Temporary regulations to ensure continued right of residence for British citizens in Norway

The regulation applies to persons who have a right of residence or permanent residence in Norway when the UK leaves the EU. This ensures a continuation of the rights for all who have exercised their right to free movement before exit day. The regulation also applies to British citizens who are employed or self-employed in Norway, but who return to their home country on a regular basis, and continue to pursue such activities after exit day (frontier workers). In addition, the regulation applies to British citizens who are service providers in Norway and carry out temporary assignments at the time the UK leaves the EU

The regulation applies only if the UK leaves the EU without a withdrawal agreement.

It is not necessary to submit an application for residence in order to be covered by this temporary regulation. The temporary regulations shall apply until the permanent regulation implementing the agreement on citizens' rights between the EEA/EFTA states and UK enter into force. The permanent regulation will be adopted when the date of the UK's exit from the EU is certain, and will enter into force when a new application procedure is in place. In accordance with the agreement, this regulation will ensure that persons who reside legally in Norway when the UK leaves the EU can continue to stay here on the same conditions. Persons who fulfill the conditions for permanent residence according to the EEA regulations can obtain a permanent residence permit. Persons who fulfill the right of residence according to the EEA regulations can obtain a residence permit which forms the basis for a permanent residence permit.

British citizens should register

The regulation also applies to persons who have a right of residence at the time the UK leaves the EU, but who have not yet registered. However, unregistered British citizens will lack documentation of legal residence. The Norwegian authorities are therefore urging British citizens to register as soon as possible. After exit day, it will no longer be possible to register according to EEA rules online.

Documentation

Until a new application procedure is in place, UK citizens and their family members can continue to use their registration certificate, permanent residence card or residence card (for family members who are not EEA citizens) as documentation of legal residence in Norway. Norway has informed the Commission that these documents confirm the right of residence in Norway, and they will be listed in the Commission's "Practical Handbook for Border Personnel (Schengen Handbook)", Appendix 22, if the UK leaves the EU without an agreement.

UK citizens who were granted a residence permit or a permanent residence permit before the EEA citizens registration scheme entered into force in 2009, retain their residence permit after the UK leaves the EU. This also applies to British citizens who have been granted a residence permit under the regulations applicable to citizens of countries outside the EEA. When travelling abroad, British citizens, who do not hold a registration certificate, may temporary use a residence certificate from the Tax Administration proving legal residence in Norway at exit date. This applies until a residence cards can be issued under a new procedure. The residence certificate can be ordered via Altinn. This document will also be listed in Appendix 22 to the Schengen Handbook, confirming legal residence in Norway.

British citizens moving to Norway after the withdrawal date

British citizens who want to move to Norway after the UK has left the EU must apply for a residence permit in accordance with the Immigration Act's general rules for citizens from countries outside the EEA.

More information about the situation for British citizens in Norway as a result of brexit can be found here:

• How will Brexit affect British citizens living in Norway?
• What will happen if Brexit happens on 31 October?