are to stay abroad in connection with work or education over and above upper secondary school
*are to stay abroad together with a spouse, cohabitant or parents staying abroad in connection with work or education
In order to be eligible for a permit to stay abroad for more than two years, you must submit an application to the Directorate of Immigration well before you have spent two years abroad. If you have submitted your application more than six months before the two-year deadline expired, you will not lose your permanent residence permit if you return to Norway within two weeks of being informed of a rejection of the application.
You must be able to document the purpose of your stay abroad.
How long you will be permitted to stay abroad depends on the duration of your subsequent connection with Norway and the purpose of the stay abroad.
'''EEA nationals can register in Norway instead of applying for a residence permit.'''
The registration scheme allows EEA nationals to live in Norway and for example work without applying for a residence permit, as long as they register with the police.
In is the Norwegian police which administer this scheme.
If you as a EEA national wish to stay in Norway for more than three months, you must have a basis for residence and you must register with the police. You must have a valid identity card or passport, and also document that you will not be a burden to public welfare services.
*To see if you are eligible or to know more about the scheme: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Central-topics/Work-and-residence/Work-and-residence-EUEEAEFTA-citizens/Temporary-registration-system-for-EEA-citizens/
==Other uses of the Document/Certificate==
Residence permit gives you a general right to stay, work or run a business in Norway indefinitely. Your protection against expulsion is also stronger than for a residence permit. A permanent residence permit also entitles you to repeated entry into Norway. Please note that you will need to renew your residence card, which is your proof that you have a permanent residence permit, every two years.
==External Links==
*Norwegian Directorate of Immigration: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Central-topics/Permanent-Residence-Permit/
==Others==
*Requirement to complete tuition in Norwegian language and social studies in order to be granted a permanent residence permit: http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Central-topics/Permanent-Residence-Permit/What-are-the-requirements-for-a-settlement-permit/Requirement-to-complete-tuition-in-Norwegian-language-and-social-studies-in-order-to-be-granted-a-permanent-residence-permit/
[[Category:Norway]]