On April 18, Norway made a significant change to its immigration policy, abolishing the financial support requirement for obtaining a permanent residence permit.
Previous Regulations
Before this welcome change, individuals aged between 18 and 67 seeking permanent residence permits in Norway had to demonstrate financial independence for the previous 12 months.
This meant showing a stable income and refraining from receiving government financial assistance under the Social Services Act.
What Has Changed?
The recent amendment eliminates the restriction on receiving financial aid while still maintaining the prerequisite of maintaining a steady income.
This means that individuals can now apply for permanent residency without worrying about meeting the previous financial support requirement.
Benefits of Permanent Residence
A permanent residence permit grants individuals the right to reside and work in Norway indefinitely, opening up many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
To be eligible, applicants must have held a valid residence permit in Norway for at least three years and fulfill additional criteria.
New Residence Card
Upon approval, recipients will receive a residence card valid for two years. This replaces the previous practice of endorsing stickers on passports, streamlining the process for applicants.
Revised Guidelines
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) is currently revising the guidelines regarding language training requirements for individuals granted residence permits after January 1, 2021.
However, these updated guidelines do not yet apply to those who received permits after this date.
Approved Sources of Income
Approved sources of income for meeting the financial criteria include earnings from employment, business income, pension payments, sickness benefits, loans, education grants, and introduction benefits.
Financial assistance for essential needs remains available for individuals facing financial hardship during their stay in Norway.
With these recent changes to Norway’s immigration policy, the path to permanent residency has become more accessible for individuals seeking to make Norway their home.