Foreign-born population – 2024 | 18.2% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
1 million, 49% women | Evolution since 2014: +44% | Poland (11%), Ukraine (7%), Sweden (5%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, Norway received 36 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status), ‑14% compared to 2023. This figure comprises 49% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 11% labour migrants, 33% family members (including accompanying family) and 8% humanitarian migrants. Around 3 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 6 500 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants.
Ukraine, Poland and Syria were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Syria registered the strongest increase (800) and India the largest decrease (‑500) in flows to Norway compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑6.5%, to reach around 4 800. The majority of applicants came from Syria (2 100), Ukraine (800) and Eritrea (300). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Syria (600) and the largest decrease nationals of Ukraine (‑300). Of the 2 660 decisions taken in 2024, 57% were positive.
Emigration of Norwegian citizens to OECD countries increased by 1% in 2023, to 8 800. Approximately 20% of this group migrated to Spain, 20% to Denmark and 16% to Sweden.
In 2025, Norway pursued a more restrictive course in migration policy, reflecting growing domestic concern over capacity and sustainability. Key changes include the implementation of the Return Strategy 2025 – 2030, which aims to streamline both voluntary and forced returns. Emphasising humane processes, the strategy also strengthens reintegration support and bilateral co‑operation with origin countries.
Stricter subsistence requirements for family immigration were introduced in January 2025, raising the income threshold for sponsors. Similarly, Norway continued to adjust its temporary collective protection scheme for Ukrainians by narrowing eligibility: dual nationals of Ukraine and another safe country, and individuals from regions deemed safe are now excluded. Travel restrictions were imposed, with re‑entry permits revocable if beneficiaries return to Ukraine without valid reason.
Educational migration fell in 2024 with the introduction of tuition fees for non-EU/EFTA students in the autumn of 2023 prompting a notable drop in international enrolments. To counterbalance this, Norway expanded scholarships for students from developing countries. The au pair scheme was discontinued in March 2024 following criticism over its misuse as a source of low-wage labour. In the field of asylum, since July 2024, all asylum registrations must occur at the National Arrival Centre in Råde, with transportation provided only to vulnerable individuals. A temporary change to the Tenancy Act enables longer leases in holiday homes used for refugee accommodation.
In the integration field, Norway’s Integration Act remains the cornerstone, regulating Norwegian language and social studies training, the introduction programme, and municipal responsibilities. However, the focus of the Introduction Programme has further oriented towards work and self-sufficiency and, since July 2024, stipulates at least 15 hours of weekly work-oriented activities after the first three months. Furthermore, a July 2024 amendment has reduced benefits for some cohorts (e.g. dual-income households without children).
Recognition of qualifications has been restructured under the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir). Foreign education is now more rapidly assessed, with a five‑day fast-track option for employers. A new automatic recognition scheme supports smoother access to the labour market, especially for citizens from Ukraine and EEA states.
Integration support has been expanded in early childhood education and school, with new legislation easing the set-up of temporary kindergartens for refugee children. Primary education is guaranteed for all children expected to stay over three months, regardless of status. National and municipal grants support kindergartens serving high numbers of minority-language children.
To combat discrimination and promote equality, the government adopted the Action Plan to Combat Anti-Muslim Racism 2025‑2030. The plan includes 30 measures to support civil society, improve data collection, and advance diversity education.
For further information: www.udi.no | www.imdi.no | www.regjeringen.no.
