How to Apply for Family Immigration to Norway: Complete 2025 Guide

Why Family Immigration Matters

One of the hardest parts of moving abroad isn’t paperwork—it’s being separated from your loved ones. I’ve worked with many expats who settled in Norway for work or study and quickly realized something was missing: family. That’s where family immigration to Norway comes in.

Applying for this permit allows spouses, partners, children, and sometimes even parents to join their loved ones in Norway. It’s not always straightforward—the rules are strict, and the documents required can feel endless—but with the right preparation, you can avoid unnecessary delays.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to apply for family immigration to Norway, what to expect at each step, and some practical insights I’ve learned from helping real families make the move.

What Is Family Immigration in Norway?

Family immigration is Norway’s way of ensuring close family members can live together legally. The rules are set by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), and who qualifies depends on your relationship with the person already living in Norway.

Who Can Apply?

You may qualify for family immigration if you are:

• Spouse or registered partner of a Norwegian citizen or resident.
• Cohabitant/partner (living together for at least two years).
• Children under 18 of a parent legally living in Norway.
• Parents of a child in Norway (in special cases).

👉 See Pytheas’ dedicated Family Immigration in Norway page for more details.

Requirements for Family Immigration

This is the part where many applications fail—not because families aren’t genuine, but because they don’t meet technical requirements.

Financial Requirements

The sponsor (the family member in Norway) must usually show a certain income level. For 2025, the minimum income requirement is NOK 305,000 annually before tax. Exceptions exist for students and refugees, but this threshold applies in most cases.

Housing Requirements

The family must have suitable housing—meaning enough space and a proper rental or ownership contract. Temporary arrangements (like hostels or shared rooms) often aren’t accepted.

Relationship Proof

You’ll need documents such as:

• Marriage certificate or partnership certificate.
• Proof of cohabitation (shared lease agreements, bills, joint accounts).
• Birth certificates for children.

💡 Pro tip: Make sure foreign documents are translated and legalized. I’ve seen multiple cases delayed simply because a marriage certificate wasn’t properly stamped or translated.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Family Immigration to Norway

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

Visit the UDI portal to select the correct family immigration category. Print the checklist—it becomes your roadmap.

Step 2: Gather Documents

Typical requirements include:

• Valid passports (both sponsor and applicant).
• Passport photos.
• Marriage/partnership/birth certificates.
• Proof of income (tax return, employment contract).
• Housing documentation.

Step 3: Submit Application Online

Create an account on UDI’s website, fill in the application, upload documents, and pay the fee.

Step 4: Book and Attend Appointment

If you’re abroad, this will be at a Norwegian embassy or consulate. If you’re already in Norway, you’ll book an appointment with the police.

At the appointment, you’ll hand in your documents, biometrics, and payment confirmation.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary widely:

• Spouse/partner permits: 10–12 months.
• Child permits: Usually faster, around 6–9 months.

Step 6: Receive Decision

If approved, you’ll receive a residence card. If denied, you can appeal within 3 weeks.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

From what I’ve seen, families often make the same mistakes:

• Incomplete applications: Leaving out one required document can delay processing for months.
• Income miscalculation: Sponsors sometimes forget to include overtime or bonuses that could help them meet the threshold.
• Unclear relationship proof: Especially for cohabitants, providing clear evidence of living together is key.

One Brazilian family I assisted nearly had their application denied because their rental contract was in the parents’ name, not theirs. We helped them secure a new contract in time.

Case Study: A Family’s Journey

A client of mine, Ahmed, moved to Oslo as a skilled IT worker. Six months later, he wanted to bring his wife and young daughter. The challenge? His wife’s documents were in Arabic and hadn’t been translated. That caused an initial rejection.

We resubmitted with certified translations, plus extra documentation of their marriage, and within four months, they were approved.

The lesson? Attention to detail can make or break your case.

Life After Family Immigration Approval

Once approved, your family can enjoy many of the same rights as other residents in Norway:

• Access to healthcare (through GP registration).
• Right to work (for spouses/partners).
• Schooling for children.
• Eligibility for permanent residence after three years, provided requirements are met.

This is where relocation services become crucial—finding housing, schools, and even understanding daily life in Norway. See Settling-in Services for more support.

Visual Guide: Family Immigration Timeline

Path to Permanent Residence & Citizenship

• Permanent Residence: After 3 years with family immigration, you may qualify if you meet language and integration requirements.
• Citizenship: Typically after 7–8 years of continuous residence, with exams in language and Norwegian society.

This makes family immigration not just about being together now, but building a long-term future in Norway.

FAQ: Family Immigration to Norway

Q1: How long does family immigration take in Norway?
Usually 10–12 months for spouses, faster for children.

Q2: Can my spouse work while waiting for approval?
Generally no, unless they have another permit. Once approved, they can work.

Q3: Do we need to be married to apply?
No, but cohabitants must prove at least two years of living together.

Q4: What if my income is below the requirement?
Applications are usually rejected unless exceptions apply (e.g., refugees).

Q5: Can parents join children in Norway?
In rare cases, yes—usually when the child is a Norwegian citizen and under 18.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Family immigration lets spouses, partners, and children join loved ones in Norway.
• Financial and housing requirements are strict—prepare carefully.
• Processing can take up to a year, so plan ahead.
• Approved permits open doors to permanent residence and citizenship.