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Citizenship: Norway to introduce stricter language requirements

Frazer Norwell
Frazer Norwell - [email protected]
Citizenship: Norway to introduce stricter language requirements
Ålesund a city on Norway's west coast Photo by Ela Yudhanira from Pexels

Norway will make stricter language requirements of would be citizens at some point in 2022.

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The required level of Norwegian will be raised from A2 to B1 using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

A2 refers to an elementary level of Norwegian and B1 is considered fluent or semi-fluent.

Meanwhile, mandatory Norwegian and social studies lessons will be removed as a requirement.

Exemption from the new language requirements will be granted if, for personal circumstances or health reasons, applicants are unable to reach level B1 in spoken Norwegian.

You can read the updated requirements on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website here.

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The change to the language requirement from A2 to B1 will apply from Spring 2022 at the earliest, according to the UDI. So be sure to keep an eye out for when the rules change to make sure you don’t fall short of the requirements when you apply. 

The rules for applying for citizenship in Norway vary according to your specific situation, including factors like your existing nationality, how long you have lived in Norway, when you came to Norway and whether you are married to or the partner of a Norwegian. People who have previously been Norwegian citizens can also re-apply.

READ ALSO: What's the difference between becoming a permanent resident in Norway and gaining Norwegian citizenship?

You can practice the Norwegian citizenship test here.

In addition to voting in local, municipal and national elections, another perk of Norwegian citizenship is the passport. It’s ranked at number four on the global passport index—a Norwegian passport grants free entry to 86 different countries without a visa requirement.

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