Visas for Norway

Download our Moving to Norway Guide (PDF)

Norway is part of the borderless Schengen area, which means that if you’re a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) or some other countries, you won’t require a visa to enter Norway for short stays. Norway is not an EU member state, but participates in the Schengen Agreement, allowing for border-free travel within the area.

If you don’t require a formal visa to enter Norway, you could be questioned at the border about the purpose of your visit and where you’re staying – this is routine and isn’t meant to antagonise anyone. Answer the questions simply and honestly, and you’ll get through fine.

Various residence and work permits are available, depending on your skill set and circumstances. All European Economic Area (EEA) citizens who move to Norway to work and live for longer than three months must register with the Norwegian police. Registration is free and only needs to be done once. If you’re an EEA citizen and continue to stay in the country, you’ll be granted permanent residence status after five years.

If you’re an EEA citizen planning to work in Norway, you’ll need to bring your passport or national ID card, employment contract, and passport-sized photos for the registration process.

Short-term visas for Norway

Short-term visas for Norway allow you to visit the country without extensive paperwork if you’re from certain countries. If you’re a citizen of the EU, the EFTA, or from countries on the Norwegian government’s designated list, you don’t need a visa to enter the country. You are entitled to a 90-day stay within any 180-day period in the Schengen area. You need a passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.

The list of countries that don’t need a visa for Norway includes the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and all EU/EEA countries. If you’re from a country not on the list, such as China, India, South Africa, or Thailand, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter the country. You can apply at a Norwegian embassy or, in some countries, at a Swedish or Danish embassy.

Useful links

Schengen visas for Norway

Schengen visas for Norway require careful preparation if you’re from a country that requires one. When applying, you’ll need to have all required documents, complete application forms, and make an appointment to submit your application to the Norwegian consulate or embassy in your home country. The processing time typically takes between 15 and 21 business days, so submit your application at least 20 days before travel – but not earlier than six months before your planned trip.

If you’re applying for a Schengen visa to travel to Norway for business purposes, you’re required to include a letter of invitation from the Norwegian business party and one from your employer stating your duties in Norway. If you’re a conference delegate, you’re required to produce proof of registration and accommodation.

In some cases, the Norwegian embassy or consulate may ask you to provide additional documents. The standard requirements include a completed application form, a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay, passport photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and a detailed itinerary.

Bring supporting documents like proof of accommodation, even after receiving your Schengen visa – immigration officials might ask to see them at border control points.

Useful links

Norway Schengen Visa Information

Residence permits for Norway

Residence permits for Norway are mandatory if you’re not an EU or EFTA citizen and are interested in moving to Norway to work. You cannot move to Norway without being issued a residence permit, which can only happen with a concrete offer of a job from a Norwegian employer. Your employer can apply on your behalf for a residence permit, which streamlines the process.

To apply, you need to submit documents through the UDI online portal, pay the fee, and visit a Norwegian embassy or VFS Global centre for fingerprints and photos. Wait times differ based on your passport and permit type.

Skilled workers with a job offer may also apply for an entry visa to enter Norway before their residence permit is fully processed, allowing them to start work sooner. Once in Norway with your residence permit, you’ll need to register with the local tax office and apply for a Norwegian ID number.

Read more about Work Permits for Norway.