Faroese as a Second Language
An essential part of the Faroese Government’s integration policy is to ensure that residents whose first language is not Faroese have the opportunity to develop strong Faroese language skills, gain a comprehensive understanding of Faroese society and culture, and pursue education within the Faroese educational system if they so wish. These measures are considered crucial for supporting effective integration.
Faroese as a Second Language for Adults
Courses for adult immigrants who wish to learn Faroese are organised in accordance with Parliamentary Act No. 58 of May 29th, 2024, on Faroese as a Second Language.
Adult immigrants, who have obtained a residence permit, can participate in these courses and receive free language classes following the Faroese as a Second Language (FSA) curriculum for adults, which concludes with a level or proficiency assessment.
Locations
The courses are currently offered at four locations across the country: Kambsdalur, Suðuroy, Vágar, and Tórshavn. There is also an online course. The courses are coordinated by the Directorate of Education in collaboration with partner schools.
Course structure
The structure and intensity of the courses may vary depending on where you choose to attend the courses. Courses are usually one semester (approximately 15 weeks). Classes are offered in the daytime and in the evening. Classes are usually 2 – 5 days per week depending on the location and type of course you choose to attend.
The number of courses needed to reach your desired proficiency varies depending on your level to begin with and the intensity of the course.
You can read more about the courses at the different schools here:
Registration
Courses start in January and August every year. Registration for January courses opens in October and closes November 15th. Registration for August courses opens in March and closes May 1st.
When the registration is open, you register here: Registration for Faroese as as Second Language courses for adult newcomers 2026/27 – Fill in form
Who Can Register?
Adult immigrants who have obtained residence permit can participate in the courses. If you have applied for a residence permit and it has not yet been granted, you can register for the course, but you must have obtained the residence permit before the course starts.
Price
The courses are free of charge, but participants are responsible for covering the cost of course materials.
Curriculum
You can view the curriculum for Faroese as a Second Language, available in both Faroese and English, here.
Statistics
See course statistics, including enrolment numbers and dropout rates, here.
Flyer
See the Faroese as a Second Language flyer, here.
Faroese for Foreigners
Municipalities across the country also offer short Faroese courses for foreigners. These courses are available nationwide for a small fee and are structured as short programs, which may conclude with an assessment in Faroese as a Second Language.
FSA policies in the Faroe Islands
According to the Immigration Office, there are approximately 2,420 residents in the Faroe Islands in 2024 who originate from countries outside of Europe and from European countries other than the Nordic countries.
In 2019, the government launched a project to create structured efforts in this area. On May 13th, 2024, the Ministry of Children and Education passed a bill on Faroese as a Second Language, establishing a legal framework for the education of residents in the Faroe Islands whose first language is not Faroese. A nationwide provision of Faroese as a Second Language ensures that all immigrants have equal access to language education.
It is also stipulated that certain industries, where necessary, may request specialized educational programs for their employees. In such cases, these programs can be offered for a fee in accordance with rules set by the Ministry.
You can read the law on Faroese as a Second Language here.
