Guide to applying for a Norway visa

Table of contents

1. Do I need a visa for Norway?

2. Types of Norway visas

• Schengen visa

• Norway family immigration permits

• Norway study permits

• Norway work permits

3. Permanent residency for Norway

4. Norway visa application process

5. What to do once you arrive

In this blog, we provide an overview of the different types of visas available in Norway and their requirements.

Do I need a visa for Norway?

It’s important you carefully check whether you need a visa before applying. Ensure you do this well in advance of your move, as the process can take time!

If you’re from the EU/EEA, then you don’t need a permit to live, work or study in Norway. But it’s worth noting that when remaining in the country for longer than three months, you will need to register with the police.

On the other hand, non-EU/EEA nationals need a residence permit if they want to work in Norway or live here for more than three months.

Once you’ve found out whether you need a visa, it’s time to find out what kind you need. Also check out our useful guide about living in Norway to give you an idea of what to expat life is like here.

Types of visas for Norway

There are a variety of visas to choose from in Norway that have different eligibility criteria. Below are examples of the main types of permits to help you prepare.

Schengen visa

This is a short-stay visa that allows a non-EU national to enter the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

The permit comes in several different formats. This includes single entry, multiple entry, and airport transit. You will need to make clear which one you need on your application form, and once it is approved, the documentation will state the conditions of your visa.

Take a look at our blog for more detailed information about how the Schengen visa works.

Norway family immigration permits

This permit is applicable to those who already have family in Norway and wish to be reunited with them, and can include spouses, children and partners.

When applying for this, you will need to meet certain requirements. This could incorporate getting married within six months of living in Norway if your permit is for the purpose of getting married, or that you have lived together for a minimum of two years if immigrating for a partner.

Norway study permits

To study in Norway for a period of longer than 90 days, it is necessary to apply for a study permit. With this, you can also work part-time up to a maximum of 20 hours during term time.

In order to be eligible, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself (NOK 13,790 per month), be studying full time, and have already been accepted onto a university course.

Norway work permits

Non-EU/EEA citizens have to apply for a permit if they wish to work in Norway and will not be able to start working unless this has been granted. In some instances, such as for the skilled worker permit, your employer can apply for this on your behalf.

 Some examples of different work permits for Norway include:

• Skilled worker: Valid for 1-3 years, some pre-requisites for this permit are having a job offer and that you are qualified to perform the role.

• Self-employed: eligibility requirements for this residency permit can include having a university degree and a pre-tax profit of NOK 310,070 annually. It is valid for up to one year, but is renewable.

Permanent residency for Norway

If you’ve really enjoyed living in Norway, you might wish to make the move permanent. EU/EEA citizens can apply for this permit if they’ve resided in Norway for at least five years and must provide documentation that includes proving you live in the country (i.e. utility bills) as well as proof you're employed.

The process is slightly different for non-EU/EEA nationals. Qualifying criteria for this include living in Norway for a minimum of three years and passing a language proficiency test.

Norway visa application process

You must firstly begin a visa application online, where you will have to pay a fee. This can be done on the Norwegian Directorate for Immigration’s (UDI) website.

Then, you will be required to attend a Norway visa appointment at your nearest consulate, embassy or visa application centre, bringing all of the relevant documentation with you.

Here are some examples of the costs of applying for select permits in Norway:

• Study permit (for those over the age of 18): NOK 5,400 (390 GBP)

• Work permit: NOK 6,300 (455 GBP)

• Permanent residence permit: NOK 4,000 (280 GBP)

• Family reunification permit (when applying for the first time): NOK 11,900 (859 GBP)

It’s good to submit your application with plenty of time, as the processing times for visas can vary from between 15 days to 2 months, depending on what type of permit you’re applying for.

What to do once you arrive

After you have obtained your permit, there are few other steps to take once you have moved to Norway.

You should book an appointment with the police within seven days of your arrival in the country. This can be done through an online portal – click here to find out more.

You will also need to register in the National Population Register at a tax office, providing the required information, if you’re planning on staying in Norway for longer than a 6-month period.