Language for Migrants Under the Nordic Model

A few weeks back the Nordic Welfare Centre published a report called "Policy Frameworks for Migrant Integration in the Nordic Countries 2025", a comprehensive comparison of how Nordic countries have managed migrant integration and their current strategies.

There was a ton of information here on how each country is approaching language learning and migrant assimilation, a topic I've tackled from a lot of angles in recent months (here, here, here) and one I expect to see increased focus on pretty much everywhere (learn the local language folks!).

All five Nordic countries require (or are proposing) language proficiency for citizenship, but with varying thresholds and enforcement mechanisms. Some countries subsidize unlimited language training hours, while others cap support.

Denmark: Strict

• While language education for refugees is generally free, "self-supporting" migrants (such as labor migrants and students) may be required to pay a deposit at the start of their course. This money is only returned upon successful completion of modules and the final exam.

• Starting this year, refugees and family migrants receiving benefits are subject to a 37-hour work obligation per week. This schedule combines language classes with internships, wage-subsidy jobs, or community service.

• Language education is mandatory for those on temporary residence permits receiving benefits. Failure to participate results in a reduction of financial benefits.

Norway: Also Strict

• Third-country labor migrants (non-EU/EEA) who are eligible for permanent residence are required to complete 300 hours (!!) of language training.

• Last year a national digital Norwegian training system was launched to supplement municipal classes, aiming to help areas with capacity issues.

Sweden: Free Access w/ Hurdles

• Municipalities must provide free Swedish language courses to residents aged 16 and older. However, eligibility generally requires a Swedish personal identity number, which can be an administrative hurdle for recent arrivals.

Finland: Bilingual Options and Employer Support

• Unique to Finland, integration plans can be tailored to teach either Finnish or Swedish, depending on the region and the individual's needs.

• Free integration training is provided to refugees, unemployed jobseekers, and their families. However, employed labor migrants generally do not qualify for free government training and must find private evening classes unless they become unemployed.

• If an immigrant refuses to participate in their agreed-upon integration plan without a valid reason, their unemployment or social assistance benefits can be reduced.

Iceland: DIY

• Unlike its neighbors, Iceland has no official state-run integration program for newcomers.

• There is no universal right to free language tuition. While refugees and jobseekers may get reimbursed for two courses, most other migrants are expected to pay for their own language education.

• The state assigned the Directorate of Labour to create "Landneminn," a 50-hour community education course, but it is primarily a self-paced online tool rather than a classroom-based program.

• For employed migrants who must pay for their own courses, labor unions often provide reimbursements for course fees