How to Move to Norway
Norway has some of the highest wages in Europe and a strong demand for skilled workers. The Directorate of Immigration (UDI) runs the system. Skilled workers need a job offer; trained professionals can also use a job-seeker permit to come and search. Norway is not in the EU but is part of the Schengen area.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Norway embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Apply via the Norwegian embassy or a VFS centre in your country (Norway shares some Schengen services with other Nordic countries). Use the locator.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
58 Red Hill Road (junction Limuru Road), Gigiri, Nairobi
+254 20 425 1000 Open in Google MapsOzmik House, 165 Lynnwood Road, Brooklyn, Pretoria 0181
+27 12 364 3700 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Norway has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Around 1–3 months.
Application fee roughly NOK 6,300.
Usually up to 3 years, renewable; permanent residence possible after 3 years.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Vocational training, a degree, or special qualifications.
- A concrete job offer matching your skills.
- Pay and conditions meeting Norwegian standards.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
A Norwegian employer offers you a skilled job.
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2
Apply to UDI
Register and pay online, then book an appointment.
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3
Submit documents
Hand in your documents at the Norwegian mission or VFS centre.
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4
Travel & register
After approval, move to Norway and register with the police.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Your qualification must match the job — keep proof ready.
- Family members can usually join you.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your UDI Application Portal account first
Create a free account on the UDI Application Portal, confirm your email, then choose your pathway (e.g. Work → Skilled Worker). Afterwards use "My Page" to upload documents, pay the fee and book your appointment.
Create accountStart your Skilled Worker permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAround 1–2 months.
Application fee ~NOK 6,300; plus proof of funds.
Up to 6 months to find a job.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- You are a qualified skilled worker (training or degree).
- Enough money to support yourself during the search.
- Somewhere to live in Norway.
What to do, step by step
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1
Show your qualifications & funds
Prove you are skilled and can support yourself.
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2
Apply to UDI
Submit the job-seeker application and attend your appointment.
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3
Travel & search
Enter Norway and look for skilled work.
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4
Switch to a work permit
Once hired, apply for the skilled worker permit.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- A legal way to job-hunt on the ground — no agent needed.
- Have your CV ready in English/Norwegian before you arrive.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your UDI Application Portal account first
Create a free account on the UDI Application Portal, confirm your email, then choose your pathway (e.g. Work → Skilled Worker). Afterwards use "My Page" to upload documents, pay the fee and book your appointment.
Create accountStart your Job-Seeker visa for skilled workers application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAround 1–2 months.
Application fee ~NOK 5,900.
Course length.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to an approved Norwegian institution.
- Proof you can support yourself.
- Somewhere to live.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Receive admission from a Norwegian university.
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2
Show funds
Prove you have enough money for the year.
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3
Apply to UDI
Submit your student permit application and attend your appointment.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Norway and register with the police.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Public universities now charge tuition for non-EU students, but living support requirements are clear.
- Scholarships exist — ask your university.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your UDI Application Portal account first
Create a free account on the UDI Application Portal, confirm your email, then choose your pathway (e.g. Work → Skilled Worker). Afterwards use "My Page" to upload documents, pay the fee and book your appointment.
Create accountStart your Student residence permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few months.
Application fee ~NOK 10,500.
Linked to your sponsor; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your family member lives legally in Norway.
- The sponsor meets an income requirement.
- A genuine relationship.
What to do, step by step
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1
Check the income rule
Your sponsor must usually meet a minimum income.
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2
Apply to UDI
Submit the family immigration application.
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3
Submit documents & travel
Attend your appointment, then travel after approval.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Meet the income requirement clearly to avoid refusals.
- Spouses can usually work in Norway.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your UDI Application Portal account first
Create a free account on the UDI Application Portal, confirm your email, then choose your pathway (e.g. Work → Skilled Worker). Afterwards use "My Page" to upload documents, pay the fee and book your appointment.
Create accountStart your Family immigration application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Norway work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Norway — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Norway visas
How much does the Norway Skilled Worker permit cost?
The Norway Skilled Worker permit costs: Application fee roughly NOK 6,300. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Norway Skilled Worker permit take?
Processing for the Norway Skilled Worker permit takes around 1–3 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Norway Skilled Worker permit valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Norway Skilled Worker permit is valid for usually up to 3 years, renewable; permanent residence possible after 3 years. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Norway Job-Seeker visa for skilled workers cost?
The Norway Job-Seeker visa for skilled workers costs: Application fee ~NOK 6,300; plus proof of funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Norway Job-Seeker visa for skilled workers take?
Processing for the Norway Job-Seeker visa for skilled workers takes around 1–2 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Norway Job-Seeker visa for skilled workers valid for?
The Norway Job-Seeker visa for skilled workers is valid for up to 6 months to find a job. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Norway Student residence permit cost?
The Norway Student residence permit costs: Application fee ~NOK 5,900. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Norway Student residence permit take?
Processing for the Norway Student residence permit takes around 1–2 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Norway Student residence permit valid for?
The Norway Student residence permit is valid for course length. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Norway Family immigration cost?
The Norway Family immigration costs: Application fee ~NOK 10,500. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Norway Family immigration take?
Processing for the Norway Family immigration takes a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Norway Family immigration valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Norway Family immigration is valid for linked to your sponsor; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.