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Adoption, and stepchild adoption in particular

Draft, translated: translated from the Norwegian original with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is the authoritative one. See the Norwegian original →

Stepchild adoption is the most common form of adoption in Norway today. Who can adopt, who must consent, and how do you apply?

Norwegian original last checked against official sources: 22 September 2026. Rules and figures change, so always check the official site before you act.

Most adoptions in Norway today are stepchild adoptions, meaning a stepparent adopts their partner's child. This guide is mostly about that. Adoption from child welfare, domestic and international adoption of children without a family connection, and adult adoption have their own, more extensive rules; see bufdir.no/adopsjon.

Conditions for adopting a stepchild

According to Bufdir, you must, among other things:

be, or have been, married to or cohabiting with the child's parent,
have lived with the child and been part of the care for at least five years (exceptions may be considered).

Who must consent?

The person or persons who have parental responsibility for the child must consent. This is an absolute requirement.
Children over 12 must consent to the adoption themselves.
Other parties, for example the other biological parent even if they do not have parental responsibility, have the right to express a view.

If the adoption takes place after separation, the former spouse or cohabitant must consent. If it takes place after a death, consent from before the death is not required, but a documented wish from the deceased (for example in writing) is given weight in assessing what is best for the child.

What Bufetat assesses

Bufetat (the Norwegian child welfare and protection agency) must assess whether the stepparent has a genuine wish to raise the child, and whether the adoption, taken as a whole and also in the future, will be in the best interests of the child. The child's need for two legal parents is given weight.

How to apply

The application with attachments is sent by post to your regional Bufetat unit, not digitally. Common attachments are:

birth certificate,
a medical certificate (no older than 6 months),
a police certificate,
consent declarations from those with parental responsibility,
documentation of income and tax.

Check the current form and list of attachments with Bufdir before you send, as the requirements may change.

Tip: Adoption is a major decision with lasting legal consequences, including for inheritance and parental responsibility. Feel free to speak to the family counselling office if you are unsure whether adoption is right for your family.

Sources

Kontaktpunkt24 gives general information, not legal advice. If you need help with your own case, contact a lawyer, a legal aid service, or the relevant authority.

This page is translated from Norwegian with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is always the authoritative one.