Temporary residence permits

A possible victim can be granted a limited residence permit for up to one year for them to stay in Norway during the pretrial investigation or the court case. This permit can be renewed if necessary. Applications must be submitted to the local police in person.

The eligibility conditions for a temporary residence permit are the following: 

• The person has broken ties with the trafficking environment
• The matter has been reported to the police
• An investigation or prosecution against the traffickers has been initiated
• The police or the prosecuting authority considers the foreign national’s presence in Norway necessary to achieve a conviction

The permit is temporary, granted for up to 12 months. The permit can be renewed but it does not form the basis for a permanent residence permit.

Residence permits for witnesses in human trafficking cases

If a presumed victim has testified in a human trafficking case, the person can apply for protection (asylum). the Directorate for Immigration (UDI) will then consider whether the person can be granted protection, a residence permit for witnesses in human trafficking cases, or a residence permit on grounds of strong humanitarian considerations.

Victims of human trafficking who have given witness statements to the court or to the police may be granted a permit that may provide a basis for permanent residence if the conditions are met. The purpose of the permit is to enable victims to assist the police in the prosecution of the traffickers without fear of reprisals.