languages). From 1 March 2014 an applicant for Norwegian citizenship must also pass an exam about Norwegian society, laws and history. Before 2020, a naturalized Norwegian citizen was generally expected to prove they have lost or renounced any former citizenship(s). With effect from 1 January 2020, Norway allows dual citizenship. Notification of Norwegian citizenship Norwegian citizenship may be acquired by notification to the Directorate of Immigration. This is a simplified form of naturalisation exempted from application fees. The following categories of persons are eligible for citizenship by notification a child aged under 18 who was born before 1 September 2006 to a Norwegian father and a foreign mother who were not married (renunciation of foreign citizenship not required) a child aged 12-18 adopted by a Norwegian citizen after 1 October 1999 but before 1 September 2006 (renunciation of foreign citizenship not required) a citizen of another Nordic Council country who has lived in Norway for 7 years a former Norwegian citizen who has, since the loss of Norwegian citizenship, only been a citizen of another Nordic Council state (no residence period is required provided the person has settled in Norway). Norwegian citizenship by adoption As of 1 September 2006, a child under 18 adopted by Norwegian citizens acquires Norwegian citizenship automatically. In cases where children are adopted outside Norway, the consent of the Norwegian government is required. Loss of Norwegian citizenship Norwegian citizens who acquire citizenship by birth but have resided less than 2 years in Norway or 7 years in Nordic Council countries must apply to retain Norwegian citizenship before turning 22 years of age. Applicants are not required to renounce other citizenships, but are required to demonstrate "adequate ties" to Norway. Often, frequent travel to Norway or a year of study in Norway are accepted. Effective 1 January 2019, individuals with dual citizenship can be deprived of their citizenship should they be sentenced to six years imprisonment for serious crimes related to war crimes, terrorism, treason or espionage. Norwegian citizens may also lose citizenship if they formally petition for permission to renounce it. To prevent statelessness, Norwegian citizenship may be renounced only if the person proves that they are a citizen of another state. Identity fraud Foreigners who have acquired Norwegian citizenship may lose it if they are found to have lied about their origins. This is considered an affront to Norwegian society, which relies heavily on trust.