Any Indian citizen who plans to stay in Norway for more than three (03) months must acquire a residence permit. During the period of residence in the country, an Indian citizen may take up work, employment, or engage in entrepreneurship.
In India, the Norwegian embassy located in New Delhi oversees all residence permit applications on behalf of Norway.
Residence permit types
Before applying for any one of several residence permit types, here it is essential to know what type works best for you. You may be required longer stay in Norway due to work, education, medical treatment, or employment, in any case, the requirements will vary on the purpose and duration of stay.
Residence permits for work
Residence permits to work in Norway can be applied for by Indian nationals on the following bases:
Skilled workers
A skilled worker is one who has achieved higher education in a hard skill such as engineering, electrician, plumbing, nursing, paramedic, etc. Additionally, certified vocational training acquired in fields such as carpentry, tailoring, health-worker, etc. can apply.
Such skilled workers may apply for employment in Norway or engage in self-employment.
Seasonal workers
Seasonal workers are people whose skills are sought during a certain time period; Packing staff during Christmas, farmers during sowing seasons, fishermen during fishing season, hoteliers and chefs during tourist season, and so on.
Aspirants who excel in any industry that depends on occasions, seasons, or certain holidays can apply for a residence permit based on their skills and experience.
Artists
Potters, sculptures, painters, illustrators, dancers, actors, interior decorators, and artists of several other performing and fine arts are encouraged to become part of Norwegian society. A residence permit is also granted if an Indian citizen is part of a non-profit organization, religious organization, or part of global missionary.
Education
Aspirants from India can gain admission to a college or university in Norway for higher education. Scholarship and sponsored programs are also available for outstanding students; here some of these programs may only pay for tuition fees while others may cover accommodations, meals, and a weekly stipend.
Thousands of Indians are studying in Norway currently, and despite its small size, Norway offers high-quality education and internationally recognized degree programs. Students upon completion of degree programs are often hired by Norwegian companies which allows them to stay indefinitely and gain citizenship in Norway.
Family Immigration
Family immigration can be applied by an Indian national if:
- He/she has a Norwegian spouse, cohabitant, or fiancé
- Has children or parents with Norwegian citizenship
- Other Norwegian blood-related family members
Immigration process and requirements
The accuracy requirements here for an immigration application may vary depending on the type and purpose of the immigration being applied for. However, below are a few compulsory requirements one must fulfill before applying:
- A valid passport: At least 3 months validity from the time of application
- Subsistence: Proof that the applicant has enough finances to maintain decent subsistence during the stay in Norway
- Purpose: Documentary proof regarding the purpose of the stay
- Airline ticket: A round-trip airline ticket
- Accommodation: Proof of accommodation in the country; Hotel, apartment, shared flat, etc.
Note, in order to apply for a permanent residence permit, one must have stayed in Norway for at least three continuous years on a residence permit and have fulfilled certain requirements. A permanent residence card is issued upon obtaining the same which has a two-year validity.
Processing time
All residence permit applications are overseen and managed by UDI. The processing time for individual applications can be viewed on the website by inserting the login ID and password provided at the time of submitting the application.
It is advised to apply well in advance of your planned traveling dates, as due to distance and postal services between countries, the decision of application may take longer than stipulated on the website. Normally, a 6-10 days lag may be expected.
Additionally, the applicant will be informed via the Embassy or VFS when the application is processed, hence it is important that personal contact numbers and email addresses be provided at the time of applying.
