Norway Legal Employment Visa Process

Norway, the land of fjords, midnight sun, and the highest standard of living in the world is also in short of Skilled Workers to occupy positions in its progressive economy. The opportunities are enormous, but in order to obtain a Legal Employment Visa Process (in this case, the Residence Permit of the Skilled Workers), it is important to be more accurate.

The Skilled Worker Permit The Core Pathway

The main path that non-EU/EEA citizens use to receive a residence and work permit (usually together) is the Skilled Worker Permit which has two main requirements: a Job Offer and specific Skilled Worker Qualifications.

Job Offer Requirements (Mandatory)

You need a Job Offer/Employment Contract with only one particular Norwegian employer.4 This offer needs to meet many conditions that cannot be negotiable:

Full-Time Position: The employment should be typically full-time (at least 580 percent is commonly regarded to be normal).
Skill-Matched Role: The job should demand one to have the qualification of a skilled worker.
Norwegian Standards: The wages and working conditions shall not be lower than it is normal in Norway (i.e. equal to Tariffavtaler / collective agreements).

Qualification Requirements

To be considered a “skilled worker, you have to record one of the following:

Higher Education: A university college or university (Bachelors or Masters) degree.
Vocational Training: (Trade Certificate) or other vocational training of at least three years given in an upper secondary school.
Specialized Competence : In exceptional instances, professional experience (at least six years) coupled with courses which are equivalent to formal vocational training.

The 5 steps of the application process

Det anvendige Arbeider Oppholdstillatelse is applied to by the UDI and the local Politiet (Police).

Obtaining the Job and getting the Documentation

Receive the signed Job Offer/Employment Contract and make sure that the employer has ready the necessary paperwork (contract, tax forms, etc.). Take your diplomas, professional licenses, and valid passport.14

Sign in UDI Application Portal

You will need to apply through the official Application Portal of UDI online, pay the application fee (15$\text{NOK 6,400}$ as of the latest update) and submit all of the supporting documents.

Reserve Appointment at Embassy or Police

It is also necessary to book an appointment depending on whether you are an international (or, in very few cases, a Norwegian) applicant (e.g. switching a study permit):

Across the Ocean: Book an appointment in the closest Norwegian Embassy/Consulate or Visa Application Centre.
Norway: Book appointment with the local Police office (Politic).

Document Submission and Biometric

Visit your appointment and present yourself with the necessary documents, as well as send your biometrics (photo and fingerprints). This is an official commencement of the Ventetid (Waiting Time).

Decision, Entry and ID Number

When given a green light, you are given your Oppholdstillel (Residence Permit). In case you need a visa to visit Norway, you will be given a special Entry Visa (D-Visa).
Once there, you are required to make a reservation with the Politiet, and receive your physical Residence Card.
Last, but not least, you need to register with Skatteetaten ( Norwegian Tax Administration) to get your mandatory Fødselsnummer (National ID Number) or temporary D-nummer.

Knowledge on UDI Processing Times

The Eventide of Skilled Worker Permit may differ greatly. By late 2025, UDI estimates on first-time applicants overseas is frequently approximately 2 months for full applications.

Influencing Factors of Waiting Time

Complete: Applications with unprovided documentation or with the appropriate Stravinsky will be postponed.
Nationality/Education Verification: Applications that include the documents related to educations in some countries (e.g., China, India, Pakistan, Philippines) might need further investigations, which will increase the processing time.
Workload: Workload of UDI is currently large.23 The given time is estimated and might vary every month.
Life After Approval: Fodselsnummer and Permanent Residence.

The first step towards the long-term life in Norway is to obtain your first permit.

Summerhouse (National Identification Number)

This 11-digit figure published by Attestation is probably the most significant document in Norway. It is required for:

Opening bank accounts.
Availability of community health.
Subscribing to utility services.
Getting your Tax Deduction Card.
Permanent Residence (Varig Oppholdstillatelle)

Following three years of legal residency and employment in Norway, you may usually apply as a skilled worker to obtain Permanent Residence.28 This gives you not a temporary right to live and work in Norway but rather one that is independent of an employer.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with the Norway Legal Employment Visa Process is a challenging task especially in meeting the rigorous salary and qualification requirements of the UDI. With the proper documentation of your skills and with the necessary Lokskrav, and the steps to the Application Portal, you stand a huge chance of being a part of the dynamic workforce in Norway.

Disclaimer

This is an informative and educational article. The Norwegian work permit procedure which comprise of the Stravinsky and Eventide imposed by the UDI are prone to regular changes in government policy making it highly recommended to check all the existing requirements, fees, and processing time with the official site of the UDI or a licensed Norwegian immigration consultant before proceeding with any of the applications.