Growing your company in Norway will bring numerous benefits, including the opportunity to tap into a new market. However, in order to hire employees compliantly, you’ll need to make sure every team member has the appropriate work visa and permits. This process can be especially time-consuming if you’ve never dealt with Norway’s laws and regulations, so here are a few tips to streamline the process.
Types of work visas in Norway
The first step before building your team in Norway is to determine which employees will require a work visa. Employees from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or any of the Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland), do not need a Norway work permit. However, EU and EEA employees still have to register with the local police and apply for a registration certificate no later than 3 months after arriving in Norway, whereas citizens of Nordic countries do not have to register with the police but need to report a move to the National Registry and obtain a Norwegian identification number.
Citizens from other countries need a residence and work permit. Make sure to obtain a residence permit first, as working without one can lead to imprisonment and fines.
Most professionals moving to Norway for a job will seek a Skilled Worker visa. However, different occupations have various requirements, from journalists and researchers to tour guides with international travel companies and more.
Requirements to obtain Norway work visas
Before an employee can obtain a work permit in Norway, companies need to provide an official employment offer, which will allow the employee to apply for a residence permit. Employers can apply on behalf of the employee as long as they provide written consent. Residence permits are renewable, and we recommend renewing them 1 to 3 months before the expiration date.
Skilled Worker permits have specific requirements related to education, employment, and more. For example, applicants must have at least 1 of the following:
- Completion of a 3-year vocational training program at an upper secondary school level
- A completed education or degree from a university or college
- Special qualifications through long work experience
Employment requirements include a formal job offer from an employer in Norway, a full-time position in which the applicant meets specific qualifications, and lastly, pay and working conditions at or above the standard level for Norway.
Application process
The Norwegian Immigration Authorities (UDI) handle all matters related to immigration in Norway. Applicants can either submit all the paperwork to their local Norway embassy or give written power of attorney to their employer. If the employee gives the employer power of attorney, then companies can apply on their behalf.
In addition to the application form, individuals must submit:
- A valid passport and a copy of all used pages
- Two passport-sized photos
- Confirmation of travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation for the whole duration of their stay in Norway
- Proof of civil status (if applicable)
- Proof of sufficient financial means for their stay in Norway
- UDI’s offer of employment form
- Education documentation as proof of the minimum education required and/or work experience documentation
- CV
Keep in mind that all documents must be in English or Norwegian. Part of the application process includes paying the work visa application fee according to the specific visa type, but these amounts can change periodically. Companies can use the UDI’s time processing calculator to obtain an updated estimate on how long the visa process will take.
Discover how G-P can help you manage your global teams.
At G-P, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to global business, enabling opportunity for everyone, everywhere, and helping companies tap into the fullest potential of their workforce. We help you maintain full compliance with local laws and ensure everything from hiring and onboarding to paying your employees is quick and easy, regardless of where they are in the world.
Find out more about how our Global Growth Platform™ can help you grow your team across the globe.
–
At this moment, G-P does not sponsor work visas or permits in this particular location.
