Reached the age of 22 between 1 January 1925 and 31 December 1950

If you reached the age of 22 between 1 January 1925 and 31 December 1950 then you automatically lost your Norwegian citizenship on your 22nd birthday if you:

  • acquired Norwegian citizenship when you were born, and
  • were born outside Norway, and
  • have not resided in Norway before reaching 22 years of age.

If your father or your husband lost their Norwegian citizenship when reaching the age of 22, then you lost your citizenship as well.

If your mother lost her Norwegian citizenship when reaching the age of 22, and she was not married to your father, then you lost your citizenship as well.

You do not lose your citizenship, however, if you have applied to retain your Norwegian citizenship and you have received a letter of decision from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security affirming that you were allowed to retain your Norwegian citizenship after reaching 22 years of age (retention of citizenship).

Documentation requirements

Documentation showing that you have not lost your Norwegian citizenship

If you acquired Norwegian citizenship after you were born because you or your parents either applied for, or submitted notification of, citizenship on your behalf, acceptable documentation may include:

  • letter of decision/certificate from Norwegian authorities showing when and how you became a citizen of Norway.

If you automatically acquired Norwegian citizenship when your parents entered into marriage, then you must provide:

  • documentation showing that only your father was Norwegian when you were born, and
  • a marriage certificate showing that your parents entered into marriage after you were born, but before you reached the age of 18.

If you were born in Norway:

  • birth certificate or baptism certificate showing where you were born.

If you were born abroad, you must document that you have resided in Norway before reaching the age of 22. Acceptable documentation may include:

  • military service book (vernepliktsbok) or other form of confirmation from the Norwegian Armed Forces, or
  • transcripts or confirmation from your school showing that you have completed an education in Norway, or
  • confirmation, letter of reference or the like from your employer showing that you have worked in Norway, or
  • written statement outlining where and how long you have resided in Norway, or
  • a copy of an old passport showing that you have lived in Norway, photos, statements from relatives and others.
  • andre. 

If you have received a letter of decision affirming that you are allowed to retain your Norwegian citizenship (retention of citizenship):

  • letter of decision/certificate from Norwegian authorities showing that you were allowed to retain your Norwegian citizenship.

Applicable law

"The Norwegian Nationality Act of 8 August 1924, no 3".