Europe Visa Nordics: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden

Work visas

Norway's strong economy means there are many opportunities for skilled professionals. A residence permit for work is the most common way for non-EU citizens to move to the country. You must, in almost all cases, have a concrete job offer before you can apply.

Skilled Workers

This is the main category for professionals and is designed for those who have a higher education degree or have completed vocational training.

• Who is it for? Individuals who have a university degree, a vocational school certificate, or special qualifications that are equivalent to a Norwegian craft certificate.
• Main Requirements:

. A concrete job offer from a Norwegian employer.

. The job must be full-time.

. The pay and working conditions must meet Norwegian standards (there are specific salary requirements depending on your education level).

. Your qualifications must be relevant to the job you've been offered.

Seasonal Workers

This permit is for jobs that are dependent on a specific time of year.

• Who is it for? Individuals working in sectors like agriculture, forestry, tourism, or the fishing industry.
• Main Requirements:

. The work must be of a seasonal nature.

. A concrete job offer is required.

. The pay and working conditions must meet Norwegian standards.

. This permit does not usually lead to permanent residency.

Work-Related Visas

Norway also offers a variety of more specialized work permits:

• Job Seekers: In certain, limited cases, skilled workers may be able to apply for a permit to come to Norway to look for work. This is typically for those with a background in a field with a high demand in Norway.
• Exchange Programmes, Culture, and Organisational Work: This includes permits for au pairs, volunteers, and individuals on cultural exchange programs.
• Researchers and Trainees: For those who will be conducting research or undergoing vocational training in Norway.
• Employees of Foreign Companies: For individuals who are being transferred to a Norwegian branch of their company (intra-corporate transferees).

Study visa

Norway's high-quality education system attracts students from around the world. To study in Norway, you'll need a study permit.

• Who is it for? Students who have been accepted into a Norwegian university, university college, vocational school, or other approved educational institution.
• Main Requirements:

. Proof of admission to an approved educational institution.

. Proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses. This is a significant requirement, and the amount is set annually by the UDI. You'll typically need to deposit this money into a Norwegian bank account.

. Proof of accommodation.

. A valid health insurance policy.

A study permit allows you to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during your studies and full-time during holidays.

Family reunification

Family reunification is a cornerstone of the Norwegian immigration system. The requirements vary depending on the nationality of your family member in Norway.

Joining a Norwegian or Nordic Citizen

• Who is it for? Spouses, registered partners, cohabitants (if you have lived together for at least two years or have children together), and minor children of Norwegian or other Nordic citizens.
• Main Requirements:

. Proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).

. Your family member in Norway must generally be able to financially support you.

. You must have a place to live in Norway.

. You must intend to live together in Norway.

Joining a Citizen of a Country Outside the EU/EEA

• Who is it for? Spouses, registered partners, and minor children of non-EU/EEA citizens who have a valid residence permit in Norway.
• Main Requirements:

. Similar to the above, you'll need to prove your relationship.

. The family member in Norway must have a valid residence permit and meet strict income and accommodation requirements.

Fiancé(e) Visa

It's also possible to apply for a residence permit to come to Norway to get married to a Norwegian resident. You must intend to marry within six months of arriving in Norway.

The Path to Permanent Residency

After living in Norway for a certain period with a temporary residence permit, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.

• Who is it for? Individuals who have held a valid temporary residence permit for at least three years.
• Main Requirements:

. Continuous residence: You must have lived in Norway continuously for the past three years.

. Financial self-sufficiency: You must be able to prove that you can support yourself.

. Integration requirements: You must complete a certain number of hours of tuition in the Norwegian language and social studies and pass the relevant exams.

. Benefits: A permanent residence permit allows you to live and work in Norway indefinitely and provides stronger protection against expulsion.

Visa application process:

1.  Gather your documents: The UDI website has detailed checklists for every visa type.

2.  Fill out the application form online: This is done through the UDI's application portal.

3.  Pay the application fee.

4.  Book an appointment to submit your documents: This is usually done at a VFS Global application center or a Norwegian embassy or consulate in your home country.

5.  Wait for the decision: Processing times can vary significantly depending on the visa type and the time of year.