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Resettlement Refugee / Quota Refugee (Overføringsflyktning / Kvoteflyktning)
NorwayNorway•Europe
Open

Resettlement Refugee / Quota Refugee (Overføringsflyktning / Kvoteflyktning)

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

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

Not confirmed

Check the official source

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Overview

Resettlement permit for UNHCR-referred refugees meeting UN Convention criteria; 5-year initial renewable permit with permanent residence pathway after 5 continuous years in Norway.

Norway's Resettlement Refugee program provides a safe pathway for refugees referred by the UNHCR and selected through annual quotas. The program serves vulnerable individuals unable to return home or remain safely in current asylum settings, fulfilling Norway's obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention. Selection is entirely dependent on UNHCR referrals; individuals cannot apply directly.

The initial permit grants 5 years of residence and is renewable. Permanent residence becomes available after 5 years of continuous residence in Norway. Beneficiaries receive comprehensive integration support including language training, access to the welfare state, and work authorization. Dependents can join on dependent visas, and spouses may work without restrictions.

This visa is ideal for individuals or families vetted by the UNHCR as facing acute humanitarian threats, such as torture survivors, victims of violence, or those with critical medical needs unmet in their current environment.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years

Annual Cap & Quota

Determined annually by Parliament

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

Must be registered as a refugee by the UNHCR.

Must be unable to return to the home country or remain safely in the country of first asylum.

Must be referred by the UNHCR to the Norwegian authorities (individuals cannot apply directly).

Must meet the criteria of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention or qualify for subsidiary protection.

Must be selected by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) based on annual quotas set by the Norwegian Parliament.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

UNHCR registration documents.

Identity documents (if available).

Medical assessment forms (for medical cases).

Family relationship documentation.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Renewable 5-year permit — no hard expiration if requirements maintained
  • Path to permanent residence after 5 years of continuous residence in Norway
  • Immediate unrestricted work authorization upon arrival
  • Spouse authorized to work without restrictions
  • Dependents qualifying; family reunification supported
  • Access to Norwegian integration program including language training
  • No application fees required for resettlement visa
  • Full access to Norwegian public services and social welfare system

Worth Knowing

  • UNHCR referral required — applicants cannot self-initiate the process
  • Limited by annual Parliamentary quota; highly competitive based on humanitarian need
  • Settlement location assigned by authorities, not applicant choice
  • Processing timeline varies by case complexity and logistics; can be extended
  • Must be registered with UNHCR as refugee — requires qualification under 1951 Refugee Convention
  • Security screening and background assessment required before approval

Application Process

1

Contact the local UNHCR field office in the country of asylum.

2

UNHCR assesses the case and, if appropriate, submits a referral to Norway.

3

UDI reviews the referral, often conducting interviews (selection missions) or reviewing dossiers.

4

UDI makes a decision on granting a residence permit.

5

If approved, the Directorate of Integration and Diversity (IMDi) arranges settlement in a Norwegian municipality.

6

Norwegian foreign service missions issue necessary travel documents and entry visas.

7

Arrival in Norway and registration with local police.

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