Family (Spouse) vs Family (Cohabitant): which Norwegian visa is right for you?
Two family routes: family immigration as a married spouse, or as a cohabitant - the evidence of the relationship and the qualifying conditions differ.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Family immigration with a spouse (Family (Spouse)) | Family immigration with a cohabitant (Family (Cohabitant)) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | For spouses of someone who lives in Norway with a permit, PR or Norwegian/Nordic citizenship. | For unmarried partners who have lived together with a reference person in Norway. |
| Government cost | ~NOK 11,900 | ~NOK 11,900 |
| Processing time | ~3-10 months | ~3-10 months |
| Length of stay | Usually same length as the reference person's permit | Usually same length as the reference person's permit |
| Where to apply | Outside or inside Norway | Outside or inside Norway |
| Work rights | Full work rights (permit usually allows work) | Full work rights (permit usually allows work) |
| Pathway to PR | Counts towards permanent residence, generally after 3 years of marriage/residence. | Counts towards permanent residence, generally after 3 years of residence. |
Which is right for you?
Family immigration with a spouse (Family (Spouse))
For spouses of someone who lives in Norway with a permit, PR or Norwegian/Nordic citizenship.
Full Family (Spouse) guide →Family immigration with a cohabitant (Family (Cohabitant))
For unmarried partners who have lived together with a reference person in Norway.
Full Family (Cohabitant) guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Family (Spouse) or Family (Cohabitant)?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Family immigration with a spouse (Family (Spouse)) is the lowest at ~NOK 11,900. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Family (Spouse) or Family (Cohabitant)?
Indicatively Family immigration with a spouse (Family (Spouse)) is the quickest at ~3-10 months. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Do all of these lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Family (Spouse): Counts towards permanent residence, generally after 3 years of marriage/residence. Family (Cohabitant): Counts towards permanent residence, generally after 3 years of residence.
What's the main difference between Family (Spouse) and Family (Cohabitant)?
Family immigration with a spouse (Family (Spouse)) is for for spouses of someone who lives in Norway with a permit, PR or Norwegian/Nordic citizenship. Family immigration with a cohabitant (Family (Cohabitant)) is for for unmarried partners who have lived together with a reference person in Norway.