Test Requirements

If you are between 18 and 67 years old and applying for a permanent residence permit, you must have passed:

• The oral Norwegian test at level A2 or higher
• The social studies test in a language you understand

This applies to everyone, regardless of when you arrived in Norway and the type of residence permit you have held.

Approved oral Norwegian tests

• Oral Norwegian test from the Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), formerly Skills Norway, with a result of A2 or higher
• Norwegian Test 2 or Norwegian Test 3
• Test of Norwegian sign language communication from the Directorate for Higher Education and Skills, formerly Skills Norway, with a result of A2 or higher
• The Bergen Test (Bergenstesten)

Approved tests in social studies

• Final test in social studies in a language of your choice
• Final test in social studies in sign language

Exemptions from the test requirements

In some cases, you may be entitled to an exemption from the test requirements.

Read how you can apply for an exemption

Wait to apply until you meet the requirements

If you do not meet the requirements and are not eligible for an exemption, you should wait to apply for a permanent residence permit. You can apply to renew your current residence permit until you meet the requirements.