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Family Immigration - Foster Child (Familieinnvandring - fosterbarn)
NorwayNorway•Europe
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Family Immigration - Foster Child (Familieinnvandring - fosterbarn)

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

NOK kr 5,950

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Foster children joining foster parents in Norway; under 18, NOK 5,950 application fee, pathway to permanent residency.

The Norwegian foster child residence permit allows minors under 18 in permanent care of foster parents residing in Norway to obtain residency. It recognizes foster relationships as family bonds under the Norwegian Immigration Act. Foster parents must be approved by child welfare authorities, demonstrate long-term commitment, and hold a valid residence permit.

The application fee is NOK 5,950. The permit is renewable and provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years. Dependents are allowed, and foster parents must meet specific income and housing requirements.

This visa is ideal for minors with established foster care relationships seeking to reunite with parents now residing in Norway.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Residence Permit (Permanent oppholdstillatelse)
Norway flagNorway

Permanent Residence Permit (Permanent oppholdstillatelse)

ValidityIndefinite. The permanent residence permit allows holders to live and work in Norway without a time limit. A residence card is issued as proof of status and is valid for two years at a time, but the underlying permit is permanent.
Processing2.0–2.1 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

The applicant must be under 18 years of age.

The applicant must have lived on a permanent basis with the foster parents in their home country.

The foster parents in Norway must have confirmation from authorities in the home country that they have parental responsibility for the child.

The foster parents must be approved by the Child Welfare Service (Barnevernet) in Norway.

The reference person (foster parent) must have a valid residence permit that forms the basis for a permanent residence permit.

The reference person must meet specific income and housing requirements.

The applicant must document their identity.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

416,512 NOK/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Marriage certificate

Police certificate

Health clearance

Birth certificate

Proof of income (sponsor)

Employment letter (sponsor)

Proof of accommodation (sponsor)

Tax return (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Leads to permanent residency after 3 years of residence in Norway
  • Reduced application fee of NOK 5,950 for first-time applicants under 18
  • Renewable permit with pathway to long-term stability
  • Access to full Norwegian education and healthcare systems as a legal resident
  • Can eventually convert to permanent residence permit
  • Clarifies foster child qualification in Norwegian family immigration law
  • No job offer or professional qualifications required
  • Applicants benefit from same legal protections as biological children of residents

Worth Knowing

  • Applicant must be under 18 years old at time of application
  • Foster parents must meet strict Child Welfare Service approval process
  • Sponsor must demonstrate minimum annual income of NOK 416,512
  • Requires extensive documentation proving established foster relationship in home country
  • Processing time varies and depends on individual case review
  • Applicant age cap of 18 years means qualification window closes at adulthood

Application Process

1

Verify qualification

Both spouses must be 24+, marriage must be valid

2

Prepare documentation

Gather marriage certificate, financial documents, housing proof

3

Submit application

Apply electronically through UDI from home country

4

Attend interview

Appointment at Norwegian embassy/consulate

5

Background checks

Medical exam and police certificate if required

6

Receive decision

UDI provides visa/residence permit decision

Application Forms

Family Immigration Application—

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