If you are planning to leave Ukraine and need information about legislation, rights, temporary protection or services in a foreign country, contact us and book an online appointment on our website. Our lawyers will provide answers to your questions and help you find a solution to your problem. We understand that legal matters can create stress and anxiety, but our professionals are ready to take responsibility and relieve you and your family of unnecessary burden.
Who is this information for?
The European Union ‘s Temporary Protection Directive does not apply in Norway, which has introduced a scheme offering temporary collective protection for one year to displaced persons from Ukraine. Collective protection means that UDI does not assess the need for protection individually, but instead provides collective protection to Ukrainians, who are escaping the war in Ukraine and their family members. This guarantees that Ukrainians fleeing the war will receive the necessary assistance sooner. For more information on temporary collective protection of Ukrainian refugees, see here and here.
You can apply for collective protection within one year if you:
- are citizens of Ukraine;
- received protection in Ukraine;
OR
- is a close family member of a person receiving collective protection, regardless of nationality. Close family members can be husband/ wife, roommate / roommate, children under the age of 18 and other family members who are part of the same household as well as a person receiving collective protection.
If the above list does not apply to you, you can still apply for protection, but your application will be assessed individually.
Information on how to apply for residence or visit to Norway, citizenship and immigration passport can be found here.
The website of the Norwegian Immigration Service (UDI) has recently been updated and has a large amount of information translated into Ukrainian. We strongly recommend a visit.
https://www.udi.no/uk/situation-in-ukraine .
Norway : immigration information
What documents do I need for entry?
To register and seek protection, you will need to present an identification document. If you do not have identification documents, the police will conduct additional investigations to establish your identity.
How can I enter if I do not have a biometric passport ?
If you do not have any identification documents, the police will make additional inquiries to establish your identity at the check – in point.
How long can I stay here ?
Immigrants from Ukraine who apply for protection in Norway will receive temporary collective protection for a period of one year. The protection permit can be extended for up to three years. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) decided that citizens of Ukraine who are in Norway on permits or visa-free visits that are expiring may continue to stay here until further notice. This is a temporary scheme considering the situation in Ukraine. The scheme will be terminated if the situation changes in a positive direction and the general need for protection disappears.
Are there any covid requirements and if so what are they ?
There are no longer any special requirements for entering Norway due to the situation with COVID – 19.
Where can I register for temporary protection ?
UDI is the competent institution. It is necessary to submit an application for receiving temporary protection and its benefits. There are three ways to register your claim for protection:
● Inform the border police that you wish to apply for protection
● report to the National Arrival Center located at Mosseveien 58, 1640 Råde
● contact the police, where you must make an appointment for registration
If you are in South – Eastern Norway ( Inlandet, Oslo, South – East or East Police District ), you will be registered at the National Arrival Center in Rode.
If you are located elsewhere in Norway, use this link to find contact details for each police district.
You will find more information about temporary collective protection in English and Ukrainian.
How long to wait to get the status of temporary protection ?
We do not yet know how long you will have to wait to receive a response to your application.
What rights do I have while waiting for temporary protection ?
Upon arrival, you will need to contact the nearest police station or border control or contact the police by email at sou.sorvest@police.no . You will be provided with accommodation in the reception center and any necessary first aid.
After receiving collective protection, you will get access to the following for a period of up to one year ( up to 3 years ):
- The permit for collective protection is limited and is granted for one year at a time, for a period of up to three years.
- You have the right to medical care within the framework of the state health care system.
- You have the right to work in Norway.
- Your children have the right to attend school and kindergarten.
- If you are between 18 and 55, you have the right and the obligation to follow the integration program, which includes, in particular, the study of the Norwegian language and social studies. If you are over 55, you are still eligible to participate in the inclusion program. The municipality in which you live can answer questions about her.
- Members of your family who are not covered by the collective protection scheme can apply for family immigration to Norway under the normal rules.
- During the first three years, collective protection is not a basis for permanent residence. However, you can get a temporary residence permit, which is the basis for permanent residence after these three years.
- You must tell the truth. If your application contains incorrect data, your protection status may be revoked.
- You have the right to travel in and out of Norway as long as you have all the necessary travel documents. You can also travel from Ukraine.
If you have a valid residence permit in another safe country to return to, we will not accept your application for a Norwegian residence permit at this time.
What documents are required to apply for temporary protection ?
In order to provide you with collective protection, the Norwegian authorities need to know who you are. To confirm your identity, you can provide, for example, one of the following documents:
- Your passport ( biometric and non-biometric )
- National ID card from Ukraine
- Other documents, such as a birth certificate or an expired passport.
If you do not have identification documents, the police must conduct additional investigations to establish your identity.
If you have protection in Ukraine, then, in addition to your identity card, you must also present documentation confirming that you have a place of residence there for protection.
What document(s) will I receive after granting temporary protection ?
If you are granted collective protection, you will receive a decision letter in the mail with information about the residence permit you received. You will also receive a letter in Ukrainian explaining your rights and obligations. The letter will contain a QR code with a link to the film in your language and an explanation of your rights and responsibilities.
If you do not live in a reception center or emergency shelter, you must report your address to the police in the area where you live (external site ).
To receive letters from us, your name must be on the mailbox. It is very important that you update your authorization if you change your home address.
Can I become a citizen after receiving temporary protection ? How long do I need to stay to have this right ?
Collective protection is not a basis for permanent residence for the first three years, but after three years you can get a temporary residence permit, which is a basis for permanent residence. After 5 years with a temporary permit that forms the basis for permanent residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit if you meet the other requirements. This means that it is a total of 8 years before you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
Can I move freely around the country and the European Union, having the status of temporary protection ?
Please note that it is important that UDI and the police know where you live when processing your application. If you move, you must notify the police. If you do not inform the police, you may lose the opportunity to get protection in Norway.
You can apply for assistance to return to your country or another country where you have a residence permit at any time.
If you want to return to your home country, you may be given financial support for your return from the Norwegian authorities. If you have any questions about returns or would like to receive advice, you can contact IOM by phone at +47 23 10 53 20 or by e – mail at iomoslovarp@iom.int
Can I apply for asylum with the status of temporary protection ?
The Norwegian authorities no longer consider Ukraine a safe country. Ukrainians will be granted collective protection in Norway, which is a special temporary protection scheme introduced in response to the war in Ukraine. You do not need to apply for individual protection ( asylum ) to benefit from collective protection.
If I have family members outside Ukraine, can I apply for family reunification ? If so, how ?
Yes. It is possible to apply for a residence permit for family reunification for spouses, cohabitants, fiancés, minor children and parents. The specific terms and conditions of the process depend on which family member you are, the nationality of the family member, with whom the applicant would like to be reunited ( the ” reference person” ) and what type of residence permit was granted to the reference person at the time of their arrival, as well as the type of residence permit they currently hold.
In any case, the necessary documents include : an application form, documents confirming family status (for example, marriage certificates, birth certificates), confirmation of sufficient means of living and living space for the family, etc.
We should also note that the scheme of temporary collective protection applies to close family members of a citizen of Ukraine who are already receiving temporary collective protection in Norway. “Close family members” can be a spouse, cohabitant, children under the age of 18 and other family members who, before the war, were part of the same household as the person receiving collective protection.
Norway : employment information
Do I need to apply for a permit to be able to work ? If so, how to do it ?
You will be allowed to work as soon as you receive a residence permit and benefit from collective protection. For more information on how to get a temporary work permit and how to apply, see here. In some cases, you will not need a residence permit if you plan to work in Norway for less than three months, see more about it here. You do not need a work permit to participate in voluntary work.
Keep in mind that you are not allowed to work while your application for temporary collective protection is approved.
Am I entitled to unemployment benefits ? How and where can I apply ?
If you have the right to live in a reception center, you will be given money while you live there. You will be paid what is called a base amount
Which state and non – state bodies can I turn to for additional information on employment ?
Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration (NAV) and UDI
Norway : information about housing
Can I get access to public / government – provided housing ?
Anyone seeking asylum in Norway is entitled to emergency accommodation or accommodation in a reception center through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration ( UDI). If you arrive at the National Arrival Center in Norway, tell the staff that you need a place to stay. If not, contact the police to request a place to stay and they will contact the UDI for you. You can sleep at the National Arrivals Center in a tent hall until you get a place at the Reception Center where you can stay while you apply and wait for approval residence permit.
After obtaining a residence permit, there are two ways to find housing:
Or the Norwegian authorities (IMDi) can give you a place of residence, which means that you will get help in finding a place to live in the municipality. You cannot choose which city to live in. You only get one offer from the municipality, and it can be anywhere in Norway. It is voluntary to receive help from the authorities to settle in the municipality. If you choose not to accept an offer from IMDi, this will have some consequences for your rights, including the risk of losing:
- · the right to emergency accommodation (reception room)
- · the right to participate in the entrance program
- · the right to receive an entrance benefit (money)
- · the possibility of financial support from the municipality
Alternatively, you can settle in a municipality without IMDi’s help in finding it for you. This is called self-checkout. If you have not yet been nominated by a municipality for settlement by IMDi, self-settlement may be an option for you to choose.
Suppose you found housing in the municipality and want to settle in the city. In this case, you should contact the municipality where the accommodation is located to see if you can live there. If the municipality says yes, the municipality must agree with IMDi. You must find a house in the municipality yourself, and the municipality must approve the house and the lease before you sign the lease. It is important that you do not sign the lease until you have received approval from the municipality.
If the municipality and IMDi agree on self-settlement, you have the same rights and obligations as when you settled with the help of the public.
If you choose not to accept any assistance from IMDi or the municipalities, you must manage your housing and finances yourself and you will lose the rights described above.
How and where can I apply for state housing ?
If you do not have a place to stay, you must contact the police or otherwise make your way to the National Arrivals Centre. The police will arrange for you to be transported to the National Arrival Center for registration. You will stay at the reception center until you receive a residence permit. After you have received your permit, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) will find a municipality to transfer you to. You will not be able to choose where to live. You will receive information about this procedure from the staff of the reception center.
If I live with friends and family for a long time, what documents do I need to fill out to make it legal, ie how can I prove my place of residence ?
If you have a place to stay with friends, family or other social networks, you can stay there until further notice. You do not need to appear at the National Arrivals Center to register. This rule applies regardless of whether you have biometric passport or other identification documents. However, in order to get certain rights, you will have to apply for temporary collective protection. The right to work and the right for your children to go to school / kindergarten.
From Wednesday, March 16, Ukrainian citizens who request collective protection can register in several places in Norwa. In most cases, you must contact the police to make an appointment for registration.
If you contact the police in the area you are currently in, they will help you with transportation to the nearest place where you can register.
If you are staying in Estland ( Eastern Norway) and want to apply for protection immediately, you can ask the police for help to go to the National Arrival Center and register.
If you do not have a place to stat, you should contact the police. The police will arrange for you to be transported to the National Arrival Center for registration.
You can only register your application at the National Arrivals Center until we publish information that we have another solution.
If I personally want to rent real estate, what documents do I need ?
There is no legal requirement, but most landlords will likely ask for ID. Usually, landlords also require the tenant to open an account with a Norwegian bank for a safe deposit deposit, but this is not always necessary. Citizen of Ukraine should be able to open a Norwegian bank account without any problems. DNB (the largest bank in Norway) provides bank accounts even to refugees without valid documents.
Norway : information on education
How to enroll my children ( or myself ) in an educational institution ?
The reception center or the municipality will help you with this. The reception center will offer a primary school for children aged 6 to 16 and an adapted school for young people aged 16-18. Some reception centers offer childcare and / or kindergarten for children under the age of 6. After you receive a residence permit, your children will have the right to attend school and kindergarten. The right to go to school applies as long as there is a high probability that you will stay in Norway for more than three months. Talk to your local municipality, in which you live, for help with enrolling your children in school.
If I have a child with special educational needs, where can I go for help to enroll him in a specialized school ?
All asylum seekers and / or refugees have the same rights to special education as Norwegian citizens. The municipality will assess and support your child with special educational needs.
Do universities introduce admission schemes for Ukrainians or people who are forced to leave Ukraine ? If so, can you give examples ?
Not at the moment.
However, the Norwegian government offers financial assistance to Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian citizens registered as a student or candidate for a PMD at a Norwegian university, university college or vocational school. You can read more about the scheme here.
Which state and non- state bodies can I turn to for additional information about education ?
University of Oslo, Oslo Metropolitan University, Directorate for Education (Udir), Directorate for Higher Education and Competence, www.utdanning.no, Lånekassen, UDI.
Norway : information on child care
How to enroll young children in daycare centers ?
The reception center or the municipality will help you with this.
All children from 1 to 5 years of age have a guaranteed right to attend a kindergarten / nursery under the name ” barnaheh “. They usually work from Monday to Friday, from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm or from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm. There are several types of kindergartens/nurseries: those owned by municipalities, those that are privately owned, or “family kindergartens ” that work in private homes. All kindergartens have state subsidies, but they are not free. Fees for them are strictly regulated and are established every year in the state budget. The fee is limited to NOK 3,230 ( € 315 ) per child per month, and from the age of 2 children with low-income families have the legal right to attend such a kindergarten 20 hours a week for free. Each municipality can create its own schemes to reduce the fees paid by parents or guardians. School- aged children (6-9 years old ) can visit “SFO”, a center that cares for children before and after school for working parents. All municipalities offer the SFO program. You have to pay for it.
Immigrants from Ukraine can receive child benefit in the form of a fixed monthly allowance if the entire family lives in Norway and plans to stay in Norway for at least 12 months. This applies to all foreign citizens living in Norway who are registered in the population register and have a residence permit or legal residence on other grounds.
The size of the monthly allowance will depend on how many children you have, whether you are a single mother/ father, what type of allowance you need and how old the child is.
Are there any benefits for pregnant and breastfeeding women ?
There are no benefits for pregnant and breastfeeding women unless they are a member of the National Insurance Scheme. Membership is compulsory and will be automatically issued to people who have been or will be legally resident in Norway for more than 12 months. First of all, this is the case if you intend to work in Norway or if you have applied for a residence permit. There are different benefits depending on whether you have a residence or work permit in Norway.
There are currently no benefits for pregnant and breastfeeding women seeking asylum.
Which state and non – state bodies can I turn to for additional information on the needs of young children ?
The Norwegian Directorate of Education and Training is responsible for crèches / kindergartens, known in Norway as barnehage. Their website is available here : https://www.udir.no/in-english/
Norway : medical information
Can I use the state health care system ?
Yes , when you have entered Norway and applied for any protection, you have the same rights to public health services as Norwegian citizens. You can exercise these rights after arriving in Norway with the help of healthcare services. You can ask for information at the reception center where you are staying or at the municipality office.
Do I need to register to get health insurance, and if so, how ?
As soon as you have registered / formalized your stay in Norway , you can use these rights. You must be tested for tuberculosis within the first 2 weeks after your arrival in Norway.
What does the state health care system cover ?
The right to use the state health care system includes care for somatic and mental health from municipal and specialized health care services , including help with solving problems of abuse of certain substances.
You will also be given access to free or subsidized prescription drugs. If the medicine is subsidized , you will only have to pay a nominal fee.
As an asylum seeker or refugee , you should be offered a medical examination 3 months after your arrival in Norway. You have the right to the free assistance of an interpreter , if necessary. You also have the right to be assigned to a general practitioner (GP). Your municipality can help you find GP where you live.
Emergency services and transportation are free. For an emergency call, call 113.
Do I need additional private health insurance in addition to public health insurance ? If so , are there any schemes available to low-income people ?
No.
Which state and non- state bodies can I turn to for additional information on access to medical care ?
You will always be welcome at the local hospital. More detailed information can be found at www.helsenorge.no and www.udi.no. Asylum seekers and refugees in Norway are entitled to medical services for physical illnesses and diseases , mental health issues , drug addiction problems and dental care. Every person ( including persons without legal residence in Norway ) staying in Norway has the right to receive emergency assistance and absolutely necessary medical assistance.
Norway : information on mental health ‘ i
Can I get free mental health support services from the public health system ?
Yes , you have the right to medical services provided by a doctor or hospital , and to receive certain types of medicine. If you need medical help , you can contact a doctor in the area where you live.
Is there any additional administrative process required to access mental health support services ?
No , consult a doctor in your area. In Norway, patients with mental health problems have the same priority as patients with other illnesses.
What government and non – government agencies can I contact for more information about services for people with mental health problems , especially trauma ?
You will always be welcome at the local hospital. More detailed information can be found at www.helsenorge.no and www.udi.no. Asylum seekers and refugees in Norway are entitled to medical services for physical illnesses and diseases , mental health issues , drug addiction problems and dental care. Every person ( including persons without legal residence in Norway ) staying in Norway has the right to receive emergency assistance and absolutely necessary medical assistance.
Norway: access to legal aid and human rights information
If I have a legal question and need to hire a lawyer, do I qualify for legal aid? How to find a lawyer?
NOAS (Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers) offers free immigration legal assistance, in particular with the following questions:
– asylum cases
– cases of family immigration
– permanent residence permit
– citizenship.
If you need legal help for other types of immigration cases, you can contact Jussbuss or SEIF.
Jussbuss also provides free legal advice in cases falling under the following areas of law:
– rent
– debt
– Financial Aid
– social benefits
– Labor Law
– Criminal Law.
NOAS and Jussbuss only work in the areas of law listed above. SEIF is an organization for immigrants and refugees. They can help answer your basic legal questions and direct you to further legal assistance depending on your needs. They provide free legal advice on a range of issues.
In addition, free legal services and consultations are offered by the following organizations:
- JURK provides free legal assistance to women. If you have legal questions about children, family, work, discrimination, social security, housing, migration, debt, violence or deprivation of liberty, you can contact JURK.
- Jussformidlingen is run by law students of the University of Bergen and offers assistance in almost all legal matters related to civil law. Due to its location in Bergen, Jussformidlingen mainly helps clients living in western Norway. However, Jussformidlingen offers legal assistance regardless of where the client lives. If you cannot come to their office, correspondence is mainly by letter, e-mail and telephone.
- Advokatvakten offers free legal advice within 30 minutes in 33 cities across Norway. If you want to see if you have legitimate legal claims or get answers to some questions, you can get a free meeting with a private lawyer during business hours. Once on the website, enter your address and it will show you the nearest office, as well as hours of operation and instructions for scheduling an appointment.
If you live in Oslo, the municipality offers private lawyers who provide free legal advice on a range of issues, such as:
- well-being of children
- rent
- Labor Law
- social benefits
- family law
- immigration
- Caritas is an independent humanitarian foundation that works to improve the lives of people in Norway and around the world. Its five information centers in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger and Drammen offer free legal assistance twice a week from lawyers specializing in legal issues faced by immigrants.
Is there an ombudsman in the country that deals with the observance of human rights? What is the best way to contact the Ombudsman?
The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombudsman promotes equality and combats discrimination based on sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual orientation and age.
The Parliamentary Ombudsman is appointed to protect the rights of individuals in relations with state authorities. You can file a complaint with the Parliamentary Ombudsman if you believe you have suffered injustice or wrongdoing by public authorities. The ombudsman will carry out a legal, objective and impartial evaluation of your complaint. Filing a complaint is free of charge.
- Police: (+47) 02800 (emergency number: 112) if you want to report someone to the police, if you are in danger or if you need advice;
- Child welfare service in your municipality or Alarmtelefonen (emergency hotline) for children and young people Telephone: 116 111, (from abroad: 00 47 95 41 17 55), e-mail: alarm@116111.no;
- ROSA can answer general questions and give you advice about your situation. 24-hour hotline: (+47) 22 33 11 60;
- A crisis center to get help and a safe place to stay.
Norway: bank account and tax information
What documents do I need to open a bank account?
- Passport or other valid identity document (ID);
- Asylum seeker card or residence permit;
- Number D (temporary identification number).
When will I be taxed in the country and what do I need to do to pay taxes?
If you live in Norway for more than 183 days in total within a twelve month period, you will become a Norwegian tax resident. The same applies to your stay in Norway for more than 270 days in total over thirty-six months.
A tax deduction card is required to pay tax. The tax deduction card shows how much tax your employer must deduct before paying you. You must give your tax deduction card to your employer. Foreign workers coming to Norway must go to the tax office in person to get a tax deduction card.
Generally, any income defined as employment income (including most income that replaces employment income, such as social benefits, pensions, etc.) that is subject to Norwegian tax requires a tax deduction card.
Passive income (rental income, bank deposit, etc.) that is subject to Norwegian taxation should not require a tax deduction card.
Norway : other services
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help ?
There are special procedures and reception centers for unaccompanied minors seeking protection in Norway. The municipality and UDI will provide support.
Unaccompanied minors will always be assisted at any local police station.
How and where can I apply for disability benefits ?
Displaced persons from Ukraine with disabilities will be able to apply for assistance in Norway. Your medical condition must meet certain criteria under the National Insurance Act. In addition, you must be considered as an asylum seeker and obtain a residence permit. Please see here for more information on disability benefits for people who have been granted collective protection or asylum. You will receive assistance for 12 months. You must attend a follow-up appointment at your local NAV office twice during the benefit period.
The benefit is calculated on the basis of income; your total income from Norway and abroad is taken into account. The income of the spouse, roommate or registered partner will also be taken into account. You must apply in person at your NAV office. The same applies to your application for the extension of the additional benefit period.
You must come to the meeting at your NAV office with your passport or other travel document. This is necessary for identification purposes and so that NAV can monitor your stay abroad.
All railway companies in Norway allow Ukrainian refugees to travel on their trains for free. This includes domestic journeys within Norway and journeys from Gothenburg and Östersund in Sweden. Refugees only need to present their Ukrainian passport or ID card , then the trip will take place free of charge
Ukrainian refugees who live in private houses ( outside reception centers ) can receive financial support for a living wage and other communal services until they are settled by the Directorate for Integration and Diversity (IMDi ).
Could you please list 3-4 public organizations that conduct language classes and other integration programs for Ukrainians?
· Redd cross offers Norwegian practice in Kristiansand, Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger, Tromsø and Trondheim.
· Oslo Metropolitan University offers Norwegian and English language courses for Ukrainian refugees.
· Capeesh is a language app that offers everyone affected by the current situation in Ukraine the opportunity to learn Norwegian for free in 12 months.
