Tredjelandsstatsborgere

Tredjelandsstatsborgere is a term used in Norwegian and other Nordic contexts to describe citizens who are not nationals of a member state of the European Economic Area or Switzerland. It is commonly applied in discussions of immigration, residence, and integration to distinguish people from outside the EEA/Switzerland from citizens of EEA member states.

In national immigration systems, tredjelandsstatsborgere are typically subject to immigration controls and must obtain a residence permit to live, work, study, or join family in the country. The category of permit—such as work authorization, family reunification, student status, or asylum or humanitarian protection—affects access to employment, education, healthcare, and social benefits. Pathways to long-term residence or permanent status, and ultimately to citizenship, vary by country but generally require a period of legal residence, compliance with conditions (employment, housing, financial self-sufficiency), and often language or integration requirements.

The status of tredjelandsstatsborgere is contrasted with that of EEA/Swiss citizens, who typically enjoy broader rights related to movement and labor across borders within the EEA. Because they are not citizens of the host country’s EEA area, tredjelandsstatsborgere may face more restricted labor market access and eligibility for certain benefits, though protections exist under national law and broader human rights frameworks.

Policies governing tredjelandsstatsborgere are periodically revised in response to labor needs, migration trends, and integration goals. Data on this group are collected by national statistics offices to monitor demographics, employment, and integration outcomes. See also immigration policy, residency permit, naturalization, and integration.