Can I Live with My Girlfriend in Norway?

Yes, you can absolutely live with your girlfriend in Norway. There are no legal restrictions preventing unmarried couples from cohabiting, and it's a very common living arrangement in the country.

Understanding Cohabitation in Norway (Samboerskap)

Unlike marriage, there is no formal registration procedure for cohabitation (often referred to as samboerskap) in Norway. This means you do not need to register your relationship status with any government body specifically to live together. This informal approach offers flexibility for couples.

However, while there's no mandatory registration, cohabitation can have implications for various administrative processes, especially concerning shared finances, property, or immigration matters.

• Proof of Cohabitation: If you ever need official confirmation that you are living with someone (e.g., for visa applications, social benefits, or other administrative purposes), you can obtain a residence certificate from the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). This certificate serves as official documentation of your shared address.

Key Considerations for Moving to Norway

While living with your girlfriend is permissible, both of you must individually meet Norway's general requirements for residency and living in the country.

1. Residency and Visa Requirements

Your ability to live in Norway depends primarily on your citizenship:

• EU/EEA Citizens: If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country, you generally have the right to live, work, and study in Norway. You must register your stay with the police within three months of arrival.

• Non-EU/EEA Citizens: If you are a citizen from outside the EU/EEA, you will typically need a visa or a residency permit. Common types of permits include:

  • Work Permit: If you have a job offer in Norway.
  • Study Permit: If you are admitted to a Norwegian educational institution.
  • Family Immigration Permit: If one partner is already a resident of Norway or is a Norwegian citizen, the other partner may be able to apply for family immigration based on the relationship. This often requires proving the relationship is genuine and meeting specific financial requirements.

  For detailed information on visa and permit requirements, always consult the official website of the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI): www.udi.no

2. Practical Steps for Settling In

Once you have established your right to reside in Norway, there are several practical steps to take:

• Find Housing: Secure an apartment or house. Rental agreements are typically in writing. Websites like Finn.no are common for finding rentals.
• Register Your Address: Both individuals must register their address with the National Registry (Folkeregisteret) at the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) upon arrival. This is crucial for obtaining a Norwegian national identity number (fødselsnummer or D-number), which is essential for almost all official transactions.
• Open a Bank Account: You'll need a Norwegian bank account for salary, bills, and daily expenses.
• Understand Healthcare: Once registered in the National Registry, you will typically gain access to the Norwegian public healthcare system.

3. Financial and Legal Aspects of Cohabitation

While cohabitation is informal, it's wise to consider specific arrangements, especially regarding finances:

• Shared Expenses: Clearly define how you will share rent, utilities, food, and other household costs.
• Individual Finances: In a cohabiting relationship, each partner generally retains ownership of their assets and debts unless explicitly agreed otherwise.
• Cohabitation Agreement (Samboeravtale): Many cohabiting couples choose to create a written cohabitation agreement. This informal contract outlines financial arrangements, ownership of assets acquired during the relationship, and how assets would be divided if the relationship ends. While not legally mandatory, it can provide clarity and prevent disputes. You can find templates or seek legal advice to draft one.
• Inheritance and Social Security: Cohabiting partners do not automatically inherit from each other and may have different social security rights compared to married couples. It's important to be aware of these differences and plan accordingly (e.g., through wills or joint agreements) if necessary.

By addressing both the cohabitation aspect and the general requirements for living in Norway, you and your girlfriend can successfully establish your life together in the country.