Temporary collective protection in Norway: how to get it, social housing, financial assistance and free courses for Ukrainians

2 min

12 Nov. 2022

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Norway

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

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The war in Ukraine has led to a historically large flow of refugees to Norway, the country's Prime Minister Jonas Gar Støre said. Currently, 30,000 Ukrainians have received temporary protection in the country, but the government predicts that the number of asylum seekers may increase to 40,000 by the end of the year, and to 70,000 in 2023.

Norway is not a member of the European Union, so the procedure for obtaining protection is slightly different from EU countries. Rules and benefits of temporary collective protection in Norway further.

Rules of entry

You can enter Norway on the basis of a Ukrainian biometric international passport. The permitted period of stay is up to 90 days within 180 days (the usual period for the Schengen zone). Also, citizens of Ukraine can cross the Norwegian border without a biometric foreign passport, including children, but only by land transport (car, bus) and ship. Such a road will take about 20 hours. It will be much faster by plane, 2-3 hours. Norway has air connections with many European countries, in Poland flights depart from Warsaw, Wroclaw, Gdansk and Katowice.

Currently, entry restrictions due to COVID-19 have been lifted and Norway is open for entry.

Pets are allowed, but certain requirements must be met. The pet can also be quarantined for several weeks. However, some exceptions to the general rules for importing animals apply to refugees from Ukraine who arrive in Norway with pets. More detailed information at the link.

Free travel

Ukrainians planning to travel to Norway are entitled to free travel. However, the service is only available on VY trains and express buses. The rule applies only to arrival in Norway - there is no free passage further across the country.

Where to apply for protection?

At the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Norwegian government decided on "temporary collective protection" of Ukrainian citizens in Norway. Collective protection means that the Directorate for Foreigners (UDI) does not consider the need for protection individually, but provides it to all Ukrainians who fled the war, as well as their family members. Such a procedure significantly simplifies the preparation of documents and speeds up the provision of assistance to Ukrainians.

You can apply for protection in Norway at the refugee center in Råde or at police stations. In most cities, before visiting the police station, you need to call in advance and arrange a check-in time.

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.

Temporary protection is limited in time: it is granted for one year and can be extended up to three years. It entitles you to health care, employment, education, social support and Norwegian language courses.

Dwelling

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 the 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 there.

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 ranges from 800 to 1,200 EUR, depending on the city.

Medical services

Ukrainians have the right to receive medical care in Norway if you are ill, need dental services or have a certain addiction. However, adults after visiting a doctor must pay a personal share, according to established tariffs. The amount usually ranges from 15 to 35 euros. However, it is worth noting that assistance is provided even if you are unable to pay for it. There is no need to pay for hospitalization.

Children under 16 do not need to pay for the services of a doctor, psychologist, physical therapist or X-ray. Services at the maternal and child health center and school medical services are free. All children have the right to check-ups and vaccinations at children's consultations and school health services.

Health insurance is not required. However, it will protect you from unforeseen costs. Therefore, in order not to have trouble and to be calm for yourself and your loved ones, Visit Ukraine recommends taking out medical insurance.

Financial assistance

Ukrainians who are unable to provide for themselves receive the right to financial assistance to cover basic needs: food, accommodation, access to medical services, primary, secondary and higher education. However, it is worth considering the fact that in terms of the cost of living, Norway belongs to the "most expensive" countries in the world, so all other needs will have to be provided by our citizens at their own expense, and that it will cost significantly more than in other European countries. Monthly payments at the rate of Norwegian kroner are approximately EUR 1,800 per adult, but the program may be adjusted over time.

Financial support is also provided to Ukrainians participating in the familiarization program and to children.

Where to look for work?

Norway has significantly simplified employment conditions for Ukrainians. After registration of temporary protection, you will receive a work permit. You cannot work until you receive a decision granting you temporary collective protection.

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.

Education

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 state 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.

Free courses in Norway

The Norwegian authorities actively help those Ukrainians who are trying to adapt in the country. Free language courses are available, which are designed for 6 months, during which assistance is paid.

In addition, you can get acquainted with the Norwegian way of life for free. Since their daily habits, principles and rules are somewhat different from ours, this is a really useful course. In this way, you will be able to adapt faster and easier in Norway.

We talked about how life is arranged in the Scandinavian countries earlier.

For more useful information about the rules for registration of temporary collective protection in Norway and the rights of Ukrainians, see the link.