Norwegian Visa: Types and How to Apply

Do I need a visa to travel to Norway?

EU/EFTA/Swiss citizens

You do not need a visa to travel, school, work or live in Norway for less than 90 days if you are from Switzerland or a country in the European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA). However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must register your presence with the Norwegian local police. You may also need to submit proof of employment, business contract or admission to an educational institution in Norway.

Non-EU/EFTA/Swiss citizens

For those coming from countries outside Switzerland or the EU/EFTA, the rules depend on your home country’s agreements with the Schengen Area. If you’re from a country with visa exemption agreements with Norway such as the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Japan, you do not need a visa for short-term stays of less than 90 days. However, you must not take up paid work during this period without the appropriate work permit.

If your country does not have a visa exemption agreement with Norway, you must have a visa to enter the country. This may be a Schengen visa for short visits or national visa for longer stays or specific purposes such as working or studying. Regardless of your nationality, if you aim to stay in Norway for more than 90 days, you must apply for the respective national visa and get a residence permit.

Types of Norwegian visas

• Schengen visa: This visa allows you to stay in Norway and all other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a six-month timeline. It is best suited for tourism, short business trips, medical treatments, or visiting family and friends. A Schengen visa can be issued as a single or multiple entry visa, depending on your travel needs.
   
• National visa: This visa type is suitable for various long-term stays exceeding 90 days and is required for the following applicants:
  • Those who have secured a job offer from a Norwegian employer, including skilled workers, seasonal workers, and self-employed individuals.
  • Students enrolled in full-time educational programs at Norwegian institutions.
  • Close family members of Norwegian residents or citizens who wish to join their loved ones in Norway.
  • Academic or scientific researchers involved in collaborative projects with Norwegian research institutions. 
  • Individuals seeking protection or asylum in Norway under international human rights laws.

Documents requirements for a Norwegian visa

Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay in Norway, you’ll need to gather several specific documents to support your visa application, including:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages.
   
• A completed and signed Schengen or National visa application form. 
   
• Your travel itinerary, including flight details and accommodation information such as hotel reservations, rental agreements or an invitation letter from a host in Norway.
   
• Valid travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
   
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay, such as bank statements, pay slips or a sponsorship letter with the sponsor’s bank statements. 
   
• Additional documents required may include:
  • Employment contract (for work-related visits)
  • Official admission letter from a Norwegian school (for students)
  • Invitation from a research institution operating in Norway.
  • Professional practice permits or licences (if required for your profession)
  •  Proof of relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates (for people visiting their family). 

How can Translayte help?

All your supporting documents must be in English or Norwegian when applying for a Norwegian visa. If your documents are in another language, they must be translated by a certified translator to meet the application requirements. Translayte can help you with this crucial step by providing quick and precise translations by professional translators skilled in source and target languages for both English and Norwegian translations. 

Our team handles a broad range of document types, including personal records like birth certificates and marriage certificates or professional papers such as employment contracts and educational transcripts. Choosing Translayte means opting for reliability and expertise. We pride ourselves in our ability to deliver globally recognised, high-quality, certified translations, to help you meet your travel goals. 

How to apply for a Norwegian visa

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with the process of applying for a visa to Norway:

1. Identify the type of visa that best suits your travel needs, whether it's a short-stay Schengen visa or a long-stay national visa.
    
2. Gather all the necessary documentation according to the specific requirements of the visa type you are applying for. Always verify the current requirements on the website of the nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate.
    
3. Download the appropriate visa application form, fill and sign it appropriately.
    
4. Book an appointment at a Norwegian embassy or consulate or a visa application centre that processes applications for Norway. Check the availability of appointments and plan accordingly, as slots may fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
    
5. Before your appointment, you will need to pay the visa application fee. This fee varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s age (see below). Keep the receipt as you may need to present it during your visa appointment.
    
6. On the day of your appointment, submit your prepared documents and attend your visa interview. Aim for honesty and consistency in your responses to ensure a smooth process.
    
7. After your interview, your visa application will undergo processing, which can take up to 15 days or more, depending on the specifics of your application and the time of year.
    
8. Once your application is processed, you will be notified about the decision. If approved, ensure that all the details on the visa sticker are correct and understand the conditions of your visa, such as the duration of stay and the number of entries allowed.

Norwegian visa fees

Here’s a breakdown of the fees associated with applying for a Norwegian visa:

Short-stay visas

• Adults: €90.
• Children (6-12 years old): €45.
• Children under 6 years: No fee is required

Long-stay visas

• Adults: NOK 6,300 (approximately €600).
• Children under 18 years: NOK 3,150 (approximately €300).

Exemptions and reductions

• Students and researchers may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions.
• Participants in certain cultural, sports, and conference events in Norway may also be eligible for fee reductions or waivers.

Note that these fees do not cover additional expenses like mailing or translation costs. It’s highly advisable to check with the nearest Norwegian embassy, consulate, or official visa application centre to confirm the exact fee amount at the time of your application, as fees may vary depending on your circumstances.

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