How much does it cost to apply for citizenship?

There are several fees in this process, and they go to different bodies. Adding up just one of them is a common underestimate.

The costs, one by one

The exam fee goes to the kommune. In our overview of 57 kommunes, it ranges between 600 and 1,300 kroner, with around 1,000 being the most common. It's paid per attempt.

The application fee goes to UDI, and applies to the application for citizenship or permanent residence. Rates change, and they differ between the two applications. UDI has the current amounts.

The Norwegian language test has its own fee, if you need it. It's a different test to the samfunnskunnskapsprøven (social studies test).

What people forget

That the exam fee is paid per attempt. If you fail once, you've paid twice, and two attempts in an expensive kommune add up to over 2,500 kroner just on the exam.

It's the one cost you can actually control. Taking a free practice exam before you sign up costs nothing, and it's the cheapest way to find out if you're ready.

Can you choose a cheaper option?

On the exam fee, yes. You're not tied to the kommune you live in, and the difference between two exam venues can be several hundred kroner.

On the application fee, no. It's fixed per application type.

Check the rates when you apply

Fees are adjusted. The figures here are meant to show the order of magnitude and where the money goes, not to be a price list. UDI and the exam venue have the current rates.