Norway Sets 12 as Minimum Age for Foreigners Applying for Citizenship

How Norway’s Citizenship Age Requirement Works

The age requirement is outlined under Section 7 of Norway’s Nationality Act (Statsborgerloven). It establishes that applicants must be over 12 years old when their citizenship application is decided.

However, reaching the age of 12 does not automatically give a child the right to submit an application independently. According to UDI, applicants under 18 must have their parents, or the parent with sole parental responsibility, submit the citizenship application on their behalf.

Children who are over 12 must also give their consent before an application can be submitted for them. Those under 12 cannot apply independently and must be included in a parent's application or qualify through another applicable citizenship route.

Other Requirements for Norwegian Citizenship

Age is only one of several requirements for obtaining Norwegian citizenship. Foreign nationals must generally meet additional conditions, including:

• Having their identity verified, usually through a valid passport.

• Holding a valid residence permit or having applied for one before a decision is made.

• Meeting the required period of residence in Norway.

• Satisfying applicable Norwegian language and social studies requirements.

• Meeting other legal conditions relevant to their application category.

The exact requirements depend on the applicant's age, nationality, residence status and personal circumstances.

What the Norwegian Nationality Act Covers

The Norwegian Nationality Act regulates how foreign nationals can acquire, retain and lose Norwegian citizenship. It also establishes different procedures for adults and children seeking citizenship.

UDI is responsible for administering citizenship applications and providing guidance on eligibility, documentation and application procedures.

Norway's rules ensure that citizenship applications involving minors are handled with parental involvement and appropriate consent.

Ways Norwegian Citizens Can Lose Their Citizenship

Norwegian citizenship can also be lost under certain legal circumstances. One important rule concerns citizens born abroad who hold another nationality.

Under specific conditions, Norwegian citizens who have not lived in Norway for a combined period of two years, or in Norway and other Nordic countries for seven years, before reaching the age of 22 may automatically lose their Norwegian citizenship.

However, exceptions and procedures for retaining citizenship apply in certain cases.