The Norwegian government has announced new plans to help families, with a special focus on young adults under 30. Here’s what’s being proposed and how it could benefit you.
Despite Norway’s longstanding reputation as one of the most family-friendly nations, the country has been facing a serious drop in the birth rate.
The average number of children per woman fell from 1.98 in 2009 to a record low of 1.4 in 2023. Back in 1970, the average was 2.5 children per woman.
Although there was a slight rise in 2024, the overall trend remains concerning for the government.
On February 9th, 2026, the government-appointed Birth Rate Committee shared its final plan. Children and Family Minister Lene Vågslid says the country should focus less on cash payments and more on giving parents what they need most: time.
In a statement featured by Aftenposten,Vågslid noted: “I believe the time has come to prioritize time over subsidies,” She said her main goal is to make it much easier for people to balance work and family, noting that the busy pace of modern life (often called the “hamster wheel”) is a big reason families aren’t growing.
READ MORE: Everything that changes about life in Norway in February 2026
The proposals for 2026
The main goal for next year is to help parents cope with the stress and time pressure that stops them from growing their families.
A key proposal is to extend maternity and paternity leave to 70 weeks at 70 percent pay. This would give parents a smoother, more flexible start, compared to the current 49- or 61-week options that pay a higher percentage for a shorter period.
There’s also a plan to test shorter workdays for parents with young children. The goal is to lower the stress and pressure that can lead to depression, especially for women.
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In a surprising move, the committee also suggested exploring subsidies for help with home tasks, such as cleaning or chores, to make daily life easier. They also want to review leave rules and improve after-school care activities.
To encourage more young adults to have children before 30, the committee suggests a 25,000 kroner grant, a 25,000 kroner cut in student debt, and extra child benefits for younger parents.
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Another priority is closing the stressful gap many parents experience when their parental leave ends but childcare hasn’t started yet. The committee recommends making sure every child has a guaranteed kindergarten spot the moment they turn one.
The report further suggests helping young people move into adulthood more quickly by making it easier to complete military service and by improving job training.
It also calls for better pregnancy, childbirth, and maternity care, while making public-sector assisted reproduction services more affordable and accessible.
To address the barrier to housing, the committee suggests that faster entry into the housing market is essential, advocating a review of housing taxation to help lower-income individuals without parental financial support.
Minister Vågslid says these proposals still need to go through debate and consultation. The cost to the state isn’t yet clear, and the report will be reviewed before a formal version is sent to the Storting.
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Why are birth rates dropping? The ‘Norwegian Birth Mystery’
The committee found five main reasons why people in Norway are having fewer children and waiting longer to become parents.
Busy jobs and high expectations for parenting often leave couples too tired to have more than one child. This is compounded by longer periods spent in education, unstable job markets, and high housing prices that force young people to postpone starting a family.
Socioeconomic factors also play a critical role. Families with less education, poor health, or weak ties to the labor market are more likely to have no children.
People’s values are changing too. Many now prioritize self-development, career goals, and personal projects over having children.
The health system is also under strain. Older ages at first birth and negative experiences during childbirth often make parents decide not to have more children.
For international families and expats in Norway, these challenges can feel even harder. When people don’t have a support system and face an uncertain global economy, it’s even tougher to decide to have children without a safety net or family nearby.
As Minister Vågslid pointed out, it doesn’t help anyone if parents become so tired that they burn out.
READ MORE: What you need to know about preschool in Norway