If the paternity or co-maternity is approved in Norway, the father or co-mother will have the same rights and obligations as if the parenthood was established in Norway.

These rights and obligations will apply in all contexts where paternity or co-maternity matters.

If paternity or co-maternity for your child has been established outside of the Nordic countries, you may apply for the same approval in Norway.

You may also apply for the approval of foreign decisions about changes in paternity or release of paternity.

You do not have to apply for approval if

• you were married to the other parent when your child was born. Paternity or co-maternity follows directly from the law in most countries- This is called the “pater est”-rule. The paternity or co-maternity is then considered to follow directly from foreign law. The parents must contact the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) if the marriage was entered into abroad, and has not been registered in Norway.
• paternity or co-maternity has been established by court order or declaration in one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden). If so, you need to contact the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) to have the paternity or co-maternity registered in Norway as well.

If the paternity or co-maternity is approved, Nav will submit the decision to the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) for registration.