Kingdom of Norway visas
Norway's immigration is administered by the Directorate of Immigration (UDI). As an EEA member (not EU), Norway participates in free movement for EU/EEA nationals. Third-country nationals require a residence permit for skilled workers, with employer sponsorship and a salary meeting the going rate. Self-employment, family immigration, and student permits are also available. Permanent residence after 3 years of continuous legal residence on a work permit.
4 routes · 1 without a sponsor · 1 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
UDI — Norwegian Directorate of Immigration ↗ · Utlendingsdirektoratet (UDI)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Norwegian Bar Association (Advokatforeningen) — Regulates advokater practising law in Norway, including immigration legal services.
Visa routes (4)
Skilled Worker Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse som faglaert)
Norway's main work permit for skilled workers requires a concrete job offer, relevant qualifications, normally full-time work (at least 80% can be accepted), and pay that meets UDI's normal-pay rules. It can lead to permanent residence after 3 years.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Job-Seeker Visa (Oppholdstillatelse for aa soeke arbeid som faglart)
Up to 1-year residence permit to enter Norway and search for skilled employment in person — available to qualified professionals.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
International Company Assignment Permit
Residence permit for skilled workers employed abroad who are assigned to a Norwegian branch or Norwegian client company.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Student Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse for studier)
Residence permit for international students at Norwegian universities — tuition-free at public institutions, with part-time work rights.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Planning life after your move?
Organise documents, arrival money, housing and the practical steps after visa approval. Your route conditions remain the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Kingdom of Norway have?+
We cover 4 Kingdom of Norway visa routes in these categories: sponsored work, unsponsored work, and study. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Kingdom of Norway visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
1 of the 4 Kingdom of Norway routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 3 are employer-sponsored.
Which Kingdom of Norway visas lead to permanent residence?+
1 of the 4 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in Norway