The Qualification Programme (KVP) is a full-time programme from NAV for you who have been without work for a long time and have little or no income. You receive a fixed qualification support instead of means-tested social assistance, and close help to get into work. It is a right, not charity.
What is the Qualification Programme (KVP)?
The Qualification Programme (KVP) is a full-time programme designed to help you into work. You receive close follow-up from NAV (the Labour and Welfare Administration) and a fixed monthly support while you participate. The programme is usually full-time, around 37.5 hours a week.
The content is individual. It can be work training, courses, education, Norwegian language training, help with health or other measures that prepare you for work. The goal is permanent employment, not just a benefit. KVP is based in the Social Services Act, and it is a statutory right if you meet the conditions. Many newcomers to Norway are not aware of this option. That is why we often call it the alternative to social assistance that few know about.
Who can get the qualification programme?
You can have the right to a qualification programme if you are between 18 and 67 years old, have significantly reduced work and income capacity, and need close follow-up to get into work. You must also have little or no other benefits from NAV.
To get KVP, these conditions must be met:
- You are of working age, between 18 and 67 years old.
- You have significantly reduced work and income capacity.
- You have no or very limited benefits from the National Insurance, such as unemployment benefits or AAP.
- NAV has carried out a work capacity assessment showing that you need close and coordinated assistance.
- You have legal residence and a permanent address in Norway.
KVP often suits you if you have lived on economic social assistance over time, or if you have completed the introduction programme without getting into work. NAV assesses each application individually.
How much is the qualification support?
The qualification support is fixed and the same for everyone over 25 years old. It is 2.041 times the basic amount (G) in the National Insurance per year. With the basic amount at 136 549 kroner from 1 May 2026, this gives 278 697 kroner a year, or around 23 200 kroner a month before tax (as of July 2026).
If you are under 25 years old, you receive two-thirds of full support. This corresponds to 185 798 kroner a year, or around 15 500 kroner a month before tax. If you have children, you also receive a child supplement of 38 kroner a day, 5 days a week, for each child.
Three things are important to know about the support:
- It is paid out as a salary. You receive the money monthly, regardless of how much you own or have in the bank. The support is not means-tested like social assistance is.
- It is taxable. You pay tax to the Tax Authority in the normal way. Tax is not deducted in June, and half tax in December.
- It gives pension points. The years in KVP count towards your pension. Social assistance does not.
This combination — fixed amount, salary-like payment and pension points — is why KVP often pays more than social assistance.
How do you apply for KVP?
You apply for the qualification programme by contacting your local NAV office. You can visit, call or send a message and ask for a conversation about KVP.
NAV will then carry out a work capacity assessment. This is a review of what you can do, what prevents you from working, and what kind of help you need. If the assessment shows that you meet the conditions, you and your advisor will create an individual plan for your programme. If you receive a rejection, you can appeal within three weeks. If you are unsure how the system works, you can read more in our guide to NAV for immigrants.
How long does a qualification programme last?
A qualification programme can last up to two years. When special reasons apply, NAV can extend the programme by up to one more year. This means it can last a maximum of three years in total.
The programme is granted for one year at a time and assumes that you continue to meet the conditions. You have the right to holiday, and you can combine KVP with work or an apprenticeship in up to 50 percent, as long as you are in full activity overall.
KVP, social assistance, AAP or the introduction programme — what is the difference?
In short: KVP gives you a fixed support and close job help, social assistance is means-tested emergency help, AAP is for you with illness or injury, and the introduction programme is for newly arrived refugees. They cover different situations.
| Scheme | Income | Duration | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification Programme (KVP) | Fixed support, 2.041 × G (278 697 kr/year, 25+) | Up to 2 years (+1 year) | Close, full-time approx. 37.5 hours/week |
| Economic social assistance | Means-tested, varies | For as long as the need is there | Little or none |
| AAP | Approx. 66 % of previous income | Usually up to 3 years | Activity and follow-up plan |
The main differences are:
- Economic social assistance is the last safety net. It is means-tested: NAV looks at your income and assets, and the amount varies from person to person.
- AAP (work assessment allowance) is for you who have had your work capacity reduced due to illness or injury, not just because you are far from employment.
- The introduction programme is for newly arrived refugees in their first years in Norway. If you finish it without getting into work, KVP can be the next step.
Practice welfare rules with SamfunnPrep
Rules about NAV, KVP and welfare are part of the curriculum for the Citizenship Test. On SamfunnPrep you can practise free on exactly such questions before the test.
Want to test what you know about the Norwegian welfare system? Try tasks on our page on the Citizenship Test. With SamfunnPrep you practise on real exam questions, and you learn the rules that apply in daily life in Norway.
