Norwegian Dual Citizenship: Rules and Restrictions
Dual citizenship, also known as multiple citizenship, allows an individual to hold the nationality of two or more countries simultaneously. Norway has specific rules regarding dual citizenship, which have evolved over time. Below is a comprehensive guide to understanding Norwegian dual citizenship, including eligibility, restrictions, and the legal framework.
1. Is Dual Citizenship Allowed in Norway?
Yes, Norway allows dual (or multiple) citizenship , but there are important conditions and exceptions. The rules were updated in 2020 to make it easier for Norwegians to retain their citizenship while acquiring another nationality. However, the ability to hold dual citizenship depends on the laws of both Norway and your other country of nationality.
Key Points:
- Norwegian Citizens: If you are already a Norwegian citizen, you can acquire another nationality without losing your Norwegian citizenship.
- Foreign Nationals: If you are applying for Norwegian citizenship, you may retain your original nationality only if your home country allows dual citizenship .
2. How to Acquire Norwegian Citizenship
There are several ways to acquire Norwegian citizenship, each with its own requirements:
A. By Birth (Jus Sanguinis and Jus Soli)
- Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood): A child born to at least one Norwegian parent automatically acquires Norwegian citizenship, regardless of where they are born.
- Jus Soli (Right of Soil): Children born in Norway to foreign parents may acquire Norwegian citizenship if:
- At least one parent has lived in Norway for a significant period (usually seven years).
- The child does not acquire another nationality at birth.
B. Through Naturalization
Foreign nationals can apply for Norwegian citizenship through naturalization after meeting the following criteria:
- Residency Requirement: You must have legally resided in Norway for at least seven years (or three years if married to a Norwegian citizen).
- Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in Norwegian, typically at the B1 level.
- Integration: You must pass a civic integration exam, which tests your knowledge of Norwegian society, culture, and laws.
- Good Character: You must have a clean criminal record and be financially self-sufficient.
C. By Declaration
Certain individuals can acquire Norwegian citizenship by declaration, including:
- Stateless persons born in Norway.
- Former Norwegian citizens who lost their nationality due to outdated laws.
3. Retaining Dual Citizenship
Norway allows dual citizenship under the following conditions:
A. For Norwegian Citizens
- If you are a Norwegian citizen and acquire another nationality, you do not lose your Norwegian citizenship .
- This applies even if your new country of nationality requires you to renounce your original citizenship (e.g., Japan or India).
B. For Foreign Nationals
- If you are applying for Norwegian citizenship, you can retain your original nationality only if your home country permits dual citizenship .
- If your home country does not allow dual citizenship, you may be required to renounce your original nationality before becoming a Norwegian citizen.
4. Benefits of Norwegian Dual Citizenship
Holding Norwegian citizenship offers numerous advantages, especially within the European Economic Area (EEA) and Schengen Zone:
- Freedom of Movement: As a Norwegian citizen, you can live, work, and travel freely across all EEA member states and Switzerland.
- Access to Social Services: You’ll have access to Norway’s high-quality healthcare, education, and social welfare systems.
- Political Rights: You can vote and run for office in local and national elections.
- Passport Privileges: The Norwegian passport is highly ranked globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.
5. Restrictions and Considerations
While Norway allows dual citizenship, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind:
A. Military Service
If you hold dual citizenship and your other country of nationality requires compulsory military service, you may face obligations in that country. Norway does not enforce mandatory military service for dual citizens unless they voluntarily join the Norwegian Armed Forces.
B. Tax Implications
Norway taxes residents on their worldwide income. If your other country of citizenship also taxes global income (e.g., the United States), you may face double taxation. To mitigate this, Norway has tax treaties with many countries to prevent double taxation.
C. Loss of Original Citizenship
If your home country does not permit dual citizenship, acquiring Norwegian citizenship may result in the automatic loss of your original nationality. For example:
- India: Indian citizens who voluntarily acquire another nationality lose their Indian citizenship.
- Japan: Japanese citizens must renounce their nationality before acquiring another.
D. Complexity in Legal Matters
Holding dual citizenship can complicate legal matters, such as inheritance, property ownership, or child custody, as you may be subject to the laws of both countries.
6. Renouncing Norwegian Citizenship
If you decide to renounce Norwegian citizenship, you must formally apply to do so. Renunciation is only possible if you already hold another nationality, as Norway does not allow statelessness.
Steps to Renounce Norwegian Citizenship:
- Submit a written request to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
- Provide proof of your other nationality.
- Pay any applicable fees.
7. Special Cases
A. Stateless Persons
Norway has provisions to grant citizenship to stateless individuals who have lived in the country for an extended period (usually seven years). This helps prevent statelessness and ensures these individuals have legal rights.
B. Adopted Children
Children adopted by Norwegian citizens may acquire Norwegian citizenship, even if they were born outside Norway. The adoption process must comply with Norwegian law.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I pass Norwegian citizenship to my children if I’m a dual citizen?
Yes, Norwegian citizenship is passed down to children through jus sanguinis , regardless of whether you hold another nationality.
Q: Does Norway recognize citizenship by investment?
No, Norway does not offer a citizenship-by-investment program. You must meet residency, language, and integration requirements to become a citizen.
Q: What happens if I commit a crime after becoming a Norwegian citizen?
Serious crimes committed after acquiring Norwegian citizenship could potentially lead to revocation of citizenship, but this is rare and subject to strict legal procedures.
