UDI and immigration in Norway

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) is the central agency in Norway's immigration administration.

UDI processes applications and cases concerning protection (asylum), visitor visas, family immigration, residence permits for work and study, permanent residence, Norwegian citizenship and travel documents.

UDI also makes decisions in certain cases concerning rejection and expulsion. It considers cases that the police or Norwegian foreign missions are not authorised to decide and cases where it is uncertain whether a residence permit should be granted.

If you want to move to or stay in Norway, the type of application you need depends on your situation. Different rules apply to people coming for work, study, family immigration, protection and other purposes.

Many applications are started online through UDI's application system. Depending on the type of case, you may need to pay a fee, submit documents and attend an appointment with the police or another authority.

UDI is responsible for deciding many immigration cases, but it is not the only authority involved. The police, Norwegian foreign missions and other public authorities also have roles in the immigration administration.

If you have applied for a residence permit or protection, check your UDI application and messages regularly. Follow the instructions about documentation, appointments and deadlines.

If your circumstances change while your application is being processed, check whether you need to inform UDI or another authority.

A decision from UDI normally explains the result of your case and information about possible appeal rights. Read the decision carefully and follow the instructions and deadlines.

Use the official UDI website for current information about residence permits, protection, citizenship, permanent residence and other immigration matters.

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