How does Skilled Worker Residence Permit work in Norway, and who qualifies?

The Skilled Worker residence permit is the principal way for people from outside the EEA to move to Norway for employment. To qualify you generally need completed vocational training of three years or more, a university or university-college degree, or special qualifications such as long relevant experience, plus a concrete job offer from a Norwegian employer for a position that genuinely requires those qualifications.

The role normally has to be full-time, or at least 80 percent, and the pay and working conditions cannot be poorer than what is normal for the occupation in Norway. Some professions, such as in health or certain trades, also call for separate Norwegian authorisation before you can work in them.

Applications are decided by the Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Because the qualification level and the match between your job and your background are assessed closely, it pays to prepare your documents carefully. ACME can review your qualifications and offer against the skilled-worker criteria, and we always suggest confirming the current rules on udi.no before you apply.