Who only needs A2 Norwegian for citizenship, and who is exempt?
Since 1 September 2025, most people aged 18 to 67 who apply for Norwegian citizenship need to pass the oral Norwegian test at B1 or higher. Some groups only need A2, and some can be exempt. Here is what UDI lists, in plain English.
This is a summary, not legal advice. UDI decides your case, and its pages on test requirements and exemptions are the final word.
Who can meet the requirement with A2
According to UDI, oral A2 is enough instead of B1 if one of these applies to you:
- You are stateless.
- You are over 55 and came to Norway after applying for protection, or as a resettled refugee.
- You are over 55 and receive disability benefits.
- You applied for Norwegian citizenship before 1 October 2022.
Who does not need the oral test
The test requirements apply to applicants between 18 and 67, so the oral test rule does not apply if you are outside that age range. UDI also lists some education based exemptions, for example if you have completed certain Norwegian upper secondary or higher education in Norwegian or Sámi in Norway. Check the exact conditions on udi.no.
Exemption for health or other weighty reasons
UDI says you can ask for an exemption from the oral test if health problems or other weighty personal reasons stop you from passing at B1. In that case you normally still have to pass at A2, or document why you cannot take or pass the test at A2 either. UDI notes that exemptions from the A2 level are rarely granted.
You need documentation, for example from a doctor or from your Norwegian teacher, depending on the reason. UDI has forms for this on its website.
If none of these apply: plan for B1
Most applicants are not in any of these groups, so the realistic plan is to reach B1 on the oral test. B1 means you can talk about familiar topics, give reasons and opinions, and keep a conversation going. For many people who already get by in everyday Norwegian, that is a matter of weeks of regular speaking practice, not years.
You still also need the citizenship test (statsborgerprøven) or the social studies test in Norwegian, unless you are exempt from that too.
- Rehearse common oral questions out loud every day.
- Practise giving a reason (fordi), an example (for eksempel) and a contrast (men, selv om).
- Book the oral test early, because test centres fill up.
Which word turns an A2 sentence into a B1 sentence by adding a reason?
- og
- fordi
- også
Show the answer
fordi
'Fordi' means because. 'Jeg liker Norge fordi naturen er fin' gives a reason, which is a core B1 skill. 'Og' and 'også' only add more facts.
Get more free practice questionsMost applicants need B1. Get there with daily practice.
Snakke's AI tutor talks with you in Norwegian and corrects you. Start free, upgrade for full Norskprøve practice.
Start practisingQuestions
Who only needs A2 Norwegian for citizenship?
UDI lists stateless applicants, applicants over 55 who came as asylum seekers or resettled refugees, applicants over 55 on disability benefits, and people who applied before 1 October 2022.
Can I be exempt from the Norwegian test for citizenship?
You can ask UDI for an exemption for health or other weighty reasons, with documentation. You normally still need A2, and exemption from A2 is rarely granted.
Do I need the language test if I am over 67?
The test requirements apply to applicants between 18 and 67. Check udi.no for the rules that apply to your age and situation.
How to pass Norskprøve B2: a complete 2026 guide
What the test actually measures, how to train each of the four skills, a realistic timeline, and the point-losing mistakes to avoid.
Norskprøve B2 exam format: all four parts explained
Reading, listening, writing and speaking: timings, scoring, and what specifically changes at B2.