Norway sends language test law for immigrants to Storting vote

Key Takeaways

• Norway’s 2025 law requires immigrants to pass the Norwegian A2 language test for permanent residency.
• The law removes mandatory language training hours, focusing on proven language proficiency via testing.
• Exemptions exist but face stricter review; applies to all non-EU/EEA, including temporary protection holders.

Summary and Effective Date

On May 22, 2025, the Norwegian government formally submitted its proposed language test law for immigrants to the Storting (Norwegian parliament) for a decisive vote. The bill, which remains unchanged from its original draft, introduces a major shift in the requirements for permanent residency. If passed, the law will remove the obligation for immigrants to document completion of mandatory language training and instead require them to demonstrate Norwegian language proficiency through a standardized test. The minimum proficiency level will also be raised from A1 (basic) to A2 (simple conversations and everyday interactions) in spoken Norwegian. The law is expected to take effect soon after parliamentary approval, with the exact implementation date to be announced following the Storting’s decision.

Background and Reasons for the Change

Norway 🇳🇴 has long emphasized language skills as a cornerstone of successful integration for immigrants. Until now, the country required applicants for permanent residency to complete a set number of hours of Norwegian language training—typically between 225 and 250 hours, depending on the type of residence permit. Applicants also had to pass a language test at the A1 level, which measures basic communication abilities.

However, the government, led by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security under Minister Emilie Enger Mehl, has argued that documenting attendance in language courses does not guarantee real-world language skills. According to the ministry, the new law aims to ensure that permanent residents can actively participate in Norwegian society, access the labor market, and engage in daily life without language barriers. The shift to a test-based system is intended to provide a more objective measure of language proficiency and to raise the overall standard of integration.

The proposal was subject to a public consultation, with feedback from stakeholders due by February 18, 2025. Despite some critical responses, the government decided to send the bill to parliament without changes, signaling a strong commitment to the new approach.

Key Aspects of the Law Affected

The proposed language test law introduces several important changes to the legal framework for permanent residency in Norway:

• Language Proficiency Requirement: The minimum required level for spoken Norwegian will be raised from A1 (basic) to A2 (simple conversations and everyday interactions).
• Proof of Language Training: Applicants will no longer need to submit documentation showing they have completed a certain number of hours of language training.
• Test-Based Assessment: All applicants must now pass a standardized Norwegian language test at the A2 level in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
• Scope of Application: The new requirements will apply to all non-EU/EEA nationals, including those under temporary protection who transition to residency permits.
• Exemptions: Exemptions remain possible for certain groups, such as those with health issues, advanced age, or prior education in Norwegian or Sámi, but these will be subject to stricter review.

Implications for Different Groups

The new language test law will have wide-ranging effects on various groups of immigrants and stakeholders in Norway.

For Applicants:

• All non-EU/EEA immigrants seeking permanent residency must now pass the Norwegian language test at the A2 level.
• Temporary protection holders (such as refugees from conflict zones) who later apply for residency will also be subject to the new requirements.
• Applicants who have already passed all four parts of the Norwegian test at A2 or higher, or who have been exempted due to sufficient knowledge or special circumstances, will not need to complete additional training.
• Exemptions can still be requested for health, age, or prior education, but these will be more closely scrutinized.

For Vulnerable Groups:

• Migrants with limited literacy, those fleeing violence, or those with health challenges may find it significantly harder to meet the new A2 standard.
• Women with limited access to language training or those facing social and economic barriers are at particular risk of exclusion, as highlighted by Khansa Ali of the MiRA Resource Centre.
• Long-term residents who have integrated socially and economically but lack formal language credentials may face new obstacles to securing permanent residency.

For Employers and Society:

• Employers may see a more linguistically capable workforce, but could also lose valuable employees who struggle to meet the new standard.
• The law could promote greater social cohesion by encouraging higher language proficiency, but may also risk marginalizing certain groups if adequate support is not provided.

Comparison with Previous Law

The proposed changes mark a clear departure from Norway’s previous approach to language requirements for immigrants:

Previously, the focus was on completing a set number of language training hours and passing a basic test. The new law removes the training hours requirement and instead emphasizes demonstrated proficiency at a higher level. This shift reflects a broader trend in European immigration policy, where language skills are increasingly seen as essential for integration and social participation.

Implementation Timeline

• May 22, 2025: Bill submitted to the Storting for a vote.
• February 18, 2025: Deadline for stakeholder feedback during the consultation process.
• Post-Vote: If the law is passed, the government will announce the official implementation date and provide updated guidance for applicants.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Applicants (If Law Passes)

1. Residency Requirement: Reside in Norway for at least three years with a valid residence permit, ensuring there are no gaps exceeding three months. More details are available on the UDI official website.
2. Language Test: Register for and pass the Norwegian language test at the A2 level in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Information about the test and registration can be found at prove.hkdir.no/en.
3. Social Studies Test: Pass the social studies test, which may be taken in Norwegian or another language as specified by regulation.
4. Application Submission: Submit a permanent residency application, including proof of language test results. There is no longer a need to provide documentation of completed language training hours. The application form and instructions are available on the UDI website.
5. Exemptions: If eligible, apply for an exemption due to health, age, or prior education in Norwegian or Sámi. Exemption criteria and application procedures are outlined on the UDI exemptions page.

Statistical Evidence and Real-World Impact

Recent data from 2024 shows that out of 84,447 candidates who took the Norwegian language test:

• Over 95% achieved A1 level.
• Only 75–90% reached A2 or higher in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

This means a significant minority of applicants—potentially thousands each year—would not meet the new A2 threshold. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this gap highlights the risk that some immigrants, especially those with limited educational backgrounds or access to language training, could be excluded from permanent residency.

Multiple Perspectives on the Law

The Ministry of Justice argues that the new law will improve integration and ensure that permanent residents can participate fully in Norwegian society. However, advocacy groups and researchers caution that the policy may disproportionately affect vulnerable migrants, particularly women, refugees, and those with limited access to education.

Examples and Scenarios

• Example 1: A Refugee Mother
  A woman who arrived in Norway under temporary protection has spent most of her time caring for young children and working part-time. She attended some language classes but could not complete the full training due to family responsibilities. Under the new law, she must pass the A2 test to qualify for permanent residency. If she struggles with the test, she may face uncertainty about her future in Norway, despite being integrated in other ways.

• Example 2: A Skilled Worker
  A skilled worker from outside the EU/EEA has been living in Norway for three years and working full-time. He learned Norwegian on the job and can communicate effectively with colleagues. He passes the A2 test and submits his application for permanent residency without needing to provide proof of completed language training hours.

• Example 3: An Elderly Migrant
  An older immigrant with health issues may apply for an exemption from the language test requirement. The authorities will review her case more strictly under the new law, considering her age, health, and any previous education in Norwegian or Sámi.

Comparison with Citizenship Requirements

It is important to note that the language requirement for Norwegian citizenship is even higher. Since October 2022, applicants for citizenship must demonstrate B1 proficiency in oral Norwegian, with some exceptions for stateless persons and older applicants. The new permanent residency law does not change the citizenship requirements but may signal a trend toward stricter language standards in the future. Some political parties, such as Høyre, have indicated they may push for even higher requirements, especially for citizenship.

Future Outlook and Monitoring

The law is currently awaiting a vote in the Storting. If passed, the new requirements will be implemented as outlined above. Stakeholders, including advocacy groups and researchers, are closely monitoring the law’s impact, especially on vulnerable populations. There is ongoing debate about whether the new approach will achieve its goals of better integration or whether it will create new barriers for certain groups of immigrants.

Official Resources and Further Information

For the latest updates, official guidance, and application forms, immigrants and stakeholders can consult the following resources:

• Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI): udi.no
• Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir): prove.hkdir.no/en
• Ministry of Justice and Public Security: regjeringen.no

Key Takeaways and Practical Guidance

• If you are planning to apply for permanent residency in Norway, prepare to demonstrate A2-level proficiency in Norwegian by passing the official language test.
• Do not rely on language course attendance alone; focus on building practical language skills that will help you succeed on the test.
• Check your eligibility for exemptions if you have health issues, are of advanced age, or have prior education in Norwegian or Sámi.
• Monitor official government websites for updates on the law’s status and implementation timeline.
• Seek support from local organizations if you face barriers to accessing language training or preparing for the test.

The outcome of the Storting’s vote will determine the final shape of Norway’s language requirements for immigrants. While the government frames the law as a step toward better integration, critics warn of new challenges for long-term residents and vulnerable groups. Staying informed and preparing early are the best ways to ensure a smooth application process under the new rules.

Learn Today

Permanent Residency → A legal status allowing immigrants to live and work indefinitely in a country.
A2 Language Level → An elementary proficiency in Norwegian enabling simple conversations and everyday interaction.
Temporary Protection → A special residence status granted to refugees or displaced persons temporarily.
Exemptions → Official permissions allowing some applicants to bypass certain language or residency rules.
Storting → The Norwegian parliament responsible for passing laws, including immigration policies.

This Article in a Nutshell

Norway proposes a landmark language test law demanding A2-level Norwegian proficiency for permanent residency, replacing mandatory training hours. This reflects a focus on real communication skills, with exemptions allowed but more strictly reviewed. The law awaits parliamentary approval and aims for stronger integration and clearer language competence measures.
— By VisaVerge.com

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