Last Updated on February 23, 2023
UK nationals who have been legally living in Norway before December 31, 2020 when the UK withdraws from the EU may continue to live, study, and work in Norway through rights established through the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals who are residents of Norway by the end of the Brexit transition will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and their rights will be protected if they remain a resident. UK nationals should make sure they are registered as residents.
Entry and Residency Requirements
UK nationals will be able to stay in Norway if they were residents before December 31, 2020.
UK nationals who move to Norway before December 31, 2020 must register with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). UK nationals must complete an application form online and schedule an appointment. They must bring the printed application and any requested documents to the appointment. UK nationals can apply for their residency permit at the local service center for foreign workers (SUA). After obtaining a residency permit, UK nationals must apply for a Norwegian personal number from the local people register (Folkeregister).
All UK nationals who are residents of Norway on or before December 31, 2020 must get a new residency card, even if they have previously registered as residents. The new residency card will be introduced in January 2021.
UK nationals who move to Norway following the Brexit transition will be treated as non-EU citizens and subject to the same residency rules. UK nationals who arrive on or after January 1, 2021 without having previous residency status through 2020 must register as residents if they will be in Norway for more than 90 days.
Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Norway before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
Working in Norway
UK nationals who are residents of Norway can continue working in the country after the Brexit transition if they remain residents.
UK nationals should note that some jobs may require a UK criminal records check. After receiving a job offer, UK nationals must apply for a personal number at their local police station or the local service center for foreign workers.
Individuals who live in Norway and commute to work in another EU/EFTA country may need a permit proving that they are a frontier worker starting in January 2021. The Home Office will provide further details when guidance is available.
Passports
Rules on travel within the EU will stay the same through December 31, 2020. During that time, UK nationals may travel to countries in the EU and Schengen area with their UK passport. UK nationals should ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their trip. Individuals who have a British Citizen passport do not need a visa to enter Malta.
Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Norway before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
In February 2021, the Norwegian government will launch a new application system for UK nationals to help prove their residency status when traveling. Between January 1, 2021 and the time they receive their new residency card, UK nationals must carry one of the following documents to prove their residency:
- Registration certificate
- Residence Permit
- Residence certificate (bostedsattest)
Residence certificates are available from the Norwegian Tax Administration viaAltinn.
