Norway’s New Permanent Residence Rules Financial Flexibility & Language Training Updates

Norway has made some changes to its rules for people who want to get a permanent residence permit to stay in the country long-term.

Before these changes, if someone between the ages of 18 and 67 wanted to apply for a permanent residence permit, they had to show that they had enough money to support themselves for a whole year.

This meant proving they had a steady income and could manage without any financial help from the government for that entire year.

Now, with the new rules in place, applicants don’t need to prove that they’ve been financially independent for the past year.

They still need to demonstrate that they have a regular and stable income. This income can come from different sources like a job, running a business, receiving a pension, or even having loans or grants.

The updated rules also show a more understanding approach towards people who might face financial difficulties during their time in Norway.

The government is allowing some flexibility by providing financial assistance to those who need it. Importantly, this assistance won’t affect their chances of getting approved for a permanent residence permit.

This financial help can be for essential living expenses like medical bills or education costs, making it easier for people to settle and adapt to life in Norway.

Permanent Residence

Obtaining a permanent residence permit in Norway is a significant achievement for immigrants as it offers them the opportunity to live and work in Norway indefinitely.

To be eligible for this permit, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having lived in Norway with a valid residence permit for a minimum of three years.

Once an applicant’s permanent residence permit is approved, they will receive a residence card, which is valid for two years. This residence card is an official document that confirms their status as a permanent resident of Norway.

This status was indicated by stickers placed on the applicant’s passport, but now it’s represented by this residence card, which is a more modern and efficient method.

To the changes in financial requirements, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) is also updating the rules regarding mandatory language training for people who have received residence permits after January 1, 2021.

These updated language training rules are mainly for newcomers and recent immigrants, and they don’t apply to those who got their residence permits before this date.