Norway's language requirements for immigration have been tightened significantly — in 2022 for citizenship, and in 2025 for permanent residence. Completing hours of Norwegian instruction is no longer sufficient. You must pass tests. This guide explains exactly what is required for each application type, what the tests involve, what exemptions exist, how much it costs, and how long it realistically takes to prepare.
Requirements are set by UDI. Always verify current rules at udi.no before applying. This guide reflects requirements as of May 2026.
In this guide
Permanent Residence vs. Citizenship — Overview
The two applications have different language requirements. Permanent residence has a lower bar; citizenship requires a higher level of Norwegian and a harder civics test.
What you need
- Norskprøven — A2 oral or higher
- Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (can be taken in English)
What you need
- Norskprøven — B1 oral or higher
- Statsborgerprøven or Samfunnskunnskapsprøven — in Norwegian only (if you took the civics test in another language for PR, it does not count here)
If you already have B1 oral Norwegian, your result covers both applications — you do not need to retake the Norskprøven for permanent residence. A B1 result is above the A2 minimum and fully satisfies the permanent residence requirement.
Permanent Residence: What You Need
Norskprøven — A2 oral
You must pass the oral section of the Norskprøven at A2 level or higher. This is a 10–15 minute spoken test with a certified examiner. You are assessed on your ability to handle routine spoken situations — appointments, shopping, simple workplace interactions. The written Norskprøven is not required for permanent residence.
Samfunnskunnskapsprøven
You must also pass the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven — a 30-question multiple-choice test on Norwegian society, government, history, and welfare. This test can be taken in your native language or English. Most people take this first, since it removes one requirement while you continue working toward the Norwegian oral test. See our complete guide to the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven.
The change from September 2025
Before 1 September 2025, completing a set number of hours of approved Norwegian instruction counted toward the permanent residence language requirement without a test. That pathway no longer exists. Since September 2025, only passing test results count — regardless of how many hours of instruction you have completed.
Citizenship: What You Need
Norskprøven — B1 oral
Citizenship requires a higher level than permanent residence. You must pass the Norskprøven at B1 oral level or higher. At B1, you can handle most everyday situations independently, express opinions on familiar topics, and follow conversations even when speakers use regional accents or natural pace. This is a meaningful step up from A2.
The change from October 2022
The B1 requirement for citizenship took effect on 1 October 2022 — separately from the 2025 changes to permanent residence. Before October 2022, completed hours of Norwegian instruction could substitute for the test. That is no longer the case.
Civics test — Statsborgerprøven or Samfunnskunnskapsprøven in Norwegian
You must also pass a civics test in Norwegian. There are two options per UDI:
Option A — Statsborgerprøven (citizenship test, 36 questions): conducted in Norwegian only, language level ≈ A2 reading. Register at prove.hkdir.no.
Option B — Samfunnskunnskapsprøven taken in Norwegian (30 questions): if you previously passed this for permanent residence in another language, that result does not satisfy the citizenship requirement — you must retake it in Norwegian.
Source: udi.no — test requirements for Norwegian citizenship
Other citizenship requirements
Language is one part of the citizenship requirements. You also need to meet the residence requirement — standard route for people with a regular residence permit: 8 years in the last 11 years (shorter for certain groups such as those with sufficient income or a protection-based permit). See our complete guide to applying for Norwegian citizenship for the full picture including all residence routes.
Understanding A2 and B1
Both requirements use the CEFR scale — the European standard for language proficiency. Here is what A2 and B1 mean in practical terms:
| Level | What you can do | Required for |
|---|---|---|
| A2 | Communicate in routine, predictable situations — shopping, appointments, simple work interactions. Can understand slow, clear speech on familiar topics. | Permanent residence |
| B1 | Handle most everyday situations independently. Express opinions and explain viewpoints. Follow conversations at natural speed, including regional accents. | Citizenship |
The gap between A2 and B1 is larger than it looks. Most learners need 200–400 additional hours of focused study to move from A2 to B1, depending on how actively they use Norwegian in daily life.
A result of B1 or higher on the Norskprøven oral section satisfies the requirement for both permanent residence and citizenship — you do not need to take the test twice.
Test Costs
Who Is Exempt from the Language Requirements
Not everyone is required to pass the language tests. UDI grants exemptions in certain circumstances. Always verify your situation at udi.no, as exemption rules may change.
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Age exemption — over 67 years Applicants who are 67 years or older when they apply for permanent residence may be exempt from the language and civics test requirements. Check udi.no for the exact age threshold and conditions.
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Documented medical condition If you have a documented physical or cognitive condition that prevents you from learning Norwegian or completing the tests, you may apply for an exemption. Medical documentation from a specialist is required.
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Nordic citizens Citizens of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland are generally exempt from the Norwegian language requirements for permanent residence, as Norwegian and the other Scandinavian languages are mutually intelligible and there are separate Nordic agreements in place.
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EEA/EU permanent residence EEA and EU citizens applying for permanent residence under EEA regulations follow a different process and are generally not subject to the same test requirements. Check udi.no for EEA-specific rules.
Realistic Study Timelines
The most common question is: how long will this take? The honest answer is that it depends on how actively you use Norwegian in daily life, but here are realistic benchmarks for most adult learners starting from zero:
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0–3 monthsBuild foundations (A1)
Basic vocabulary, pronunciation, numbers, everyday phrases. Enough to navigate simple daily situations. Use a structured beginner course or textbook alongside an app for daily practice.
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3–9 monthsReach A2 — target for permanent residence
150–300 hours of focused study from scratch for most learners. If you use Norwegian at work or in daily life, you may get here faster. Take the oral Norskprøven when you feel consistently comfortable in routine conversations.
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9–24 monthsReach B1 — target for citizenship
400–600 hours from zero; 200–400 additional hours from A2. The jump from A2 to B1 requires moving beyond scripted situations into expressing opinions, handling unexpected questions, and following natural-speed speech. Start at least 12–18 months before your planned citizenship application.
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OngoingUse Norwegian in real life
The single most effective preparation is active daily use — speaking Norwegian at work, with neighbours, in shops, on the phone. Learners who combine structured study with real-life practice consistently reach B1 faster than those studying in isolation.
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How to Register for the Tests
Norskprøven and Samfunnskunnskapsprøven
Register through your local adult education centre (voksenopplæring) or directly at prøvebooking.no. Tests are held several times per year at centres across Norway. You can take the oral and written sections of the Norskprøven separately — for immigration purposes, only the oral result is required, but taking the full test provides a more complete language certificate.
Statsborgerprøven
Registered the same way, through voksenopplæring or prøvebooking.no. Only available in Norwegian. Prepare using official practice materials from HK-dir — search "statsborgerprøven øvingsoppgaver" for free practice questions.
Book your test as early as possible — available slots fill up, especially in spring and autumn when many applicants are preparing for immigration deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use completed Norwegian course hours instead of taking the test?
No — not for applications submitted after 1 September 2025. The hours-based pathway no longer exists for permanent residence. For citizenship, the test requirement has been in place since October 2022. Completed course certificates do not substitute for test results regardless of when the instruction was completed.
If I pass B1, do I also meet the A2 requirement for permanent residence?
Yes. A B1 oral result is above the A2 minimum — it satisfies the permanent residence language requirement. You do not need to take the Norskprøven twice. If you are planning to apply for both permanent residence and eventually citizenship, studying toward B1 from the start is the most efficient approach.
Do I need a written Norwegian test for permanent residence?
No. Only the oral section of the Norskprøven is required for permanent residence. You do not need to pass the written sections. If you take the full Norskprøven, your oral and written results are issued separately — UDI only looks at the oral result.
Is there a written Norwegian test required for citizenship?
There is no separate mandatory written Norskprøven for citizenship. However, the Statsborgerprøven is conducted in Norwegian, so you need sufficient reading comprehension to understand and complete it — approximately A2 reading level. Most learners who have reached B1 oral have no difficulty with this.
Can I take the tests outside Norway?
The Norskprøven and Samfunnskunnskapsprøven are generally only available at test centres in Norway. If you are living abroad, contact UDI and HK-dir to ask about your options — limited availability may exist in some countries through Norwegian embassies or cultural institutions. This is not standard, and you should not rely on it.
What if I fail the test?
You can retake the Norskprøven as many times as needed — there is no limit on attempts. Use your result sheet to identify which specific skills need improvement. If you failed the oral section, focus on speaking practice with a native speaker or tutor before your next attempt. Each attempt requires a new registration and fee.
What if I completed my Norwegian course before September 2025?
Contact UDI directly. The standard rule is that test results are now required regardless of when you completed instruction. However, if you are in a transitional situation — for example, you applied for permanent residence before September 2025 but the case was not yet decided — the rules that applied at the time of application may still govern your case. UDI can clarify this for your specific situation.
My children are Norwegian citizens — does that affect my language requirement?
Having Norwegian citizen children does not remove the language test requirement for permanent residence or citizenship applications submitted under the standard pathway. If you believe your family situation qualifies you for a different application type or exemption, check udi.no or consult an immigration adviser.