Norway · long-stay visa routes and official sources
3 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Norway: Hard (62/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Student / skilled worker residence.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Norway?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Student / skilled worker residence. Overall difficulty is rated "Hard" (62/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Norway without a local job offer?
Yes — 1 of the 3 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Study permit. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
Be admitted to an approved full-time university, university-college, vocational, or other eligible study programme in Norway.
Pay the application fee and show funds of at least NOK 15,488 per month or NOK 170,368 for the academic year for university or university-college study, plus tuition where applicable.
Provide the admission letter, passport, proof of accommodation and funding evidence. Funding may be student loans, grants, own funds in a Norwegian bank or the institution's deposit account, and an offered part-time job; UDI also assesses whether return after study is likely.
Apply for the residence permit for studies if the programme lasts more than three months and complete the required identity and biometrics process.
For applicants with qualifications, skills, and an employer.
Typical timeline / duration: 3-8 months
Have completed relevant vocational training, higher education, or demonstrate special qualifications built through substantial work experience.
Hold a concrete full-time job offer from one specific Norwegian employer, with the position requiring the applicant's skilled-worker qualifications.
Meet Norwegian pay and working-condition standards and provide the employer confirmation code or other employer evidence required for an application from abroad.
Submit passport, qualification, employment, and any regulated-profession authorisation documents, then complete the residence and biometrics process.
Residence permit as skilled worker with own sole proprietorship
A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements.
Typical timeline / duration: Can be granted up to two years at a time; up to six years for this permit type, then cooling-off may apply.
Be a skilled worker whose qualifications are relevant to the proposed assignment or business activity.
For the established-business route, operate a genuine business abroad, normally as a sole proprietorship, and hold a contract to carry out an assignment for a Norwegian business.
Ensure the Norwegian client has a registered business address, the remuneration is not below normal Norwegian levels, and any regulated work has the required authorisation.
Provide the assignment contract, business registration, qualification evidence, passport, and the other UDI documents, then complete identity and biometrics requirements.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.