Quick answer
The Residence Permit for Family Immigration (family reunification) allows spouses, cohabitants, children, and certain other close relatives of a person living in Norway to join them. To apply, you must register online, pay the fee, and then submit your documents at a VFS application centre abroad. Processing is done by UDI, and after approval you must obtain a residence card from the police within seven days of arriving in Norway [1][2][3].
Key facts
| Who can apply | Spouse, cohabitant, non-adult child, parent of a child in Norway, fiancé(e), foster child, full sibling lacking caregiver, or dependent adult child of a person living in Norway[1] |
| Application process | Register online and pay fee, then submit documents at a VFS application centre in your country of origin or residence[3][4][5] |
| Processing time | Varies; check UDI's website for current waiting times[8] |
| Arrival requirement | Book a police appointment within seven days of arrival to obtain a residence card[9] |
Requirements
Don't want to read through this yourself? Answer a few questions and see exactly which category fits your situation.
You must submit your passport with the application. It will be kept during processing if you need a visa.
Pay the fee online when registering your application. The amount depends on the permit type.
Remote work is not permitted from Norway. You cannot work for a foreign employer while staying in Norway under a residence permit without a separate work authorization.
Gather all required documents as listed in the relevant checklist on UDI's website. Missing documents may delay processing.
Documents you'll need
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Check eligibility: You must be a spouse, cohabitant, child, or another qualifying family member of a person living in Norway [1].
- 2
Register your application online on UDI's website and pay the application fee [3].
- 3
Print and sign the confirmation email (cover letter) [3].
- 4
Book an appointment at a VFS application centre in your country of origin or residence [5].
- 5
Bring your passport, signed cover letter, and all required documents to the appointment [6][7].
- 6
Wait for UDI to process your application; you will be notified by email when a decision is made [8].
- 7
If approved, travel to Norway and book a police appointment within seven days to get your residence card [9].
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Family immigration is for spouse, cohabitant, or non-adult child of a person living in Norway.
Frequently asked questions about family immigration - UDI · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
Other eligible family members include parents with children in Norway, fiancé(e), full siblings lacking caregiver, dependent adult children, and foster children.
Frequently asked questions about family immigration - UDI · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
Adult siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are not eligible for family immigration.
Frequently asked questions about family immigration - UDI · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
Applications must be registered online and the fee paid before submitting documents.
Frequently asked questions about family immigration - UDI · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
The applicant must submit the application from their country of origin or country of residence.
Frequently asked questions about family immigration - UDI · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
After online registration, an appointment must be made at a VFS application centre to hand in documents.
Frequently asked questions about family immigration - UDI · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Missing documents may delay the application process.
Residence permit - Norway in the United States · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [8]
Applicants must bring their passport and all required documents to the appointment.
Residence permit - Norway in the United States · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [9]
Processing is done by UDI; processing times are published on UDI's website.
Residence permit - Norway in the United States · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Norway's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Norway's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.