Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Kolbotn

About Residence by Investment Law in Kolbotn, Norway

Residence by investment is not a single, separate program in Norway. Norway does not offer a direct "golden visa" or automatic residence permit in exchange for passive investment in property. Instead, foreign nationals who want to live in Kolbotn or elsewhere in Norway typically rely on existing immigration routes that can be used by investors and entrepreneurs - for example residence permits for self-employed persons, start-up entrepreneurs, intra-company transferees, and skilled workers. Buying real estate alone does not create a right to reside. All immigration applications are decided under national law by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (Utlendingsdirektoratet - UDI) and relevant authorities, while local services such as municipal registration and tax records are handled by the Nordre Follo municipality and national agencies.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration and business matters intersect in complex ways. You may need a lawyer if you are considering residence by investment in Kolbotn in any of the following situations:

- You plan to establish or buy a Norwegian company to secure a residence permit and need help structuring the business, meeting capital requirements and drafting shareholder agreements.

- You want to apply for a start-up entrepreneur or self-employed residence permit and need a legally robust business plan, funding documentation and compliance advice.

- You have received a refusal from UDI or the police and must prepare an appeal or complaint.

- You are navigating family immigration linked to an investor or entrepreneur and need help proving dependency, housing and adequate support.

- You need advice on tax residency, double taxation issues or corporate tax obligations that affect your investment and permit prospects.

- You are buying property and want to understand transaction risks, title registration and anti-money-laundering checks.

- You face criminal record issues, past immigration violations or complex admissibility questions that could affect eligibility.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal and administrative points relevant to residence by investment in Kolbotn include the following:

- National immigration framework - The Immigration Act (Utlendingsloven) and its regulations set out the criteria for residence permits, renewal, appeals, and removal. UDI administers applications and national policy.

- No automatic residency from property - Purchasing residential or commercial property in Norway does not by itself grant a residence permit or right to live in the country.

- Business- and investor-related routes - Residence options used by investors include permits for self-employed persons, start-up entrepreneurs and work permits tied to an employer or to a company you control. Permits require proof of viable business activity, sufficient funds, and the applicant meeting standard immigration requirements.

- Company law and capital requirements - If you form a private limited company (aksjeselskap - AS), you must meet corporate law requirements including minimum share capital and statutory registration. Proper corporate governance and documentation are important both for business operations and for immigration purposes.

- Tax and social security - Residence status affects tax residence, reporting duties and social security obligations. You should register with the National Registry (Folkeregisteret) and obtain a tax identification number and tax card via the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) when relevant.

- Local registration and services - Nordre Follo municipality handles local services such as schooling, health services and municipal registrations. The local police handle biometric registration and some residence card issuance on UDI decisions.

- Anti-money-laundering and compliance - Real estate transactions and company formations are subject to AML checks. Financial transparency and documented sources of funds are essential when applying for permits linked to businesses or investments.

- Permanent residence and citizenship - Long-term pathways exist - for example permanent residence permits and naturalization - but these require several years of legal residence, language and integration requirements and compliance with conditions during the qualifying period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a residence permit by buying property in Kolbotn?

No. Buying property in Norway does not by itself create a right to a residence permit. You must qualify for a permit under an existing immigration category, such as work, self-employment or family immigration.

Is there a special investor or golden visa program in Norway?

No. Norway does not operate a formal golden visa program that grants residence solely in exchange for an investment in financial assets or real estate. Investors must use existing permit routes that require active business plans, employment or other qualifying factors.

What residence routes are commonly used by investors and entrepreneurs?

Common options include residence permits for self-employed persons and start-up entrepreneurs, work permits for skilled workers or managers if you are employed by a Norwegian company you own, and intra-company transferee permits for employees moved within the same corporate group. Family immigration can follow when a sponsor lawfully resides in Norway.

What does a start-up entrepreneur permit require?

A start-up entrepreneur permit typically requires a well-documented, realistic business plan for an innovative business, evidence of funding or investment, and demonstration that you will personally run and develop the business. UDI evaluates viability, funding and the applicant's qualifications.

Can I use a Norwegian company to obtain residence if I am a majority shareholder?

Potentially yes, but merely owning shares is not enough. Authorities will look at your active role, salary, company viability and whether the company provides legitimate employment or management duties. Visa officers will assess whether the arrangement is genuine and meets immigration and labor rules.

What documents should I prepare before contacting a lawyer?

Gather identification documents, passport, CV and qualifications, business plans, company incorporation documents, contracts or offers of employment, proof of funding and bank statements, previous immigration decisions, and any communication from UDI or the police. Also prepare information on housing, family members and criminal record if applicable.

How long does it take to get a decision on an investor-related residence permit?

Processing times vary by permit type, completeness of the application and workload at UDI. Entrepreneur and self-employed permits can take several months. If the application is incomplete or UDI requests additional information, processing will take longer.

Will buying a company in Norway make me a tax resident?

Tax residency is determined by where you live and work, and by the number of days you spend in Norway. Owning a company does not automatically make you a tax resident, but if you live in Norway to manage the company you may become tax resident and subject to Norwegian tax and social security rules.

What are common reasons UDI refuses investor-related applications?

Refusals commonly arise from insufficient evidence of funds or funding sources, weak or unrealistic business plans, lack of active and genuine business activity, failure to meet salary or employment criteria, prior immigration breaches or insufficient documentation supporting claims.

How do I appeal a refusal or negative decision?

If UDI refuses your application, the decision will describe your right to appeal and the deadline for filing. Appeals are usually submitted to the Immigration Appeals Board or a relevant authority designated in the decision. A lawyer can advise on grounds for appeal, prepare submissions and represent you during the appeal process.

Additional Resources

Below are the main Norwegian authorities and institutions that people dealing with residence by investment in Kolbotn will engage with:

- The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) - national authority for residence permit rules and applications.

- The Police Immigration Unit - handles biometric registration, residence cards and certain local procedures after UDI decisions.

- Skatteetaten - the Norwegian Tax Administration - handles national registry registration, tax cards and tax residency questions.

- Nordre Follo kommune - for local municipal services, schooling, local permits and community integration support in Kolbotn.

- The Norwegian Land Registry (Kartverket) - registers property titles and transactions.

- NAV - the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration - for questions about benefits and social security coordination.

- The Norwegian Bar Association (Den Norske Advokatforening) - to find qualified immigration and business lawyers who are authorized to practice in Norway.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for residence by investment in Kolbotn, follow these practical steps:

- Gather documents - collect passports, CV, company documents, bank statements, and any correspondence with UDI or other authorities.

- Identify the correct permit route - determine whether a self-employed, start-up, skilled worker or family immigration route is most appropriate given your situation.

- Find a qualified lawyer - look for an immigration or corporate lawyer experienced with investor and entrepreneur cases in Norway. Verify credentials and ask about experience with UDI appeals and business immigration.

- Prepare a clear brief - outline your goals, timeline and constraints, and provide your lawyer with a complete document package for an initial assessment.

- Ask the right questions - confirm the lawyer's strategy, likely timelines, costs and possible outcomes, and whether they will handle correspondence with UDI and the police.

- Consider tax and corporate advisors - coordinate legal immigration advice with tax and corporate counsel to ensure the business structure, tax planning and immigration strategy align.

- Plan for contingencies - consider alternative immigration routes and a plan if the first application is refused, including appeal options.

Getting early, specialist legal advice will help you structure your investment or business in a way that aligns with Norwegian immigration rules and increases the chance of a successful residence outcome in Kolbotn.