Family Reunification Visa in Norway: A Comprehensive Guide

12 February، 2025

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Norway offers a family reunification visa for non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to join their family members residing legally in the country. This visa allows spouses, children, and sometimes other dependent relatives to live together in Norway. If you’re planning to apply for a family reunification visa, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria, required documents, application process, and associated costs. Here’s everything you need to know:

1. Who Can Apply for Family Reunification?

Family reunification is typically available for the following categories of family members:

Spouse or Registered Partner: You can apply if you are married to or in a registered partnership with a person legally residing in Norway.
Children Under 18: Unmarried minor children of the sponsor (the person already residing in Norway) are eligible.
Dependent Relatives: In exceptional cases, dependent parents or other relatives may qualify, but this requires special approval.

The sponsor must hold a valid residence permit and meet certain conditions, such as stable income and adequate housing.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a family reunification visa, both the sponsor and the applicant must meet specific requirements:

For the Sponsor (Residing in Norway):

Must have a valid residence permit (e.g., work permit, student visa, or permanent residency).
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support the family member(s). This usually means earning at least NOK 256,072 annually (approximately €24,000) for one additional family member, with an additional NOK 96,024 (approximately €9,000) per extra family member.
Must provide proof of adequate housing that meets Norwegian standards (e.g., sufficient space and safety).
Must have health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members.

For the Applicant (Joining Family Member):

Must prove the family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
Must pass a medical examination to ensure they do not pose a public health risk.
May need to demonstrate basic knowledge of the Norwegian language , depending on the sponsor’s status and the length of stay.

3. Required Documents

Both the sponsor and the applicant must submit a set of documents to support the application. These include:

Documents from the Sponsor:

Valid residence permit or proof of legal stay in Norway.
Proof of income (e.g., employment contract, payslips, tax returns).
Rental agreement or property ownership documents showing adequate housing.
Health insurance policy covering the family member(s).

Documents from the Applicant:

Completed visa application form.
Valid passport with at least six months of validity.
Recent passport-sized photos meeting Norwegian visa requirements.
Birth certificate or marriage certificate (translated into Norwegian or English if necessary).
Medical certificate confirming good health.
Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country.
Proof of language proficiency (if required).

4. Application Process

The family reunification process involves several steps:

Step 1: Submit the Application

The sponsor must first request authorization for family reunification from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) .
Once approved, the applicant can submit their visa application at the Norwegian embassy or consulate in their home country.

Step 2: Attend an Interview

Some applicants may be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate to verify the authenticity of their relationship with the sponsor.

Step 3: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary but typically take 3–6 months . Delays can occur due to incomplete documentation or high application volumes.

Step 4: Travel to Norway

Upon visa approval, the applicant can travel to Norway. They must register with the local police station within seven days of arrival to obtain a residence card.

5. Costs Involved

Several fees are associated with the family reunification process:

Visa Fee: Approximately NOK 3,100–3,500 (€300–€350) for adults and NOK 1,500–1,800 (€150–€180) for children under 18.
Translation and Legalization Fees: If documents need to be translated or apostilled, additional costs will apply.
Medical Examination: Costs depend on the applicant’s home country.
Health Insurance: Mandatory for all family members joining the sponsor.

6. Language Requirements

In some cases, applicants may need to demonstrate basic knowledge of the Norwegian language. This requirement depends on:

The type of residence permit held by the sponsor.
The duration of the planned stay in Norway.

For example:

If the sponsor has permanent residency, the applicant may need to pass a Norwegian language test (A1 level).

7. Rights and Obligations After Arrival

Once the family member arrives in Norway:

They receive a residence permit valid for one year, renewable annually.
They have the right to work, study, and access healthcare, provided they comply with Norwegian laws.
They must integrate into Norwegian society, which may include attending language courses or civic integration programs.

8. Common Challenges and Tips

Proving Financial Stability: Sponsors should maintain detailed records of their income and expenses to avoid delays.
Document Authentication: Ensure all documents are properly translated, legalized, or apostilled before submission.
Timely Renewal: Residence permits must be renewed before expiration to avoid penalties or deportation.