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Land the job, get the visa: Skilled workers’ path to Norway


Scenic town in beautiful Norway, visible in the background featuring fjords and colorful buildings. The image symbolizes opportunities for skilled workers aiming to build a career and life in Norway. Text on image reads: “Land the Job, Get the Visa – Skilled Workers’ Path to Norway.” Contact: aleksandar@rekrutteringspartner.no

Job opportunities, requirements & your rights as a skilled worker in Norway

Thinking about starting a new chapter in Norway as a skilled professional? Great choice! Norway offers solid worker protections, fair conditions, and a clear path to building a future. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand the basics: what’s required, what you’re entitled to, and how to navigate the application process.


👷‍♂️ Skilled work permits: legal employment in Norway.


Skilled worker for a Norwegian employer.

If you intend to work directly for a firm in Norway, this is what you should know:


✅ What you need to qualify.

  • An application fee is required when applying for a residency permit (UDI, n.d.).

  • Education or Professional Background: You need one of the following:

  • Completed occupational training (at least three years), such as carpentry, healthcare, or similar—as long as the trade exists in Norway.

  • A university or college diploma, such as a bachelor's in engineering or nursing.

  • Alternatively, specific qualifications—based on 6 or more years of relevant work experience, with documentation and certifications from previous employers demonstrating your skill level.


⚠️ Important: If you’re from countries like Bangladesh, India, or Vietnam and applying in certain fields (e.g. chef, car mechanic), your application may be checked more carefully due to past documentation fraud (UDI, n.d.).



📃 Job offer requirements

  • You need a concrete offer from one specific employer in Norway.

  • The job must be full-time (or at least 80%).

  • The position must require skilled labor, and you must meet that requirement.

  • Your salary and working conditions must be in line with what’s standard in Norway.

  • If your profession requires a license (like in healthcare), make sure to have official authorization from the correct Norwegian body, like the Norwegian Directorate of Health (UDI, n.d.).


🤝 Special rules for staffing agencies

If a staffing agency hires you:

  • It must be registered with the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority.

  • You’ll need to provide a list of assignments, confirmed by the companies where you’ll actually work.


📜 Your rights as a skilled worker in Norway

  • Permit duration:

    • Up to 1 year if you have vocational training.

    • Up to 3 years with a university degree (unless more frequent updates are needed).

  • Permanent residency: After 3 years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

  • Family immigration: In most cases, your family can join you in Norway.

  • Changing jobs:

    • If it’s the same type of job, you can switch employers without reapplying.

    • New job type = new permit required.

  • Lost your job?

    • Notify the police within 7 days.

    • You can stay in Norway for up to 6 months to look for a new position.

  • Remote work?

    • Not allowed unless it’s specifically stated in your approved job offer.


⏳ Application processing time

Be prepared: applications in trades like cooking, painting, carpentry, or car mechanics might take extra time due to additional document verification (UDI, n.d.).


🌍 Working for a foreign company in Norway

If you're coming to Norway on behalf of a foreign employer, like working at a Norwegian branch of your international company, you’ll still need a residence permit. Here's how it works:


🔍 What’s required?

  • Pay the application fee.

  • Hold qualifications that meet the same standard as other skilled workers:

    • Vocational training

    • Higher education

    • Equivalent work experience

  • Employment contract must be between your foreign employer and a Norwegian company (not a staffing agency).

  • You must be assigned to one Norwegian business.


📌 Your rights in this scenario

  • You may receive a residence permit for up to 2 years at a time, with a maximum of 6 years.

  • After 6 years, you’ll need to take a 2-year break outside Norway before reapplying.

  • Time spent on this permit doesn’t count toward permanent residency.

  • If your assignment lasts more than 6 months, your family can apply to join you.


Offshore workers in Norway: what you should know?

⚠️ Important: Not everyone need a residency visa to work offshore in Norway. If you meet all of the following conditions, you are exempt:


  • You will be operating on a movable installation (Norwegian or foreign) situated on the Norwegian continental shelf.

  • The installation may not be in a set production phase or attached to a permanent base.

  • Your employer must tell the police before you arrive, and you must report in person to the police within one week of entering the Schengen zone and beginning work.

  • If you leave Norway and want to return, your total stay in the Schengen region cannot exceed 90 days within six months.


Types of residence permits for offshore workers:


  1. Skilled worker residence permit for a Norwegian employer

  2. Residence permit for employees of international companies assigned to a Norwegian branch.

  3. As a foreign firm employee working in Norway, you can obtain a residence permit.

  4. Athletes and Coaches: How to work In Norway?


Professional athletes and coaches should know the following when working in Norway:


✅ Requirements for applicants:

When you submit your application, you must pay a processing fee.


🎓 Qualification requirements:

  • You must be a professional athlete or coach working at an elite level of your sport.

  • Official confirmation from the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee (or relevant sports federation) must verify your qualifications and the level of competition you will be involved in (e.g., the Norwegian Football Federation).

📋 Work requirements:

  • You must have a confirmed job offer from a specific employer in Norway.

  • Your sport should be at an elite level, such as the top two divisions in men’s or women’s football or the top division in basketball.

  • Generally, the job will be full-time.

  • Your salary and work conditions must meet Norwegian standards, with a minimum salary of NOK 310,070 per year (before taxes).


🛂 Rights and obligations:

  • You can receive a residency permit for a maximum of one year.

  • After three years, you might be able to seek for permanent residency.

  • Your family might regularly visit you in Norway.

  • If you change employers but continue to do the same type of work, you do not need a new permit.

  • If you wish to change occupations, you first need to apply for a new residence permit.


Keeping these standards in mind can assist offshore workers and athletes/coaches manage the process of obtaining a resident visa to work in Norway more effectively.


Religious leaders and teachers: share your faith or teach in Norway.


Do you feel called to serve or educate in a religious setting in Norway? If so, you may be qualified for a residence permit; nevertheless, you must satisfy the essential standards.



✅ Important information for applicants: * Payment of an application fee is required upon submission.


🎓 Education and qualifications: Typically a master's degree in religion or pedagogy is needed.

In some situations, exceptions may be made—even without a formal degree.


📋 Requirements for the job offer:

  • You must have received a specific full-time job offer from one employer in Norway.

  • The pay and working conditions must meet Norwegian standards.

  • The minimum salary is NOK 310,070 per year before tax.

  • If your religious tradition does not involve receiving a salary, food and accommodation may be accepted as compensation.


🛂 Your rights and obligations:

  • You’ll typically be granted a one-year residence permit at a time.

  • After three years, you may qualify for permanent residency.

  • Your close family members can usually apply to join you in Norway.

  • If you change employers or want to do a different type of work, you must apply for a new permit before starting the new role.


Frequently asked questions regarding residence permits for Skilled Workers


If you intend to relocate to Norway as a skilled worker, it's natural to have questions. Here are the most commonly asked questions and formal guidelines supplied by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI):


Applying for a skilled workers permit


1. I wish to work in Norway. What sort of residency permit do I need?

To work legally in Norway, you'll need a residency permit. Typically, you must first receive a job offer. The specific sort of permission you receive is determined by your credentials and the employment offer. Learn more about work immigration.

2. I have education or training – can I apply?

Yes, if you've completed vocational training or a higher education degree and have a job offer, you can apply as a skilled worker. The job must require your qualifications. Learn about requirements here.

3. I want to start my own business – is that allowed?

If you have vocational or higher education, you can apply as a self-employed skilled worker. Normally, this must be a sole proprietorship. Read more on UDI’s website.

4. Can my employer apply for me?

Yes. An employer can apply on your behalf with your written permission. They will submit the application and documents online. Afterward, they must email the local police or Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA).

5. What documents are required?

Once you’ve submitted your online application, you’ll receive a checklist. Check the official documentation requirements.

6. What if I haven’t received my diploma yet?

You can still apply if you attach confirmation from your school that you’ve completed your program, along with your transcripts.

7. Do I need to register my business before applying?

No, you can register the business after your residence permit is granted. However, you cannot start working until the permit is approved.


After Applying

1. Can I start working right away?

Normally no, unless you receive special confirmation for early employment from the police. SUA centers do not issue these confirmations.

2. How long will it take to get an answer?

Waiting times vary and are updated monthly. Check UDI's waiting time page.

3. Can I request priority processing?

Rarely. If you believe you have strong reasons (e.g. medical issues), you can request it with proper documentation. Urgency to start work is not enough.

4. I made a mistake or moved. What should I do?

If you’ve moved and are registered in the National Population Register, UDI will be updated automatically. Otherwise, you must inform the police or embassy. Mistakes in the application can be corrected by contacting UDI or the authority handling your case.

5. Can I get an entry visa while I wait?

If you need a visa and are likely to be approved, you can apply for a D visa (entry visa) at a Norwegian embassy. It allows you to stay in Norway while waiting, but not to work. You must have a job offer and meet other criteria.

6. Can I submit new documents after applying?

Yes. You can send updated or additional documents to UDI if they are relevant to your case.

7. Can I enter Norway while I wait for a decision?

  • If you don’t need a visa, you can enter Norway and wait.

  • If you need a visa, you must wait until the residence permit is approved (unless you have an entry visa).


Appealing a Decision

If you receive a rejection from UDI or a Norwegian embassy/consulate, you have the right to appeal. Here’s how the appeal process works:


How to appeal a decision from UDI or a foreign service mission?


✅ Key Points

  • You must appeal within 3 weeks of receiving the decision.

  • There is no fee to appeal.

  • Your appeal must be in writing and in Norwegian or English.

  • You must explain why you think the decision is wrong, and preferably include new information or documentation.


✉️ Appealing a decision made by UDI

Who can appeal?

  • You can appeal yourself.

  • You can give written authorization (power of attorney) to someone else (family/friend/lawyer) to appeal on your behalf.


What should your appeal include?

  • Be in writing and signed.

  • State which decision you are appealing.

  • Explain how you want the decision changed.

  • Include the reason(s) for your appeal.

  • Mention your DUF number (12 digits) and case number (3 digits).

  • Provide proof you submitted the appeal in time.


How to send the appeal:

  • Upload via the UDI document upload form.

  • Or send by post to: Utlendingsdirektoratet Postboks 2098, Vika, 0125 Oslo, Norge


If you don't have all documentation in time:

  • Submit the appeal before the deadline with an explanation.

  • You will be given two additional weeks to send the missing documents.


What happens next?

  • UDI will review the case again.

  • If UDI maintains the decision, the case goes to UNE (Utlendingsnemnda).

  • UNE’s decision is final.


Lawyer costs:

  • If UDI changes the decision in your favor, you may ask them to cover legal costs under Section 36 of the Public Administration Act.


🛂 To appeal a decision made by a foreign service mission (embassy or consulate), use UDI, even if the decision was issued by a foreign embassy. The process and circumstances are the same as those used for UDI. UDI will transmit your appeal to the embassy, who will reconsider their decision. If nothing changes, UDI will review the appeal and provide a final ruling.


📆 How long does it take?

Waiting times varied across UDIs and embassies.Check the UDI Waiting Time and Embassy websites for information on local processing timelines.


📚 Legal basis:

Public Administration Act (Ch. VI and §36), Immigration Act (§90).


🔗 For more help or advice, feel free to get in touch:📧 aleksandar@rekrutteringspartner.no


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