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Child abduction from or to Norway

The assistance provided by the Norwegian authorities will depend on whether your child has been abducted to a signatory country to one of the international conventions on child abduction. The information on these pages has therefore been divided

What is an international parental child abduction?

A typical example of parental child abduction is when a child is wrongfully taken out of the country by one if its parents, contrary to the other parent’s custody rights. A child can also be retained abroad unlawfully, e.g. following a holiday or

Passports for children

Norwegian children must have their own passports. This is also recommended for travel within the Schengen Area (Europe's passport-free zone), since a passport is the only valid proof of identity for Norwegians abroad.

Adoption

An adoption order may only be issued when it can be assumed that adoption is in the best interests of the child. The fundamental condition of the child's best interests applies to all forms of adoption.

Child Welfare Act

Entry into force: 1 January 2023, 1 July 2023, as determined by the King Download the law: Act relating to child welfare (Child Welfare Act) (PDF)

The Cash Benefit Act

Information about the 1996 Hague Convention

Norway has ratified the 1996 Hague Convention. The Convention and the Norwegian implementation act enter into force on 1 July 2016.

Children who cross national borders

Unaccompanied minor asylum seekers, children subjected to human trafficking and child welfare services across national borders.

Permanent residence and contact arrangements

Parents who do not live together may make their own agreements concerning parental responsibility, permanent residence and contact visits for their children. The local Family Counselling Office may assist in this. Parents who fail to reach agreement

Links and sources

Relevant websites The Norwegian police The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Children and Families Ministry of Justice and Public Security www.norway.info Information about Norway Domstol.no The official website of the Norwegian courts The

Marriage and relationships

People of the opposite sex or two people of the same sex can enter into a marriage. Marriage has legal consequences for the spouses in a number of areas.

Divorce and relationship breakdowns

A spouse who does not wish to continue the relationship can apply to the county governor for a separation. After a separation of one year, either of the spouses can apply to the county governor for a divorce.

Q-42/2015 Guidelines for processing child welfare cases where children have ties to other countries

The circular will provide information about how the child welfare service can handle these type of cases, including examinations, measures and the possibility of alternative follow-up of the child abroad. The circular also include a chapter on how

Meld. St. 6 (2019–2020) Early intervention and inclusive education in kindergartens, schools and out-of-school-hours care -

Funding of Kindergartens

The goal is to make kindergarten available to all children regardless of their parents’ financial situation.

Admission to places

The entitlement to a place in a kindergarten applies to children who turn one year old no later than the end of November in the year that they apply for a place. Children born after the end of November will be entitled to a place in the following

Parental responsibility, custody and access in cross-border cases

New rules on parental responsibility, international relocation, custody (the child's place of residence) and access (contact) in cross-border cases apply from 1 Juy 2016, due to the implementation of the 1996 Hague Child Protection Convention. This

List of lawyers in child abduction cases

The Norwegian Ministry of Justice and the Public Security has established a list of lawyers in child abduction cases, so that affected parents quickly can get in touch with a lawyer with particular competence and knowledge about child abduction.

Main Points in the Guidelines

The circular will provide information about how the child welfare service can handle these type of cases, including examinations, measures and the possibility of alternative follow-up of the child abroad.

Conditions for marriage

A marriage may be entered into in a church or civil ceremony.