Family immigration with a spouse
For spouses of someone who lives in Norway with a permit, PR or Norwegian/Nordic citizenship.
The Family immigration with a spouse is a Norwegian family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~NOK 11,900) and processing time (~3-10 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Family immigration with a spouse is for
For spouses of someone who lives in Norway with a permit, PR or Norwegian/Nordic citizenship.
Counts towards permanent residence, generally after 3 years of marriage/residence.
Family immigration with a spouse - eligibility criteria
- Legally married to the reference person in Norway
- Reference person meets the income requirement
- Both parties are over 24 (in many cases)
- Intend to live together in Norway
- Housing available for the family
Family immigration with a spouse cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Family immigration with a spouse (Norway) is ~NOK 11,900, with an indicative processing time of ~3-10 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at UDI (Norway).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside Norway |
| Length of stay | Usually same length as the reference person's permit |
| Work rights | Full work rights (permit usually allows work) |
| Study rights | Study permitted |
| Government fee | ~NOK 11,900 |
| Processing time | ~3-10 months |
| Route to PR | Counts towards permanent residence, generally after 3 years of marriage/residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Counts towards permanent residence, generally after 3 years of marriage/residence.
Many applicants also compare Family (Cohabitant) · Family immigration with a cohabitant, Fiancé · Residence permit for fiancés (intended spouse), Permanent · Permanent residence permit. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Norwegian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Family immigration with a spouse pitfalls we fix
Family immigration with a spouse - frequently asked questions
How much does the Family immigration with a spouse cost?
The Family immigration with a spouse government fee is ~NOK 11,900. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at UDI (Norway) before applying.
How long does the Family immigration with a spouse take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3-10 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Family immigration with a spouse lead to permanent residence?
Counts towards permanent residence, generally after 3 years of marriage/residence.
Can I work on the Family immigration with a spouse?
Work rights: Full work rights (permit usually allows work).
Who can apply for the Family immigration with a spouse?
For spouses of someone who lives in Norway with a permit, PR or Norwegian/Nordic citizenship.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Norway government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- UDI (Norway) - official Norway immigration authority