Job Seeker Residence Permit
Norway
Last updated: December 27, 2025
12 months
$623
8 months
High
About this Visa
This permit lets you stay in Norway for up to 12 months while searching for a skilled job. It's only for recent graduates from Norwegian universities or researchers working at Norwegian institutions. You can work any job—full-time or part-time—while you look for your main career job. Most other countries require you to have a job offer before applying, but this permit lets you come first and search afterward.
Key Benefits
- Work full-time or part-time while job searching
- Work in any sector (doesn't need to match your degree)
- Stay and work legally in Norway for 12 months
- Travel freely in the Schengen zone (26 European countries)
- No job offer required to apply
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Recently graduated from Norwegian university (bachelor's degree or above)
- OR working as researcher at Norwegian university or institute
- Have NOK 27,116+ per month in savings
- Have travel/medical insurance
- Graduated before current study permit expires
- Cannot be self-employed
- Cannot work as religious leader
- Cannot already have job offer in Norway
Financial Requirement
You need NOK 27,116 per month (~$2,680 USD) in your bank account. For PhD students: NOK 81,350 (~$8,040 USD) total.
Documents
- Valid passportAll pages copied
- Passport-sized photos2 photos required
- University diploma or vocational training certificateProof of qualification
- Bank statementsShowing sufficient funds
- University confirmation letterConfirming graduation
- Proof of housingIn Norway
- Travel/medical insuranceMinimum €30,000 coverage
- Document translationsOfficial translation if documents not in English/Norwegian
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.