Norway•EuropeResidence permit for job seekers
At a Glance
8 months
NOK kr 6,300
1 year
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
One-year residence permit for skilled workers to search for employment in Norway while maintaining NOK 341,373 in personal savings.
The residence permit for job seekers in Norway allows highly qualified professionals to search for skilled employment without a pre-arranged offer. Applicants must have previously held a Norwegian residence permit (as a student, researcher, or worker) and demonstrate NOK 341,373 in financial means. The permit lasts up to one year, during which applicants may work full-time or part-time.
The permit is non-renewable and application processing takes up to 8 months. Required qualifications include vocational training of three years or a university degree. The application fee is NOK 6,300. Upon expiration, applicants must leave Norway unless they secure employment through a skilled worker conversion path.
This visa is ideal for skilled professionals in engineering, healthcare, and IT who have prior Norwegian residency and are motivated to secure a relevant position within a single year.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
NorwaySkilled Worker Permit (Oppholdstillatelse som fagarbeider)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a skilled worker (e.g., completed vocational training of at least 3 years, university/college degree, or long-term relevant work experience).
Must have previously held a residence permit in Norway (e.g., as a student, researcher, or skilled worker with an employer) and be applying before that permit expires.
Must intend to look for work as a skilled worker in Norway.
Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself during the job-seeking period (e.g., NOK 155,034 for the duration of the permit).
Must not be applying for a role as a religious leader or teacher.
Must pay the required non-refundable application fee.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Min. Savings
341,373 NOK
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport.
Proof of completed education or vocational training (diplomas, transcripts).
Documentation of previous residence permit in Norway.
Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements).
CV and documentation of work experience.
Completed application form.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Allows legal residence in Norway while actively searching for skilled employment
- Permits full-time or part-time work while looking for a relevant skilled position
- Up to one year to secure employment and establish yourself professionally
- Clear pathway to convert to skilled worker permit once job is secured
- Applies to diverse skilled professions including engineering, IT, healthcare, and trades
Worth Knowing
- Requires NOK 155,034 minimum savings to support yourself during the job-seeking period
- Processing takes 10-12 weeks — plan well in advance before your current permit expires
- Does not count toward time required for permanent residence; only job seeker status
- Must have previously held a residence permit in Norway and apply before it expires
- Must be a skilled worker (3+ years vocational training, university degree, or equivalent work experience)
Application Process
Complete the online application via the UDI portal
Pay the non-refundable application fee
Gather required documentation including proof of funds and qualifications
Submit application and documents at a local embassy or visa application center
Attend an appointment for biometrics and document verification
Related visas
More visas in Norway
Work visas in other countries
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