Residence Permit on Humanitarian Grounds (Oppholdstillatelse på humanitært grunnlag)

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

NOK kr 550–kr 1,100

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Varies (Non-renewable; used to transition to skilled worker permit upon finding employment)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Renewable residence permit granting work authorization to individuals with humanitarian grounds or strong ties to Norway.

The Residence Permit on Humanitarian Grounds provides legal residency in Norway for individuals who don't qualify as refugees but face compelling humanitarian circumstances. Issued by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), it serves those with special connections to Norway, untreated medical conditions, trafficking victims, or long-term deeply integrated residents.

The permit grants work authorization with fees of NOK 1,100 for adults and NOK 550 for children. Renewal is possible, dependents may reside, and spouses can work independently. A pathway to permanent residence is available. Processing time varies depending on individual circumstances.

This visa is ideal for asylum seekers with exceptional humanitarian circumstances who lack formal refugee status but have developed significant ties to Norway or face extreme hardship if returned.

Cost Breakdown

Application fee (adult 18+)NOK kr 1,100

Application fee (child under 18)NOK kr 550

TotalNOK kr 550–kr 1,100

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Residence Permit (Permanent oppholdstillatelse)

Norway

Permanent Residence Permit (Permanent oppholdstillatelse)

ValidityIndefinite. The permanent residence permit allows holders to live and work in Norway without a time limit. A residence card is issued as proof of status and is valid for two years at a time, but the underlying permit is permanent.

Processing2.0–2.1 years

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must not qualify for refugee status or other forms of protection.

Must demonstrate strong humanitarian grounds or a special affiliation with Norway.

Typically requires a valid passport from the home country (unless it puts the applicant or others in danger).

Often granted in exceptional cases, such as for individuals with serious illnesses that cannot be treated in their home country, victims of human trafficking, or those with very strong ties to Norway.

Must be in Norway or at the border to apply, often as part of an assessment following an asylum application.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Proof of funds

Application form

Educational credentials

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Legal work authorization included with residence permit
Spouse can work without restrictions while applicant holds permit
Pathway to permanent residence — can convert to permanent residency status
No language or education requirements specified for qualification
Addresses exceptional hardship cases outside standard refugee definitions

Worth Knowing

Discretionary assessment — each case evaluated individually on humanitarian merits
Exceptional circumstances required — typically for severe health, trafficking, or community ties
Prior asylum process common — often granted after standard asylum application rejected
Highly selective and scrutinized — far fewer successful applications than standard work visas
Dependent on individual circumstances that must be verified — no blanket qualification criteria