Permanent right of residence for an EU/EEA citizen

This route concerns an EU/EEA citizen who has lived in Norway under the EU/EEA rules. After five years of qualifying continuous residence, you may have a permanent right of residence. Some employees or self-employed people, and family members living with them, may qualify sooner in specific circumstances such as retirement, permanent incapacity for work or qualifying cross-border work. It is a different legal route from a permanent residence permit.

What the five years mean

Living in Norway for five calendar years is not enough on its own. You need to show that you had a right of residence during the period, for example through work, self-employment, studies or sufficient resources. Changes in circumstances and periods abroad can affect the assessment. A registration certificate confirms registration, but does not by itself prove that you met the conditions throughout the period.

What to prepare

Collect proof of identity and documents covering the relevant years, such as employment records, study records or other evidence of your basis for residence. Follow UDI's checklist for permanent right of residence and submit the application and documents through the procedure it specifies. The authorities review the evidence before issuing a document confirming the right.

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