Exemptions from tests when applying for a permanent residence permit

You can apply for an exemption in these cases

• You have sufficient knowledge of Norwegian

  You may be exempt from the oral Norwegian test if you can document one of the following:

  • You have received a final or exam grade of 2 or higher in both oral and written Norwegian in Module 4 of preparatory education for adults (FOV).
  • You have received a final or exam grade of 2 or higher in Norwegian or Sámi in primary/lower secondary school.
  • You have a mid-term, final or exam grade of 2 or higher in Norwegian or Sámi in upper secondary school.
  • You have a certificate of competence in Norwegian or Sámi from preparatory education for adults (FOV), primary/lower secondary or upper secondary school.
  • You have completed studies in Norwegian or Sámi at university level (minimum 30 ECTS credits).
  • You meet the language admission requirements for studies in Norwegian or Sámi at a Norwegian university, university college, or vocational college. For example, you meet the admission requirement if you have:
    • passed the Level 3 exam from a university, or
    • been offered a place on a study programme where the main language is Norwegian at a university/university college in Norway.

• You have sufficient knowledge of Norwegian society

  You may be exempt from the social studies test if you can document one of the following:

  • You have received a final or exam grade of 2 or higher in social studies in primary/lower secondary school.
  • You have a mid-term, final or exam grade of 2 or higher in social studies in upper secondary school.
  • You have a certificate of competence in social studies from preparatory education for adults (FOV), primary/lower secondary or upper secondary school.
  • You have completed and passed social studies that provide knowledge about Norway at university level (minimum 10 ECTS credits).
  • You have completed studies in Norwegian or Sámi at university level in Norway. You must document that you have earned credits from studies in Norwegian or Sámi.

• You have been granted an exemption by the municipality

  If you have been granted an exemption by the municipality and can document this, you are exempt from the following requirement: 

  • Passed Norwegian language test at level A2 or higher
  • Social studies in a language you understand

• You have health reasons, personal circumstances, or other compelling reasons

  You may apply for an exemption if you are unable to take and pass the Norwegian language test or the social studies test due to health reasons or other personal circumstances.

  Health reasons and personal circumstances

  Health reasons may include chronic or serious illness, or other long-term problems that make it difficult for you to take the tests.

  Personal circumstances may, for example, include having reading and writing difficulties, or little/no educational background from your home country and coming to Norway as an adult.

  Adaptations of the tests

  The tests can be adjusted or adapted in various ways. If you require accommodations, you must contact the test centre where you will take the test(s). Examples of adaptations include:

  • Taking the oral Norwegian test without a co-candidate
  • Taking the social studies test orally
  • Extra time to take the test(s)
  • Taking the test(s) alone in a separate room

  Read more about adaptations to the various tests:

  • Norwegian test for sign language users (external website)
  • Adaptations for the oral Norwegian test (external website)
  • Adaptations for the social studies test (external website)

  Documentation and explanation

  You may apply for an exemption from one or both tests if you can document and explain:

  • Why you cannot pass the social studies test in a language you understand.
  • Why you cannot pass the oral Norwegian test at level A2 or higher.
  • Why you cannot complete the test(s), even with adaptations.

  How to apply for an exemption

  If you wish to apply for an exemption from the test(s), you must submit the necessary documentation and an explanation of why. You should have attempted the test(s) recently before applying for an exemption. This will be taken into account when we decide whether to exempt you from the requirement.

  You must submit:

  • The Main Application Form (pdf, 244 kB), where you tick the boxes for which test(s) you want to be exempted from and explain why.

  If relevant, you must also submit:

  • Supplementary Form 1 (pdf, 239 kB), completed by your doctor or other health professional, if you are applying for an exemption based on health reasons.
  • Supplementary Form 2 (pdf, 244 kB), completed by your school, special education teacher, speech therapist, or the educational-psychological service (PPT), if you are applying for an exemption based on your ability to learn.

  You must submit the documentation together with your application for a permanent residence permit. You must always submit the main application form, which you fill in yourself. You must also submit supplementary forms if relevant.

  UDI will consider whether you may be granted an exemption when we process your application for a permanent residence permit.

  Forms for applying for an exemption

  These forms can only be used when applying for a permanent residence permit. You cannot use them if you are applying for an exemption from tests from the municipality. The municipality has its own forms for this.

  Main Application Form

  You must complete this yourself. This form must always be submitted when you apply for exemption.

  • Main Application Form — English (pdf, 244 kB)

  Supplementary Form 1

  Your doctor or other health professional must complete this. Only use if you apply for an exemption based on health reasons.

  • Supplementary Form 1 — English (pdf, 239 kB)

  Supplementary Form 2

  Your school, special education teacher, speech therapist, or the educational-psychological service (PPT) must complete this. Only use if you apply for an exemption based on your ability to learn. Contact those who have already assessed you and obtain documentation of their assessment, for example, from your school, adult education, or similar. A new assessment is not required.

  • Supplementary Form 2 — English (pdf, 244 kB)