https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Norway in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed Getting approval from immigration authorities in Norway is a long process that takes a heavy mental and physical toll. Readers of The Local explain how their lives have been impacted whilst waiting for Norwegian authorities to respond. https://www.thelocal.no/20260414/i-am-powerless-the-human-cost-of-norways-immigration-waiting-game Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:35:55 +0200 i-am-powerless-the-human-cost-of-norways-immigration-waiting-game If you want to live and work in Norway legally, dealing with the country's immigration authorities is unavoidable. The Local asked readers about their experiences with the "expected waiting times" and found that these estimates are often a far cry from reality. https://www.thelocal.no/20260409/its-a-joke-foreigners-in-norway-warn-against-trusting-udi-wait-times Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:24:23 +0200 its-a-joke-foreigners-in-norway-warn-against-trusting-udi-wait-times Bureaucratic backlogs and rule changes on residency rights are having an increasing impact on the lives of foreigners living around Europe. Many say they have been left in legal limbo with their lives effectively on hold. https://www.thelocal.no/20260411/a-nightmare-lives-of-foreigners-across-europe-hit-by-residency-card-delays Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:53:39 +0200 a-nightmare-lives-of-foreigners-across-europe-hit-by-residency-card-delays Has your life in Norway been put on hold because you have been left waiting for months and months for the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) to resolve you case? We want to hear from you. https://www.thelocal.no/20260401/have-your-say-how-are-norways-udi-waiting-times-affecting-you Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:22:56 +0200 have-your-say-how-are-norways-udi-waiting-times-affecting-you When applying for Norwegian residence or citizenship, you can sometimes be left with a long and frustrating wait for an answer. So, are there any ways applicants can check the progress of their applications? https://www.thelocal.no/20250326/can-you-track-the-progress-of-your-norwegian-residence-and-citizenship-applications Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:53:56 +0100 can-you-track-the-progress-of-your-norwegian-residence-and-citizenship-applications Data reveals that the pass rates for Norway's citizenship and social studies tests vary hugely around the country. https://www.thelocal.no/20260220/how-hard-is-it-to-pass-norways-citizenship-and-social-studies-tests Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:53:37 +0100 how-hard-is-it-to-pass-norways-citizenship-and-social-studies-tests Certain countries across Europe demand foreign citizens pass a language test to qualify for certain residency permits. But how does each country compare and what level of language do they require? https://www.thelocal.no/20260307/which-countries-in-europe-impose-language-tests-for-residency-permits Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:36:10 +0100 which-countries-in-europe-impose-language-tests-for-residency-permits How do you cancel your residency when leaving Norway – and do you even need to do so? The Local looks into the rules. https://www.thelocal.no/20230120/reader-question-do-you-need-to-cancel-your-residency-when-moving-from-norway Fri, 20 Jan 2023 17:03:34 +0100 reader-question-do-you-need-to-cancel-your-residency-when-moving-from-norway The EU hands out thousands of Blue Cards to highly-skilled third country nationals each year, according to the latest figures. But which nationalities receive the most and which EU country gives out the most? https://www.thelocal.no/20260204/which-nationalities-get-the-most-eu-blue-cards-and-where-do-they-go Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:56:51 +0100 which-nationalities-get-the-most-eu-blue-cards-and-where-do-they-go Waiting for the UDI to deliver your Norwegian residency permit can be a frustrating experience that can last months. So are you allowed to travel abroad during this time? And what about healthcare cover? https://www.thelocal.no/20251202/udi-limbo-can-you-travel-abroad-whilst-waiting-for-your-norwegian-residence-permit Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:24:32 +0100 udi-limbo-can-you-travel-abroad-whilst-waiting-for-your-norwegian-residence-permit Even though you can't work whilst waiting for the UDI to process your Norwegian residency permit it doesn't mean you shouldn't make the most of the limbo period, explains Irene Andrade. https://www.thelocal.no/20251128/udi-limbo-what-you-should-do-if-youre-waiting-for-a-norwegian-residency-permit Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:48:57 +0100 udi-limbo-what-you-should-do-if-youre-waiting-for-a-norwegian-residency-permit Upon moving to Norway, you may initially receive a D-number, which is a temporary identity number issued by the Norwegian Tax Agency. But how do you switch to a social security number – the fødselsnummer? https://www.thelocal.no/20240130/how-to-switch-from-a-d-number-to-a-fodelsnumber-in-norway Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:24:12 +0100 how-to-switch-from-a-d-number-to-a-fodelsnumber-in-norway Waiting for a residence permit in Norway can feel like your life is on pause. You’re physically here, but the legal limbo leaves you uncertain about what you can and can't do - especially when it comes to working or volunteering. https://www.thelocal.no/20251121/udi-limbo-can-i-work-or-volunteer-in-norway-whilst-waiting-for-residency-permit Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:58:41 +0100 udi-limbo-can-i-work-or-volunteer-in-norway-whilst-waiting-for-residency-permit Navigating Norway's immigration laws can be complex. Fortunately, several organisations provide free guidance to people facing immigration challenges. https://www.thelocal.no/20240213/explained-where-to-get-free-immigration-advice-in-norway Tue, 13 Feb 2024 12:02:18 +0100 explained-where-to-get-free-immigration-advice-in-norway Many people move to Norway for love, coming to the country to be with their Norwegian spouse. Being married to a Norwegian comes with several benefits. https://www.thelocal.no/20231115/what-rights-do-you-have-if-you-are-married-to-a-norwegian Wed, 15 Nov 2023 16:01:14 +0100 what-rights-do-you-have-if-you-are-married-to-a-norwegian Finishing work and heading off to a glorious new life as a retiree in Europe is the dream for many, but just how easy is it to do in reality? We compare the rules in 9 countries in Europe. https://www.thelocal.no/20231119/compare-which-country-in-europe-is-it-the-easiest-to-retire-to Sun, 19 Nov 2023 10:52:52 +0100 compare-which-country-in-europe-is-it-the-easiest-to-retire-to Failure to provide fully accurate details when submitting an application for Norwegian residence or citizenship can later result in it being stripped by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). https://www.thelocal.no/20230419/how-norwegian-authorities-can-revoke-residence-over-wrong-details Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:58:28 +0200 how-norwegian-authorities-can-revoke-residence-over-wrong-details So, you’ve been offered a job in Norway, and the excitement and anticipation have begun to kick in. From your contract to your tax card and bank account, there are several things you’ll need before you start. https://www.thelocal.no/20240112/the-things-you-need-to-be-able-to-start-a-job-in-norway Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:56:04 +0100 the-things-you-need-to-be-able-to-start-a-job-in-norway Norwegian citizenship is an attractive proposition, especially as dual citizenship is allowed. What are the rules for becoming a Norwegian citizen or resident if your relatives are from Norway? https://www.thelocal.no/20231013/reader-question-can-you-be-granted-norwegian-citizenship-through-ancestry Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:15:25 +0200 reader-question-can-you-be-granted-norwegian-citizenship-through-ancestry Navigating the Norwegian immigration process, including obtaining work permits and residency permits, can be a daunting task. It's no surprise then that many people think they need a lawyer to help them. https://www.thelocal.no/20231025/do-you-need-a-lawyer-in-norway-for-work-permit-or-residency-problems Wed, 25 Oct 2023 17:55:35 +0200 do-you-need-a-lawyer-in-norway-for-work-permit-or-residency-problems