These are the new requirements

If you apply for a permanent residence permit after 1 September 2025, you must

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

These requirements apply to everyone aged 18 to 67.

Which requirements apply to you?

The requirements depend on when you register your application and when you have your appointment with the police:

• If your appointment with the police is on or after 1 September, you must pass an oral Norwegian language test at level A2 and a social studies test in a language you understand.
• If your appointment with the police is before 1 September, you must pass an oral Norwegian language test at level A1 and a social studies test in a language you understand.
• If you register your application on or after 24 August but your appointment with the police is not until 1 September or later, you must pass an oral Norwegian language test at level A2 and a social studies test in a language you understand.

Exemptions from the oral Norwegian language test

From 1 September 2025, the police and UDI may grant you an exemption from the oral Norwegian language test when you apply for a permanent residence permit. You may be exempt if you can document one of the following:

• You have received a final or exam grade of 2 or higher in both oral and written Norwegian in Module 4 of preparatory education for adults (FOV).
• You have received a final or exam grade of 2 or higher in Norwegian or Sámi in primary/lower secondary school.
• You have a mid-term, final or exam grade of 2 or higher in Norwegian or Sámi in upper secondary school.
• You have a certificate of competence in Norwegian or Sámi from preparatory education for adults (FOV), primary/lower secondary or upper secondary school.
• You have completed studies in Norwegian or Sámi at university level (minimum 30 ECTS credits).
• You meet the language admission requirements for studies in Norwegian or Sámi at a Norwegian university, university college, or vocational college.
• You are unable to pass the test at A2 level or higher for health reasons or other significant or personal circumstances.
• You have been granted an exemption by the municipality from compulsory Norwegian language training and/or the Norwegian language test.

Exemptions from the social studies test

From 1 September 2025, the police and UDI may grant you an exemption from the social studies test when you apply for a permanent residence permit. You may be exempt if you can document one of the following:

• You have received a final or exam grade of 2 or higher in social studies in primary/lower secondary school.
• You have a mid-term, final or exam grade of 2 or higher in social studies in upper secondary school.
• You have a certificate of competence in social studies from preparatory education for adults (FOV), primary/lower secondary or upper secondary school.
• You have completed and passed social studies that provide knowledge about Norway at university level (minimum 10 ECTS credits).
• You have completed studies in Norwegian or Sámi at university level in Norway. You must document that you have earned credits from studies in Norwegian or Sámi.
• You are unable to pass the Norwegian social studies test for health reasons or other significant or personal circumstances.
• You have been granted an exemption by the municipality from compulsory Norwegian social studies training and/or the Norwegian social studies test.