You do not need to complete Norwegian language training to obtain a permanent residence permit if you have passed all four parts of the Norwegian exam at level A2 or higher, or if the municipality has granted you an exemption.
What is adequate knowledge of the Norwegian language to qualify for an exemption from the obligation of Norwegian language training?
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If you were granted your first residence permit that forms the basis for a permanent residence permit after 1 January 2021
What qualifies as adequate knowledge of Norwegian is described in the regulations to the Integration Act (in Norwegian) (external website).
Contact your municipality if you are unsure whether this applies to you.
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If you were granted your first residence permit that forms the basis for a permanent residence permit before 1 January 2021
You have adequate knowledge of the Norwegian language if you have:
- passed tests that correspond to the Norwegian exam at level A2 or higher, for example, Norwegian language test 2 or 3, or
- passed the Bergenstest (Test in Norwegian – higher level) (external website), both written and oral parts, or the Level 3 (Trinn 3) exam at university, or
- completed standard training in Norwegian or Sámi in primary/lower secondary school or upper secondary school and received a final assessment grade, or
- completed Norwegian or Sámi studies corresponding to 30 credits at a university or university college in Norway or abroad, or
- met the admission requirement and received an offer of admission to studies conducted in Norwegian or Sámi at a university or university college in Norway.
Contact your municipality if you are unsure whether this applies to you.
If you have been granted an exemption by the municipality, you must hand in your letter of exemption to the police when you apply for a permanent residence permit.