Norway's permanent residence permit: oral Norwegian at A2 and a social studies test, since 1 September 2025
Norway changed what it asks for permanent residence on 1 September 2025. Completing courses in Norwegian and social studies no longer counts. Instead, everyone aged 18 to 67 must have passed an oral Norwegian test at A2 or higher and passed a social studies test in a language they understand.
Everything below is from the UDI notice Changes to the requirements for Norwegian language skills and social studies to obtain a permanent residence permit (published 1 July 2025), read on udi.no on 8 November 2026. Citizenship asks for more, B1 oral: see the oral Norwegian test guide and the citizenship test.
The two tests
Oral Norwegian at A2 or higher. It is the oral result that counts, the speaking part of Norskprøven.
The social studies test, in a language you understand. For permanent residence you may take it in your own language; for citizenship it must be taken in Norwegian.
Which rules apply to you: the date of your police appointment
UDI decides by when you have your appointment with the police and when you registered your application on udi.no:
Appointment on or after 1 September 2025: A2 oral plus the social studies test.
Appointment before 1 September 2025: A1 oral plus the social studies test. If you were only required to complete the courses, you do not have to take the tests.
Registered on udi.no before 24 August 2025, appointment on or after 1 September: the old A1 rule still applies to you. Registered on or after 24 August: A2.
Exemptions from the oral test
The police and UDI may exempt you if you document one of these: a grade of 2 or higher in oral and written Norwegian in Module 4 of preparatory education for adults (FOV); a grade of 2 or higher in Norwegian or Sámi in primary/lower secondary or upper secondary school; a certificate of competence in Norwegian or Sámi from FOV or school; at least 30 ECTS of Norwegian or Sámi at university; meeting the Norwegian language admission requirement for a Norwegian university, university college or vocational college; a municipal exemption from Norwegian training or the test; or health or other significant personal reasons that make A2 impossible.
Exemptions from the social studies test
Similar routes: a grade of 2 or higher in social studies at school; a certificate of competence in social studies; at least 10 ECTS of university social studies about Norway; completed Norwegian or Sámi studies at a university in Norway; a municipal exemption; or health or other significant personal reasons.
If you are not ready yet
UDI's advice is to wait before applying until you meet every requirement, and to renew your current residence permit in the meantime.
Our reading: A2 oral is a real step up from A1. Because only the oral result counts, practice that has you speaking, not just reading, is what moves it.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Applying with a course certificate and no test results.
Passing the oral test at A2 and the social studies test first.
Since 1 September 2025, completing the courses no longer qualifies you for permanent residence.
Counting a strong written Norskprøven result.
Checking your oral result.
UDI's requirement is an oral Norwegian test at A2 or higher.
Taking the social studies test in Norwegian because citizenship needs it.
Taking it in the language you understand best, if you only need permanent residence.
For permanent residence, UDI accepts the test in a language you understand.
Questions
What Norwegian level do you need for permanent residence in Norway?
An oral Norwegian test at A2 or higher, if your police appointment is on or after 1 September 2025 (and you registered on or after 24 August 2025).
Do you need the social studies test for permanent residence?
Yes, unless you are exempt. You can take it in a language you understand.
Who has to meet the language requirement?
Applicants aged 18 to 67.
Do Norwegian courses still count for permanent residence?
Not since 1 September 2025. You must pass the tests.
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