Norway Visa Types 2027: Which One Fits You?

Why Choosing the Right Norwegian Visa Matters

From the fjords and the northern lights to high salaries and top universities, Norway attracts visitors, students and workers from all over the world. But each purpose of stay needs a different visa or permit, and the rules depend on your nationality. Citizens of EU and EEA countries can live and work in Norway under free movement rules, while most other people need a visa or a residence permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Choosing the right one from the start saves time and avoids refusals.

Short Visits: Tourist and Business Visas

For holidays, family visits or short business trips, many travellers need a Schengen visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Citizens of some countries can visit Norway without a visa for the same length of time. A visitor visa does not allow you to work or to study for a full degree in Norway. For longer stays, you need a residence permit instead.

Studying in Norway

If you want to study at a Norwegian university or university college, you need a study permit. You need an offer of admission from an approved institution, a place to live, and proof that you can support yourself, which is at least NOK 170,368 for a full academic year. With a study permit, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week during your studies and full-time during holidays. Students from outside the EU and EEA usually also pay tuition.

Working in Norway

Most people need a job offer before they can apply for a work permit. The main route is the skilled worker permit, for people with a university degree or vocational training who have a job offer that matches their skills. Norway also has permits for seasonal workers in farming, fish processing and tourism, and a job seeker permit for recent graduates from Norwegian universities. Your pay and working conditions must be at least what is normal in Norway.

Family and Permanent Residence

Many residents of Norway can bring their spouse or partner and children to live with them through family immigration. After living in Norway for at least three years with a qualifying permit, you may be able to apply for permanent residence, which lets you stay and work in Norway indefinitely. Permanent residence also has requirements for Norwegian language skills and social studies, which were updated in July 2025. Each path has its own rules, so check the details for your situation.

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