Immigrants in Norway Applying for Family Reunification Must Earn More Starting February 1

The Norwegian authorities have announced that starting February 1, 2025, the country will increase the minimum annual income requirement for foreigners who want to being their family members to Norway under the family reunification rules.

The minimum annual income requirement for family reunification will increase by around €5,543 (NOK 65,000). 

This means that as soon as the new rule enters into force on February 1, 2025, foreigners applying for family reunification will have to prove that they have an annual income of around €34,116 (NOK 400,000) instead of the current €28,572 (NOK 335,000) requirement, Schengen.News reports.

Measure Is Aimed at Promoting Self-Sufficiency & Ensuring Controlled Immigration to Norway 
As the Ministry explains, by increasing the income requirement for those who want to bring their family member to Norway, the country wants to ensure that there is a controlled and sustainable immigration. 

Moreover, through this measure, the Norwegian government also aims to promote self-sufficiency among immigrant families and consequently reduce the financial burden on the public sector and promote integration into society.

At the same time, the measure is also aimed at aligning the immigration policies of Norway with those of comparable countries. 

This Is What Minster of Justice Said About the New Rule 
Commenting on the decision of the government to increase the annual requirement for family reunification applicants, the Norwegian Minister of Justice and Public Security, Emilie Enger Mehl, said that this measure falls under the announcement made earlier in the fall of last year. 

According to her, this increase is necessary to ensure a sustainable number of arrivals to Norway. 

Moreover, Minister Mehl further emphasised that she would also consider further tightening the income requirement for family reunification applicants.

This means that throughout this year, the income requirement may be increased again. It is yet to be seen how the increase that starts applying from next month will be perceived by foreigners who want to bring their family members to Norway.

Source: https://schengen.news/immigrants-in-norway-applying-for-family-reunification-must-earn-more-starting-february-1/