Norway · Work visa

Skilled Worker Residence Permit

Norway’s main work permit for non-EEA nationals with a skilled job offer. Norway is in the EEA but not the EU, so the EU Blue Card does not apply.

Requirements

Completed vocational training (3+ years), a university/college degree, or special qualifications gained through long experience
Concrete full-time job offer from a Norwegian employer, normally in a role matching your qualification
Pay and working conditions not poorer than is normal in Norway: from 1 May 2026 at least NOK 624,700/year for roles requiring a master’s degree and NOK 545,400/year for roles requiring a bachelor’s, unless a collective agreement rate applies
Accommodation in Norway
Regulated professions (e.g. healthcare) require Norwegian authorization

Processing time: 1-3 months (longer where educational documents need verification)
Validity: Up to 3 years at a time with a degree; 1 year at a time with vocational training
Cost: From NOK 6,300
Required
NOK 6,300 application fee
Path to residency: Permanent residence after 3 years of continuous residence (with Norwegian language and social studies requirements)

Valid passport
Copies of all used pages
Employment contract
Signed offer on UDI’s standard form, stating pay and conditions
Educational certificates
Diplomas and transcripts; NOKUT/HK-dir recognition strengthens the case
CV
Full education and work history
Proof of accommodation (if it applies)
Housing arrangement in Norway
Professional authorization (if it applies)
Required for regulated professions such as healthcare

Salary thresholds rose on 1 May 2026; confirm the current figures on udi.no before signing a contract
Employers can apply on your behalf with a power of attorney, and early work start can be granted while the case is pending
If a collective agreement covers the industry, the collective wage rate applies instead of the fixed thresholds