Family life
Norwegian family law is built on principles of equality and children’s rights. Both marriage and cohabitation (samboerskap) are common and legally recognised forms of partnership. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009. The legal age for marriage is 18, and forced marriage is a criminal offence.
Norway places strong emphasis on the best interests of the child (barnets beste). Both parents have equal responsibility for their children, regardless of whether they are married. The Barnevernet (Child Welfare Services) has a duty to intervene when children are at risk of neglect or abuse. Children have the right to be heard in matters that affect them.
Parents in Norway enjoy generous parental leave. The total parental benefit period is approximately 49 weeks at full salary or 59 weeks at 80%. A portion is reserved for each parent (the ‘father’s quota’ and ‘mother’s quota’) to encourage shared parenting. The child benefit (barnetrygd) is a monthly payment for all families with children under 18.
Key facts
- Both marriage and cohabitation are legally recognised
- Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009
- Minimum marriage age is 18; forced marriage is criminal
- Both parents share equal responsibility for children
- Barnevernet protects children from neglect and abuse
- Parental leave is approximately 49 weeks at full pay or 59 at 80%
- Barnetrygd (child benefit) is paid monthly for children under 18
- Children have the right to be heard in decisions affecting them
Sample questions
Test your knowledge with these sample questions from the Family life topic.
Since what year has same-sex marriage been legal in Norway?
2001
2009
2015
Explanation: Same-sex marriage became legal in Norway on 1 January 2009, making Norway one of the first countries to legalise it.
What is the role of Barnevernet?
Managing kindergartens
Protecting children from neglect and abuse
Providing financial support to families
Explanation: Barnevernet (Child Welfare Services) is responsible for protecting children and intervening when a child is at risk of neglect or abuse.
What is barnetrygd?
A school enrollment fee
A type of insurance
A monthly child benefit paid to families
Explanation: Barnetrygd is a universal monthly benefit paid to all families with children under 18 living in Norway.
Related topics
The right to a free and independent life
Gender equality, personal autonomy, protection from violence and coercion, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Health
The Norwegian healthcare system, patient rights, mental health, and public health services.
New in Norway
Practical information for newcomers: registration, ID numbers, language training, and the introduction programme.
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