Europe
Norway immigration and visa guide
Norway offers Skilled Worker Residence Permits for professionals with higher education, self-employed permits, and permanent residence after 3 years.
Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) & Police (Politiet)
- Processing time
- 4 – 10 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- No
Visa options in Norway
Key requirements
- Completed higher education degree or completed vocational training program (fagutdanning)
- Concrete full-time job offer in Norway requiring your specific specialized qualifications
- Salary must meet or exceed Norwegian collective agreement pay rates or Norwegian industry standards
How to apply for a Norway visa: step by step
- 1
UDI Application Portal Registration
Complete online application on UDI Application Portal and pay government processing fee.
1 - 2 weeks
- 2
VFS Global / Police Submission
Deliver official employment contract (Offer of Employment form) and academic diplomas.
4 - 8 weeks
- 3
Residence Card & Skattekort Registration
Attend police appointment in Norway, obtain residence card, and register at the Tax Administration (Skatteetaten).
2 - 3 weeks
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
How many years for Permanent Residence in Norway?
You can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (permanent oppholdstillatelse) in Norway after 3 consecutive years holding valid residence permits, provided you pass Norwegian language and social studies tests.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Norway. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) & Police (Politiet)General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) & Police (Politiet) on the official website before applying.