Visa Types
Norway Permanent Residency Path
How you can immigrate to Norway, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in Norway.
Key Points for Norway PR Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Norway?
To visit Norway, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Norway visa application is made online or offline?
You can complete the visa application form online. Next, print the application form and submit it to the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in India.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a Norway visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a Norway visa, but it may vary.
The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Norway?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
The cost for a permanent residence permit for adults: NOK 4000
The fee for children under 18: NOK 0,- (free).
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- Start by figuring out which visa or residence permit category suits you and if you meet the requirements.
- Find out what documents to include, estimated processing time, and the fees involved.
- Make sure your application follows the rules for your specific category. Also, if your documents are not in English, consider getting translations before applying.
- Visit the Royal Norwegian Embassy's website for application guidelines and online registration info. You can also access the online Application Portal directly Your Norway sponsor can help you register and book appointments online.
- Remember, when submitting at a Norwegian Visa Application Centre, you'll need an online payment receipt from the Application Portal. You can pay online using a credit/debit card (MasterCard or Visa).
- For Norway visitor visas and residence permits, apply through the Royal Norwegian Embassy and go to the VFS Global Application Centre.
- After completing your visa form, schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre for fingerprint and photo collection, called 'biometric information'. Once booked, you'll get a confirmation email and appointment letter.
- If in a family or group, each member should book a separate appointment.
- During registration on the Application Portal, make sure to pay your application fee.
- Check here for more details on Service fee and Courier fee. Remember, certain extra services from VFS Global are not covered in the service fee and are optional to choose.
- You must personally submit your filled visa application form at the Visa Application Centre.
- Learn more about the process at the Visa Application Centre.
- Once your decision is sent back to the Visa Application Centre, you'll get an email update.
- If you prefer SMS updates or lack easy email access, this might be an option (check if available).
- To track your application, you can use the Reference Number from the invoice/receipt and your last name on the online tracking service.
- Once your visa application decision is made, you can either collect your documents from the Visa Application Centre or have them couriered for an extra fee. The Embassy of Norway has modified passport collection rules effective February 4, 2019. Only certain individuals can collect passports:
- Immediate Family Members (parents, children, spouse)
- One person collecting for the entire group
- Authorized person for Govt. officials (with a letterhead or ID)
- Company representative (with authorization letter and ID)
- Required documents for collection include a photocopy of Govt. ID, Original ICR, and an authorization letter from the applicant.
- If you prefer not to collect in person, choose courier delivery during submission and provide the address. If not mentioned, the passport will be sent to the Visa Application Form address. This change aims to ensure secure document return.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
If you have resided in Norway for three years or more, or if you are a child under the age of one born in Norway, you could fulfill the criteria for obtaining a permanent residence permit. Holding a permanent residence permit allows you to live and work in Norway without time constraints, and it also offers additional safeguards against deportation.
- Application Form: The signature form is the paper that came with the email when you applied online. Print it and bring it along. If you’re submitting your application at a Norway embassy, just bring a completed application form instead. You can find the form at udi.no/forms.
- Valid Passport: Your passport with at least two blank pages and validity extending beyond your intended stay.
- Passport-sized Photos: Recent passport-sized photos that meet the specifications provided.
- Temporary Residence Permit: Copy of your valid temporary residence permit.
- Proof of Continuous Residence: Summarize your trips to and from Norway in the last three years. Include departure and return dates for each trip, and the total days spent abroad. If you haven’t traveled during this period, indicate so in the Application Portal when registering your application.
- Proof of Stable Employment: Employment contracts, pay slips, and tax documents showing stable and legal employment during your time in Norway.
- Language and Integration Certificates: Certificates proving your proficiency in Norwegian or another acceptable language and successful integration.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage for your entire stay in Norway.
- Financial Stability Proof: Documentation demonstrating your financial stability and ability to support yourself.
- Police Clearance Certificates: Recent police clearance certificates from Norway and your home country.
- Declaration of Intent: A statement declaring your intent to continue residing in Norway and to comply with Norwegian laws.
- Biometrics Appointment: Proof of appointment for biometric data submission, if applicable.
- Proof of Accommodation: Documentation showing your housing arrangements in Norway.
- Marriage/Partnership Documents: If applicable, documents proving your marriage or partnership status.
- Children’s Documentation: If applicable, documents related to your children’s residence and legal status.
- Proof of Payment: Payment receipt for the permanent residency application fee.
- Other Supporting Documents: Any additional documents required by the UDI based on your specific circumstances.
For more information in detail:
Note: Please note that this checklist is not exhaustive and the requirements can change over time. Always refer to the official Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the specific documents required for your permanent residence application in Norway.
Family Reunification:
- Completed application form for family reunification.
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of relationship with the Norwegian citizen or permanent resident (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
- Proof of sufficient housing in Norway.
- Proof of financial ability to support yourself and your family members.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Language proficiency certificate (if required).
- Police clearance certificate from your home country (if required).
- Biometric passport photos.
- Application fee payment receipt.
Skilled Workers and Specialists:
- Valid job offer from a Norwegian employer.
- Detailed job description and employment contract.
- Proof of qualifications and education.
- Proof of relevant work experience.
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of sufficient housing in Norway.
- Proof of financial ability to support yourself.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Police clearance certificate from your home country (if required).
- Biometric passport photos.
- Application fee payment receipt.
Student:
- Letter of acceptance from a recognized Norwegian educational institution.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses.
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Proof of housing arrangements in Norway.
- Police clearance certificate from your home country (if required).
- Biometric passport photos.
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Application fee payment receipt.
Researcher:
- Proof of engagement in scientific research in Norway.
- Employment contract or agreement with the research institution.
- Proof of qualifications and research background.
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of sufficient housing in Norway.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Police clearance certificate from your home country (if required).
- Biometric passport photos.
- Application fee payment receipt.
EU/EEA Nationals:
- Valid passport or national ID card.
- Proof of residence in Norway (rental agreement, employment contract, etc.).
- Proof of sufficient financial resources.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Application form for permanent residency (if required).
- Biometric passport photos.
- Application fee payment receipt (if applicable).
Refugees and Asylum Seekers:
- Refugee/asylum status documentation from Norwegian authorities.
- Proof of residence and integration efforts.
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of housing in Norway.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Police clearance certificate from your home country (if required).
- Biometric passport photos.
- Application form for permanent residency (if required).
Long-term Resident EU:
- Valid passport or national ID card.
- Proof of continuous residence in another EU/EEA country with a valid residence permit.
- Proof of residence in Norway (rental agreement, employment contract, etc.).
- Proof of sufficient financial resources.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Application form for permanent residency.
- Biometric passport photos.
- Application fee payment receipt (if applicable).
Entrepreneurs and Investors:
- Detailed business plan outlining your business idea, objectives, and financial projections.
- Proof of sufficient funds to establish and operate the business.
- Business registration or incorporation documents.
- Proof of necessary licenses or permits for the business.
- Employment plan if you plan to hire employees.
- Proof of investment in the business.
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of housing in Norway.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Biometric passport photos.
- Police clearance certificate from your home country (if required).
- Application fee payment receipt.
Nordic Citizens:
- Valid passport or national ID card from a Nordic country (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden).
- Proof of residence in Norway (rental agreement, employment contract, etc.).
- Proof of sufficient financial resources.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Application form for permanent residency.
- Biometric passport photos.
- Application fee payment receipt (if applicable).
Humanitarian Protection:
- Documented evidence of the exceptional circumstances preventing your return to your home country.
- Detailed explanation of your situation and reasons for seeking humanitarian protection.
- Any relevant medical or legal documents supporting your case.
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of residence in Norway (rental agreement, employment contract, etc.).
- Proof of financial ability to support yourself.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Application form for permanent residency.
- Biometric passport photos.
- Police clearance certificate from your home country (if required).
- Application fee payment receipt.
Note: Remember that the requirements and procedures may change over time, so it’s essential to consult the official website of the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) or seek guidance from a qualified immigration professional to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information when applying for permanent residency in Norway.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please ensure to review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documents.
Holding a permanent residence permit allows you to live and work in Norway without time constraints, and it also offers additional safeguards against deportation.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Norway Permanent Residence typically involves the following steps:
- Eligibility Check: Review the eligibility criteria for permanent residency on the official website of the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Different categories, such as work, family reunification, refugee status, etc., have specific criteria.
- Residency Requirement: Usually, you need to have lived in Norway for a certain number of years under a valid residence permit before you can apply for permanent residency. The required period varies based on the type of permit you have.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, which can include proof of identity, residence history, employment history, tax records, language proficiency, and more. Refer to the specific requirements for your category on the UDI website.
- Online Application: Create an account on the UDI Application Portal and fill out the online application form for permanent residency.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the required application fee as per the instructions on the UDI website.
- Biometric Data Collection: If applicable, schedule an appointment to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at a local police station.
- Attend an Interview (if required): In some cases, you might be asked to attend an interview to discuss your application in more detail.
- Medical Examination (if required): Depending on your circumstances, you might need to undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the health requirements.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time for permanent residency applications can vary. During this time, the UDI will review your application, documents, and other relevant factors.
- Decision and Residence Permit: If your application is approved, you will receive a decision letter and, if applicable, a permanent residency residence permit. Make sure to carefully read the instructions provided in the decision letter.
For more information: Click Here
It’s important to note that the above steps are a general guideline and might not cover all specific details for each individual case. Always refer to the official website of the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) for the most accurate and up-to-date information on applying for permanent residency in Norway. Additionally, consider seeking professional advice or assistance if needed, especially for complex cases.
- Family Reunification: Family Reunification allows close family members of individuals who are residents of Norway to join them. This category includes spouses, registered partners, cohabitants, children, and in some cases, parents. The person residing in Norway must have a specific type of residence permit that makes family reunification possible. The sponsor in Norway must also meet certain income and housing requirements to ensure the family's well-being.
- Skilled Worker: Skilled Worker visas are designed for individuals with specialized skills and job offers in Norway. To be eligible, you need a confirmed job offer from a Norwegian employer. The skills you possess must be in demand and not readily available within the local workforce. This category is suitable for professionals, technicians, and experts in various fields who can contribute significantly to the Norwegian economy and society.
- Student: Student visas are for international students who have been accepted by Norwegian educational institutions for full-time study programs. This permit allows you to live in Norway during the duration of your academic program. You must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses while studying.
- Researcher: Researcher permits are for academics, scholars, and researchers who want to engage in research activities at recognized institutions in Norway. You must have a concrete research plan and an affiliation with a Norwegian research institution. This permit allows you to live in Norway while conducting your research.
- EU/EEA Nationals: Citizens of European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) countries usually do not need a separate residence permit to live and work in Norway. Instead, they need to register their stay with the local authorities upon arrival. This registration confirms their right to live and work in Norway under the freedom of movement within the EU/EEA.
- Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Refugees and Asylum Seekers can apply for residence permits in Norway if they meet specific criteria. Refugees are granted protection due to a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. Asylum seekers apply for protection while their case is being processed. This category involves stringent assessment of the applicant's circumstances to ensure they meet the criteria for protection.
- Long-term Resident EU: Non-EU/EEA residents who have lived in an EU/EEA country for a certain number of years and now wish to move to Norway might qualify for Long-term Resident EU status. This is based on their previous residence history in another EU/EEA country. It allows them to reside and work in Norway.
- Entrepreneurs and Investors: Entrepreneurs and Investors who wish to establish or invest in a business in Norway can apply for this type of permit. The application requires a comprehensive business plan and proof of sufficient financial resources to ensure the success of the business venture.
- Nordic Citizens: Nordic Citizens, which include citizens of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, can live and work in Norway without the need for a separate residence permit due to special agreements and historical treaties among these countries.
- Humanitarian Protection: Individuals who do not qualify for refugee status but still face serious threats in their home country can apply for Humanitarian Protection. This status is granted to individuals who need protection based on exceptional circumstances, and it allows them to stay in Norway.
Note: Remember that immigration policies and requirements can change, so it’s crucial to refer to the official website of the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) for the most accurate and up-to-date information on each type of residency in Norway.