Visa requirements

Norway

General visa requirements for travelling to Norway. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Work / Immigration visa (Residence Permit for Self-Employed Persons)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
3-6 months
Fee
NOK 6300
Validity
Up to 1 year initially, renewable. Can lead to permanent residence.
Entry
Multiple entry

For individuals establishing and running their own sole proprietorship business in Norway. The business must be a sole proprietorship (not a limited liability company). Must demonstrate the business will generate at least NOK 325,400 annual income before tax. The work performed must require skilled worker competence. The applicant's physical presence in Norway must be necessary for the business operations. This permit can lead to permanent residence after meeting continuous residency requirements.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    All non-EU/EEA nationals. EU/EEA nationals can establish businesses freely.

  • Employment

    Must establish a sole proprietorship (not a limited company). Must have skilled worker competence. Business must likely generate at least NOK 325,400 annual income before tax.

    Required status: Sole proprietorship with skilled worker competence, minimum NOK 325,400 annual income

  • Financial

    Must demonstrate the business will be financially viable with at least NOK 325,400 projected annual income before tax.

    Minimum funds: NOK 325,400/year

Documents you need

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  • Visa fee payment

    Amount: NOK 6,300

  • Curriculum vitae

    Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.

  • Business plan

    Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.

    Minimum investment: NOK 325,400/year; Must include financials: No

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply online through UDI's Application Portal Norway.

  2. Document gathering

    Prepare business plan, financial projections, proof of qualifications, proof of funds, passport, and any business registration documents.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay NOK 6,300 application fee.

  4. Appointment booking

    Book appointment at Norwegian embassy/consulate for document verification and biometrics.

  5. Biometrics

    Provide biometrics at appointment.

  6. Document submission

    Submit all original documents for verification.

  7. Processing wait

    Processing takes 3-6 months. UDI may request additional documentation.

  8. Visa collection

    If approved, receive entry visa to travel to Norway. Register with police and collect residence card upon arrival.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Residence Permit for Seasonal Workers)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
180 days
Processing time
1-3 months
Fee
NOK 6300
Validity
Up to 6 months within any 12-month period. Must leave Norway for 6 months before reapplying.
Entry
Single entry

For temporary seasonal work in agriculture, forestry, fish processing, tourism, and restaurant industries. Work must be seasonal in nature (only performed at certain times of year) or serve as holiday cover for a permanent employee. Agriculture and forestry positions do not require NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) labor market approval. The permit does not lead to permanent residence. The worker must leave Norway after the permit expires and wait 6 months before applying for a new seasonal permit.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    All non-EU/EEA nationals. EU/EEA nationals can work seasonally without a permit.

  • Employment

    Must have a seasonal job offer in agriculture, forestry, fish processing, tourism, or restaurant industry. Work must be seasonal in nature or holiday cover.

    Required status: Seasonal job offer in agriculture, forestry, fish processing, tourism, or restaurant

  • Purpose of visit

    Seasonal employment only. Cannot switch to a different permit type while in Norway on a seasonal permit.

    Includes
    • Seasonal work

Documents you need

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Must cover full stay: No

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  • Visa fee payment

    Amount: NOK 6,300

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply online through UDI's Application Portal. Employer may apply on behalf of the worker.

  2. Document gathering

    Prepare employment contract, passport, accommodation proof, and any previous seasonal work documentation.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay NOK 6,300 application fee.

  4. Appointment booking

    Book appointment at Norwegian embassy/consulate or VFS Global center.

  5. Biometrics

    Provide biometrics at appointment.

  6. Document submission

    Submit documents for verification.

  7. Processing wait

    Processing takes 1-3 months.

  8. Visa collection

    Receive entry visa and travel to Norway. Register with police upon arrival.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Residence Permit for Family Immigration (Spouse/Cohabitant))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
3-12 months depending on case complexity
Fee
NOK 11900
Validity
Up to 3 years initially, renewable. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
Entry
Multiple entry

For spouses, registered partners, cohabitants, and children of Norwegian citizens, Nordic citizens, or persons with residence in Norway. Both partners must be at least 24 years old (spouse/cohabitant applications). The reference person in Norway must meet income requirements. The couple must intend to live together in Norway. Marriage must be legally recognized in Norway. Includes right to work in Norway. Can lead to permanent residence after 5 years of continuous stay. Children under 18 can apply for family immigration with parents.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    All non-EU/EEA nationals who are spouses, cohabitants, or children of someone residing legally in Norway.

  • Age

    Both the applicant and reference person must be at least 24 years old for spouse/cohabitant applications. No minimum age for children applying with parents.

    Min age: 24

  • Financial

    The reference person (sponsor) in Norway must demonstrate sufficient and stable income to support the family member.

Documents you need

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Must cover full stay: No

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  • Visa fee payment

    Amount: NOK 11,900

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply online through UDI's Application Portal Norway.

  2. Document gathering

    Prepare: marriage/partnership certificate, proof of relationship, reference person's income documentation, housing proof, passport copies, birth certificates (for children), and any previous visa/residence documentation.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay NOK 11,900 application fee (adults) or NOK 3,750 (children under 18).

  4. Appointment booking

    Book appointment at Norwegian embassy/consulate in your country of origin or country of residence (minimum 6 months' residence).

  5. Biometrics

    Provide biometrics and submit original documents at appointment.

  6. Interview

    Both the applicant and reference person may be called for separate interviews by the embassy or UDI to verify the relationship.

  7. Processing wait

    Processing takes 3-12 months. Complex cases or cases requiring additional investigation take longer.

  8. Visa collection

    If approved, receive entry visa to travel to Norway. Register with police and collect residence card upon arrival.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Residence Permit for Skilled Workers)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
1-8 months depending on case complexity; average 1-4 months after all documents submitted
Fee
NOK 6300
Validity
Up to 3 years initially, renewable. Can lead to permanent residence after 3 years of continuous employment.
Entry
Multiple entry

Norway's primary work immigration permit for qualified professionals. Requires a concrete job offer from a Norwegian employer for a position that requires higher education or completed vocational training. The position must normally be full-time (minimum 80%). Pay and working conditions must not be less favorable than Norwegian standards. The employer can apply on behalf of the worker. Key industries include IT, engineering, healthcare, oil and gas, maritime, and finance. After 3 years of continuous employment, the worker may apply for permanent residence.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    All non-EU/EEA nationals. EU/EEA nationals have the right to work in Norway without a permit.

  • Employment

    Must have a concrete job offer from a specific Norwegian employer. The position must require skilled worker qualifications (completed higher education or vocational training). Position must be at least 80% of full-time.

    Required status: Job offer from Norwegian employer, skilled position, minimum 80% full-time

  • Financial

    Salary must meet or exceed normal Norwegian pay levels for the occupation and location. Pay and working conditions must comply with applicable collective agreements.

Documents you need

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Visa or Mastercard; Amount: NOK 6,300

  • Curriculum vitae

    Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply online through UDI's Application Portal Norway. Either the applicant or the employer (with written authorization) can submit the application.

  2. Document gathering

    Prepare: employment contract/job offer, educational certificates/diplomas, CV, passport copy, previous work references, and any professional certifications or licenses required for the position.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay NOK 6,300 application fee online.

  4. Appointment booking

    Book appointment at Norwegian embassy/consulate or VFS Global center for document verification and biometrics.

  5. Biometrics

    Attend appointment to provide fingerprints and photograph. Bring original documents and passport.

  6. Document submission

    Submit original documents for verification. UDI may contact the employer for additional information.

  7. Processing wait

    Processing time is 1-8 months. Straightforward cases with complete documentation may be processed in 1-4 months. Track status online.

  8. Visa collection

    If approved, receive entry visa (D-visa) to travel to Norway. Register with police and collect residence card within 7 days of arrival.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.