UDI skilled worker permit

The skilled worker visa is a work permit in Norway that potentially opens the door to permanent residency. Applying for it is like getting a lucky ticket to a happy life in Scandinavia. In this guide, we will cover who is eligible for a skilled worker visa in Norway and how to get it.

What is UDI Norway?

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UDI Norway is an organization that manages the immigration process. If you’re planning to apply for a skilled worker visa in Norway, UDI will be responsible for accepting your application and sharing the result.

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What is a skilled worker?

Are you already googling ‘What is a skilled worker?’ Don’t rush; let us explain it here clearly. A skilled worker is someone who has officially proven their qualification. “Officially” means having one of these:

• A completed education or a degree from a university. Bachelor’s level is already enough; holding a Master’s diploma is not a must.
• A completed vocational training programme. The training should last at least three years and be at the upper secondary school level or higher.
• 6 years of experience, preferably with extra courses and education. This option is the most iffy one because many applications are rejected. It’s hard to prove that you’re truly a skilled worker and not just someone who has been working for 6 years.

In the ideal world, you should hold a degree, complete courses and have several years of experience—in that case, chances of receiving a work permit in Norway are high. But it rarely happens. So, even if you only have a degree, trying to apply for a work permit is not a bad idea.

What are the requirements for a skilled work permit in Norway?

…except for being a skilled worker.

Straight to the point, this is what you need according to a UDI checklist:

• Job offer from an employer in Norway. It should contain all the details about your salary, position, and responsibilities.
• Job must be full-time or take at least 80% of a full-time schedule.
• Special recognition for specific occupations.
• Fee payment (6,300 NOK)
• The salary should be over 469,366 NOK annually before tax for a position that requires a bachelor’s degree. 513,000 NOK for the master’s-level positions.

The salary is a tricky point because it’s stated that you should be paid “normally” or “not less than average” to qualify for a skilled work permit in Norway. For example, if you earn less than 469,366 NOK but can prove that this is a norm in your field, UDI will accept that. How to prove it? The officials don’t specify it, but you can try providing:

1. A letter from your employer justifying the salary;
2. Analysis of the wage statistics. Check the official data here.
3. Collective agreements, if there are any.

A list of skilled visa documents

• Passport and copies.
• Signed signature from the UDI portal.
• Recent passport-format photo.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Offer of employment (special form for UDI requirements).
• Proof of education.
• Salary justification.
• CV.
• Proof of your work experience.
• Signed UDI checklist.

Links to forms and additional documents can be accessed here. Start preparing the documents way before applying for a visa for professionals, so you translate and get the official copies on time.

Note that the documents may vary from country to country. If you’re applying for a Norway work visa as a Pakistani, Brazilian or any other non-EU national, check the country-specific requirements on the UDI website.

How do you apply for a skilled work permit in Norway?

Follow these key steps — and prepare for your Nordic chapter to begin:

1. Prepare the documents.
2. Complete the UDI online submission. It’s your official entry into the Norwegian system.
3. Pay the UDI application fee.
4. Submit documents in person. Depending on your country, you'll need to visit the right place. For example, if you’re applying for a Norway work visa for Indians, go to VFS centres.
5. Wait patiently (or try to). The official UDI approval time is within 8 months.

FAQ — work permit in Norway

Who is eligible for a skilled worker visa in Norway?

Skilled workers who got a full-time job offer in Norway. For more details, read this article.

What is the minimum salary for a work permit in Norway?

There is no official minimum salary. You must not be underpaid and earn as an average worker in Norway — approximately 469,366 NOK annually before tax.

Who qualifies as a skilled worker in Norway?

The person who holds a degree, has completed vocational training for 3 years or has 6 years of exceptional work experience.

Why is a work permit rejected in Norway?

Lower salary, weak professional skills, and shady documentation—UDI Norway has many reasons to reject applications.

What are the requirements for a Norway work visa?

The complete list of requirements and documents can be accessed on the UDI official website.

How to send money from Norway?

To send money at great exchange rates from NOK and without overpaying, use the Profee online service. Our money transfers are quick, safe and efficient. Find more details about the Profee transfers on our website.