If you plan to work in Norway, you may need a work permit visa. A work permit visa allows you to stay and work in Norway for a specified period of time, depending on your occupation, qualifications, and employer.
Getting a work permit visa for Norway can be challenging and fast. This article will explain what you need to know about the Norway work permit processing time and how to apply for one.
What is a Work Permit Visa for Norway?
A work permit visa for Norway is a type of residence permit that grants you the right to live and work in Norway. There are different types of work permit visas for Norway, depending on your situation and purpose of stay. Some of the most common ones are:
- Skilled worker visa: This visa is for people with a higher education degree or a special qualification and a job offer from a Norwegian employer.
- Specialist visa: This visa is for people with special skills or expertise that are in demand in Norway and have a job offer from a Norwegian employer.
- Seasonal worker visa: This visa is for people who want to work in seasonal occupations, such as agriculture, tourism, or fishing, for up to six months.
- Self-employed visa: This visa is for people who want to run their businesses or work as freelancers in Norway.
- Job seeker visa: This visa is for people who have completed higher education in Norway or another Nordic country and want to look for a job in Norway.
How to Apply for a Work Permit Visa for Norway?
The application process for a work permit visa for Norway varies depending on the type of visa you need and where you are applying from. However, the general steps are:
- Find out if you need a work permit visa for Norway and which type suits your situation. You can check the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website for more information.
- Gather the required documents for your application. You will usually need proof of your identity, education, qualifications, employment contract, health insurance, financial means, and accommodation in Norway. You may also need to submit other documents depending on your specific case. You can find a checklist of documents on the UDI website.
- Fill out the online application form on the UDI website. You must create an account and pay the application fee online. The fee varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality. You can check the current fees on the UDI website.
- Book an appointment at the nearest Norwegian embassy, consulate, or visa application center to submit your documents and biometric data. You can find the contact details of these offices on the UDI website.
- Wait for a decision on your application. You can check the status of your application online using your account on the UDI website.
What is the Norway Work Permit Processing Time?
The Norway work permit processing time depends on several factors, such as the type of visa, the completeness and accuracy of your application, the workload of the immigration authorities, and the country where you are applying from. However, according to the UDI website1, the average processing time for a work permit visa for Norway in 2023 was:
- Skilled worker visa: 4 weeks
- Specialist visa: 4 weeks
- Seasonal worker visa: 2 weeks
- Self-employed visa: 8 weeks
- Job seeker visa: 4 weeks
These are only indicative times and may vary depending on individual cases. The UDI updates its waiting time information monthly, so you should always check their website before applying.
What to Do While Waiting for Your Work Permit Visa?
While waiting for your work permit visa, you should not travel to Norway unless you have a valid visitor’s visa or are exempt from it. You should also not start working in Norway until your work permit visa has been approved1. If you do so, you may face fines, deportation, or a ban from entering Norway in the future.
If you are already in Norway with another type of residence permit and want to switch to a work permit visa, you can usually stay and work in Norway while your application is being processed. However, you should always check with the UDI if this applies to your case.
You can contact the UDI by phone, email, or chat if you have any questions or concerns about your work permit visa application. You can find their contact details on their website.
Getting a work permit visa for Norway can be lengthy and complex, but it is worth it if you want to enjoy the benefits of working in one of the most prosperous and beautiful European countries.
To avoid delays and complications, you should prepare your application carefully and follow the instructions of the UDI. You should also be patient and respectful while waiting for your work permit visa.
We hope this article has given you some helpful information about the Norway work permit processing time and how to apply for one.