---
title: "Norway Spouse of a resident 2026: from NOK 410k/yr needed"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/norway/family-immigration/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-12
---

Norway · Spouse visas

# Norway Spouse of a resident

**Income needed:** from NOK 410k a year ≈ $43k

Family immigration permit for the spouse or cohabitant of a foreign national (Immigration Act Sections 40-41)

Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

- **Income needed:** from NOK 410k a year ≈ $43k (Income of at least NOK 436,957 a year (≈ $45,600) · Sponsor's secured funds of 3.2 times the National Insurance basic amount G (NOK 136,549 from 1 May 2026) for the period applied for. Income of at least NOK 409,972 a year (≈ $42,800) · Sponsor's registered income in the previous year of 3.2 times the average basic amount for that year (NOK 128,116 in 2025). A fee of NOK 11,900 (≈ $1,240) · First application fee for family immigration; NOK 4,400 for a renewal filed before the permit expires; applicants under 18 pay half.)
- **First stay:** 3 yrs (First permit up to three years, at least one year, and not beyond the sponsor's permit; permanent residence after three years of qualifying residence.)
- **Who can apply:** Most passports

## Key facts

Spouse of a resident is a spouse visas route for Norway. Applicants need income from NOK 410k a year ≈ $43k. You can stay 3 yrs, renewable. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source.

- **Money needed:** from NOK 410k a year ≈ $43k
- **Government fees:** NOK 12k ≈ $1,240
- **First stay:** 3 yrs

## Cost, time and long term

To apply: government fee NOK 12k ≈ $1,240; income to show from NOK 410k/yr ≈ $43k. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

**Government fees: NOK 12k ≈ $1,240**

- NOK 11,900 (≈ $1,240) First application fee for family immigration; NOK 4,400 (≈ $460) for a renewal filed before the permit expires; applicants under 18 pay half.

**Shown, not spent: NOK 437k+/yr ≈ $46k · NOK 410k+/yr ≈ $43k**

- NOK 436,957 a year (≈ $45,600) Sponsor's secured funds of 3.2 times the National Insurance basic amount G (NOK 136,549 (≈ $14,300) from 1 May 2026) for the period applied for.
- NOK 409,972 a year (≈ $42,800) Sponsor's registered income in the previous year of 3.2 times the average basic amount for that year (NOK 128,116 (≈ $13,400) in 2025).

**Renewal: Renewable**

The first permit is for up to three years and can be renewed.

[Lovdata](https://lovdata.no/dokument/NLE/lov/2008-05-15-35)

**Permanent residence: After 3 years of residence**

Permanent residence after three years of continuous residence on a qualifying permit.

[Lovdata](https://lovdata.no/dokument/NLE/lov/2008-05-15-35) [Norwegian Directorate of Immigration](https://www.udi.no/en/word-definitions/calculating-the-residence-period-for-permanent-residence-permits/)

**Citizenship: After 8 years of residence**

Citizenship needs 8 years of residence in Norway during the last 11 years.

[Norwegian Directorate of Immigration](https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/citizenship/shorter-residency-requirement-for-certain-groups/)

**Presence rules: Away max 7 months in total**

For permanent residence you cannot have been outside Norway more than 7 months in total over the 3 years; skilled workers may be away up to 15 months if at least 8 were work travel for the employer.

[Norwegian Directorate of Immigration](https://www.udi.no/en/word-definitions/calculating-the-residence-period-for-permanent-residence-permits/)

## Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

- Not open to EU, EEA or Swiss passports

### What you'll need

#### Who can apply

- Applicant is the spouse or cohabitant of a foreign national with a permanent residence permit, or a permit that can provide a basis for a permanent residence permit.
- Both applicant and sponsor are at least 18, and at least 24 unless the marriage or cohabitation began before the sponsor entered Norway or in Norway while both held a permit or citizenship.
- The spouses live together unless particular circumstances indicate otherwise, and the marriage is not mainly to create a basis for residence.
- An unmarried partner qualifies after two years of established cohabitation, or with a joint child or a child expected together, and neither partner is married.
- Only one spouse is admitted where the sponsor has several spouses, and none if the sponsor is already married to a spouse living in Norway.

#### What you must show

- The sponsor must show secured funds of at least 3.2 times the National Insurance basic amount (G) for the period applied for, from work, benefits, pensions or study funding.
- The sponsor must also have had registered income of at least 3.2 times G in the previous year, with exceptions such as higher education, military service or net wealth above NOK 1 million (≈ $104,000).
- From 1 May 2026 G is NOK 136,549, (≈ $14,300) so 3.2 times G is NOK 436,957 (≈ $45,600).

#### Steps

1. The permit can be refused if the sponsor does not consent or the marriage was entered into against the will of either party.

#### After you arrive

- A first permit is granted for up to three years and at least one year, and cannot outlast the sponsor's own permit.
- A permanent residence permit is available after three years of residence on a permit that leads to permanence, with language and social studies training completed and 12 months of self-support.

## When you become tax resident

How Norway decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

- **Stay on this route:** **Up to 3 years at first, renewable**
- **Tax residence:** - **More than 183 days in any 12-month period** Presence in Norway for more than 183 days in one or more periods makes a person resident for the income year in which the limit is passed.
- **More than 270 days in any 36-month period** Presence in Norway for more than 270 days in any 36-month period also makes a person resident, except for persons resident on Svalbard.
- **Foreign-source income:** Norwegian tax residents are taxed on worldwide income and wealth: 22% on general income plus bracket tax of 1.7% to 17.8% on personal income above NOK 226,100, (≈ $23,600) and employees pay 7.6% national insurance contributions.

[All tax rules for Norway](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/norway/tax/) Tax records checked 12 Oct 2026

**Full official text**

Residence permit for the spouse or cohabitant of a foreigner with a permanent residence permit or a permit that can lead to a permanent permit, with work rights and a path to permanent residence. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4)

#### What you must show and pay

- Income of at least NOK 436,957 a year (≈ $45,600) · Sponsor's secured funds of 3.2 times the National Insurance basic amount G (NOK 136,549 (≈ $14,300) from 1 May 2026) for the period applied for. (sources 2, 3)
- Income of at least NOK 409,972 a year (≈ $42,800) · Sponsor's registered income in the previous year of 3.2 times the average basic amount for that year (NOK 128,116 (≈ $13,400) in 2025). (sources 2, 3)
- A fee of NOK 11,900 (≈ $1,240) · First application fee for family immigration; NOK 4,400 (≈ $460) for a renewal filed before the permit expires; applicants under 18 pay half. (source 4)

#### Requirements

- Applicant is the spouse or cohabitant of a foreign national with a permanent residence permit, or a permit that can provide a basis for a permanent residence permit. (source 1)
- Both applicant and sponsor are at least 18, and at least 24 unless the marriage or cohabitation began before the sponsor entered Norway or in Norway while both held a permit or citizenship. (source 1)
- The spouses live together unless particular circumstances indicate otherwise, and the marriage is not mainly to create a basis for residence. (source 1)
- An unmarried partner qualifies after two years of established cohabitation, or with a joint child or a child expected together, and neither partner is married. (source 1)
- Only one spouse is admitted where the sponsor has several spouses, and none if the sponsor is already married to a spouse living in Norway. (source 1)
- The sponsor must show secured funds of at least 3.2 times the National Insurance basic amount (G) for the period applied for, from work, benefits, pensions or study funding. (sources 2, 3)
- The sponsor must also have had registered income of at least 3.2 times G in the previous year, with exceptions such as higher education, military service or net wealth above NOK 1 million (≈ $104,000). (sources 2, 3)
- From 1 May 2026 G is NOK 136,549, (≈ $14,300) so 3.2 times G is NOK 436,957 (≈ $45,600). (source 3)
- The permit can be refused if the sponsor does not consent or the marriage was entered into against the will of either party. (source 1)
- A first permit is granted for up to three years and at least one year, and cannot outlast the sponsor's own permit. (source 1)
- A permanent residence permit is available after three years of residence on a permit that leads to permanence, with language and social studies training completed and 12 months of self-support. (source 1)

#### Stay

- First permit up to three years, at least one year, and not beyond the sponsor's permit; permanent residence after three years of qualifying residence.
- First stay: 12 to 36 months, decided case by case.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

#### Nationality

Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

#### Work

The permit gives the right to take employment and run a business anywhere in Norway.

Checked 2026-10-12

## Official sources

1. [Immigration Act (Act of 15 May 2008 No. 35), English translation](https://lovdata.no/dokument/NLE/lov/2008-05-15-35) · Lovdata · checked 2026-10-11
2. [Immigration Regulations (utlendingsforskriften), chapters 6 and 10](https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2009-10-15-1286) · Lovdata (Norwegian legislation) · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Grunnbeløpet i folketrygden (National Insurance basic amount)](https://www.nav.no/grunnbelopet) · NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) · checked 2026-10-12
4. [Regulation on foreigners' entry and residence (utlendingsforskriften), section 17-10: processing fees for residence permits](https://lovdata.no/forskrift/2009-10-15-1286/%C2%A717-10) · Lovdata (Norwegian regulation text) · checked 2026-10-11
5. [The residence period for permanent residence permits](https://www.udi.no/en/word-definitions/calculating-the-residence-period-for-permanent-residence-permits/) · Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) · checked 2026-10-12
6. [Shorter residence requirement for certain groups: Citizenship (main rule 8 of the last 11 years)](https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/citizenship/shorter-residency-requirement-for-certain-groups/) · Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) · checked 2026-10-12

## Spouse of a resident and its alternatives

| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Spouse of a resident | Needs income from NOK 410k a year ≈ $43k | 3 yr, renewable | – |
| [Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/norway/spouse-of-citizen/) | Needs income from NOK 410k a year ≈ $43k | 3 yr, renewable | – |
| [Fiancé permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/norway/fiance-permit/) | – | 6 mo | – |
| [Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/spouse-of-citizen/) Portugal | – | – | – |
| [Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/family-reunification/) Spain | Needs income of €900+ a month ≈ $1,010 | – | Yes |

## Questions people ask

### How much money do I need for the Spouse of a resident?

Income of at least NOK 436,957 a year (≈ $45,600). Sponsor's secured funds of 3.2 times the National Insurance basic amount G (NOK 136,549 (≈ $14,300) from 1 May 2026) for the period applied for. Income of at least NOK 409,972 a year (≈ $42,800). Sponsor's registered income in the previous year of 3.2 times the average basic amount for that year (NOK 128,116 (≈ $13,400) in 2025). A fee of NOK 11,900 (≈ $1,240). First application fee for family immigration; NOK 4,400 (≈ $460) for a renewal filed before the permit expires; applicants under 18 pay half.

### How long can I stay on the Spouse of a resident?

First permit up to three years, at least one year, and not beyond the sponsor's permit; permanent residence after three years of qualifying residence.

### Can I work on the Spouse of a resident?

The permit gives the right to take employment and run a business anywhere in Norway.

### Who can apply for the Spouse of a resident?

Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

### Does the Spouse of a resident lead to permanent residence in Norway?

Time on the Spouse of a resident counts toward permanent residence in Norway, which the rules allow after 3 years of residence. Time on the Spouse of a resident counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 8 years of residence.

### How are Spouse of a resident holders taxed in Norway?

No special regime in our records is tied to the Spouse of a resident. The standard rules apply: Norwegian tax residents are taxed on worldwide income and wealth: 22% on general income plus bracket tax of 1.7% to 17.8% on personal income above NOK 226,100, (≈ $23,600) and employees pay 7.6% national insurance contributions.

## More in Norway

[Working Holiday · Andorra](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/norway/working-holiday-ad/) [Working Holiday · Argentina](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/norway/working-holiday-ar/) [Working Holiday · Australia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/norway/working-holiday-au/) [Working Holiday · Canada](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/norway/working-holiday-ca/) [Working Holiday · Japan](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/norway/working-holiday-jp/) [Working Holiday · New Zealand](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/norway/working-holiday-nz/) [Self-employed · Assignment](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/norway/self-employed-abroad-assignment/) [Self-employed permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/norway/self-employed/)

## Spouse and partner visas elsewhere

[🇬🇪 Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) [🇮🇹 Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) [🇬🇷 Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/spouse-of-citizen/) [🇫🇷 Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) [🇬🇧 Fiancé visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/fiance-visa/) [🇳🇱 Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/spouse-of-citizen/)

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

## How this was checked

**Checked on 2026-10-12 against 6 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

1. [Immigration Act (Act of 15 May 2008 No. 35), English translation](https://lovdata.no/dokument/NLE/lov/2008-05-15-35) · Lovdata · checked 2026-10-11
2. [Immigration Regulations (utlendingsforskriften), chapters 6 and 10](https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2009-10-15-1286) · Lovdata (Norwegian legislation) · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Grunnbeløpet i folketrygden (National Insurance basic amount)](https://www.nav.no/grunnbelopet) · NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) · checked 2026-10-12
4. [Regulation on foreigners' entry and residence (utlendingsforskriften), section 17-10: processing fees for residence permits](https://lovdata.no/forskrift/2009-10-15-1286/%C2%A717-10) · Lovdata (Norwegian regulation text) · checked 2026-10-11
5. [The residence period for permanent residence permits](https://www.udi.no/en/word-definitions/calculating-the-residence-period-for-permanent-residence-permits/) · Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) · checked 2026-10-12
6. [Shorter residence requirement for certain groups: Citizenship (main rule 8 of the last 11 years)](https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/citizenship/shorter-residency-requirement-for-certain-groups/) · Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) · checked 2026-10-12

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.