Work Permits for Norway

If you’re in need of a work permit for Norway, your country of origin will determine whether you need a residence permit for work before taking up employment. You should apply for this at the Norwegian embassy in your home country.

Several agencies can help streamline the process of securing your visa or work permit from within Norway itself.

Visas and Residence Permits in Norway

Work permits in Norway

EU citizens looking for work permits in Norway have it relatively easy. With just a valid identity card or passport, you can legally move to Norway and hunt for jobs without a work permit for up to six months. You must register with the police within three months of arrival. If your job search proves unsuccessful after six months, you’ll need to leave but can return later to restart the process.

Non-EU citizens seeking work permits in Norway, including UK nationals post-Brexit, will face different application processes depending on their intended work type. You must typically have a job offer before applying for a residence permit. Norway is updating its seasonal work visa programme with new rules taking effect in 2025, which will change eligibility requirements and job categories.

Skilled workers

Skilled workers in Norway need either completed vocational training or a university degree for their profession, with a qualification that corresponds to Norwegian standards. Only in rare cases are permits granted based solely on work experience.

For healthcare professionals and certain other fields, you’ll need approval from relevant state organisations like the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel (SAFH). As of 2024, Norway is working to improve its qualification recognition process for EEA health professionals by adding aptitude tests.

With a successful application, your permit remains valid for one to three years at a time. After three years, you can apply for permanent residence. Family members can typically join you through family reunification, requiring marriage/birth certificates and proof of financial stability.

You can switch jobs while working for Norwegian employers, provided you stick to similar work. For significant job changes, you’ll need to apply for a new permit.

Useful links

• Registering in Norway – Work in Norway
• Police Registration for EEA Citizens
• Work Immigration to Norway
• Skilled Workers in Norway

Applying for a work permit in Norway

When applying for a work permit in Norway, EU or European Economic Area (EEA) citizens don’t need a work permit or residence permit for short stays. Following Brexit, UK citizens are now treated as non-EU citizens and need to apply for permits like other non-EU nationals.

You’ll find comprehensive information about work permits and regulations on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website. The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) also provides country-specific permit details and is an excellent resource during your job hunt.

Finding a Job and Working in Norway

Useful links

• Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
• Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV)

Visa and work permit regulations may change at short notice, and you should contact your nearest Norwegian consulate or the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration for the latest information.