Country Update 2024: NORWAY

Contributed by: Arild Humlen (Humlen Advokater AS)

May 2024

1. Legislative changes

New expulsion directive – where children are involved, the main rule is non-expulsion but a prolonged period before issuing permanent residence.

2. Business Immigration

No significant changes in law or practice

·       Business visitors

·       Temporary immigration categories

·       Employment-based immigration (work and residence permits)

·       Highly Skilled immigration (Blue Card etc)

·       Investment-based immigration (Investors/Entrepreneurs)

3. Family based immigration

The threshold for economic foundation has been raised. Now Nkr 296,417 (EURO 25,491)

4. Asylum

Iran and converts – very strict regulations, Iran and its hijab laws do not qualify for refugee status. Tendency towards more restricted regulation, except Ukranian citizens, who are granted temporary protection.

5. Deportation

See above regarding the reduce use of expulsion and deportation when children are involved in Norway.

6. Citizenship

Dual citizenship is still the norm.

Loss of citizenship for living too long abroad will now qualify you for a work permit based on humanitarian grounds.