You must apply for a Norway Work Visa to live and work in Norway.
The Skilled Worker Visa, which is awarded to someone who has obtained a position with a Norwegian firm and possesses a university degree or vocational training, is the most prevalent type of Norwegian Work Visa.
Although it’s called a Work “Visa,” you’re applying for a Norwegian Residence Permit for Work, which allows you to legally reside and work in Norway.
Expanding your business to Norway will provide various benefits for your firm, including the ability to grow in a new market. However, before you can enjoy any of these advantages, you must incorporate, hire staff, and get work visas in Norway. If you’ve never dealt with Norwegian rules and regulations before, this process can take a long time.
Types of work visas in Norway
It’s critical to understand which of your staff requires a work visa and which alternative would be the most suitable. Your workers can work in Norway without a work permit if they are from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or one of the Nordic countries. All nationals from other countries, on the other hand, require residence and work permission. It’s critical to first secure a residency permit, as working without one might result in jail time and fines.
The skilled worker visa is preferred by the majority of professional ex-pats traveling to Norway for work. Exceptions exist for a variety of industries, ranging from journalists and researchers to tour guides with international travel businesses and more. Before filing for permission on behalf of an employee, make sure you verify these exceptions.
Requirements to obtain Norway work visas
You must provide an official employment offer before an employee can obtain a work permit in Norway. This will allow your employee to apply for a residence permit. If your employee gives you written consent, you can apply on their behalf. Employees should renew their residence permits one to three months before they expire, as they are renewable.
Permits for skilled workers include certain educational, employment, and other restrictions. Applicants must, for example, possess at least one of the following:
- Completion of a three, year upper secondary school vocational training program
- Completion of a university or college education or degree
- Extensive job experience which has resulted in special qualifications
A genuine job offer from a Norwegian business, a full-time position in which the candidate meets the credentials, and remuneration and working conditions that are at or above the norm for Norway are all required for employment. A valid passport, a completed application, two recent passport photos, and evidence of lodging are also required for all types of visas. Remember that all documents must be written in either English or Norwegian. If they aren’t, they must be translated and confirmed by a third party.
Application Process
All migration to Norway is handled by the Norwegian Immigration Authorities (UDI). Applicants can submit all documents to their local Norwegian embassy or grant their employer signed power of attorney. You’ll be allowed to apply on behalf of your employee if they provide you with power of attorney.
Individuals must also submit the following documents in addition to the application:
- Two passport-sized photographs
- A proof of their reservation for their return flight
- Travel insurance confirmation
- A flight reservation for entry and exit from Norway, with dates and flight numbers
- Evidence of lodging for the duration of their stay in Norway
- Evidence of civil status
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to support them during their stay in Norway
Paying the work visa application fee, which varies by visa category, is a part of the application procedure. A work visa usually costs between 3,200 and 3,700 NOK, although additional costs may apply depending on where and how the employee applies. The processing period for a skilled worker visa is usually four to five weeks, however, the UDI’s time processing calculator can provide you with an updated estimate.
Other important points to consider
Some of employees who are situated in other countries may need to travel to Norway for business on occasion. These people must apply for a work-related residence permit, such as a skilled worker visa. These business visas are only for people who are attending a business meeting, not a training or other similar event.