Norway Removes Financial Support Requirement for Permanent Residency Applicants

Norway Removes Financial Support Requirement for Permanent Residency Applicants

Summary:

  • Norway has removed the obligation to demonstrate a lack of financial aid received within the past year when seeking permanent residency.
  • Starting April 18, 2024, permanent residency seekers must only verify their income level from the previous year.
  • Certain groups, such as students and individuals with disabilities, are exempt from the income criterion.

Norway has opted to remove the obligation to demonstrate the absence of financial aid when seeking a permanent residence permit. Previously, individuals aged 18 to 67 were required to verify that they had not received any financial assistance from the Norwegian government under the Social Services Act within the past 12 months when applying for permanent residency. However, with the implementation of new regulations on April 18, 2024, this criterion will no longer be in effect. Conversely, the stipulation mandating permanent residence applicants to establish their own income will remain unchanged. All individuals aged 18 to 67 must substantiate that they have received a certain level of income in the preceding 12 months. Therefore, if you fall within the age bracket of 18 to 67 and intend to apply for a permanent residence permit, you must demonstrate that you have earned your own income over the past year.

As per the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), to meet this criterion, applicants for permanent residency must demonstrate earnings of at least NOK 296,550 (€25,219) over the previous year. However, exceptions are made for individuals who haven't met this income threshold but have been engaged in full-time employment during the past 12 months and received the statutory minimum wage, even if it falls below the specified minimum. If one's income has been below NOK 296,550 in the last year, meeting the requirement is possible only if they have held a full-time position throughout that period and received the legal minimum wage, regardless of whether it's lower than NOK 296,550.

UDI mentions that certain groups may be exempted from the requirement to financially support themselves when seeking permanent residency.

Students in primary, upper secondary, or higher education, as well as participants in approved underground labor market measures or apprenticeship programs, may qualify for exemptions. Additionally, individuals receiving disability benefits from NAV or those granted independent residence permits due to domestic abuse or illness may also be exempt. However, UDI stresses that exemptions are not guaranteed and are assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering whether it's unreasonable to expect financial self-sufficiency from applicants. For those who don't meet the income requirement and aren't eligible for exemptions, UDI suggests delaying the application for permanent residency and renewing their current residence permit if it's set to expire before meeting the financial criteria.

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