If you have adequate knowledge of Norwegian or Sámi, you do not need to complete the language training or take additional tests before you apply for a permanent residence permit.

You must normally have been granted an exemption from the municipality where you live. 

Have you passed all four parts of the Norwegian exam at a minimum of level A2?

If you have passed all four parts of the Norwegian exam at a minimum of level A2: oral, listening, reading and written presentation, you do not need to ask the muicipality for an exemption. 

You must hand in documents which shows that you have passed the tests to the police together with your other documents when you apply for a permanent residence permit.

Have you previously been given an exemption from the municipality?

If you have previously been given an exemption from the requirement to complete language training and pass tests from the municipality, this exemption is also valid for your application for a permanent residence permit.

You must hand in the exemption decision to the police when you apply for a permanent residence permit.

If you have not been given an exemption previously you must apply for one now

If you have not passed the tests which are described above, or previously been given an exemption from the municipality, you must apply to the municipality for an exemption before you apply for a permanent residence permit.

You can apply to the municipality for an exemption to the requirement to complete language training and pass tests if you have

• passed tests that correspond to the Norwegian exam at level A2 or higher, will be considered Norwegian exam 2 or 3, or
• passed the Bergen test, both the written and oral part, or Step 3 exam from the university, or
• completed ordinary training in Norwegian or Sámi in primary/lower secondary school or upper secondary school and been given a final assessment grade, or
• completed Norwegian or Sámi studies at a university or university college in Norway or abroad corresponding to 30 credits, or
• met the admission requirement and been offered admission to studies conducted in Norwegian or Sámi at a university or university college in Norway.

If you have been granted an exemption by the municipality, you must hand in the exemption decision to the police when you apply for a permanent residence permit.