The Local Norway has already explored the questions of whether you can work whilst waiting for the UDI to process your permit, as well as looking at a list of recommended actions you can take during the limbo period.
But in this article we are looking into the key questions of whether you can travel? And what if you get sick or have a baby while you’re waiting?
To clear things up, we spoke with Maria Reiten Hindahl at Caritas Norge about your rights — and the risks — when you’re stuck in “limbo”. We also share advice from people who have been in the waiting game.
READ ALSO: UDI limbo - Can I work or volunteer in Norway whilst waiting for residency permit?
Travel
Maybe you’re longing to see family, or you’re just plain tired from waiting and need a change of scenery. But can you travel while your application is pending?
The truth is, it’s risky, and it all comes down to your nationality. While staying in Norway is allowed, leaving can create re-entry problems.
“There’s no rule that your application is automatically ‘abandoned’ simply because you leave,"Hindahl says.
That said, she says always review your specific regulations before making any travel plans.
If you are a "Visa-Free" National (from the USA, UK, many Latin American countries) “you can generally travel in and out of the country while your first-time residence application is pending," she says. However, you must follow the 90/180-day Schengen visitor rule: if you have already been in the Schengen area for 90 days, you usually need to stay outside for 90 days before you can return.
If your permit gets approved while you’re abroad, you can return immediately.
But here’s a tip from Hindahl. “It is recommended that you travel directly to Norway without transiting through another Schengen country, as you will not yet have a residence card," she says.
If you are a "Visa-Required" National (from many countries in Asia, Africa, and some in Latin America) the legal expert states clearly, “the rules are much stricter."
Traveling outside Norway while your application is pending is not recommended, as you generally cannot re-enter until your residence permit is granted. You are effectively "trapped" outside, as attempting to return (even on a tourist visa) may result in denial at the border.
“There are no exceptions for family immigration applicants with visa requirements, unlike for visa-free nationals," she warns. "The safest approach is to remain in Norway until your permit is approved”.
Healthcare: Are you covered?
Staying healthy is important. If this is your first application, you’re not in the National Registry (Folkeregisteret) yet, so you won’t have a fastlege (GP).
However, Hindahl indicates that “everyone staying in Norway — including applicants without a permit — has the right to emergency and necessary healthcare that cannot wait. This includes urgent medical treatment or life-threatening conditions.”
But don’t forget: this care isn’t free. Since you’re not a member of the National Insurance Scheme yet, you’ll probably get a bill.
The Daily Necessities: Bank, Phone & Tax
Prepare for some administrative frustration.
● Tax Card (Skattekort): You can apply for a tax card only after you have received your work rights. “A skattekort alone does not permit work”, Hindahl points out.
● Bank Account: Policies vary by bank, but it is generally not possible to open a bank account without a D-number or fødselsnummer.
● Getting a Norwegian Phone Number: This depends on the company. Most require a Norwegian ID, but some accept just a passport, so check with different providers.
Family: What if I have a child during the wait?
Some applicants start or expand their families while waiting for their residence permit. The legal expert highlights fundamental aspects you must know: “If you have a child with a Norwegian citizen while your family immigration application is pending, this can affect processing," says Hindahl.
● If the child is born after you apply: You can request prioritised processing from UDI.
● If the child was born before you applied: UDI will have already registered this in their system, and your application automatically receives priority.
Be aware of the financial reality. Without work rights, you are generally not eligible for financial support from NAV. Hindahl confirms that applicants waiting for a first-time residence permit “generally do not have the right to financial social assistance (økonomisk sosialhjelp), regular child benefits (barnetrygd), and one-time birth grants (engangsstønad). They require membership in the National Insurance Scheme.”
To Learn More:
● UDI - family immigration
● Norwegian Immigration Regulations
We thank Maria Reiten Hindahl, Advokatfullmektig at Caritas Norge, for providing expert legal information for this article. Caritas offers free legal aid and support for immigrants in Norway. caritas.no
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