Permanent residence and citizenship

Are you preparing for permanent residence in Norway or Norwegian citizenship? This page gathers NoTe courses that help you meet the language and social studies requirements that often decide whether your application moves forward.

Current requirements you should know

UDI rules for permanent residence are no longer only about completed training hours. For most adults between 18 and 67, you must document at least A2 level in spoken Norwegian and a pass on the social studies test (samfunnskunnskapsprøven), unless an exemption applies. Citizenship has its own pathway, where the citizenship test (statsborgerprøven) or a social studies test taken in Norwegian is central.

Official sources such as UDI and HK-dir should always be your reference for legal requirements. NoTe helps you prepare for the tests and language levels those rules point to.

A2 oral Norwegian for permanent residence

Many applicants need a documented pass in oral Norwegian at A2 or higher. That means clear, practical speaking skills for everyday life, not only completed course hours.

On this page you will find courses focused on A2 oral preparation, conversation training and broader A1 to B1 packages that build speaking confidence step by step.

Social studies test and citizenship test preparation

The social studies test covers how Norwegian society works, including democracy, work life, health, education and everyday rights and duties. It is digital, multiple choice, and can be taken in many languages for permanent residence purposes.

The citizenship test is taken in Norwegian and is required for many citizenship applications if you have not already passed the social studies test in Norwegian. Preparation typically includes practice questions, curriculum review and structured study over time.

• Social studies courses in English or Norwegian
• 75-hour social studies programmes
• Citizenship test preparation materials and courses

How to choose the right course at NoTe

Start by clarifying your goal: permanent residence, citizenship, or both. Then check which tests and language levels you still need. If you are unsure about your Norwegian level, take our free level test before you buy.

NoTe (Norwegian Teaching AS) is a language school in Oslo approved by UDI and HK-dir. We offer flexible online courses for adults, with options for self-study and more guided formats.

Take the free Norwegian level test if you need help choosing the right starting point.

Frequently asked questions about permanent residence and citizenship

What Norwegian and social studies requirements apply for permanent residence?

As a main rule, applicants aged 18 to 67 must document a pass in oral Norwegian at A2 or higher and a pass in the social studies test. Always check current UDI rules, as exemptions may apply in some cases.

What is the difference between the social studies test and the citizenship test?

The social studies test is commonly used for permanent residence and can be taken in many languages. The citizenship test is for citizenship and is taken in Norwegian. If you passed the social studies test in Norwegian, you usually do not need the citizenship test as well.

How can NoTe help me prepare?

NoTe offers A2 oral Norwegian courses, social studies courses in Norwegian or English, and citizenship test preparation. You can combine self-study and focused packages based on your goals.