WORK PERMITS IN NORWAY
Ensure your skilled workers enter Norway legally and on time with the right work permit in Norway. Whether it’s a short-term assignment or a long-term role, understanding the requirements for a Norwegian work permit—and knowing when a work permit in Norway is not needed—is essential for compliance and smooth onboarding.
Who needs a Norwegian work permit—and when?
The need for a work permit depends on several factors:
- The worker’s nationality
- The employer’s country of registration
- The length of the assignment
- The type and location of the work
UDI – who can work in Norway for less than three months without a residence permit?
Let’s break down each of these factors.
1. Citizenship and work permit requirements
Citizenship determines whether a work permit is required:
- Nordic citizens (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden): No registration or permit required.
- EU/EEA citizens: Can start working immediately, but must register with the police if staying over three months.
- Non-EU/EEA citizens: Generally need a residence and work permit before starting work in Norway. Most must apply for a work permit in Norway before arrival, unless a specific exemption applies.
2. Where the employer is established
- If the company is based in the EU/EEA and the worker has valid residence and work rights there, they may be exempt.
- If the company is based outside the EU/EEA, a Norwegian work permit is typically required unless a specific exemption applies.
3. Length of the assignment
The length of the stay impacts whether a permit is needed:
- Assignments under three months may be exempt, depending on the type of work.
- Assignments over three months almost always require a residence and work permit.
4. Place of work
Some exemptions are based on where the work takes place:
- Work on mobile offshore units (e.g., rigs not fixed to platforms) may be exempt.
- Work on foreign ships in dry dock may also qualify for exemption.
5. Type of work
The nature of the work may determine whether a work permit in Norway is required or whether an exemption applies.
Common exemptions include:
- Installation, inspection, or maintenance of technical equipment
- Specialist training or guidance on machinery or systems
- Maintenance and security work on ships in dry dock
Common exemptions from the work permit in Norway requirement
Below is a summary of the most common exemptions relevant for skilled workers in 2025.
Note: Even if a work permit in Norway is not required, other obligations such as entry notifications and tax reporting still apply.
I. Work on mobile installations (not in fixed production or connected to a fixed installation by bridge)
This is a special category that is often misunderstood. While there is no formal exemption for this type of work in the Immigration Act or Regulations, there is also no legal basis requiring a work permit in Norway for workers who are engaged exclusively on mobile installations.
This applies when:
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The work takes place on a mobile installation that is not involved in continuous production
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The installation is not physically connected to a fixed installation by a bridge (for example, on the Norwegian Continental Shelf)
In practice, authorities treat this scenario as an exemption. Workers are still required to comply with reporting duties (such as entry notifications and obtaining an HSE card) but do not need a residence permit (work permit in Norway).
Examples:
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Workers on seismic survey vessels
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Crews on mobile drilling rigs
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Technical specialists on construction vessels not connected to fixed platforms
II. Technical specialists and work permit exemptions in Norway
Foreign companies can send skilled workers to Norway for short-term technical assignments without applying for a residence permit (work permit in Norway), provided certain conditions are met. According to UDI’s regulations, foreign nationals can work in Norway for up to three months without applying for a work permit in Norway.
To qualify for the work permit exemption:
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Workers must be employed by a foreign company (not contracted to a Norwegian employer)
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Must have technical qualifications, either through formal education or relevant experience
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Assignments must involve installation, dismantling, inspection, repair, maintenance, or training related to machinery or technical equipment
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The full scope of work must be completed within a three-month period
Typical expert roles covered by the exemption:
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Engineers
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Fitters and mechanics
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IT specialists (e.g., software installation or configuration)
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Technical consultants
Important considerations for companies and workers:
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Assignments involving software development or testing are not covered by this work permit exemption
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Projects that create a continuous or permanent need for technical expertise do not qualify
This exemption is especially valuable for foreign companies delivering specialized technical services in sectors such as offshore operations, industrial maintenance, and IT infrastructure. Even when a work permit in Norway is not required, employers must still comply with obligations like tax reporting.
III. Security and maintenance crew: work permit exemption for laid-up vessels
Foreign companies can send security and maintenance crew to Norway to work on foreign-owned vessels that are temporarily laid up, without needing a residence permit (work permit in Norway), provided certain conditions are met. This exemption is regulated by Section 1-1 (i) of the Immigration Regulations and allows work for up to three months without applying for a Norwegian work permit.
To qualify for the exemption:
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Crew members must be part of the security and maintenance team, such as security guards, electricians, welders, technicians, painters, computer engineers, or cooks providing meals for personnel on board
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The work must be essential to maintain and safeguard the vessel in line with maritime industry standards
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Assignments must take place on board a vessel that is temporarily out of operation (laid-up)
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The vessel must be owned by a foreign shipping company
Important considerations:
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The number of crew cannot exceed the vessel’s certified accommodation capacity (regulated by ILO Conventions 92 and 133)
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This exemption applies only to ships, not to land-based facilities
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There is no requirement for the crew to be directly employed by the shipping company
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Work exceeding three months requires a residence permit (work permit in Norway)
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Arrival must be reported to Norwegian immigration authorities before the work can start
This exemption is particularly relevant for foreign shipping companies that need to maintain laid-up vessels in Norwegian waters. Even when a work permit in Norway is not required, compliance with obligations such as tax reporting remains mandatory.
Note!
While these exemptions can simplify the process of sending workers to Norway, it is crucial to:
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Assess each assignment carefully
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Ensure that all criteria are fully met
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Comply with reporting requirements (entry notification, tax reporting, HSE cards)
For full legal compliance and to avoid penalties, we recommend consulting with a Norwegian immigration advisor before deploying personnel.
If no exemption applies: skilled worker residence permit
If no exemption fits your situation, the worker must apply for a skilled worker residence and work permit before starting work in Norway.
To qualify:
- The position must require specialized skills
- The worker must have relevant education, vocational training, or documented experience
- The offered salary must meet Norwegian market standards
Minimum salary (2025):
- Master’s degree: NOK 513,100 per year
- Bachelor’s degree: NOK 469,366 per year
- Other rates may apply under collective agreements
UDI – Pay and working conditions for work permits in Norway
How to apply for a Norwegian work permit
Follow these four steps:
Step 1: Don’t start work before the permit is granted
Work cannot begin until the permit is granted—unless early start permission has been issued by UDI.
Step 2: Prepare the application
Submit the application through UDI’s online portal. Required documents usually include:
- Valid passport
- Signed employment contract
- Offer of assignment (UDI form)
- Proof of relevant education or experience
- Salary and accommodation details
- Authorization from the Norwegian client, if applicable
Step 3: Submission method and digital access
A Norwegian client company can submit the application on the worker’s behalf with written authorization. If they do—either directly or through a representative like Nomadexus—the application can usually be handled digitally, including document uploads. This tends to speed up the process and reduce delays.
If the worker submits the application personally, they may be required to attend a physical appointment and cannot use the digital upload option. This can result in a longer processing time.
Step 4: Requesting early start permission (if needed)
In some cases, it is possible to apply for early start permission, which allows the employee to begin working before the full application is processed. This decision is made by the local police district and is not guaranteed. Importantly, being granted early start does not influence UDI’s final decision on the permit application. If early start is needed, the request must be submitted before the main application.
Duration and limits of the permit
The work permit is granted for the assignment’s duration, up to:
- Two years at a time, depending on the contract
- One year at a time in some industries for monitoring purposes
The total stay under this permit is capped at six years. After that, the worker must live outside Norway for at least two years before applying again. This permit does not lead to permanent residence.
Employer responsibilities and reporting
Having a valid work permit in Norway is only part of the compliance picture.
Employers must also:
- Obtain a Norwegian tax card for the worker
- Apply for an HSE card (if required in construction/industrial sectors)
- Report salaries correctly to Norwegian authorities
- Keep contracts and documentation available for inspection
Final tips for companies sending skilled workers to Norway
There’s a lot to keep track of when sending staff to Norway with or without a work permit in Norway. Some workers need permits, others don’t. Some must file entry notices; others need full residence permits. And while all that’s going on—you still need your project to stay on track.
That’s where we come in. We help you assess whether exemptions apply, and we handle the entire application process when they don’t.
Next step: Don’t let your workers lose money on their Norwegian tax return
Once your employees start working in Norway, they’ll also have tax obligations. Many foreign workers overpay because they’re unaware of the available deductions.
Help your team avoid unnecessary tax costs – check out our guide here.
