Students with family
Family immigration is a time-consuming process and may take up to 5-9 months to complete.
STUDENTS WITH FAMILY
For students who plan to bring their family to Norway, the main challenge is usually related to finances and housing. This is especially important for students from countries outside the EU/EFTA area.
Norway is considered a high-cost country, and living expenses can be much higher than in many other parts of the world. Students from countries with lower living costs may therefore find it expensive to support both themselves and their family while studying in Norway.
To apply for family reunification, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) requires documentation of sufficient income. The minimum income requirement is currently NOK 351 432 per year pre-tax per year (subject to annual changes). You must also provide confirmation of suitable family accommodation in Norway.
For detailed and updated information, please visit the UDI WEBSITE .
Important: We strongly recommend submitting family reunification applications together with the student residence permit application before arriving in Norway.
Applications submitted after arrival may take around 12 months to process, and the application may not be completed during your study period.
Please note that UiT and the Student Counselling Centre cannot influence or prioritise applications processed by UDI.
Our housing guarantee (as stated in your Letter for Visa Purposes) applies only to single rooms and not to family flat studios. If you intend to apply for a family apartment, you must notify the Housing Department .
NB! Family flat studios are very limited. Applicants are often placed on a long waiting list, and it may take several weeks to receive a final answer. We strongly recommend considering private housing options as well.
Many students choose to leave their spouses and/or children in their home countries while studying in Norway. Although this can be emotionally difficult, students who plan for temporary separation are often better prepared than those applying for family immigration.
If you need emotional support, please contact the Student Counselling Centre . This confidential service is free of charge for students.
If you are more than three months pregnant, we strongly recommend contacting the Admission Office at admissions@uit.no to check whether it is possible to defer your study place until the next academic year.
Based on experience, it can be difficult for pregnant students without a strong family network in Norway to maintain normal study progression before and after childbirth. Delays in progression may affect immigration matters.
NB! Most social security benefits in Norway are linked to your student status. You must normally have been a student in Norway for at least six months to qualify for childbirth benefits.
The Arctic Student Welfare Organisation of Norway operates several kindergartens for children aged 0–6 years.
Kindergarten fees are not covered by the Norwegian state. However, students may apply for reduced parental fees. The full-time fee for one child is NOK 2,665, while a 50% part-time place costs NOK 1,505. Discounts are available for siblings.
The Student Counselling Centre provides individual counselling, information, and social activities for students at UiT.
Speaking with a professional during difficult situations can help you organise your thoughts, find solutions, and make positive changes in your life.
International students may also receive guidance concerning:
- Family reunification
- Economic benefits for families with children
- Childcare services and kindergarten places
Last changed: 10.06.2026 17.33
