Norway is home to gorgeous beaches, majestic mountains, lush green valleys, and deep blue fjords that have made global tourists reimagine the holiday experience. The Scandinavian country's love for music is evident through the various concerts and festivals hosted in different corners throughout the year. Placed in North-western Europe, this Scandinavian gem produces amazing surprises that match the requirements of every traveler. You must get a comprehensive view of the Norway visa process.

Different types of Norwegian visa

There are two visa categories under which Norwegian visa is issued to global travelers – short-stay and long-stay. Each type of visa in these categories has a defined purpose and additional documents. Opt for the visa that syncs your purpose and duration of your stay. Short-stay visas are applicable for stays under 90 days within 180 days from the entry date in Norway. Long-term visas are applicable for stays beyond 90 days.

Transit visa

All applicants crossing the transit-free zone at the Norwegian airport en route to a third country can apply for a short-term transit visa.

Tourist or Schengen visa

All applicants coming to Norway for travel, tourism, leisure, or meeting their family or friends for a short stay can apply for the Schengen visa, among the most popular types of visas applied from applicants across the globe.

Business visa

All applicants who intend to participate or engage in business-related activities, attend conferences, or conduct business negotiations can apply for a short-term business visa.

Medical visa

All applicants who intend to receive medical treatment at a Norwegian clinic, institute, or hospital can apply for a short-term medical visa to pass through the Norwegian border controls.

Visa for cultural/religious events/sports/film crew

All applicants attending cultural/sports/religious events or are part of a film crew can apply for a Norwegian short-term visa under this category.

Visa for the spouse of a Norwegian national

All applicants who have married a Norwegian citizen can apply for a Norwegian short-term visa under this category. This visa entitles a stay up to 90 days within 180 days from the entry date.

Visa for official delegates or visits

All delegates or officials traveling to Norway as part of a delegation team need to apply for a visa for official delegates or visits. This short-term visa entitles you to participate in meetings, negotiations, consultations, or exchange programs arranged by the Norwegian government.

Student visa

All applicants who intend to study or enroll in a Norwegian university or institute or undergo an internship program with a local Norwegian company can apply for a long-term student visa

Norway visa entry requirements

All EU/EEA nationals do not need a visa before traveling to Norway as per the Schengen member agreement. If you are non-EU/EEA national, you will need a visa before entering the Norwegian border controls.

All non-EU/EEA must present the following when they land at the Norway border control.

• Completed and duly signed Norwegian visa application form with accurate and legible details.
• A valid and original passport issued in the last ten years with a minimum validity of three months from the exit date from the last Schengen member state you are visiting. Handwritten or physically damaged passports will not be accepted.
• Two passport-size photographs meet the visa photo specifications outlined by the Norwegian immigration authorities.
• Proof of financial means to cover the daily expenses you will likely incur during your stay in Norway, such as boarding, lodging, food, and others.
• Cover letter defining your purpose of visit, duration of visit, hotel reservation details, travel dates, and places of interest.
• Travel insurance issued by an authorized travel insurance company provides a minimum coverage of at least 30,000 Euros and is valid during your Norwegian stay.
• Your confirmed round-trip ticket reservation with flight details and the travel dates within the visa validity period.
• You should authenticate your civil status through a valid birth certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, or death certificate of your spouse.

Additional visa requirements based on your employment status

The following additional visa requirements will apply to your Norwegian visa, depending on your occupancy status.

Employed professionals

• A valid employment contract with valid leave permission from the current employer
• Last six months' bank statement
• Income tax return documents

Self-employment professionals

• Copy of your business license or business registration certificate
• Last six months' bank statement of your business account
• Income tax return documents

Retired professionals

Proof of valid pension receiving since the last six months

Students

• Enrolment or acceptance letter from the Norwegian university or institute
• No-objection certificate from the current school or university

Additional visa requirements for minors or children

All minors who wish to apply for a Norway short-stay visa must submit the following additional documents to validate the information shared in their Norway visa application form.

• Birth certificate
• No-objection letter signed by both parents
• Family court order if one of the parents has full custody of the minor
• Certified copies of both parent's ID/passport
• If the child or minor is traveling alone with a third person
• Original and copy of the accompanying person's valid passport
• Notarized parental authorization for traveling to Norway that both parents or guardians countersign.

Additional requirements basis the purpose of your visit

Depending on the purpose of your visit, you will need to validate the information shared in your Norwegian visa application form through the following additional documents

Transit visa

Valid visa and confirmed flight ticket for the final destination country you are traveling to.

Business visa

• Invitation letter from the local Norwegian business for attending a business meeting or conference or participating in any form of business engagement clearly stating your name, event details, and rationale for the event. The authorized signatory of the local Norwegian company should sign the invitation letter.
• Letter from the current employer stating the reason for your visit to Norwegian, including your financial funding to cover your daily expenses.

Student visa

• No objection letter from the current education institute or university
• Internship agreement between the local Norwegian company and the trainee, the applicant
• Enrolment or acceptance letter from the Norwegian university or institute.

Medical visa

• A local medical report from the doctor from your home country confirms the need for you to receive medical treatment in Norway.
• A medical attestation or confirmation from a Norwegian doctor or hospital confirms the applicant's medical situation and the appointment date.
• Proof of the financial mode for funding the treatment
• Official confirmation of the treatment being scheduled by the receiving hospital or clinic in Norway.

Visa for cultural/religious events/sports/film crew

• Invitation letter for attending the program
• Documentation of sufficient funds in which the organization or body sponsoring the stay/travel is well defined.
• Validate any previous performances or events you have participated in or attended.

Visa for Norwegian citizen's spouse

• Proof of your spouse's Norwegian citizenship
• Your Norway marriage certificate marriage certificate
• Norway family record book

Visa for official delegates

• A copy of the original invitation copy from the Norwegian body or government
• Evidence stating the purpose of your visit

Norwegian processing milestones

• Determine the type of visa you want to apply for that syncs with the purpose and duration of your stay.
• Fill out the visa application form. Print it and sign it. Do not leave any fields illegible or empty.
• Submit all the supporting documents for your visa application form. Depending on the visa you have opted for, you must present additional documents.
• Schedule a visa interview and confidently attend the interview
• Wait for your visa to be processed

Visa processing timeline

The visa processing time for a Norwegian short-term visa is 15 working days. However, unforeseen delays or circumstances, such as peak season, could increase the overall timeline. Once your visa status changes, you will receive a communication from the embassy or consulate that you have applied. Collect your visa and passport from the embassy or consulate. We recommend that you apply in advance to accommodate any unavoidable delays in your overall visa processing timeline.

Visa fees

The Norwegian Schengen visa for adults is 80 Euros per applicant and 40 Euros for children aged 6-12. There is no visa required for kids below six years. The visa fees can vary depending on multiple parameters such as your nationality, duration, and purpose of your visit or even the region you are applying.

Extending your Norwegian visa

The Norwegian visa is extended only in exceptional cases such as humanitarian, natural disasters, force majeure, or other unavoidable circumstances. The extension of your visa is completely at the discretion of Norwegian immigration officials.

Revoking your Norwegian visa

Your Norwegian visa can be revoked if the Norway immigration authorities feel that the visa applicant is no longer meeting the criteria laid down for the visa. You will be provided an exit date if you have entered Norway. You will fall under the illegal immigrant category if you do not exit within the deadline received from Norwegian officials.

Conclusion

Norway is a beautiful European country that has recaptured the imagination of the tourist audience with its incredible natural beauty. The Scandinavian culture and heritage are worth investing your time and efforts. Get complete clarity and a clear understanding of the various milestones in your Norwegian visa journey to unlock amazing Scandinavian surprises on your holiday. Every time spent here is special and promises a life-changing time for all global travelers.