Norway Visa: A Guide to Visas and Residency for Foreigners

Norway is known for its high quality of life, stunning landscapes, and strong economy, making it an attractive destination for expats, students, and professionals. If you’re planning to visit, work, or live in Norway, understanding the visa and residency process is essential.

This guide covers the different types of visas, residency permits, and citizenship options available in Norway, along with an FAQ section to answer common questions.

1. Types of Visas for Norway

A. Short-Term Visa (Schengen Visa)

Purpose: For tourism, business, family visits, or short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).

• Who Needs It?
  
  • Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries who require a visa to enter Norway.
  • Citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, Australia) do not need a visa for short visits.
• Requirements:
  
  • Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond departure).
  • Completed Schengen visa application form.
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter).
  • Travel insurance (€30,000 coverage for medical expenses).
  • Proof of financial means (NOK 500 per day (~€45/day)).
  • Return flight ticket.
• Processing Time: 15-45 days
  
• Visa Fee: €80 (adults), €40 (children 6-12), free for children under 6
  

B. Long-Term Residence Permits (Stays Over 90 Days)

If you wish to stay in Norway for more than 90 days, you need a residence permit based on your reason for staying.

1. Work Permit (Residence Permit for Work)

For non-EU/EEA citizens who have a job offer in Norway.

• Requirements:
  
  • A valid job offer from a Norwegian employer.
  • Salary must meet Norwegian wage standards for your profession.
  • The job must require specialized skills or qualifications.
  • Health insurance and clean criminal record.
• Processing Time: 1-6 months
  
• Fee: NOK 6,300 (€540)
  

2. Student Visa (Residence Permit for Studies)

For non-EU students enrolled in a Norwegian university.

• Requirements:
  
  • Acceptance letter from a recognized Norwegian university.
  • Proof of funds (NOK 137,907 (€11,500) per year).
  • Health insurance for non-EU students.
• Processing Time: 1-3 months
  
• Fee: NOK 5,900 (€505)
  

3. Business Visa / Self-Employment Residence Permit

For entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals planning to work in Norway.

• Requirements:
  
  • Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.
  • A business plan demonstrating the company’s economic viability.
  • Valid passport.
• Processing Time: 3-6 months
  
• Fee: NOK 6,300 (€540)
  

4. Family Reunification Visa (Residence Permit for Family Members)

For spouses, children, and dependent family members of Norwegian residents.

• Requirements:
  
  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate).
  • Sponsor must meet income and housing requirements.
• Processing Time: 6-12 months
  
• Fee: NOK 10,500 (€900) for adults, NOK 6,500 (€550) for children
  

2. Permanent Residency in Norway

After living in Norway for a certain period, you may apply for permanent residency (Permanent Oppholdstillatelse, PUT).

Eligibility for Permanent Residency

• Non-EU citizens: Must have lived in Norway for 3 years with a valid residence permit.
  
• EU citizens: Automatically eligible after 5 years of continuous residence.
  
• Requirements:
  
  • Must have stable income and no criminal record.
  • Must have completed a Norwegian language and integration course (for some categories).

3. Norwegian Citizenship

Foreigners can apply for Norwegian citizenship after meeting residency and integration requirements.

Eligibility for Citizenship

• EU citizens: After 5 years of continuous residence.
• Non-EU citizens: After 7 years of legal residence (or 3 years if married to a Norwegian citizen).
• Asylum seekers: After 7 years of residence.
• Must have good conduct (no criminal record).
• Must pass a Norwegian language and societal knowledge test.

Benefits of Norwegian Citizenship

• Right to live, work, and study in any EU/EEA country.
• Access to Norwegian social benefits and healthcare.
• Ability to vote in Norwegian elections.
• Norwegian passport (one of the world’s strongest passports).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for a Norwegian visa from my home country?

Yes, you must apply for a Schengen visa or residence permit at the Norwegian Embassy in your home country before entering Norway.

2. Can I work in Norway with a Schengen visa?

No, a Schengen visa does not allow employment. You must obtain a work permit.

3. Does buying property in Norway give me residency?

No, owning property in Norway does not grant residency or citizenship.

4. How long does it take to process a Norwegian visa?

• Schengen Visa: 15-45 days.
• Work Permit: 1-6 months.
• Student Visa: 1-3 months.

5. Can I bring my family if I have a work permit?

Yes, your spouse and children can apply for a family reunification residence permit.

6. What is the minimum salary required for a Norwegian work permit?

It depends on the job, but typically at least NOK 400,000 (€34,000) per year.

7. Do I need to learn Norwegian to get a visa or residency?

No, but learning Norwegian can help with job opportunities and permanent residency applications.

8. Can I apply for Norwegian citizenship if I have permanent residency?

Yes, after 7 years of legal residence (or 3 years if married to a Norwegian citizen).

Conclusion

Norway has a structured visa and residency system, making it an attractive country for work, study, and family reunification. While short-term stays are visa-free for many nationalities, long-term stays require a residence permit. Permanent residency and citizenship provide further benefits, but applicants must meet income, language, and integration requirements.

Before applying, ensure you check the latest visa policies and processing times on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration’s website (UDI Norway).

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