You may apply for an exemption if you are unable to take and pass the Norwegian language test or the social studies test due to health reasons or other personal circumstances.
Health reasons and personal circumstances
Health reasons may include chronic or serious illness, or other long-term problems that make it difficult for you to take the tests.
Personal circumstances may, for example, include having reading and writing difficulties, or little/no educational background from your home country and coming to Norway as an adult.
Adaptations of the tests
The tests can be adjusted or adapted in various ways. If you require accommodations, you must contact the test centre where you will take the test(s). Examples of adaptations include:
- Taking the oral Norwegian test without a co-candidate
- Taking the social studies test orally
- Extra time to take the test(s)
- Taking the test(s) alone in a separate room
Read more about adaptations to the various tests:
- Norwegian test for sign language users
- Adaptations for the oral Norwegian test
- Adaptations for the social studies test
Documentation and explanation
You may apply for an exemption from one or both tests if you can document and explain:
- Why you cannot pass the social studies test in a language you understand.
- Why you cannot pass the oral Norwegian test at level A2 or higher.
- Why you cannot complete the test(s), even with adaptations.
How to apply for an exemption
If you wish to apply for an exemption from the test(s), you must submit the necessary documentation and an explanation of why. You should have attempted the test(s) recently before applying for an exemption. This will be taken into account when we decide whether to exempt you from the requirement.
You must submit:
- The Main Application Form, where you tick the boxes for which test(s) you want to be exempted from and explain why.
If relevant, you must also submit:
- Supplementary Form 1, completed by your doctor or other health professional, if you are applying for an exemption based on health reasons.
- Supplementary Form 2, completed by your school, special education teacher, speech therapist, or the educational-psychological service (PPT), if you are applying for an exemption based on your ability to learn.
You must submit the documentation together with your application for a permanent residence permit. You must always submit the main application form, which you fill in yourself. You must also submit supplementary forms if relevant.
UDI will consider whether you may be granted an exemption when we process your application for a permanent residence permit.
