Job Seeker Residence Permit for Skilled Workers
Norway
Last updated: December 27, 2025
6 months
$600
4-6 weeks
Medium
About this Visa
This visa lets you live in Norway while searching for a skilled job. You do not need a job offer before arriving. Three types of people can apply: skilled workers from visa-free countries, people who just graduated from Norwegian schools, and researchers switching to work. If you are from a visa-free country, you cannot work until you get a job offer. But if you are a graduate or researcher, you can work full-time or part-time (any job) while searching. This visa is different from a normal work visa because you do not need an employer before you apply. You come, search for work, and switch to a regular work visa once hired.
Key Benefits
- Live in Norway legally for 6-12 months
- Work while searching (graduates and researchers only)
- Attend job interviews in person
- Switch to work visa once you get a job
- Access Norwegian healthcare after registration
- Bring family (graduates and researchers only)
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have 3+ years vocational training OR university degree OR 6+ years work experience
- Must have required money in savings
- Must be looking for skilled work
- Cannot be self-employed
- Cannot work before job offer (visa-free nationals only)
- Cannot count this time toward permanent residence
- Must apply before student permit expires (graduates only)
Financial Requirement
You must have NOK 27,116 per month (about $2,700) in savings. For 6 months, that is NOK 155,034 total. If you were a PhD student in Norway, you only need NOK 81,350. Money must be in a Norwegian bank account.
Documents
- Valid passportAll used pages
- Education proofDegree, diploma, or certificates
- Work experience lettersFrom employers if needed
- Bank statementsShowing required money
- Travel insuranceMinimum €30,000 coverage
- Housing confirmationRental agreement or proof
- Application formCompleted online
- Passport photos2 photos, passport-sized
- Job search planHelpful but optional
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.