Guidance

Travel to Norway for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Norway and how to get one if you do.

From:
Department for Business and Trade
Published
21 May 2021
Last updated
15 April 2024 — See all updates

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Norway’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Norway to work (or the EU, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Norway is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Norwegian authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Norway’s embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Norway. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Norway’s embassy or immigration authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

  • translated
  • ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
  • originals, or if copies are acceptable
  • signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
  • dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Norway, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Norway’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Norway for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

  • running job interviews
  • going to court as a witness
  • attending seminars, conventions or trade fairs
  • meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
  • negotiating, signing and executing deals or contracts
  • carrying out testing related to product delivery, such as IT acceptance testing

These activities are usually allowed while travelling under the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

  • proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
  • health insurance that covers your entire stay
  • proof of accommodation for your entire stay
  • enough money for the duration of your trip
  • an invitation letter that explains your trip or a plan for any training

Check Norway’s exemptions

Certain types of work-related activities don’t require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

These don’t require a visa or permit if they’re for less than 3 months:

  • researchers and lecturers with at least a bachelor’s degree
  • giving on-the-job training for machinery or equipment use
  • receiving training at the Norwegian branch of an international company
  • technical experts installing software or machinery, or completing technical maintenance, repairs and training – you or your employer must notify the police in writing before entering Norway
  • shipping or veterinary inspectors
  • medical practitioners who usually live and work in the UK and have been issued a licence by the Norwegian Directorate of Health
  • religious preachers
  • UK-employed professional athletes and their accompanying support groups
  • UK-employed journalists and photographers
  • people working on aircrafts in international traffic who have an aviation personnel licence (flight crew or non-pilot personnel licence)
  • UK-employed staff working on non-Norwegian trains, buses or trucks in international traffic
  • security and maintenance crew on non-Norwegian laid-up ships in Norway
  • UK-employed tour guides accompanying non-Norwegian travel companies
  • diplomats or NATO employees, their private service staff and embassy support staff

These don’t require a visa or permit if they’re for less than 14 days in a calendar year:

  • artists, musicians, or performers
  • employees of a humanitarian, non-profit or religious organisation carrying out non-profit, humanitarian or religious work

Seafarers

You don’t require a visa or permit for up to 90 days if you’re a seafarer working on a:

  • Norwegian-registered ship (not a fishing vessel) sailing between a Norwegian and non-Norwegian port
  • cruise ship that’s not registered in Norway
  • ship registered in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
  • ship that’s not registered in Norway carrying goods or passengers in Norway for up to 3 months

Offshore workers on mobile installations

You don’t need a visa or permit if you’re an offshore worker working on a mobile installation on the Norwegian continental shelf for up to 90 days. You can stay longer if you’re on the mobile installation for the entire duration of your stay.

You must leave Norway once the work is completed and stay outside of Norway and the Schengen area for at least 90 days within 180 days before you can return.

You or your employer must notify the police in writing before you enter Norway.

You must also register in person with the police in the district where you’ll be working. You should do this within 1 week of arriving in Norway, before you start working.

You also have to register with the police in the district where you’re staying.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

  • an assignment letter
  • employment confirmation
  • a contract
  • proof of required qualifications, such as diploma and professional certificates
  • CV

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the Norwegian embassy.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each permit, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Norway’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Taking your family

You may be able to apply for dependant permits if you have a family and want them to join you. It depends on the type of work permit you have.

Find out more about taking your family with you.

Residence permits

Norway only offers long-term residence permits, even for short trips. They’re valid for up to 3 years depending on which one you need.

You must apply for one if you’re in Norway because you’re:

Transferring to a Norwegian branch of a UK-based company or providing services to a client in Norway

To qualify for a residence permit for skilled work on assignment you must:

It can take up to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.

If you have a partner or children under 18 they can join you if your assignment is for at least 6 months. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with Norway’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You or your employer create an online account and apply for your residence permit.

  2. You take your application documents to the Norwegian consulate or your employer takes them to the police or service centre for foreign workers.

  3. You register with the Norwegian police once in Norway.

Application documents

Norway’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form
  • completed UDI checklist
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • CV
  • proof of accommodation in Norway or an explanation of your arrangements
  • UDI’s assignment offer form
  • employment contract with your UK employer
  • assignment agreement with your UK employer
  • contract or work order between your UK company and the Norwegian client (only if providing services directly to a client in Norway)
  • marriage certificate, if your spouse is joining you (if applicable)
  • birth certificates of any children joining you (if applicable)
  • 2 passport-sized photos

Working for a Norwegian company on a Norwegian contract

You need a work permit for skilled workers (sometimes called a ‘work permit for local hires’) if you’ve completed higher education or vocational training and have a job offer with a Norwegian company.

You can also apply for one if you’re an:

Work permit for skilled workers

To qualify you must:

  • have an offer of employment from a Norwegian company
  • be on a Norwegian payroll
  • have a university degree, have completed a vocational training programme of at least 3 years at upper secondary school level or have specialist knowledge in the field
  • have regulated profession recognition or authorisation
  • meet Norwegian salary and working conditions

It can take up to 8weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it.

If you have a partner or children under 18 they can join you with this permit. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with Norway’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You or your employer create an online account and apply for your residence permit.

  2. You take your application documents to the Norwegian consulate or your employer takes them to the police or service centre for foreign workers.

  3. You register with the Norwegian police once in Norway.

Application documents

Norway’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form
  • completed UDI checklist
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • CV
  • proof of accommodation in Norway or an explanation of your arrangements
  • UDI’s assignment offer form
  • proof that you will be paid according to the minimum Norwegian requirements, such as your employment contract
  • marriage certificate, if your spouse is joining you (if applicable)
  • birth certificates of any children joining you (if applicable)
  • 2 passport-sized photos

Offshore workers

You need a residence permit for offshore workers to work on a fixed installation on the Norwegian continental shelf.

To qualify you must:

  • have an offer of employment or an assignment agreement with a Norwegian company
  • be on a Norwegian payroll
  • have a university degree, have completed a vocational training programme of at least 3 years at upper secondary school level or have specialist knowledge in the field
  • have regulated profession recognition or authorisation
  • meet Norwegian salary and working conditions
  • work on a Norwegian or non-Norwegian platform on the Norwegian continental shelf

It can take up to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it.

If you have a partner or children under 18 they can join you with this permit. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with Norway’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You or your employer create an online account and apply for your residence permit.

  2. You take your application documents to the Norwegian consulate or your employer takes them to the police or service centre for foreign workers.

  3. You register with the Norwegian police once in Norway.

Application documents

Norway’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form
  • completed UDI checklist
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • CV
  • proof of accommodation in Norway or an explanation of your arrangements
  • information on the installation and documentation proving it’s a fixed installation
  • UDI’s offer of employment form or UDI’s assignment offer form
  • proof that you’ll be paid according to Norway’s minimum wage requirements, such as your employment contract
  • marriage certificate, if your spouse is joining you (if applicable)
  • birth certificates of any children joining you (if applicable)
  • 2 passport-sized photos

Athletes or coaches

You can apply for a residence permit for athletes or coaches if you work in top-level sports.

To qualify you must:

  • have a document from the member association of the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports confirming your qualifications and level of participation
  • be taking part in a recognised top-level sport
  • have an offer of employment for full-time work from a Norwegian company
  • meet Norway’s salary and working conditions

It can take up to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it.

If you have a partner or children under 18 they can join you with this permit. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with Norway’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You or your employer create an online account and apply for your residence permit.

  2. You take your application documents to the Norwegian consulate or your employer takes them to the police or service centre for foreign workers.

  3. You register with the Norwegian police once in Norway.

Application documents

Norway’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form
  • completed UDI checklist
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • proof of qualifications and work experience
  • CV
  • proof of accommodation in Norway or an explanation of your arrangements
  • UDI’s assignment offer form
  • proof that you’ll be paid according to Norway’s minimum wage requirements, such as your employment contract
  • marriage certificate, if your spouse is joining you (if applicable)
  • birth certificates of any children joining you (if applicable)
  • 2 passport-sized photos

Self-employed work

You can apply for one of these residence permits if you’re self-employed:

Self-employed with a company in Norway

To qualify for this permit you must:

  • intend to set up a long-term business
  • have a business that you own and is not a limited company
  • have a university degree or completed a vocational training programme of at least 3 years at upper secondary school level
  • have specialist knowledge in the field
  • meet salary requirements
  • get permission from the authority for your industry, if required

It can take 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it.

If you have a partner or children under 18 they can join you with this permit. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with Norway’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You submit a residence permit application to the Norwegian consulate.

  2. You register with the Norwegian police once in Norway.

Application documents

Norway’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form
  • completed UDI checklist
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • CV
  • proof of accommodation in Norway or an explanation of your arrangements
  • detailed business plan, including market insight and sales potential
  • name and location of the business
  • permission from the authority for your industry, if required
  • budget details for newly established businesses or account details and bank statement for established businesses
  • marriage certificate, if your spouse is joining you (if applicable)
  • birth certificates of any children joining you (if applicable)
  • 2 passport-sized photos

Self-employed with a company abroad (UK)

To qualify for this permit you must:

  • be self-employed with an established business in the UK
  • have entered a contract to provide services to a client in Norway
  • have a university degree or completed a vocational training programme of at least 3 years at upper secondary school level
  • have specialist knowledge in the field
  • have regulated profession recognition or authorisation
  • meet Norwegian salary and working conditions

It can take up to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.

If you have a partner or children under 18 they can join you with this permit. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with Norway’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You submit a residence permit application to the Norwegian consulate if you’re applying yourself, or to the police or service centre for foreign workers if your client is applying for you.

  2. You register with the police once in Norway.

Application documents

Norway’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form
  • completed UDI checklist
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • degree or qualification certificate
  • CV
  • proof of accommodation in Norway or an explanation of your arrangements
  • contract or work order with the Norwegian client
  • documentation showing you’re a self-employed contractor with a business in the UK
  • marriage certificate, if your spouse is joining you (if applicable)
  • birth certificates of any children joining you (if applicable)
  • 2 passport-sized photos

Exchange programmes, culture and organisational work

There are residence permits for:

  • employees of humanitarian, non-profit or religious organisations
  • artists, musicians or performers

Residence permit for employees of humanitarian, non-profit or religious organisations

To qualify for this permit you must:

  • have an offer of employment from an established organisation in Norway
  • carry out non-profit, humanitarian or religious work for the organisation
  • be in Norway on an international exchange programme or because the organisation needs workers from abroad
  • meet Norwegian salary and working conditions

It can take up to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 4 years.

If you have a partner or children under 18 they can join you with this permit. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with Norway’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You create an account and submit a residence permit application. Your employer can file on your behalf if you meet the requirements for a skilled worker permit.

  2. You take your application documents to the Norwegian consulate or your employer takes them to the police or service centre for foreign workers

  3. You register with the Norwegian police once in Norway.

Application documents

Norway’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

Working as an artist, musician or performer

To qualify for this residence permit you must:

  • have an offer of employment from a Norwegian company
  • present culture through music, dance, theatre or circus performances
  • meet Norway’s salary and working conditions
  • have legal guardian consent if you’re between15 and 18 years old

It can take up to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and cannot be extended

If you have a partner or children under 18 they can join you with this permit. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with Norway’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You create an online account and apply for a residence permit.

  2. You take your application documents to the Norwegian consulate or your employer takes them to the police or service centre for foreign workers.

  3. You register with the Norwegian police once in Norway.

Application documents

Norway’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form
  • completed UDI checklist
  • passport for you and any dependants
  • proof of accommodation in Norway or an explanation of your arrangements
  • contract of engagement in Norway
  • tour itinerary, if applicable
  • marriage certificate, if your spouse is joining you (if applicable)
  • birth certificates of any children joining you (if applicable)
  • 2 passport-sized photos

Working on a ship in Norwegian waters

You need a residence permit if you’re working on a ship that’s carrying cargo or passengers between Norwegian ports for at least 3 months.

To qualify you must:

Depending on the type of employment contract you have, you will either get a local hire work permit or a seasonal work permit.

It can take up to 16 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year. You can extend it if you have a local hire work permit. If you have the seasonal work permit, your stay cannot be extended.

Your family can apply for dependant permits if you have a local hire permit. If you have a seasonal work permit they may still be able to visit you under the Schengen visa waiver.

How it works

You need to check with Norway’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You or your employer create an online account and apply for a residence permit.

  2. You take your application documents to the Norwegian consulate or your employer takes them to the police or service centre for foreign workers

  3. You register with the Norwegian police once in Norway.

Application documents

Norway’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

Norwegian government guidance

Read official Norwegian government information on visas, work permits, and residence permits.

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Norway for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

Updates to this page

Published 21 May 2021
Last updated 15 April 2024 + show all updates

  1. Updates made to reflect shorter processing time for all visas; hyperlinks updated to offer Norwegian government webpages in English.

  2. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 11 September 2023.)

  3. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 21 July 2023).

  4. You do not need to stay on a UK payroll to qualify for a residence permit for skilled work on assignment. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 22 March 2023).

  5. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 9 January 2023).

  6. Updated to clarify the name of the 'Work permit for skilled workers'. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

  7. Visas and permits can now take up to 18 weeks to get. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

  8. Updated the timescales required to get permits. Artists, musicians and performers can work in Norway for 14 days without a visa or permit.

  9. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Contents

Related content