Obtaining a Norwegian Passport: The Complete Guide

Published on November 13, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Obtaining a Norwegian passport might seem like a complex process, but with the right information and clear steps, it becomes an accessible procedure. Norway stands out for its exceptional quality of life and the ease of traveling with one of the world’s most powerful passports.

In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to turn this dream into reality, from understanding the eligibility criteria to the precise administrative procedures to follow, including practical tips to make the process smoother and more accessible.

Whether for professional, personal reasons, or to broaden your cultural horizons, adopting Norwegian nationality and obtaining this precious document can transform your life experience.

Essential Steps to Obtain a Norwegian Passport

Eligibility Verification

To obtain a Norwegian passport, you must be a Norwegian citizen. This criterion is fundamental: without Norwegian nationality, the application is not admissible. It is necessary to have a Norwegian national identity number before you can submit an application.

Required Documents for the Application

Carefully prepare the following documents:

• Duly completed application form (filled out online when booking the appointment)
• Proof of Norwegian citizenship (e.g., official birth certificate or certificate of nationality)
• Valid identification (Norwegian ID card, driver’s license, or old passport in case of renewal)
• Recent ID photo compliant with official standards (35 x 45 mm format, plain background, clear face)
• For minors: birth certificate, family record book, parental consent, and ID of the accompanying parent
• If applicable: documents proving legal residence (for residents abroad), marriage or divorce papers

Appointment Booking Procedure

The Norwegian passport application is made exclusively by appointment with the relevant local authorities (police station or consulate).

The process is as follows:

1. Fill out the application form online on the official website.
2. Book an appointment online at your chosen time and location.
3. Print the appointment confirmation to present on the day.

Cost of the Norwegian Passport

Passport Type	Applicant Age	Fee (NOK)
Ordinary Passport	Over 16 years	1,290
Ordinary Passport	Under 16 years	770
Temporary Passport (Emergency)	Any Age	1,690

Accepted Payment Methods

Payment is generally made by bank card (Visa/MasterCard), including at consulates and embassies. Cash is rarely accepted, and some cards, like American Express, may be refused.

Documents Required for Initial Application

• Proof of Identity: old passport or valid ID card
• Proof of legal residence in Norway (if applying in Norway)
• Birth certificate for children or first-time applications
• Recent ID photo compliant with Norwegian standards (often taken on-site)
• For minors: written consent from both parents or legal guardians, and proof of parental authority

Documents Required for Renewal

• Previous passport (even if expired)
• Proof of residence if applying abroad
• Recent ID photo (if not taken on-site)
• For minors: same parental consent requirements as for a first application

Application Process

• Book an appointment at a Norwegian police station, embassy, or consulate.
• Present the required documents and proceed with fingerprinting and photo (biometrics).
• Pay the fees when submitting the application.
• The passport is generally collected in person at the same location.
• Standard processing time: 7 to 10 business days in Norway, 2 to 4 weeks abroad (depends on the submission location and time of year).

Specific Requirements for Minors

• Child’s presence mandatory when submitting the application.
• Written consent from both parents or holders of parental authority.
• Provide the birth certificate and, if applicable, documents proving custody or exclusive parental authority.

Emergency (Temporary) Passport

• Issued in case of proven necessity (unexpected travel, loss or theft of passport).
• Procedures to be carried out at a police station, embassy, or consulate.
• Supporting documents: proof of urgency (plane ticket, professional or medical reason, etc.).
• Specific fee: 1,690 NOK.
• Limited validity (generally 1 year or less), and not always accepted by all countries.

Recommendations and Practical Considerations

• Check your passport’s validity before any trip: many countries require a remaining validity of at least 3 to 6 months.
• For any application from abroad, anticipate longer processing times and ensure appointment slots are available.
• For families traveling with children, prepare exit authorization documents if necessary.
• Processing times may lengthen during summer or high-demand periods; it is recommended to apply for renewal several months in advance.
• In case of loss or theft, immediately report the incident to local authorities and apply for an emergency passport if needed.

Practical Tip

To facilitate the procedure, prepare all supporting documents in advance, verify photo compliance, and prioritize booking appointments online with the relevant administration.

Processing Times for Obtaining a Passport

Standard processing times for obtaining a passport in Norway:

Submission Method	Average Processing Time
Online Application	7 to 8 weeks
In-Person Application	7 to 8 weeks

• Application submission must be done in person with Norwegian authorities or, for French nationals, with the relevant consular section.
• No immediate issuance is possible; the passport is not manufactured on-site.

Factors That Can Influence Processing Duration:

• Time of Year: School holidays, summer, or other high-demand periods can lead to extended processing times.
• Volume of Applications: A significant influx of applications prolongs waiting times.
• Incomplete Documents: Any incomplete file, error in forms, or missing document delays processing.
• Additional Checks: Identity or nationality verifications, requested on a case-by-case basis, can lengthen the procedure.

Expediting the Process in Case of Emergency:

In case of genuine emergency (serious illness, death of a relative, unexpected business travel), it is sometimes possible to request a temporary passport or an expedited appointment, subject to presenting the necessary supporting documents.

This type of issuance remains exceptional and depends on the assessment of the competent authorities.

Importance of a Complete File:

List of Documents to Prepare:

• Valid identification (old passport or ID card)
• Proof of address
• Compliant ID photos
• Completed application form
• Payment of application fees

⚠️ Ensure you provide all required documents upon submission to avoid any delays.

Tips for Tracking Your Application:

• After submission, the application status can be checked online using the receipt number provided when the file was submitted.
• The applicant is usually notified by email as soon as the passport is available.
• It is recommended to regularly check the progress of the file via the official portal or the relevant consular service.

Practical Recommendations:

• Plan the renewal application several months before the passport expires.
• Avoid high-traffic periods (holidays, early summer) to reduce waiting time.
• Carefully prepare all documents before the appointment.

Visual Summary of Steps:

Step	Description
Booking an Appointment	Online or by phone depending on the submission location
Application Submission	Mandatory presence of the applicant and minor children
Document Verification	Immediate check of file completeness
Processing and Manufacturing	7 to 8 weeks, variable depending on the period
Application Tracking	Online consultation with the receipt number
Passport Collection	Upon summons or email notification

Advantages of Owning a Norwegian Passport

Power of the Norwegian Passport and International Mobility

The Norwegian passport ranks among the most powerful in the world, holding 4th place in the international ranking in 2025. It allows travel without a visa or with a visa on arrival to 188 countries, thus offering great freedom of movement. This includes facilitated access to major destinations like Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. For comparison, only a few passports – such as those of Singapore or Japan – offer access to more countries (up to 195 destinations), while the global average remains much lower.

Country	Number of Countries Accessible Without Visa or with Visa on Arrival
Singapore	195
Japan	193
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, South Korea	192
Norway, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden	191-188
United Kingdom	186
United States	182

Advantages Related to Norwegian Citizenship

• Access to Healthcare Services: Norwegian citizens benefit from a universal healthcare system, recognized for its quality, accessibility, and comprehensive coverage.
• High-Quality Education: Education, from kindergarten to university, is free or at very low cost. Norway stands out for its reputable university institutions and globally recognized educational excellence.

Life Privileges in Norway

• High Quality of Life: Norway is regularly ranked among the countries offering the best quality of life, thanks to a preserved natural environment, very low pollution levels, and an exemplary work-life balance.
• Safety: The country has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, ensuring a sense of security in daily life.
• Advanced Social Services: Citizens benefit from strong social protections, including unemployment, retirement, family support, and various allowances.
• Employment Prospects: The Norwegian economy is stable, with a low unemployment rate and numerous opportunities in innovative sectors (energy, technology, finance, etc.).

Summary of Main Benefits:

• Travel easily to 188 countries without a prior visa
• Guaranteed access to one of the world’s best healthcare and education systems
• Live in a safe, stable, and prosperous country
• Enjoy strong social rights and a dynamic economy

The Norwegian passport is not just a travel document, but also a symbol of citizenship associated with some of the world’s most attractive social, economic, and human advantages.