Did you know that between 2013 and 2023, Norway welcomed over 500,000 immigrants? This Scandinavian destination is increasingly attracting expatriates. However, immigrating to Norway requires securing a visa or meeting specific conditions to live and work legally. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a student, or relocating with your family, let's explore the essential steps to settle in Norway.
Who can immigrate to Norway?
In principle, anyone can relocate to Norway. However, the process varies depending on your country of origin. Anyone wishing to settle in the land of the Vikings needs either a visa or a residence permit.
EU/EEA nationals can reside in Norway without a visa, provided they are employed, studying, or connected to a Norwegian citizen. However, they must register their stay with local authorities after three months.
Types of visas for immigrating to Norway
Work visa
A work visa is one of the most common routes for permanent immigration to Norway. There are various categories based on your field of work.
Skilled workers
This visa is intended for individuals with a university degree or recognized vocational training, and typically requires a job offer in Norway for approval. High-demand fields include engineering, information technology, and healthcare. Required documentation includes a job contract and proof of professional qualifications.
Good to know:
In 2024, the Norwegian government introduced minimum salary criteria for work visa applicants: NOK 480,900 for master's degree holders and NOK 407,900 for those with a bachelor's degree, ensuring fair working conditions.
Seasonal workers
This visa applies to those employed in sectors such as agriculture, fishing, or tourism for specific periods. It can be granted for more than 90 days, meaning it is not a short-term or temporary visa. Employers must ensure that working conditions meet local standards.
Family reunification visa
This visa allows family members like spouses, children, and other close relatives to join a Norwegian resident or citizen. To qualify for the family reunification visa, you must demonstrate your familial relationship and provide documents like marriage or birth certificates, along with proof of sufficient income from the sponsor to support the family.
To be eligible, you need to be:
- A spouse or registered partner;
- A cohabiting partner;
- A child under 18;
- A dependent child over 18;
- A parent;
- A minor sibling.
Upon arrival in Norway, registration with the local police and acquiring a residence card are compulsory. The visa is typically granted together with the family members' visas for a period of one to three years – renewable and with the option to apply for permanent residency.
Spouse visa
Eligibility for a spouse visa in Norway includes:
- Marriage or registered partnership with a Norwegian citizen or someone legally residing in Norway with a permanent residence permit;
- Substantiated cohabitation with a partner for at least two years;
- Age: both partners must be at least 24 years old (to prevent forced marriages).
The spouse in Norway must:
- Demonstrate sufficient income to support the couple, typically ranging around NOK 300,000 annually;
- Provide proof of adequate housing for the spouse.
Required documents:
- Passport of the spouse applying for the visa;
- Marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation (for cohabiting partners);
- Proof of income for the spouse living in Norway;
- Proof of housing in Norway;
- Identity documents of the partner in Norway (passport, residence permit)
The visa application is to be submitted through the Norwegian Immigration Portal (), and the spouse must apply from their country of origin or from a country where they have a residence permit.
Application processing may take several months, typically between 6 and 12 months.
If the visa is approved, the spouse will first receive a temporary residence visa, typically valid for one year and renewable as long as the conditions are still met.
Good to know:
After living in Norway for at least three years with a temporary visa, and if all conditions continue to be met, the spouse can apply for a permanent residence permit.
Student visa
Norway also grants student visas upon enrolment into a Norwegian higher education institution and proof of sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses during your studies. The visa is usually issued and renewed until completion of studies, with the validity duration specified on the permit. Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
Good to know:
Student visas do not lead to permanent residence. To remain in Norway after your studies, you will need to apply for a work visa.
Entrepreneur and investor visa
Entrepreneurs wishing to start a business in Norway can apply for an entrepreneur visa by providing a detailed business plan and proof that the business can generate a minimum revenue of NOK 250,000 (around €25,000) during the first year. Entrepreneurs must also demonstrate sufficient personal funds for the initial period.
General conditions for obtaining a visa in Norway
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria vary by visa type, but in general, applicants must:
- Have a valid passport;
- Provide proof of sufficient financial resources;
- Have valid health insurance;
- Provide proof of employment or a job offer (for work visas) or of enrolment in a higher education institution (for student visas).
Visa application process
To apply for an immigrant visa to Norway, follow these steps:
- Complete the on the Norwegian Immigration website;
- Submit all required documents: identity proof, education certificates, employment contract or university admission letter, and financial proof;
- Pay the visa fee (amount depends on the visa type);
- Schedule an appointment for an interview at the Norwegian embassy or consulate.
Permanent residency and Norwegian citizenship
Obtaining permanent residence
Foreigners can apply for permanent residency after living in Norway for at least three years with a valid residence permit. This grants permanent access to the Norwegian labor market and most social benefits. Each application is evaluated individually, and additional specific criteria may apply. Check directly with the UDI or an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information.
Becoming a Norwegian citizen
Norwegian citizenship can be applied for and granted after seven years of continuous residence in Norway, passing a language test and a general knowledge exam.
Good to know:
Since 2020, dual nationality is permitted in Norway.
Norwegian citizenship can be granted after three years of residence in Norway with your spouse or partner. Norwegian language and social studies requirements must be met, in addition to a clean criminal record.
Tips for a successful visa application in Norway
Maximizing your chances
To efficiently prepare your visa application and increase your chances of success, follow these tips:
- Gather all documents in advance and ensure they are up to date.
- Review the specific requirements for your visa type on the UDI website.
- Account for varying processing times, which can be affected by the season.
- Ensure all documents, including passports, proof of finances, admission or employment letters, and health insurance, are complete.
- Anticipate processing times: applications can take between 1 and 3 months depending on the time of year and the type of visa.
Mistakes to avoid
- Providing incomplete or inaccurate information.
- Failing to pay processing fees.
- Insufficient financial support during your stay.
FAQ: How to acquire a visa to immigrate to Norway
Who can immigrate to Norway?
Anyone can immigrate to Norway if they meet the necessary visa or residence permit conditions. EU/EEA citizens can move in without a visa but must register with local authorities after three months.
What types of visas are available?
- Work visa (skilled and seasonal workers);
- Family reunification visa;
- Student visa;
- Entrepreneur and investor visa;
- Schengen visa for short stays (up to 90 days).
Only the Schengen visa is strictly a short-term visa, allowing a stay of up to 90 days in Norway. In contrast, other visa types accommodate longer stays. A student visa, for instance, remains valid for the entire duration of your studies, ranging from several months to several years. Work permits for skilled or seasonal workers are typically issued for extended periods, often exceeding 90 days, although seasonal workers may have specific stay durations tied to their contracts. Similarly, the validity of an investor visa depends on the nature and timeline of the associated business or project activities.
What are the requirements for a work visa in Norway?
For skilled workers, you need:
- A job offer in Norway;
- A job contract and proof of professional qualifications;
- A minimum salary of NOK 480,900 for master's degree holders or NOK 407,900 for bachelor's degree holders.
Seasonal workers must be employed in sectors like agriculture, fishing, or tourism, with working conditions meeting local standards.
What are the requirements for a family reunification visa?
Eligible applicants include spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners, children, and other close family members. Requirements include proof of adequate housing and sufficient income from the sponsor.
How can a student obtain a visa for Norway?
By admission into a Norwegian higher education institution.
By providing proof of sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses during your studies.
What are the requirements for an entrepreneur visa in Norway?
You must submit a comprehensive business plan, demonstrate that your business will generate at least 250,000 NOK in revenue within the first year, and provide evidence of sufficient personal funds to support yourself during the startup phase.
How can you obtain a visa for a short stay in Norway?
The Schengen visa allows stays in Norway for up to 90 days. This visa does not permit employment, and longer stays require a residence permit.
How can you acquire permanent residency in Norway?
By residing in Norway for at least three years with a valid residence permit.
When can you apply for Norwegian citizenship?
After living in Norway for seven years with a residence permit. You must pass a Norwegian language proficiency test and a general knowledge exam.
What are common mistakes to avoid when applying for a visa to Norway?
Submitting incomplete or inaccurate information, forgetting to pay processing fees, and failing to have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
