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Introduction programme for newly arrived immigrants

Draft, translated: translated from the Norwegian original with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is the authoritative one. See the Norwegian original →

If you are a refugee or reunited with family of a refugee, you have both the right and the duty to an introduction programme with Norwegian, social studies and employment-oriented measures.

Norwegian original last checked against official sources: 17 October 2026. Rules and figures change, so always check the official site before you act.

The introduction programme is meant to make it easier to get started with life in Norway: learning the language, understanding society, and getting closer to work or education.

Who has the right and the duty to the programme?

According to the Norwegian Directorate for Integration and Diversity (IMDi) and the government, this mainly applies to you if you are between 18 and 55 years old and are:

a refugee or a resettlement refugee,
granted residence on humanitarian grounds,
reunited with family of someone in these groups,
granted an independent residence permit due to abuse in a relationship.

It is the municipality where you are settled that has the duty to offer the programme, and the right applies in the first municipality you are settled in.

What does the programme include?

Norwegian language training, social studies, and measures that prepare you for further education or work, for example work practice. The programme should be individually tailored and, as a general rule, full-time.

How long does it last?

The length depends on your situation and what is set out in your individual plan. Programmes can last from a few months up to two or three years, depending on, among other things, whether the goal is qualification for work or for further education. The regulations have been changed several times in recent years, so ask the municipality or IMDi about what applies to your specific situation.

Introduction benefit

If you take part in the programme, you have the right to an introduction benefit. According to IMDi, this corresponds to twice the National Insurance basic amount (G) per year for adults. If you are under 25, you get two thirds of the benefit if you live on your own, and one third if you live with one or both parents. The benefit is taxable.

Norwegian language training, also outside the introduction programme

According to IMDi, many immigrants have the right and duty to take Norwegian language training and social studies, depending on which residence permit they have. Some only have the duty, and must then pay themselves.

A right means you are entitled to the training, and that it is free.
A duty means you must complete it.
The municipality must arrange the training as soon as possible, and within three months of you asking for it.
The rules are in the Integration Act, which applies if you got your first residence permit on 1 January 2021 or later. If you got your permit before that, older rules may apply.

Ask the municipality where you live what applies to you.

If you disagree with something in the programme

The programme is set through an individual decision, which you can complain about. The complaint is sent to the municipality, and then on to the County Governor (Statsforvalteren) if you are not granted it.

Tip: Raise it early with the municipality if you have education or work experience from before. This can make the programme better tailored and shorter.

Sources

Kontaktpunkt24 gives general information, not legal advice. If you need help with your own case, contact a lawyer, a legal aid service, or the relevant authority.

This page is translated from Norwegian with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is always the authoritative one.