From September 1, 2025, some applicants may be exempt from the requirement to complete courses in Norwegian and social studies to qualify for a permanent residence permit.
The requirements will continue to apply generally to all applicants aged 18 to 67, and depend on the date of the police appointment:
- Applicants with an appointment with the police on or after 1 September must pass an oral Norwegian language test at level A2 and a social studies test in a language they understand.
- Applicants with an appointment with the police before 1 September must pass an oral Norwegian language test at level A1 and a social studies test in a language they understand.
- Applicants who register their application on or after August 24 but whose appointment with the police is not until September 1 or later must pass an oral Norwegian language test at level A2 and a social studies test in a language they understand.
Exemptions from the oral Norwegian language test
From September 1, 2025, the police and UDI may grant an exemption from the oral Norwegian language test for permanent residence permit applicants who can document one of the following:
- A final or exam grade of 2 or higher in both oral and written Norwegian in Module 4 of preparatory education for adults (FOV);
- A final or exam grade of 2 or higher in Norwegian or Sámi in primary/lower secondary school;
- A mid-term, final or exam grade of 2 or higher in Norwegian or Sámi in upper secondary school;
- A certificate of competence in Norwegian or Sámi from preparatory education for adults (FOV), primary/lower secondary or upper secondary school;
- Completed studies in Norwegian or Sámi at university level (minimum 30 ECTS credits);
- Meeting the language admission requirements for studies in Norwegian or Sámi at a Norwegian university, university college, or vocational college;
- Being unable to pass the test at A2 level or higher for health reasons or other significant or personal circumstances;
- An exemption by the municipality from compulsory Norwegian language training and/or the Norwegian language test.
Exemptions from the social studies test
From September 1, 2025, the police and UDI may grant an exemption from the social studies test for permanent residence permit applicants who can document one of the following:
- A final or exam grade of 2 or higher in social studies in primary/lower secondary school;
- A mid-term, final or exam grade of 2 or higher in social studies in upper secondary school;
- A certificate of competence in social studies from preparatory education for adults (FOV), primary/lower secondary or upper secondary school;
- Completed and passed social studies that provide knowledge about Norway at university level (minimum 10 ECTS credits);
- Completed studies in Norwegian or Sámi at university level in Norway, with earned credits;
- Being unable to pass the Norwegian social studies test for health reasons or other significant or personal circumstances;
- An exemption by the municipality from compulsory Norwegian social studies training and/or the Norwegian social studies test.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.