Immigration and integration

Residence Permits

To live and work in Norway, most foreigners need a residence permit. The regulations vary depending on background and purpose of the stay.

UDI (The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) handles applications for residence, while the police register and issue residence cards.

The Introduction Program

Newly arrived refugees and reunited family members between 18 and 55 years of age have the right and obligation to participate in the introduction program. The program normally lasts two years and includes:- Norwegian language training with social studies

• Employment-oriented measures and practice
• Guidance about Norwegian working life and society
• Individual plan with concrete goals

Participants receive introduction benefits equivalent to 2 G (approx. 237,000 NOK per year).

Language Requirements

Norwegian language skills are crucial for integration and are required for several purposes.

Norwegian language training is offered through the municipality’s adult education, and many are entitled to free training.

Citizenship

To apply for Norwegian citizenship, you must fulfill several requirements:- Have lived in Norway for at least 7 of the last 10 years

• Have passed the Norwegian test and the social studies test
• Not have criminal records of a serious nature
• Be able to support yourself

Norway allows dual citizenship from 2020, so you do not need to give up your original citizenship.

Integration in practice

Successful integration is about participation in society. Important arenas are the workforce, volunteer organizations, the neighborhood, and children’s school and kindergarten. IMDi (The Directorate of Integration and Diversity) coordinates the national integration efforts.

Immigration and integration are part of the curriculum for the social studies test . Also read about work life and welfare and economy and taxes . Practice with free theory test .