Dual Citizenship in Norway Explained

Since 1 January 2020, Norway has allowed a Norwegian citizen to hold one or more other citizenships. You do not need a separate Norwegian form to request dual citizenship or tell UDI that you wish to keep an existing citizenship when applying to become Norwegian.

Norway cannot preserve your other citizenship

Norwegian law allowing multiple citizenships does not control another country's law. Your current country may automatically withdraw citizenship, require notice, restrict public office or apply special rules to military service. Check an official government source or contact that country's embassy before relying on dual status.

Citizenship and residence are different

Dual citizenship is not a shortcut through Norway's naturalisation requirements. You must qualify for Norwegian citizenship under the rules for your applicant group. Applying for citizenship also does not extend a residence permit; keep your lawful residence valid while waiting.

Rights and responsibilities

As a Norwegian citizen you have the same rights and obligations toward Norway as other Norwegian citizens. Multiple citizenship can allow more than one passport, but each country decides which passport its citizens must use at its border. Verify travel rules before departure.

Consular assistance can also be limited. If you are in a country whose citizenship you hold, that country may treat you only as its citizen, making it difficult for Norwegian authorities to assist. Military-service and tax questions require separate analysis; citizenship alone does not determine every tax obligation.

Children and citizenship

Whether a child receives Norwegian or another citizenship at birth depends on the law in force and the parents' circumstances. Register births and parentage correctly, and check passport rules with both countries. Do not assume that holding two passports proves every underlying registration is complete.

Before applying for Norwegian citizenship

1. Confirm your Norwegian applicant category and requirements through UDI.

2. Check the law of every citizenship you already hold.

3. Review possible effects on passports, property, inheritance, public roles and military obligations.

4. Keep copies of citizenship and civil-status decisions.

5. Maintain a valid Norwegian residence status until citizenship is granted.

A note for former Norwegian citizens

Historical loss and restoration rules can depend on when and how another citizenship was acquired. UDI has separate guidance for former Norwegian citizens. Do not apply today's rules retrospectively without checking the relevant dates.

Conclusion

Dual citizenship can make family and travel life easier, but it also means interacting with more than one legal system. Confirm both sides before making an irreversible decision.

If you need help with this process in Norway, Norwygo consultants can guide you through the steps and help avoid common mistakes.