The new regulations largely continue the current rules. The most important change is that more people can be covered by the assisted return scheme.
More people whose applications for residence have been rejected can receive support
The scheme has previously mainly been aimed at people whose applications for protection (asylum) have been rejected and people who wish to return before their asylum application has been processed.
From 15 September, the target group will be expanded.
If your application for another type of residence permit has been rejected, you may also be covered by the scheme if you have a duty to leave the Schengen area and the EU and are returning to a country that is a part of the European Reintegration Programme (EURP).
The scheme also covers, among others:
- people whose refugee status has been revoked
- unaccompanied minors
- particularly vulnerable people
- citizens of a country whose nationals have been granted collective protection, and who have a duty to leave Norway
There are several conditions that must be met in order to receive support. UDI will assess your application.
Returning home: Apply for assisted return – UDI
European Reintegration Programme (EURP)
People who are covered by EURP and have a duty to leave Norway are one of the target groups that can apply for assisted return.
If you are covered by EURP, you will receive support according to separate EURP rates. You cannot receive support under the standard rates for assisted return in the new regulations at the same time.
Through EURP, you can receive financial support and assistance with re-establishing yourself after your return. The assistance you receive will depend on your needs and your plans for reintegration.
The support can include assistance with:
- accommodation
- education or vocational training
- finding work
- starting your own business
- medical follow-up
- legal and administrative guidance
- psychosocial support
What can you receive through the assisted return scheme?
The support may include coverage of travel expenses, money for the journey, financial support and reintegration support in the country you are returning to.
See the full overview of the rates at Return programmes and schemes – UDI.
If you are covered by EURP, different rates apply. You will receive support according to EURP's own rates and not the rates listed above.
Read more about the European Reintegration Programme (EURP)
Who cannot receive support?
As a general rule, you cannot receive support through the assisted return scheme if you:
- have a valid residence permit in Norway
- are a citizen of a Nordic country, the United Kingdom or a country in the Schengen area or the EU
- have a residence permit or entry visa for a Nordic country, the United Kingdom or a country in the Schengen area or the EU
- have previously received support for assisted return or have been forcibly returned by the police
- are due to be forcibly returned by the police
You may have to repay the support
UDI may require you to repay all or part of the support if:
- you have provided incorrect or incomplete information that results in you receiving support you are not entitled to
- you use the support in breach of the requirements in the regulations
- you move back to Norway within two years of your return
There are some exceptions.
The new regulations apply from 15 September
The regulations on support for return and reintegration (Forskrift om stønad til retur og reintegrering) enter into force on 15 September 2026.
The purpose of the regulations is to facilitate the return of people who have a duty to leave the Schengen area and the EU. The support is also intended to help people re-establish themselves and contribute to economic development and welfare in the country they are returning to.
G-04/2026 (udiregelverk.no) (external website) [in Norwegian only]