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Norway Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Norway? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Oslo

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Norwegian Krone

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Timezone

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GMT +1

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Monthly

Employment Cost

14.10%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Sponsoring a Visa in Norway: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Norway? Navigating Norway’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Norway, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers or EOR providers must be registered with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) to sponsor foreign workers.

The work permit process typically takes 1-2 months, depending on the type of visa.

Common types of work permits include the Skilled Worker Visa (NOK 5,900) and the Work Visitor Visa (NOK 1,000).

Independent contractors follow a separate process; they do not need employer sponsorship but must prove their self-employed status.

Work permits are typically issued for one to three years and are tied to the job, so job changes or moves may require new approval from UDI.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Norway

In Norway, non-EU/EEA nationals are required to obtain a work permit to engage in employment. This includes individuals who have secured job offers from Norwegian employers and intend to reside and work in the country. EU/EEA citizens, however, have the right to work in Norway without a permit but must register with the Norwegian authorities if their stay exceeds three months.

Types of Work Visas in Norway

Norway offers various work visas tailored to different employment needs. Below is an overview of the primary visa types available:

Visa Type	Description
Skilled Worker Visa	For individuals with specialized qualifications and a concrete job offer in Norway.
Seasonal Worker Visa	For temporary employment in industries like agriculture or tourism during peak seasons.
Self-Employed Person Visa	For individuals planning to establish and run their own business in Norway.
Job Seeker Visa	Allows recent graduates from Norwegian universities to stay in Norway to seek employment.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Norway

When hiring talent in Norway, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Norway. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (approximately 1-2 months), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Norway.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Norway

Independent professionals in Norway can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Norway.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Norway

Transferring an existing team member to Norway? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into South America, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Norway? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements for a Work Permit in Norway

To obtain a work permit in Norway, applicants must meet specific criteria to ensure compliance with immigration laws.

Valid Job Offer: Applicants must have a concrete offer of employment from a Norwegian employer.
Relevant Qualifications: Proof of education and work experience relevant to the job position is necessary.
Adequate Financial Means: Evidence that the applicant can support themselves financially during their stay.
Accommodation Proof: Documentation confirming suitable housing arrangements in Norway.

Norway Work Permit Application Process

Secure a Job Offer - Obtain a formal employment offer from a Norwegian employer.
Gather Necessary Documentation - Collect required documents, including a valid passport, employment contract, proof of qualifications, and accommodation details.
Submit Application - Complete the online application through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website and pay the applicable fee.
Attend Appointment - Schedule and attend an appointment at a Norwegian embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Center for identity verification and submission of biometrics.
Await Decision - The processing time can take up to eight weeks. Applicants should await the outcome before commencing employment.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Norway

In Norway, visa sponsorship involves the employer's active participation in the work permit application process. Employers may apply on behalf of the employee, ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted and compliance with immigration regulations is maintained. This collaborative approach facilitates a smoother application process and adherence to legal standards.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Norway

Applicants are required to pay a fee when applying for a work permit or visa in Norway.

Visa Type	Application Fee
All Work Visa Types	NOK 6,300 (approximately USD 690)

Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Norway

The processing time for a work permit or visa in Norway can extend up to eight weeks from the date of application submission. Applicants are advised not to commence employment until official approval is granted.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Norway

A Norway Work Visa, officially known as a Residence Permit for Work, is initially valid for two years. Applicants can apply to renew the Work Visa before it expires, and if approved, it can be extended for another two years. After three years of continuous residence in Norway on a Work Visa, individuals can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit, which has an indefinite duration, providing long-term residency in Norway.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Norway

Norway offers a special work visa for digital nomads. This visa allows independent contractors to live and work in Norway for up to two years. However, the contractor must have at least one Norwegian client to be issued this visa.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Norway

Employers may encounter several challenges when hiring international talent in Norway. Below are some common issues and tips to address them:

Navigating Complex Regulations: Understanding and complying with immigration laws can be intricate. Employers should seek professional assistance or legal counsel for guidance.
Processing Delays: Extended processing times may affect project timelines. Employers should plan ahead and initiate the process early to avoid disruptions.
Cultural Integration: Assisting international employees in adapting to Norwegian workplace culture is essential. Providing orientation programs can ease this transition.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Norway

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Norway?

We don’t currently sponsor visas in Norway — but we can still help. Our in-house compliance team supports employers through every stage of the visa process: helping you compile documentation, set timelines, and coordinate with our network of trusted local immigration advisors.

If you’re looking to hire in Norway, book a demo and we’ll help you prepare, flag potential issues, and streamline the path to compliant onboarding.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Norway?

In Norway, the term "work visa" often refers to the entry visa that allows an individual to enter the country, while a "work permit" (officially known as a Residence Permit for Work) grants the legal right to reside and work in Norway. Non-EU/EEA nationals typically need both to legally work in Norway.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in Norway?

The processing time for a work permit or visa in Norway can take up to eight weeks from the date of application submission. Applicants are advised not to commence employment until official approval is granted.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in Norway?

Employers looking to sponsor a work permit in Norway must provide a formal job offer, ensure the position meets salary and employment standards, and may need to demonstrate that the role could not be filled by a local candidate. Additionally, they should assist the employee in gathering necessary documentation and ensure compliance with Norwegian immigration laws.

What types of work permits and visas are available in Norway?

Norway offers several types of work permits and visas, including: Skilled Worker Visa: For individuals with specialized qualifications and a concrete job offer in Norway. Seasonal Worker Visa: For temporary employment in industries like agriculture or tourism during peak seasons. Self-Employed Person Visa: For individuals planning to establish and run their own business in Norway. Job Seeker Visa: Allows recent graduates from Norwegian universities to stay in Norway to seek employment.