If you are a foreign citizen and want to stay long-term in Norway, you must do one of the following: register with the authorities, apply for a visitor's visa or apply for a residence permit.

Go to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website to apply for a visitor's visa or residence permit.

Check how long it will take to process your application.

Do you want to stay longer in Norway? Go to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website to renew your residence permit.

Check how long it will take to process your application.

Book an appointment with the police when you have received your residence permit. We will issue you with a residence card. We take your photo and fingerprints.

To book an appointment, go to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website and log into the appointments portal.

Have you applied for protection (asylum)?

Were you given a residence permit when you applied for protection (asylum)? You must phone the police and make an appointment to get your residence card.

When will the residence card arrive?

You will receive your residence card in the post around 20 days after your appointment with the police. It is important that the full names of everyone in the family are marked on your mailbox. The postal service will not delivery your residence card unless your name is on the mailbox. Undelivered cards are returned to the police.

Who needs a residence card?

If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you do not need a residence card. Everyone else who is given a residence permit in Norway must get a residence card. Go to the UDI's website to find out how to get a residence card.

Do you need to renew or replace your residence card?

If you have a permanent residence permit, you must order a new card well before the old one expires.

If your residence card is lost or stolen, or it is damaged or contains incorrect information, you can order a new one.

Read more about how to order a new residence card on the UDI's website.