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Residence permit for job seekers
VisasNorwayResidence permit for job seekers
NorwayNorway•Europe
Open

Residence permit for job seekers

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

8 months

Estimated Cost

NOK kr 6,300

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

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 grant1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Skilled Worker Permit (Oppholdstillatelse som fagarbeider)
Norway flagNorway

Skilled Worker Permit (Oppholdstillatelse som fagarbeider)

ValidityUp to 1 year
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details

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 EUR

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

1

Complete the online application via the UDI portal

2

Pay the non-refundable application fee

3

Gather required documentation including proof of funds and qualifications

4

Submit application and documents at a local embassy or visa application center

5

Attend an appointment for biometrics and document verification

Verified Claims (6)

Last verified Jun 27, 2026
Fee Breakdown
Application fee (work residence permit, adults): 6300 NOK
udi.no
Included Nationalities
null
udi.no
Max Stay Estimate
type: years, initialDays: 365, notes: Maximum one year; does not count toward permanent residence el…
udi.no
Min Savings
341373
udi.no
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":244,"maxDays":244}
udi.no
Processing Time
Up to 8 months
udi.no

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