🇳🇴 Norway · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
Quick answer
Skilled workers apply for a residence permit for skilled workers from the Directorate of Immigration (UDI); you need a concrete job offer that matches your qualifications and meets Norwegian pay and conditions.
Work and residence permits are handled by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). A skilled-worker residence permit is the main route for non-EEA professionals.
- A skilled-worker permit generally requires relevant qualifications and a concrete job offer.
- EU/EEA and Swiss nationals can work under the EEA free-movement rules (registration).
- Permits are applied for through UDI.
Step-by-step
- 1
Get a concrete job offer
Secure a concrete job offer from a Norwegian employer that matches your education or skills.
- 2
Check pay and conditions
Confirm the pay and working conditions meet Norwegian standards for the role.
- 3
Apply for the skilled-worker permit
Apply for the residence permit for skilled workers with the Directorate of Immigration (UDI), usually online, then book an appointment.
- 4
Attend the appointment and give documents
Attend a Norwegian mission or police station to submit documents and biometrics.
- 5
Enter Norway and register
Enter Norway, report to the police, and register to receive a national identity number (or D-number).
- 6
Renew and consider permanent residence
Renew before expiry; after three years you may qualify for a permanent residence permit.
Checklist
- Concrete job offer matching qualifications
- Pay + conditions meet Norwegian standards
- UDI skilled-worker permit application
- Appointment + documents + biometrics
- Police registration on arrival
- National identity number / D-number
- Housing + health registration
- PR pathway (after 3 years) considered
Official authorities
- Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
Work and residence permits.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a skilled worker?
Someone with completed vocational training, a degree, or special qualifications relevant to the job offered.
Which body decides?
The Directorate of Immigration (UDI) decides on the residence permit for skilled workers.
Can it lead to permanent residence?
Yes — after three years of continuous residence on the permit you can usually apply for permanent residence.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.