How long does it take to be a resident of North Dakota?

To establish residency in North Dakota, you must:

1. Be physically present in the state with the intent to make it your permanent home.

2. Meet one of the following requirements:

- Register to vote in North Dakota.

- File North Dakota state income tax returns.

- Own or occupy a home in North Dakota.

- Obtain unemployment benefits from North Dakota.

- Receive public assistance from North Dakota.

- Work in North Dakota and pay state income tax.

- Be a full-time student in a North Dakota college or university.

- Be stationed in North Dakota with the military.

3. Reside in North Dakota for at least 183 days in a 365-day period.

Note that simply owning property or living in North Dakota part-time does not mean you are a resident. You must meet all of the requirements listed above in order to be considered a North Dakota resident.

Establishing Residency for Tuition Purposes

If you are moving to North Dakota for educational purposes, you may need to establish residency for tuition purposes. This is a separate process from establishing residency for general purposes, and the requirements are different.

To establish residency for tuition purposes in North Dakota, you must:

- Be physically present in the state for at least 12 consecutive months and have not been enrolled at a higher educational institution in any state during the 12-month period. Additionally, you must satisfy one of the following criteria during this 12-month period:

- File North Dakota state income tax as a resident.

- Own a home in North Dakota and occupy it as your primary residence.

- Submit a Declaration of Domicile to the university’s Office of the Registrar and obtain a Certificate of Residency.

*Note: The one-year residency period may be waived for certain military personnel, individuals with disabilities and other exceptional circumstances.

It's important to note that establishing residency in North Dakota can have implications for your taxes, voting rights, and other important aspects of your life. If you have any questions about residency requirements, it's best to consult with a legal or financial professional.