Norway Visa
Traveling to Norway
The Scandinavian state of Norway has many charms. It’s capital—Oslo—is the best place to experience the country’s unique Nordic aesthetic, advanced culinary scene, and excellent contemporary art offerings. Outside the capital, the country is full of lakes, fjords, seascapes, and general natural beauty.
You may need a visa to travel to Norway, depending on where you are from (nationality), the length of your trip (duration of stay), and your reason for travel (type of visa needed).
There are numerous types of visas for Norway, which are valid for travel for specific purposes and times. Different Norway visas have different Norway visa requirements and validity periods.
In general, Norway visas can be divided into two main categories: short stay visas and long stay visas (a long stay visa for Norway is required for those looking to spend more than 90 days in the country).
Another main distinction relates to allowed entries: a single entry will allow you just one entry into the country; a multiple entry visa for Norway will let you enter and exit as many times as needed.
Norway visa types
Short Term Visas (Type C)
Schengen Visas
- Business (Norway Schengen Business visa)
- Cultural
- Medical
- Official Visit
- Other
- Sports
- Study (Norway Schengen Student visa)
- Tourism (Norway Tourist visa)
- Visiting Family or Friends
Transit Visa (Type A)
- Norway Transit visa
Long Term Visas (Type D, National)
For longer stays in Norway (up to a year) applicants should seek a residence permit for Norway for one of the below purposes/categories:
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- Asylum
- Au Pair
- Family immigration (various)
- Medical
- Permanent residence permit for Norway
- Study (Norway Student visa)
- University/college etc
- Work
- Exchange programs, cultural or organizational work
- Diplomats (incl NATO)
- Foreign company employees
- Job Seekers
- Research and vocational training
- Seafarers
- Seasonal Workers
- Skilled workers (Norway Working visa)
Norway visa requirements
The following documents are typically required for all visas to Norway:
Passport
Official, government-issued document, not older than 10 years, with the correct validity length (a minimum three months past the intended day of exit from Norway)
Visa fee
Your Norway visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, and possibly other factors, such as your age. Schengen visa fees are 80 EUR for most applicants. Long term visa fees vary.
Personal photos
Two recently taken photos of the applicant. Photos should be passport style (and have passport dimensions). You will likely upload these photos electronically; alternatively, you will be asked to submit physical copies
Additional documents:
You will almost certainly have to submit additional documents on your Norway visa application. Requested documents are typically those which help visa authorities confirm your identity, determine the truthfulness of your stated purpose of travel, and assess your financial state. The type of Norway visa you apply for will determine your supplemental documents, which may include the following:
Biographical documents
Identity documents, such as your birth certificate
Financial materials
Documents showing your finances, such as your bank balance
Accommodation
Information about where you will stay in Norway
Educational materials
Proof of university education, etc.
Proof of medical insurance
Please note that all documents may need to be written in either Norwegian or English (or accompanied by official translations into either).
Norway visa application
Applicants for Norway visas should follow these general steps, which may vary slightly depending on numerous factors, including visa type and application destination (note: long term visa applications generally have more steps than the process outlined below)
- Prepare your visa application
Choose your visa duration
Determine how long you intend to be in Norway i.e. what type of Norway visa you need: long, short, or airport. This will determine how you proceed with the subsequent application steps.
Select your Norway visa purpose
Choose your reason for travel (study, tourism, etc.)
Select your entry category
Your selection of the single-entry visa for Norway or the multiple entry visa for Norway will determine whether or not you may travel in and out of the country/Schengen area throughout your visa period. Consider that holders of the single-entry visa for Norway cannot return to the country after exiting.
Determine where to apply
Find your physical application destination (place where you will submit your visa application). This is typically the Norwegian Embassy/Consulate or associated visa-application center where you live, see “where to apply” for more info. - Fill out your visa application
Access your main application form
Most applicants should apply for their Norway visa online, through the official visa portal system. If you are unable to access the online form, you will likely apply directly through your local Norway mission. Regardless of how you apply (online or in person) you will typically need to officially submit your application through your application destination in order to fulfill various in-person requirements.
Gather the rest of your documents
Gather your required documents as well as the supplemental ones required for your specific Norway visa type. - Pay your Norway visa fee
Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may be able to pay for your visa at this stage of the application (online). Alternatively, you will be asked to submit payment at step 5 (your visa interview).
- Schedule your visa interview appointment
Almost all Norway visa applicants, even those who apply online, must attend a visa appointment at their application destination. Scheduling a Norway visa interview can take days, weeks, or even months if you apply through the Norway visa portal, you should be able to schedule your interview online. Alternatively, you may need to reach out to your application destination directly (via email/phone) to make an appointment.
- Attend your visa interview
This is where you will submit your biometric information, be interviewed, and meet other requirements pertaining to your visa type. This is typically the final stage of the Norway visa application process; you will either be granted a visa upon the conclusion of your appointment, receive a rejection, or leave to await a decision.
Where to apply for Norway visa
Norway visa application processing for all visa types occurs at Norwegian embassies and consulates (and their associated visa application centers) around the world. Norwegian visa applications are accessible online. However, even online applicants must fulfill the in-person Norway visa requirements, which can only be fulfilled at physical Norway embassies/consulates and visa application centers (application destination). If you are outside of Norway and are applying for a Norway visa, you will apply through the Norway embassy/consulate or visa application center where you live. If there is no Norway mission in your country, you will likely apply for your Norway visa through the embassy/consulate of another country, which is representing Norwegian interests abroad.
When to apply for a Norway visa
Applicants for short-stay visas to Norway are advised to submit their application a minimum of fourteen days before their intended trip. And while applying well in advance is recommended, applying too early (i.e. over six months before departure) is discouraged.
Norway visa processing time
The Norway visa application processing time varies. Factors which determine how long it will take to get your visa include the following:
- Norway visa type
- Application destination
- Your nationality
- The completeness of application
Depending on all of these factors, you could expect to receive a visa in days, weeks, or even months after you apply.
Norway visa FAQ
Depending on where you are from, you may need a visa to enter the country, regardless of how long you intend to stay. Some nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Norway. Regardless of your nationality, however, you will need a visa if you intend to stay in the country longer than 90 days and you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Get a travel document for Norway (visa) by submitting an application to your local Norway embassy/consulate/visa application center, meeting the visa requirements, and paying your visa fee.
The amount of money you need depends on the Schengen country you are visiting. You will likely need to show several months proof of salary/bank statements in order to meet the Schengen proof of funds requirement.
Choose from among the various types of Norway visa (ex. Norway Tourist visa) you need to apply for by considering your reason for travel and how long you want to stay in the country. These factors will determine the type of visa you need. In addition to visa type, you should also determine how many entries you need i.e. whether you need a multiple entry visa for Norway or a single entry visa for Norway.
Rejected Schengen visa applicants can appeal the decision, reapply, or apply for another travel document for Norway (different Norway visa, such as a Norway Business visa or Norway Working visa).
