Norway is ushering in a significant change in the requirements for obtaining a permanent residence permit, effective April 18, 2024. The Norwegian government has decided to drop the condition that applicants must not have received financial assistance from the state during the last 12 months.

Previously, individuals aged between 18 and 67 seeking a permanent residence permit were required to have a consistent income over the preceding 12 months and could not have received any financial support from the government during that period. However, with the new regulations, the requirement regarding not receiving financial assistance under the Social Services Act has been lifted, although applicants will still need to demonstrate a stable income.

A permanent residence permit allows individuals to live and work in Norway indefinitely, provided they have held a residence permit for at least three years and meet certain other criteria. Permit holders are issued a residence card valid for two years at a time, which serves as proof of their permanent residence status. This replaces the previous practice of affixing a sticker to the passport.

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) is currently updating its guide on the Norwegian language proficiency requirements for those granted residence permits after January 1, 2021.

Approved sources of income for obtaining a permanent residence permit include employment income, business income from self-employment, pension payments or permanent periodical benefits (such as earned interest, insurance settlements, contractual pensions, personal pension schemes, life insurance income, and rental income), sickness benefits, pregnancy benefits, parental benefits, retirement pensions, unemployment benefits, work assessment allowances, single parent's benefits, student loans or grants, and introduction benefits.

It is important to note that while the requirement not to receive financial assistance has been lifted, applicants can still apply for assistance during their stay in Norway if they lack financial resources. Such assistance may come in the form of pocket money, food allowances, or support for necessities like medical care, eyeglasses, and educational materials.

The relaxation of the financial support requirement is expected to make the process of obtaining a permanent residence permit more accessible for a broader range of individuals, promoting greater social inclusion and integration within Norwegian society.