In 2023, a total of 5,333 individuals took the citizenship test in Norway, with 91.3 per cent of the participants passing the test.
According to data from the Ministry of Labor and Inclusion, this increase in test takers is visible across the country, with particularly strong results in Oslo and Vestland, with pass rates of 93.9 per cent and 93 per cent respectively, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
Sveinung Skule, director of the Directorate for Higher Education and Skills, commented on the trend, highlighting the positive trajectory since the start of the test in 2017. Skule noted that the increasing number of candidates reflects an increasing proficiency in the Norwegian language and understanding of Norwegian society among applicants.
We want immigrants and refugees to integrate as quickly as possible, get a jobs and become active participants in local communities across the country. It requires both language skills and a good understanding of Norwegian society.
As the Ministry explains, individuals aged 18 to 67 applying for Norwegian citizenship must pass either the citizenship test or the social studies test in Norwegian.
In addition, the citizenship test assesses knowledge based on the Curriculum for Social Studies Training for Adult Immigrants. It consists of 32 questions, and test takers must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
If a citizen has already taken a similar test during Norwegian language and social studies training, he does not need to retake it.
Exemptions may apply if:
- Social studies have been passed in junior or senior high school.
- Social studies in higher secondary education have been completed.
- Have completed Module 1 in the vocational training and you have received a certificate.
- Studied social sciences at a university or college, covering specific topics.
- Have completed studies in Norwegian or Sami at a university or college in Norway.
- Health or other important reasons that prevent you from passing the test.
- The municipality to which a citizen belongs has exempted her from mandatory social studies training or the test.
However, if they registered as an EU/EEA citizen or obtained their first residence permit before 1 September 2005, they are not entitled to an exemption.
91% Gain Norwegian Citizenship in 2022
In 2022, after a new law allowed holding multiple citizenships, 91 per cent of applicants gained Norwegian citizenship. Out of 7,216 participants, 6,566 passed the citizenship test, a step toward Norwegian citizenship.
In 2021, a record-high 41,100 Norwegian citizens were also granted citizenship. Among them, 4,590, 3,559, and 3,216 were from three specific countries.
The percentage of naturalized citizens varies by country. Swedes saw a significant increase from an average of 208 naturalizations between 2017 and 2019 to much more in 2021. Russians also increased, from 186 to 3,216 during the same period.
Between 2018 and 2021, the number of naturalized Norwegians rose to 10,268, marking a 75 per cent increase from the 2021 figure of 41,092 Norwegian citizens granted citizenship.
