Around three tenths of the Norwegian workforce is employed in the public sector, in areas such as health and education. There is particular demand for skills in nursing, medicine, tourism, engineering, oil and gas, the fishing industry, building and construction, and IT and communications. UK graduates face stiff competition from their Norwegian counterparts.
Major industries:
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energy: oil and gas and renewable energy, including hydropower
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shipping and shipbuilding
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fishing
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food processing
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timber and pulp and paper products
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mining and metals
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textiles
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service industries, including tourism
The process for getting work permit:
Processes and requirements will vary according to the labour market at the time of application, the type of work permit being applied for, the nationality of the applicant, the country of application and personal circumstances of the assignee and any family dependants. We therefore recommend that you contact us for up-to-date information.
Note that the residence permit process one in Norway is regional and therefore processes may vary slightly.
The general process involves applying for a Work & Residence Permit, and then applying for an entry visa at a Norwegian diplomatic post overseas to enter Norway. Once in-country, the assignee is required to have their biometrics taken at the local police station/service centre for foreign workers for a residence permit to be ordered.
Since there are many types of visas in Norway immigration, it is better to take the advice of visa experts like MoreVisas before taking any decision.
Norway Work Permit - ‘Skilled Worker’
Norway work permit for a skilled worker requires applicants to have a vocational training in a particular occupation, or expertise in any special area, or college or university education.
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Need to have confirmed employment offer from any Norwegian business.
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Applicant need to have particular skills and other qualifications for any type of skilled occupations.
Norway Work Permit - ‘Skilled Jobseeker’
This visa allows you to live in Norway for a period of six months in order that you can search for a job.
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Applicant need to apply for the skilled worker permit, after getting a job offer.
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The eligibility criteria are same as the skilled (excluding the confirmed offer of employment).
Norway Work Permit - Self-employed
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You need to start your own business in the Norway country
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The eligibility of this visa depends on the business and funds of the candidate.
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You also need to meet some skills and requirements.
Can an Assignee apply for a Permanent Residence?
EU/EEA Nationals who have lived in Norway for at least five years can apply for permanent right of residence, which entitles you to stay and work in Norway indefinitely. Your family members may also be eligible for permanent residence.
Non-EU/EEA Nationals who have lived in Norway legally for a continuous period of three years can be granted a permanent residence permit if you have completed 250 hours of tuition in Norwegian and 50 hours of social studies, or can document adequate knowledge of the Norwegian or Sami language.
This requirement for Norwegian language skills applies to everyone between the ages of 16 and 55 who were granted their first residence permit forming the basis for a permanent residence permit after 1 September 2005.
