From 250 hours to B1 or B2 Level: New UDI citizenship rule explained

If you plan to apply for Norwegian citizenship or permanent residency after September 2025, you should be aware of the major change to the UDI citizenship requirements. The long-established system of collecting 250 or 550 hours is being removed completely. Instead of submitting proof of hours, applicants must now demonstrate actual Norwegian language competence by passing Norskprøven, the oral test. For permanent residency, the requirement is A2. For citizenship, the requirement becomes B1, and for many people aiming for better integration, career progression, or academic opportunities, reaching B2 will offer a significant advantage.

This update reflects a shift away from time spent studying and towards real, measurable communication skills. Your progress, your practice, and your demonstrated ability in Norwegian now carry far more weight than any number of logged hours. No matter how many hours you have already completed, after September 2025 they will no longer influence your application. What matters is whether you can perform at the required Norskprøven level.

Understanding where you stand today is essential. If you are not sure whether you operate closer to A2, B1, or B2, most online Norwegian courses offer placement tests that quickly show your current level. This helps you choose the correct learning path and set realistic goals for the UDI citizenship requirement.

Why B1 or B2 level matters in the new UDI citizenship rule

The government highlights B1 and B2 because these levels represent true participation in Norwegian society. At the B1 level, you can manage everyday conversations, handle basic workplace situations, interact in Norwegian social settings, and communicate your thoughts and experiences clearly. Reaching B2 takes you even further, allowing you to understand more complex information, follow workplace meetings, read and write detailed documents, and express opinions with nuance.

These language abilities matter far beyond the citizenship process. They make it easier to communicate with doctors, teachers, public offices, and employers. They help you participate in your local community and support your children through school. Achieving B1 or B2 is not just a requirement; it becomes a foundation for confidence and independence in your daily Norwegian life.

If you imagine yourself in real situations, describing a problem, discussing plans at work, or writing a formal email, your current comfort level is a good indication of where you should aim. If you hesitate in these areas, there is clear value in working towards B1 or B2 long before you reach the Norskprøven examination room.

How online Norwegian courses help you reach B1 or B2 for UDI citizenship

To meet the new UDI citizenship rule, you need a learning method that genuinely builds competence. Lingu’s online Norwegian courses offer three different approaches, so you can choose the structure that suits your routine and learning style.

Fast-Track Norwegian is ideal if you want a clear weekly rhythm with live classes led by a dedicated teacher. You join scheduled sessions, participate in daily drop-in classes for extra practice, and follow a structured curriculum designed around the Norskprøven progression. This model is well-suited for those who appreciate accountability, steady pacing, and teacher guidance. Whether you choose the intensive eight-week path or the more gradual sixteen-week track, you receive continuous support with speaking, writing, reading, and listening tasks; all aligned with the requirements for B1 or B2.

Flexi Norwegian offers a different kind of flexibility. Instead of fixed class times, you can join live online lessons whenever they fit into your schedule. Morning, evening, or weekend sessions are available throughout the week, making it a strong option for shift workers, parents, or anyone with unpredictable routines. You still benefit from teacher interaction, assignment feedback, and comprehensive e-learning materials, but you do not need to reorganise your life to attend class at a specific hour. This format works especially well for those who want to make steady progress toward B1 or B2 while maintaining a busy lifestyle.

The Easy Norwegian Course is a fully self-paced alternative. Through a gamified platform, you study independently whenever it suits you, with instant feedback and optional teacher correction on submitted assignments. This is an effective solution for motivated learners who prefer complete freedom and like moving through material on their own terms. It covers levels from A1 to C1 and is particularly useful if you want to refresh your knowledge or prepare for Norskprøven with focused practice. Many learners use it alongside Fast-Track Norwegian or Flexi Norwegian for maximum support. 

How B1 and B2 help you build a stronger life in Norway

The UDI citizenship regulation is not only a bureaucratic requirement, it also mirrors the language skills you need for your daily life. At B1, you can explain your needs during appointments, participate in parent-teacher meetings, communicate with service providers, and navigate most public settings. At B2, you become more independent in professional and academic scenarios. You can follow discussions, contribute opinions, understand complex texts, and express yourself more precisely and naturally.

Reaching B1 or B2 is therefore not just about passing Norskprøven; it is about thriving in a Norwegian environment. When you invest time in achieving these levels, you invest in your ability to build a stable, confident, and successful future in Norway.

Norwegian courses for the workplace

If your citizenship journey includes professional ambitions, workplace-oriented Norwegian training can help you develop language that directly transfers into your job. Lingu’s workplace solutions are built on many years of experience training corporate clients in Norway and abroad. These courses are tailored to your industry’s communication style, vocabulary, and real-world tasks, ensuring that what you learn is immediately relevant at work.

With highly professional instructors and scenario-based training, workplace Norwegian builds stronger communication among colleagues and supports integration in professional settings. Companies such as DNB, REITAN, Rema1000, Skatteetaten and several public sector institutions rely on Lingu to strengthen language competence among their employees. For individuals, this type of training offers a practical advantage when preparing for Norskprøven and the UDI citizenship process.

Common concerns about the new UDI citizenship requirement

Many learners worry about formal exams, busy schedules, or whether they are studying the right material. These concerns are understandable, especially when the requirements are changing. Online Norwegian courses with live support, drop-in flexibility, or structured guidance make the transition easier. Exam practice, speaking opportunities, and targeted teacher feedback gradually reduce exam anxiety and help you develop the skills you need to pass Norskprøven with confidence.

If you are unsure whether you are ready for B1 or B2, placement tests and free Norskprøven samples offer a simple way to evaluate your level. Identifying your strengths and weaknesses is the fastest way to create an effective study plan.

Start your path toward UDI citizenship today

The requirement has changed, but the goal is simple: demonstrate real, confident Norwegian skills. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or already close to B2, the right online Norwegian course can help you reach the level required for Norskprøven and build a strong foundation for your future in Norway.

Your skills, not your hours, will open new doors. Take the next step with a course that fits your life, and begin preparing for B1 or B2 today.