Norway's primary work permit for qualified non-EU/EEA professionals with a concrete job offer from a Norwegian employer.
Estimated Cost
$750
Processing Time
~29 days
Validity
36 months
The Skilled Worker Permit is the main route for non-EU/EEA nationals to work in Norway. Applicants must hold vocational training of at least three years or a university degree and have a full-time job offer from a Norwegian employer. Pay and working conditions must meet Norwegian standards. Effective September 2025, minimum salary thresholds are NOK 522,600/year for bachelor-level roles and NOK 599,200/year for master-level roles. This permit forms the primary pathway to permanent residence and eventual citizenship.
Average: 29 days
Path to Residency
Path to Citizenship
~8 years
Valid passport*
Completed vocational training (3+ years) or university degree*
Vocational training equivalent to Norwegian upper secondary school level (3 years minimum) or a bachelor's degree or higher. Alternatively, 6+ years of documented professional experience with work certificates.
Concrete job offer from Norwegian employer*
Must be a full-time position (minimum 80% FTE) from a specific, named employer in Norway. Employer must confirm the job offer in the UDI system before the applicant submits.
Salary meeting Norwegian standards*
As of September 1, 2025: NOK 522,600/year for bachelor-level positions; NOK 599,200/year for master-level positions. For positions covered by collective agreements, the applicable collective rate applies.
Proof of qualifications (diplomas, transcripts, certificates)*
Housing confirmed in Norway*
Biometric data*
NAV labour market clearance*
Not required for agriculture/forestry. For other sectors, the employer may need to document that no suitable Norwegian/EEA candidate was available.
| Fee | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit application fee (adult) | $570 | Recurring |
| Work permit application fee (under 18)(optional) | $285 | Recurring |
| Document translation(optional) | $175 | One-time |
| Service fee at Visa Application Centre(optional) | $30 | One-time |
| Estimated Total | $750 |