How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Norway (2025 Edition)

Expanding into Norway offers access to a highly-skilled, English-proficient workforce and a stable market known for innovation. The strategic upside? You can tap into world-class talent, scale operations, and strengthen your European presence quickly—if you get the immigration details right.

But here’s the challenge: Norwegian work visa rules are strict, with sponsorship duties, salary thresholds, and ever-changing compliance hoops. Missing a document or misunderstanding a labor-market test can cost you top candidates or land your company in hot water. These bottlenecks slow down onboarding and put your compliance at risk.

That’s where Deel Immigration steps in. We automate eligibility checks, handle all paperwork, and act as the employer of record—giving you a single source of truth for hiring globally. With Deel, you turn Norway’s notorious red tape into a streamlined process, onboarding talent faster and without fear of missteps. Get ready to transform your global hiring strategy and stay focused on growth, not paperwork.

How easy is it to get a work visa in Norway?

Overall, securing a work visa in Norway is straightforward if the candidate meets educational and salary thresholds and has a registered sponsor. Processing is predictable, and there are no quotas, though some roles require a labor-market test.

Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Norway?

Norway’s visa and permit landscape includes short-term entry visas like the Schengen Business Visa and longer-stay Norway skilled worker visa permits. Norway does not offer a digital-nomad visa; foreign workers generally require a Skilled Worker or other. Family Immigration Permits also allow close relatives to join eligible workers. Each route has its own eligibility criteria, duration limits, and application procedures.

• Business Visa (Schengen Business Visa): This visa is for professionals attending meetings, conferences, or short-term assignments in Norway for up to 90 days within 180 days. It requires an invitation letter, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and funds, does not permit formal employment, and typically processes in under 15 days.

• Skilled Worker Permit: This permit is for professionals with vocational or higher-education credentials and a valid job offer in Norway, earning at least NOK 312,000 annually. It is valid for up to 3 years, renewable with continuous employment, and can lead to permanent residence after 3 years.

• Family Immigration Permit: This permit allows spouses, registered partners, and minor children of primary permit holders to join them in Norway. It requires proof of relationship, housing, and adequate income, matches the main permit’s duration, and grants dependents the right to work and study.

See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List

Norway visa and work-permit eligibility requirements for candidates

For a fast, expert assessment of eligibility—with a clear breakdown of costs—Deel offers a 48-hour visa and work permit evaluation.

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Norway visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers

Employers must be registered in Norway and demonstrate legitimate employment and salary conditions without fixed capital requirements. To sponsor a foreign worker, companies need a valid Norwegian business registration, a genuine need for the role, and must meet local salary and working-condition standards. Employers sometimes must conduct a labor-market test, advertising the role locally to show no suitable Norwegian/EU candidate was available (Source: UDI labor-market rules 2025).

Using an Employer of Record (EOR) lets companies bypass establishing their own legal entity while still obtaining visa sponsorship. An EOR becomes the formal employer, handling all compliance, tax withholding, payment of social contributions, and local HR duties. This setup saves time on entity setup and ongoing administrative burdens.

Deel Immigration stands out as a G2 leader in Employer of Record services across 150+ countries. We can sponsor employees through over 200 permit types in 40 countries, handling the full end-to-end process at speed and scale. Our clients benefit from rapid cases, expert local teams, and real-time compliance monitoring via the Deel platform.

Norway Work-Permit Application Process

Follow this five-step roadmap to secure your work permit in Norway.

Step one: Prepare required documentation

The process begins with gathering all necessary documentation, including a valid passport, educational credentials, a signed employment contract, and relevant criminal-record checks. Sponsors are responsible for drafting compliant employment agreements. Deel’s document-upload portal simplifies submissions and flags missing or uncertified items automatically.

Tip: Certified translations should be scanned and uploaded promptly to prevent processing delays.

Step two: Verify employer registration and sponsorship eligibility

The sponsoring entity must be registered in Norway and meet all legal requirements for sponsorship. Proof of registration and confirmation of salary conditions are typically required. Deel automates verification against the Brønnøysund Register and collects supporting corporate documents.

Tip: Ensuring the entity is active in the Brønnøysund Register ahead of submission can avoid last-minute issues.

Step three: Submit the work visa application

Applications are lodged online via the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) portal by the sponsoring organization, while associated fees are paid through Deel’s integrated system. Standard fields are auto-populated to reduce errors, and notifications are sent for any outstanding deadlines or actions.

Tip: Align job titles with UDI’s ISCO classification codes to prevent mismatches or rejections.

Step four: Processing and requests for further information

Processing times typically range from 4 to 12 weeks. During this period, UDI may request additional documentation or schedule interviews. Deel provides real-time tracking and alerts when there are changes to the application status or requests for follow-up information.

Tip: Providing requested information within five business days helps maintain expected processing timelines.

Step five: Decision and post-approval requirements

Following approval, the applicant must complete final registration steps, such as address registration with local police and collection of a residence card. Deel guides employers and employees through these requirements, including appointment scheduling and document preparation.

Tip: Booking the police station appointment within two weeks of arrival avoids administrative fines or delays.

See also: Application Guide for Enterprise Employee Visas

What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Norway?

Costs for Norwegian visas and permits depend on permit class, applicant nationality, whether you include dependents, and processing speed. Fees cover government filing, biometric data, and, where applicable, spouse and child permits.

Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Norway?

Absolutely. Deel Immigration combines deep local expertise with cutting-edge technology to simplify hiring and immigration in Norway. From fast visa assessments to real-time application tracking, Deel ensures your Norway hires get compliant work permits in Norway quickly and smoothly.

• End-to-end immigration management covering all Norway visa categories
• Fast, free visa eligibility assessments with detailed cost breakdowns
• Personalized expert support from local Norway immigration specialists
• Self-serve document uploads and automated renewal reminders
• Dependent visa support and relocation discounts for seamless family transitions

With Deel, navigating Norway’s labor-market test and permit renewals becomes effortless, letting you focus on growing your team. Let’s dive back into how to secure a work visa in Norway efficiently.

Hire employees in Norway faster with Deel Immigration

Hiring in Norway is complex, but Deel’s end-to-end immigration management streamlines every step—from eligibility checks to final permit approval. Our local experts guide you through sponsorship requirements and labor-market tests, ensuring your application meets UDI standards without costly delays.

Book a free consultation today to receive a fast, no-obligation visa assessment tailored to your candidate’s profile and role. Benefit from accelerated processing and real-time application tracking that keeps you informed at every stage. With Deel, you can onboard top talent in Norway faster and with full compliance confidence.