Many people stay because they fear losing their permit to live in Norway. If you have been abused by your spouse or cohabitant, you may be able to stay on your own. You can also get help in your own language.
This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 6 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.
Who can help
UDI: residence permit for victims of abuse
If you have a family immigration permit and your spouse or cohabitant abused you or your child, you and your child can apply for your own residence permit.
Who it is for People who have or had a family immigration permit (or EU/EEA family card) with a spouse or cohabitant, were abused while living together in Norway, and have moved out.
First step UDI or the police where you live can help you apply. The police will interview you with an interpreter. There is no fee, and you do not need your own income.
Crisis centres: for you whatever your residence status
Free crisis centres give a safe temporary place to stay, talks and advice to women, men and children exposed to violence in close relationships.
Who it is for Anyone exposed to violence in a close relationship. The municipality must take you in whatever your residence status, also if you have no legal residence.
First step Contact a crisis centre directly. You need no referral or appointment, and you can get an interpreter if you need one.
Interpreters in public services
Public services must use a qualified interpreter when needed for your rights or proper help. Interpreting is free, and interpreters must keep what they hear confidential.
Who it is for Anyone who cannot communicate well enough with a public service in Norwegian. Children must not be used as interpreters, and family members should not interpret either.
First step Tell the service that you need an interpreter and which language. The service books it. You can complain if you do not get the help you are entitled to.
Jussbuss: free legal help with immigration law
A free legal aid clinic run by law students. It helps with immigration law, including family immigration, and has brochures on independent residence permits.
Who it is for People living anywhere in Norway. They mostly help after a refusal from the immigration authorities, but can also give general guidance.
First step Contact them by phone or in person during their weekly case reception hours, or send your case through their online form. They do not take enquiries by email.
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Other topics
- Money to live on in NorwayHelp with money when you leave an abusive partner in Norway: Nav social assistance, help in an emergency, single-parent support, child support and free debt advice.
- A safe place to live in NorwaySomewhere safe to stay when you leave violence in Norway: crisis centres for women, men and children, temporary housing from Nav, and help with the rent.
- Free legal help in NorwayFree or low-cost legal help in Norway when you live with violence: free legal aid, a victim's lawyer, and the student-run legal clinics JURK, Jussbuss, Jussformidlingen and Jusshjelpa.
- The police and protection in NorwayReporting violence in Norway, restraining orders, a personal alarm, a protected address, the Support Centre for Victims of Crime and compensation for victims of violence.
- Children, custody and contact in NorwayHelp for children and parents after violence in Norway: family counselling offices and mediation, Statens barnehus, child welfare services and supervised contact.
- Health care and help after sexual assault in NorwayHealth care after violence in Norway: the out-of-hours medical centre, sexual assault centres, your GP, and support centres for people who have been sexually abused.
- Help for particular groups in NorwayHelp in Norway for men, LGBTQ+ people, older people, disabled people, Sámi people and people facing forced marriage or negative social control.