Norway

Yes, it is possible to obtain residence in Norway, and the country offers several types of residence permits depending on your situation, including for work, studies, family reunification, and more. Here's an overview of the main ways to obtain a residence permit in Norway:

Country information

Population: 5.520 Mill hab Aprox.

Capital: Oslo.

Official Language: Norwegian.

Income percapita: $109.260 Dólares PPA.

Residence Permits for Work:

If you have a job offer in Norway, you can apply for a work visa. The most common types of work-related residence permits include:

a. Skilled Worker Residence Permit

  • Who is it for?: This permit is for people who have a job offer in Norway and have specific qualifications or skills that are in demand.

  • Requirements:

    • A valid job offer from a Norwegian employer.

    • You need to meet certain educational or work experience qualifications for the position (usually a higher education degree or equivalent experience).

    • The job must be full-time and offer a salary that meets the minimum income threshold in Norway.

b. Seasonal Workers Permit

  • Who is it for?: This permit is for individuals who are coming to Norway to work in sectors like agriculture, tourism, or construction for a short period.

  • Requirements:

    • A job offer for a seasonal position in a relevant industry.

    • The job must be temporary, and the employment must last up to 6 months.

c. Self-Employed (Entrepreneur) Residence Permit

  • Who is it for?: If you plan to start a business in Norway and run it independently, you can apply for a residence permit as a self-employed individual or entrepreneur.

  • Requirements:

    • Proof that you have the financial capacity and expertise to run the business.

    • You must demonstrate that your business will be sustainable and contribute to the Norwegian economy.

d. Highly Skilled Workers Permit

  • Who is it for?: This visa is for individuals with high qualifications and specialized skills who are needed in the Norwegian labor market (e.g., engineers, IT professionals, doctors, etc.).

  • Requirements:

    • A valid job offer.

    • A higher education degree or equivalent professional experience.

Residence Permits for Students:

If you want to study in Norway, you can apply for a student residence permit.

  • Who is it for?: Foreign nationals who have been accepted into a recognized educational institution in Norway.

  • Requirements:

    • You must be accepted into a full-time program at a university or college in Norway.

    • You must have enough financial means to support yourself during your stay (e.g., through personal funds, scholarships, or parental support).

    • You must prove you have a clear plan for your studies and can support yourself financially (currently about NOK 126,000 per year).

Residence Permits for Family Members:

If you are a Norwegian citizen or a legal resident in Norway, you can apply for a residence permit for family reunification for certain family members.

a. Family Reunification

  • Who is it for?: This permit is available for close family members of Norwegian citizens or legal residents.

  • Eligible Family Members:

    • Spouse or partner.

    • Children under the age of 18.

    • Parents or siblings, if they are dependent on you.

  • Requirements:

    • You must be able to prove the relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).

    • You must meet income and accommodation requirements, meaning you must be able to support the family members financially.

    • The person seeking family reunification must not pose a threat to public order or security.

b. Spouse/Partner Residence Permit

  • Who is it for?: A foreign national who is married to or in a registered partnership with a Norwegian citizen or a foreign national who holds a valid residence permit.

  • Requirements:

    • You must provide proof of your relationship and residence in Norway.

    • You need to meet minimum income requirements to show that you can financially support your spouse/partner.

Residence Permit for Refugees:

If you are seeking asylum in Norway, you can apply for a residence permit on the basis of refugee status.

  • Who is it for?: Individuals who are fleeing persecution or risk of serious harm in their home country.

  • Requirements:

    • You must prove that you meet the criteria for asylum under the 1951 Refugee Convention or the Norwegian Immigration Act.

    • You will need to apply through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) or the Police upon arrival in Norway.

Residence Permits for Protection and Humanitarian Grounds:

If you do not qualify as a refugee, you may still apply for residence on humanitarian grounds.

  • Who is it for?: People who face significant risks of harm, such as individuals who have suffered or are at risk of suffering serious harm (e.g., victims of human trafficking or domestic violence).

  • Requirements:

    • Evidence of the risk or threat to your safety.

    • Proof that your situation meets the criteria for humanitarian protection.

Permanent Residence Permit:

After having held a temporary residence permit for a specific number of years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit in Norway. To qualify for a permanent residence permit:

  • You generally need to have lived in Norway for 3 years or more with a valid temporary residence permit, and have a job or enough income to support yourself.

  • You must have knowledge of the Norwegian language (at least a basic level).

  • You need to prove that you are self-sufficient (e.g., employed or can financially support yourself).

The permanent residence permit gives you the right to live and work in Norway indefinitely and provides greater freedom than temporary permits. After holding a permanent residence permit for several years, you may also be eligible to apply for Norwegian citizenship.

Residence Permits for Other Purposes:

In addition to work, study, and family reunification, there are several specialized permits available for specific purposes. These include:

a. Artist or Cultural Worker Residence Permit

  • For individuals working in the cultural field, such as artists, musicians, or performers, who are invited to work in Norway for a limited period.

b. Internship Residence Permit

  • For individuals who want to undertake an internship or work-based training in Norway, often as part of academic or vocational education.

How to Apply for a Residence Permit:

To apply for a residence permit in Norway, you generally need to:

  1. Choose the right permit: Depending on your situation, make sure you apply for the correct residence permit type.

  2. Prepare documents: Required documents may include proof of income, job offers, acceptance into a study program, and proof of relationship for family reunification.

  3. Submit an online application: Most residence permit applications can be submitted through the UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) website.

  4. Attend an interview or submit biometric data: You may be required to submit biometric data (fingerprints, photo) and attend an interview with the authorities.

  5. Wait for the decision: Processing times can vary depending on the type of permit and your specific circumstances. You will receive a decision via mail or online.

  6. Collect your permit: If approved, you will be granted a residence permit, and you can collect your residence card from the authorities.

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