"This means that Santa has all his flight operation approvals in order and that his flight will take place in a regulated manner," said Stein Erik Nodeland, Norway's director general of civil aviation.

The certificate says officials carried out an "assessment of the sleigh's technical specifications."

"In light of the documentation received the sleigh is deemed to be airworthy in Norwegian airspace," the certificate states.

Nodeland said this year marks the first time Santa has applied for permission to fly his reindeer-powered sleigh in the country.

"If you fly like Santa Claus does in Norwegian airspace, you must abide by our regulations and have a permit," Nodeland said. "He has previously flown without permission, but this year he has done everything right."