Norway proposes permanent residency for working Ukrainian refugees

Norway's Minister of Labour and Inclusion, Kjersti Stenseng, has submitted a proposal for consultation that would allow Ukrainian refugees to apply for permanent residency through employment.

The proposed scheme targets Ukrainians currently under collective protection who are working, meeting specific income requirements, and maintaining good conduct. Under the plan, individuals could obtain a residence permit based on work, which would qualify for permanent status after three years.

As part of this initiative, the temporary collective protection for Ukrainians in Norway will be extended until 2027. Statistics Norway reports that approximately 48 percent of displaced Ukrainians of working age were employed as of July 2026, an increase from 41 percent the previous year. The proposal aims to provide stability and predictability for those contributing to Norwegian society while the war in Ukraine continues.