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

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:

Work Permit Application Process in Norway (Step-by-step)

Norway’s work authorization process centers on residence permits for work, such as the skilled worker residence permit, which must usually be approved before the employee starts work. Below is a high-level, practical sequence your company and the employee will typically follow.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms that it meets Norwegian standards for salary, working hours, and conditions. For skilled worker permits, the role must normally require specific qualifications, such as higher education or vocational training.
• Step 2: The employer gathers corporate documentation to show the business is legitimate and compliant. This often includes company registration details, tax information, and, where relevant, sector-specific licenses or approvals.
• Step 3: The employee collects personal documentation, including a valid passport, CV, diplomas and transcripts, proof of relevant work experience, and any required authorizations to practice a regulated profession. Documents may need to be translated and, in some cases, legalized or apostilled.
• Step 4: The work contract or job offer is finalized in writing, clearly stating job title, duties, salary, working hours, and duration of employment. The contract must meet or exceed Norwegian collective agreement or industry standards where applicable.
• Step 5: The application for a residence permit for work is submitted to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) via the online portal, a Norwegian embassy/consulate, or a Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA). In many cases, the employer in Norway can submit the application on behalf of the employee with a signed authorization.
• Step 6: The applicant books an appointment to present original documents, provide biometrics, and verify identity at a police station, SUA, or Norwegian mission abroad. This step is crucial to avoid delays and to ensure that all supporting evidence is properly recorded.
• Step 7: UDI reviews the application, may request additional information, and issues a decision. If approved, the employee receives a residence card after arrival and registration, and can then start work in line with the permit conditions.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a Norwegian work-related residence permit depends on the type of permit, the applicant’s qualifications, and the nature of the job offer.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Valid passport and clean immigration record: The employee must hold a valid travel document and should not be subject to entry bans or serious immigration violations in Norway or the Schengen area.
• Qualified job offer from a Norwegian employer: There must be a concrete offer of employment from a registered Norwegian entity, with job duties and conditions that align with the chosen permit category, such as a skilled worker position.
• Relevant education or vocational training: For skilled worker permits, the employee must typically have completed higher education or vocational training that matches the role. UDI may assess foreign qualifications and, in some cases, require recognition by Norwegian authorities.
• Salary and working conditions meeting Norwegian standards: The offered salary must at least meet the thresholds set by regulations or collective agreements, and working hours and benefits must comply with Norwegian labor law.
• Full-time position in most cases: Many work permits require full-time employment, and part-time roles may not qualify unless they meet specific criteria set by UDI.
• Accommodation and maintenance: The employee must usually be able to support themselves in Norway through the offered salary, and in some cases evidence of suitable accommodation may be requested.

Work Permit Processing Time in Norway

Processing times for Norwegian work permits can differ significantly depending on the permit type, the applicant’s nationality, and where the application is lodged. Seasonal peaks and case complexity also influence how long it takes.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Norway can vary depending on whether the case is prioritized, the completeness of the documentation, and UDI’s workload at the time of filing. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Often around 1 to 4 months after all required documents have been submitted and biometrics provided, though some straightforward skilled worker cases may be decided faster.
• Permanent Residence: Commonly around 6 to 12 months or longer, reflecting more extensive background checks, residence history verification, and assessment of income and language requirements.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Typically about 2 to 6 weeks after submission, assuming the application is complete and relates to short business visits, meetings, or brief assignments.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While each case is unique, you can roughly map out responsibilities and waiting periods over several weeks from preparation to decision.

• Week 1: Employer confirms the role, drafts the employment contract, and checks that salary and conditions meet Norwegian standards.
• Week 2: Employee gathers personal documents, diplomas, and translations, while the employer compiles corporate documentation and internal approvals.
• Week 3: Application is submitted online to UDI and an appointment is booked for biometrics and document verification at a police station, SUA, or Norwegian mission.
• Week 4: Employee attends the appointment, submits originals, and completes biometrics; the application then enters UDI’s formal processing queue.
• Week 5–8: UDI reviews the case, may request additional information, and issues a decision for many standard skilled worker applications, though some cases may extend beyond this window.
• Week 9–12: If processing takes longer, employer and employee monitor status, respond to any UDI requests, and plan travel and onboarding once approval is granted.

Who Does What During Norway Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, ensuring it meets the criteria for the relevant residence permit, preparing and submitting the application where allowed, paying applicable government fees, and ensuring compliance with Norwegian labor, tax, and immigration rules throughout the employment.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal data and supporting documents, attending required appointments for biometrics and identity checks, maintaining a valid passport and immigration status, and complying with the specific terms of the permit, including employer, role, and location.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Norway

Most Norwegian work-related residence permits are granted for a limited period, often up to the length of the employment contract and typically one to three years at a time. Renewals usually need to be filed before the current permit expires, and UDI often recommends applying several months in advance to avoid gaps in status.

Renewal applications generally require updated documentation, such as a current employment contract, confirmation of salary and working conditions, and proof that the employee has complied with previous permit conditions. Practice may vary by permit type and individual circumstances, so employers and employees should always check the latest guidance from UDI or local authorities and set internal reminders well ahead of expiry dates.

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 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.

Employer Compliance & Obligations 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.