- In most cases, it is essential to have a job offer before applying for a work visa
- Student visas allow the visa holder to work for up to 20 hours a week
- A resident’s spouse, cohabitant and dependent children under the age of 18 can migrate to Norway on a family visa.
Norway is one of the most beautiful countries on Earth. It is a safe country where the people are friendly and inclusive. Education is free and health care is affordable. With the right skills, one can easily find a good job too. Thus, it comes as no surprise to note that many people want to migrate to Norway.
This country has always been a popular destination for international migrants. In 2017, migrants accounted for 16.8% of Norway’s population. This immigrant population was made of people from over 200 countries.
Why Migrate to Norway?
Norway may not be a very large country but it does attract a sizeable number of migrants. The country offers free education, a good work-life balance, and an English speaking society. If you’re thinking of moving to Norway, here’s a little help.
| Country | Poland | Lithuania | Somalia | Sweden | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Immigrants | 108,255 | 42,491 | 41,463 | 39,266 | 36,700 |
Norway is a beautiful country to call home. But its scenic beauty alone isn’t why people move here. One of the main reasons why people choose to migrate to Norway is its high standard of living. People here work hard but they know how to balance their life inside and outside the office.
It is very rare for Norwegians to work in the evening or on weekends. Education is free here and healthcare is covered under the national system. It also helps to know that most people speak English and immigrants can easily find friends and a social network.
Moving to Norway from the EU
It much easier for citizens of EU countries to migrate to Norway as compared to people from other countries. This is because Norway is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). Citizens of European countries that are part of EU and the EEA can come to Norway without a visa.
They are entitled to stay in Norway for up to 6 months while they look for a job. However, after spending three months in Norway, they must register themselves with the Police as an employee, job seeker, self-employed person, student, a close relative of a Norwegian citizen or a person staying in Norway with their own funds.
How can Everyone else Migrate to Norway?
Anyone who wants to migrate to Norway from outside Europe needs a visa. There are many different types of visas available. The most common routes of migration are migrating for work, migrating as a student and migrating to reunite with family.
Migrate to Norway for Work
To apply for a work visa, one must have a confirmed job offer. In some cases, migrants may apply for a residence permit to stay in Norway and look for a job. To be eligible for this they must meet at least one of the below criteria:
- The applicant must have a residence permit as a student in Norway and must have completed his/her education in Norway.
- The applicant must have a valid residence permit for additional education.
- The applicant must have a valid residence permit as a researcher
- The applicant must have a valid residence permit as a skilled worker.
If you have a job offer or have your own business, you may apply for a skilled worker visa. The requirements for this visa vary depending on the type of work you will be doing. These are:
Migrate to Norway as an Employee of a Norwegian Company
- The applicant must have a degree from a recognized university/ must have completed a 3-year vocational training program / must have special qualifications obtained through work experience
- The applicant must have an offer of a full-time job
- The applicant must have the relevant qualifications
- The remuneration must meet the average Norwegian standard of remuneration
Offshore Workers
- The applicant must have a degree from a recognized university/ must have completed a 3-year vocational training program / must have special qualifications obtained through work experience
- The applicant must have an offer of a full-time job
- The applicant must have the relevant qualifications
- The position offered must be on a Norwegian/foreign platform on the Norwegian continental shelf.
Athletes and Coaches
- The applicant must intend on participating in top-level sports
- The applicant must have the necessary certificates from the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports
- The sport concerned must be a high-level sport
- The applicant must have an offer of a full-time job
- The applicant must be paid at least NOK 242 966 per year
Ethnic Cooks
- The applicant must have at least 10 years of work experience
- In case of Chinese applicants, the applicant must be a level 1 or level 2 cook
- In case of Thai applicants, the applicant must be a level 2 cook
- The applicant must have a confirmed offer of full-time employment in Norway
- The applicant must have the relevant qualifications
- The restaurants employing the person must serve food only from one country
- The remuneration must meet the average Norwegian standard of remuneration
Religious Leaders
- In principle, the applicant must have a master’s degree in the religion
- The applicant must have a confirmed offer of full-time employment in Norway
- The remuneration must meet the average Norwegian standard of remuneration / he must be paid at least NOK 242 966 per year / he must be provided with board and lodging by the employer
Self Employed People with a Norwegian Company
- The applicant must have a degree from a recognized university/ must have completed a 3-year vocational training program / must have special qualifications obtained through work experience
- The applicant must have a long-term business plan in Norway
- The business must be a sole proprietorship
- The Applicant’s qualifications must be relevant to the business
- All necessary permits and authorizations must be in place
Self Employed People with an International Company
- The applicant must have a degree from a recognized university/ must have completed a 3-year vocational training program / must have special qualifications obtained through work experience
- The business must have a registered address in Norway
- The remuneration must meet the average Norwegian standard of remuneration
- The Applicant’s qualifications must be relevant to the assignment
- All necessary approvals and authorizations must be in place
Migrate to Norway as a Student
Anyone who plans on studying for more than three months in Norway needs a student permit. With this permit, the person can also work part-time for up to 20 hours a week. To be eligible, the following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must have a confirmed seat at a recognized Norwegian university of school
- The applicant must have the ability to meet his / her financial needs
- The applicant must have suitable accommodation arrangements
- The applicant must intend on studying full time
Migrate to Norway to Reunite with Family
Norwegian citizens and residents can bring their immediate family to Norway with a Family reunification visa. This includes their spouse, cohabitants and children under the age of 18 years. The requirements for the visa are:
- Spouse
- Both partners must be above the age of 24 years
- Marriage must be legally binding
- The couple must plan on living together in Norway
- The marriage must not be a marriage of convenience
- Cohabitants
- Both partners must be above the age of 18 years
- The couple must plan on living together in Norway
- Neither person must be married to anyone else
- The couple must have lived together for at least 2 years or must be expecting a child together
It is very difficult for other family members to migrate to Norway under this program. Instead, they will have to apply for a skilled worker visa.
