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.

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. It is now considered that the time is right to establish this initiative on a permanent basis, providing nationwide language instruction for residents whose first language is not Faroese.

On May 13, 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 will ensure that all immigrants have equal opportunities to receive 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 responsible minister.

Read the law on faroese as a second language here.

 

Faroese as a Second Language (referred to hereafter as FSA) for Adults

Courses for adult immigrants who wish to learn Faroese are organized in accordance with Parliamentary Act No. 58 of May 29, 2024, on Faroese as a Second Language.

Adult immigrants can participate in these courses and receive free language instruction following the Faroese as a Second Language curriculum for adults, which concludes with a level or proficiency assessment. These long FSA courses typically last between one and four years.

The courses are offered at four locations across the country: FSA Kambsdalur, FSA Suðuroy, FSA Vágur, and FSA Tórshavn. The Ministry of Education coordinates the instruction in collaboration with the partner schools.

 

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 brief programs, which may conclude with an assessment in Faroese as a Second Language.

 

Curriculum

You can view the curriculum for Faroese as a Second Language, available in both Faroese and English, here.

 

Statistics

See course statistics, including enrollment numbers and dropout rates, here.