This year, Norway continues to provide asylum to Ukrainian citizens, but the government will introduce certain restrictions on their stay in the country. Find out more about the rules for entering Norway from Ukraine in 2024, how to get protection and apply for financial assistance

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According to the Norwegian Immigration Service, as of December 2023, almost 67,000 citizens of Ukraine with the status of temporary collective protection live in the country. The cities of Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim and Drammen are the largest centers in terms of the number of Ukrainians.

In 2024, the state continues to accept Ukrainians, but plans to introduce stricter rules for refugees in the country. Norway is not a member of the European Union, so the procedure for obtaining protection is slightly different from EU countries.

Rules and features of temporary collective protection in Norway in 2024 onwards.

Rules for entering Norway from Ukraine

Since February 25, 2022, Norway has completely abolished visa requirements for all citizens of Ukraine, so it is not necessary to issue a permit before traveling.

The Government of Norway made a decision regarding the "temporary collective protection" of Ukrainian citizens in Norway who left Ukraine as a result of Russian aggression. The decision provides for the possibility of obtaining a temporary residence permit in Norway for one year, which can be extended for a period of up to three years

Moving to the country together with pets is allowed. However, a Ukrainian must pre-register a pet, notify of arrival in advance and undergo a medical examination.

Where to apply for protection?

You can apply for protection in Norway at the National Registration Center in the municipality of Rode or at the police station in five cities of the country: Kirkenes, Trondheim, Bergen, Jaren and Torp. To agree on the time of registration, you should contact the institution in advance.

Importantly! From January 1, 2024, persons wishing to obtain a place in the refugee shelter must register their application exclusively at the National Registration Center in the municipality of Rode.

At the immigration office, they will take your fingerprints and help you fill out the form (the whole process will take 3-4 hours). The application review period may take several weeks.

Social support for Ukrainians in Norway

Temporary protection entitles you to health care, employment, education, social support and Norwegian language courses.

● Housing in Norway for Ukrainians in 2024

Free housing is provided for Ukrainians in Norway. Upon arrival, you will be accommodated in the reception center. Then, when the documents are processed and you receive protection, you will be placed in the appropriate community of the country. The commune itself will be responsible for providing housing.

They are often accommodated in special small dormitories. Before entering a home, the authorities must inspect the living conditions: whether they meet the standards, whether the refugee will live comfortably here, and how safe it is to stay here.

If you plan to rent housing, it is better to look for it yourself than through an agency. We advise you to focus on Norwegian sites, because here you can be sure that the prices will not be inflated for foreigners. One of the most popular sites is Finn.no. Ads in English are collected on Nespick.com and Rentberry.com.

The monthly rent for a one-room apartment is between 800 and 1,200 EUR, depending on the city.

● Work in Norway for Ukrainians

After registration of temporary protection, you will receive a work permit. The largest database of vacancies is collected on the portal: Arbeidsplassen.

If you work in Norway, you automatically become a member of the Norwegian National Insurance System from the first day of work. As a member of the Norwegian National Insurance System, NAV is responsible for your rights to family benefits, pension, health benefits and much more.

In 2024, the Norwegian authorities will promote faster employment of Ukrainians. The government plans to strengthen the familiarization program for refugees and will establish specific requirements for its orientation:

- Participants must spend at least 15 hours a week on activities aimed at employment.

- Minimum requirements can be met through internships, part-time work, short vocational or industry courses and participation in labor market activities.

- Municipalities will have the right to reject applications for participation in the program from those who are already employed or have received an offer of employment.

● Education in Norway

Ukrainian children have the right to free education in Norway. This right applies to children from 6 to 16 years old. The education system divides schools into junior, middle and senior schools. After that, there is a chance to get a public place at a college or university with a scholarship. Students will study according to Norwegian programs. There are also many teaching aids in the Ukrainian language that schools have the opportunity to use.

In Norway, attending kindergarten is not mandatory, however, it is considered the first stage of the educational process.

Contact your local municipality for details and practical information.

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Changes to financial support for Ukrainians in Norway in 2024

Ukrainians who are unable to provide for themselves are entitled to financial assistance in Norway to cover their basic needs: food, accommodation, access to medical services, primary, secondary and higher education.

Monthly payments at the Norwegian krone exchange rate were approximately 1,800 euros per adult. However, in 2024, the Government of Norway decided to limit financial assistance to displaced persons from Ukraine in order to avoid an excessive burden on municipalities. In particular, a number of the following changes are envisaged:

- Ukrainians will no longer receive payments if they decide to live in private housing instead of refugee reception centers.

- It is planned to reduce support for childless families by approximately 6,000 kroner (€520) per month.

- The state will no longer cover pet costs for people arriving at refugee reception centres. In practice, new arrivals will not have the opportunity to live with pets in refugee reception centers.

- To receive a one-off financial aid of NOK 93,000 (€8,200) you will need to live in Norway for at least one year.

- A requirement for a longer period of residence in Norway will be introduced to receive basic benefits and benefits.

More details at the link.

Importantly! In 2024, Norway also plans to strengthen control over trips to Ukraine. The residence permit can be canceled if the trip is against the rules. You can go home only for a valid reason. Details about the restrictions are in our material.

Return from Norway

On the website of the Norwegian Directorate for Foreigners (UDI), it is reported that the Norwegian government allocates an additional cash payment in the amount of 1,500 euros for Ukrainians who are going to return home.

This assistance is designed to enable Ukrainians who previously received collective protection in Norway to return to their homeland and settle there.

The list of documents and the registration procedure can be found at the link.

So, in 2024, Norway, like other European countries, will accept Ukrainians, but before moving here, take into account the gradual reduction of social support.

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