Immigration
Latest news and information from Norway on immigration, migration, immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees.
Free legal aid for immigrants in Norway faces heavy funding cuts
What happens when you find yourself up against an unfair landlord, an abusive boss, or face discrimination in Norway? In one of the world’s most expensive countries, financial aid that thousands of immigrants rely on is suddenly under threat.
'Opportunities for all': What King Harald’s speech said about integration in Norway
As we enter the final months of the year, the government and the King have laid out their political roadmap for 2027. In the King's "Speech from the Throne", the message about immigration and integration was direct and firm.
REVEALED: What's the main reason driving foreigners to leave Norway?
Every year, around 30,000 people pack their bags and leave Norway. While many are simply returning home, a major research project has uncovered a surprising factor driving these departures.
Overqualified and underpaid: The reality facing Norway's foreign workers
Four in ten highly educated immigrants in Norway are currently employed in roles below their skill level. This mismatch takes a personal and financial toll on these workers and means Norway misses out on valuable talent.
REVEALED: Do foreigners make up most of the unemployed in Norway?
While overall unemployment in Norway remains relatively low (at 2.6 percent), the figures among foreign residents, despite representing a small minority of the total population, are alarming.
Do foreigners in Norway have to carry around ID?
When it comes to carrying identification in Norway, there's often confusion among foreigners about whether it's mandatory and in which situations it might be required.
How Norway aims to spend 96 million kroner more on language classes and integration
October is a key month to see how things unfold in Norway for the following year. With the question of integration high on the agenda and many needs still unmet, foreign residents should pay close attention to the upcoming 2027 budget negotiations.
'We truly understand that anxiety': The human side of Norway’s immigration system upgrade
Norway is rebuilding its immigration system through a six-year project. But will it be different this time, and are applicants truly being put first? The Local spoke to Henrik Hansen, Product Lead for the ModUlf project, to learn more.
EXPLAINED: Can simply being born in Norway grant you residency rights?
Can being born in Norway grant you or your children residency rights later in life? The answer depends on several factors, such as the nationality of the parents.
'Norway opens its doors': What international residents should know about 'Welcome Week'
Moving to Norway often comes with steep integration hurdles, particularly when it comes to breaking through the tight-knit local social circles. To help international residents build a sense of belonging, the founder of Unlock Norway has launched Welcome Week. Will you join the events?
Who qualifies for financial aid for leaving Norway?
Certain foreign nationals who choose to return home from Norway voluntarily or who those cannot legally stay in the country, can receive support with travel arrangements and financial assistance during the departure process. However, strict eligibility rules apply.
Who actually decides immigration and asylum cases in Norway?
It can be confusing to figure out how immigration decisions are made in Norway. The system is set up so that independent agencies and government ministers each have their own roles.
EU Commission mulls revision of Schengen visa rules and fees
The European Commission is planning a revision of Schengen rules on short-stay visas to make the EU’s visa policy "more coherent, secure and effective, while facilitating legitimate travel".
‘We are aware’: Norway's UDI responds to criticism over residency permit delays
After a recent survey by The Local revealed the harsh reality that foreigners face while waiting for residency permits in Norway, we asked the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) to respond.
Why your Norwegian family immigration application may be rejected and how to avoid it
Applications for family residence permits in Norway can be long and arduous. These are the most common reasons why they are turned down and what you can do to avoid it.
EXPLAINED: How to appeal an immigration rejection in Norway
The process of getting a residence permit or visa in Norway can be quite stressful at times. It can even end in your application being rejected. If that happens, here's what you can do.
How much does it cost to apply for residency and citizenship in Norway?
Whether you’ve got your eyes on a move or trip to Norway or really feel like setting down roots by cementing the long-term right to live in Norway via permanent residence and citizenship – you’ll likely want to know how much it will set you back.
'I'm a prisoner': Foreigners in Norway left unable to work or travel as they wait for UDI
Waiting for a response from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) does more than delay paperwork. It disrupts the lives of those moving to Norway. Readers of The Local shared how this uncertainty prevents them from working or traveling abroad.
Non-EU residents in Norway can now apply for national ID cards
In late 2025, authorities introduced national ID cards for foreign residents in Norway, but the service was initially limited to EU/EEA/EFTA nationals. Now, the scheme is expanding to cover all third-country residents. We explain how to get yours.
Inside ModUlf: How Norway is rebuilding its immigration system
If you are wondering whether Norwegian immigration authorities truly want to improve their processes, let us tell you about ModUlf, a six-year project that aims to change the harsh reality faced by people who endure long waits during their migration process in Norway. Will it succeed?
'Break the taboo': How racism affects Norway’s international nurses
Healthcare professionals have spoken out against racism in Norway's health services for years, but racial bias remains “defensively denied” across the country.
Could Norway end free public interpreter services for long-term foreign residents?
The state currently offers free public interpreters for essential services in Norway. However, a new parliamentary proposal may change this arrangement. What exactly is on the table?
Belong Nordic: The app to track your citizenship application in the Nordics
If you’ve ever left your home and moved abroad, you will know that there can be some confusing times. There’s usually a lot of paperwork involved too – visas, residency permits and even gaining a new nationality. While some parts of these processes are straightforward, others can be a minefield to figure out.