New rules on support for return and reintegration apply from 15 September 2026. The scheme covers specific groups defined in the regulation, rather than everyone required to leave the Schengen area and the EU. A decision granting support normally expires after six months if the person has not returned.
What has changed?
The new regulation brings the rules together and replaces the 2020 regulation on grants for assisted and forced return. The aim is to make the scheme simpler and easier to understand. The main types of support remain available: help with the journey home, travel money, cash assistance and reintegration in the home country.
The most significant newly eligible group is people who have received a return decision and are covered by the European Reintegration Programme, abbreviated as EURP. They may qualify for reintegration support under the new regulation if they meet the conditions. The regulation sets out five alternative eligible groups in § 2, and belonging to one is sufficient. However, the exclusions in § 3 may still prevent someone from receiving support, including if they hold a residence permit in Norway or another country within the area, have previously received equivalent support, or face a scheduled removal that the police are unwilling to cancel. This does not mean that everyone with a return decision automatically receives money or services. UDI must assess the case.
The regulation also makes clear that the obligation to leave applies to the entire Schengen area and the EU. Leaving Norway for another country within that area is therefore not enough if the decision requires you to leave the area.
Who is the scheme for?
The scheme is intended for foreign nationals who are required to leave the Schengen area and the EU. This might, for example, be someone whose application has been definitively refused and who has been given a deadline to leave. The specific decision and your circumstances determine which rules apply.
A return decision is not the same as an expulsion decision. Expulsion may also involve an entry ban. Read about the difference in the guide to expulsion and entry bans. If you are unsure what your decision means, read the whole letter and contact UDI, the police or a legal adviser.
The new regulation also applies to applications for support that were still being processed by UDI on 15 September 2026. If you have already applied, you should therefore not assume that your case will be handled under the old regulation. Ask UDI to explain which rules apply to your case.
What can the support include?
Support can cover the journey itself, travel money, cash assistance and measures to help you get started again in your home country. Reintegration may include practical help after arrival, depending on the programme and the country you are returning to.
What you can receive depends on your eligibility group, the country you are returning to, the decision and your individual needs. There is no single amount that applies to everyone. Under the regulation, travel money is 1 000 kroner. Cash assistance is 15 000 kroner if you return by the departure deadline and 5 000 kroner after the deadline; accompanying children may receive 10 000 kroner, and unaccompanied minors may receive 52 000 kroner. People who qualify only under the EURP category generally receive EURP support; additional payments at the Norwegian rates require a separate “top-up” agreement. Do not base your financial plans on old rates or information from other people. Ask for written information about what you have been granted in your case.
Support for return also does not mean that the authorities have reversed the refusal or granted you a new residence permit. The scheme is intended to help you carry out a return required by a decision.
| Part of the scheme | What it may cover | What needs to be clarified |
|---|---|---|
| Journey home | Planning and travel to the country of return | Route and documents |
| Cash assistance | Money subject to the conditions | Amount and payment |
| Reintegration | Practical help after arrival | Country, programme and needs |
What does the six-month deadline mean?
As a general rule, a decision granting support expires automatically six months after the date of the decision if you have not returned. Check the date on the decision granting support, rather than just the date you applied.
This deadline means you should arrange travel documents, tickets and practical matters early. If something prevents you from travelling, contact the responsible authority before six months have passed. Do not assume that an old decision can be used later without a new assessment.
The regulation states that the decision granting support expires automatically six months after the date of the decision. If you cannot travel in time, you must contact UDI to find out what you need to do next; you should not assume that the old decision can be extended.
Must you leave the entire Schengen area and the EU?
Yes, if you are required to leave the Schengen area and the EU, you must travel to a country outside that area. Travelling from Norway to Sweden, Germany or another EU or Schengen country does not fulfil that obligation.
Check exactly what the decision says and which departure deadline applies. This information may also affect records in European systems and future travel. Do not buy a ticket until you know which destination and route the authorities will accept.
If you do not have a valid passport, it may take time to resolve documentation issues. You can read a general explanation of refugee travel documents and immigrant's passports, but you must check which documents you need for return with the authority handling the journey.
What if you want to appeal the refusal?
An application for return support does not replace an appeal against the refusal. The appeal deadline is stated in the decision and may be short. If you believe the decision is wrong, you must follow the appeal instructions. Read how to appeal a refusal from UDI.
You must also find out whether you can stay in Norway while your appeal is being considered. An appeal does not always automatically suspend enforcement of the decision. Seek legal help promptly if your departure deadline is approaching.
Do not let discussions about return support cause you to miss an appeal deadline. At the same time, you should provide accurate information to UDI and the police. If a lawyer is representing you, send all new letters to your lawyer immediately.
What to do
Start by reading the decision and marking three dates: the date of the decision, the appeal deadline and the departure deadline. Then find out who is handling your return and support. UDI is responsible for the support scheme, while the police may have duties in carrying out the return.
Ask in writing which eligibility group you belong to, what the support covers and which documents you need to submit. Ask for a plan for the journey and reintegration. If you are granted support, note the date when the six-month period starts.
Ask for answers to these questions:
- which country and route the decision covers
- who books and pays for the journey
- what money or services you have been granted
- when and how the support will be paid
- on what date the decision granting support expires
- who to contact if passport issues, health or family circumstances delay the journey
Keep decisions, emails, tickets and receipts together. Notify the authorities promptly if your phone number, address or family circumstances change. This reduces the risk of important information failing to reach you.
SamfunnPrep has practical tools to help you keep track of Norwegian deadlines. However, official decisions and individual guidance are what determine the requirements in your case.
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