Norway Visa Guide 2026
Norway, not EU but Schengen member, offers a comprehensive immigration system for skilled workers, students, and families. High salary thresholds and strong labour protections make it a competitive destination.
Visa Options & Categories
Schengen Short-Stay (C): Tourism/business up to 90 days. Processing 15 days. Valid 1-5 years.
Skilled Worker Visa: Bachelor's degree or 3+ year training. Job at market salary (NOK 482,200+/year). Valid 1-3 years. PR after 3 years.
Student Visa: Full-time at Norwegian universities (public tuition-free). Funds NOK 151,690/year. Work 20 hrs/week.
Family Immigration: Spouses/children of residents. Income NOK 366,924+/year sponsor. Processing 6-12 months. 3-year permit.
Permanent Residence: After 3 years work permit (5 years family). No criminal record. 300 hours Norwegian language.
Job Seeker Visa: 6-month visa to find work. Degree + sufficient funds. Cannot work during search.
Self-Employment: Entrepreneurs with viable business. Income NOK 270,000+/year. Valid 2 years renewable.
Use our Visa Eligibility Checker to find the best visa category for your profile.
Processing Times
Schengen: 15 days. Skilled Worker: 2-4 months. Student: 1-3 months. Family: 6-12 months. Job Seeker: 1-2 months. Self-Employment: 2-4 months.
Processing times vary based on application completeness, volume, and season. Apply well in advance. Check the official immigration website for current estimates.
Visa Fees & Costs
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Schengen | NOK 1,000 |
| Skilled Worker | NOK 6,300 |
| Student | NOK 5,600 |
| Family | NOK 6,300 |
| PR | NOK 3,900 |
| Job Seeker | NOK 6,300 |
| Self-Employment | NOK 6,300 |
Fees are non-refundable and subject to change. Exchange rates fluctuate. Additional costs may include translation, courier, travel insurance, and biometrics.