Visa Types
Norway Work Visa Essentials
Apply to work in Norway, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
Key Points for Norway Work 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 work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment.
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 fees for residence permits for work (including renewals): NOK 6,300.
The fee for a group permit for employers per worker is also: NOK 6,300.
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
People from India, Bhutan, and Nepal must get a permit to live or work in Norway for over 90 days. The Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi manages these permits.
For people from different countries:
- If you’re from an EU/EEA country, you don’t need a permit to stay or work in Norway. But if you want to stay more than three months, you should register with the police.
- If you’re from a non-EU/EEA country and plan to work or stay in Norway over 90 days, you need a residence permit.Here is a document checklist to guide you through the process:
- Visa Application Form:
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Print and bring the signature form received via email during online application. If at a Norway embassy, fill out the application form instead.
- Passport:
- If applying in Norway, show your passport and provide copies.
- If applying abroad, submit both passport and copies. Contact the application center if you need your passport back before a decision.
- Passport-sized Photos:
- Recent passport-sized photos meeting the specifications set by the embassy/consulate.
- Cover Letter:
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit, your intended employment, and how you meet the visa requirements.
- Employment Offer:
- A letter of employment from your Norwegian employer confirming your job offer, job title, responsibilities, and salary.
- Work Contract:
- A copy of your signed work contract or employment agreement with your Norwegian employer.
- Bank Statements (Last Six Months):
- Provide bank statements showing transactions and monthly account balance for the last six months.
- If multiple accounts, include statements for all accounts.
- Proof of Qualifications:
- Copies of your educational certificates, degrees, and relevant qualifications.
- Proof of Accommodation:
- Confirmation of accommodation arrangements during your stay in Norway. This could be a hotel booking or a rental agreement.
- Travel Itinerary:
- Detailed travel itinerary, including flight reservations or bookings.
- Travel Medical Insurance:
- Proof of travel medical insurance covering the entire duration of your stay in Norway.
- Financial Proof:
- Must have NOK 24,713 per month or NOK 296,550 per year.
- Document funds through bank statements or a work contract specifying salary, guaranteed working hours, and contract duration.
- Health Certificate:
- A health certificate issued by a recognized medical practitioner stating that you are in good health and free from contagious diseases.
- Police Clearance Certificate:
- A police clearance certificate from Indian authorities or the relevant country if you have lived in other countries.
- Biometrics Appointment:
- Proof of appointment for biometric data submission at the visa application center.
- Visa Fee:
- Payment receipt of the visa application fee.
- Additional Documents for Specific Situations:
- For Students at University or Vocational School:
- Documentation of completed degree/education in Norway or exams/assignments necessary for completion.
- For Education Recognition:
- Documentation of education recognition in Norway or its pending status.
- Power of Attorney Form for Representation:
- Use the provided power of attorney form (PDF link) or the form received by email during online registration.
Note: Remember to verify the specific requirements and procedures with the official sources before applying. The Norwegian embassy or consulate in India and the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) are the best sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Skilled Worker Visa:
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and validity beyond intended stay.
- Passport-sized photos meeting specifications.
- Letter of job offer from a Norwegian employer.
- Proof of relevant university degree or vocational training.
- CV/resume detailing your work experience and education.
- Copies of relevant work certificates or references.
- Proof of financial means to support yourself in Norway.
- Health insurance coverage for your stay.
- Police clearance certificate from your home country (if required).
- Proof of language proficiency if applicable.
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Norway.
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
Seasonal Worker Visa:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport with sufficient blank pages and validity.
- Passport-sized photos as per requirements.
- Job offer letter detailing the seasonal employment and its specific timeframe.
- Proof that the job can only be done during a specific time of the year.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Norway.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
Job-Seeker Visa:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport with required validity.
- Passport-sized photos adhering to specifications.
- Proof of completed studies in Norway (diploma, transcript, etc.).
- CV/resume detailing your skills and qualifications.
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during the job search.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Police clearance certificate if required.
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Norway.
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
Vocational Training and Research Visa:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport with adequate blank pages and validity.
- Passport-sized photos meeting specifications.
- Detailed vocational training or research plan.
- Proof of acceptance by a relevant institution for training/research.
- CV/resume outlining your educational and research background.
- Financial proof to cover your stay in Norway.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Police clearance certificate if necessary.
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Norway.
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
Norway Working Holiday Visa:
- Completed visa application form.
- Eligibility proof (age, nationality, etc.).
- Valid passport with sufficient blank pages and validity.
- Passport-sized photos adhering to specifications.
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Norway.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Norway.
- Detailed travel itinerary.
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
Work Visa for Artists:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport with required validity.
- Passport-sized photos as per requirements.
- Detailed project proposal or description of the artistic work.
- Proof of invitation or collaboration from a recognized institution/individual.
- Portfolio showcasing your previous work and achievements.
- Financial proof to support yourself during your project.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Norway.
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
Remember, these checklists provide a general overview of the documents you might need. Requirements can vary based on individual circumstances, changes in regulations, and the specific Norwegian embassy or consulate you’re applying through. Always consult the official website of the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) or the nearest Norwegian embassy/consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.
- First, you need to sign up online and pay the fee before submitting your passport and other papers. If it’s your first time using the portal, make a user account first.
- After you finish the online form and pay the fee, you’ll get an email confirming it. The email will include your application form (schengen.pdf), a summary of your application, and the payment receipt. Print the application form (schengen.pdf) and give it along with the other needed documents.
If you want to work in Norway, you need a special permission called a residence permit. Usually, you need to find a job before applying. The type of permit you need depends on your skills and the type of work you’ll do in Norway.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
To apply for a Norway work visa (residence permit for work) from India, follow these general steps. Keep in mind that the application process may change, so always refer to the official website of the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information:
- Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a Norwegian employer. The job must be relevant to your skills and qualifications.
- Check Visa Requirements: Visit the official website of the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate in India to understand the specific requirements for a work visa. Ensure you have all necessary documents.
- Online Application: Create an application profile on the Application Portal of the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and fill out the online application form.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all required documents, which might include: Passport and passport-sized photographs, Employment contract or job offer letter, Proof of qualifications and skills required for the job, Proof of funds to cover living expenses, Health insurance, Police clearance certificate, Other documents as per the specific requirements.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the required non-refundable application fee online as specified on the Application Portal.
- Book an Appointment: Book an appointment at the VFS Global visa application center for submitting your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
- Biometric Data Collection: Visit the VFS Global application center on the appointed date to provide your biometric data.
- Submit Application and Documents: Submit your application along with all the required documents at the VFS Global center. Keep copies of all documents for your records.
- Attend an Interview (if required): In some cases, you might be asked to attend an interview at the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time for work visas can vary, but it’s typically around 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, the Embassy or Consulate will review your application and documents.
- Collect Your Residence Permit: If your application is approved, you’ll receive a residence permit sticker in your passport. Collect it from the VFS Global center.
- Register with the Police: Within seven days of your arrival in Norway, you must register with the local police station.
Note: Remember that the specific requirements and procedures may vary based on your circumstances and the job you’re applying for. Always refer to the official website of the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate in India and the UDI website for the most accurate and updated information.
- Skilled Workers: Skilled Workers visas are for individuals with specialized skills and job offers in Norway. These skills are often in high demand and not easily found within the local workforce. To apply, you need a confirmed job offer from a Norwegian employer. This visa enables you to work and live in Norway for the duration of your employment contract.
- Seasonal Workers: Seasonal Worker visas are for individuals who come to Norway temporarily to fulfill short-term labor needs in seasonal industries such as agriculture, tourism, or hospitality. The visa's validity is usually limited to the specific season of work. You must have a job offer from a Norwegian employer for a temporary position.
- Job Seekers: Job Seeker visas are for those who want to explore job opportunities in Norway. This visa allows you to stay in Norway for a limited time to search for employment. During this period, you can attend interviews and network with potential employers. If you secure a job offer, you can then apply for a work visa.
- Exchange Programs, Culture, and Organizational Work: This visa category covers individuals participating in exchange programs, cultural events, or organizational activities in Norway. It's suitable for short-term activities where work is not the primary purpose of the visit.
- Vocational Training and Research: Vocational Training and Research visas are for individuals seeking to enhance their skills or engage in research programs in Norway. These could include vocational training courses or research projects. The visa's validity depends on the duration of the training or research program.
- Diplomats, Military Personnel, and Their Families: Diplomats, Military Personnel, and Their Families are granted special visas due to their official or diplomatic roles. These visas cover individuals working in diplomatic missions, international organizations, and military assignments, along with their accompanying family members.
- Seafarers: Seafarers visas are for those employed in the maritime industry, working on ships that travel to and from Norwegian ports. This visa allows seafarers to enter Norway for work purposes while adhering to specific regulations.
- Employees of Foreign Companies in Another EU/EEA Country: In certain cases, employees of foreign companies established in another EU/EEA country can work temporarily in Norway without a separate work permit, as long as certain conditions are met. This falls under the provisions of the EU/EEA agreement on the free movement of workers.
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Note: It’s essential to note that visa requirements and categories might change, so always refer to official sources, such as the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) or the relevant embassy or consulate, for the most accurate and updated information before applying.