Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker
For skilled workers who want to come to Norway to look for relevant employment.
The Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker is a Norwegian work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~NOK 6,300) and processing time (~1-3 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker is for
For skilled workers who want to come to Norway to look for relevant employment.
No direct path; you must convert to a skilled-worker permit, which counts towards PR.
Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker - eligibility criteria
- Qualify as a skilled worker (training, degree or special skills)
- Funds to support yourself during the search period
- Somewhere to live in Norway
- Have not previously held this job-seeker permit
Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker (Norway) is ~NOK 6,300, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at UDI (Norway).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside Norway |
| Length of stay | Up to 6 months |
| Work rights | No work until a skilled-worker permit is granted |
| Study rights | No study rights |
| Government fee | ~NOK 6,300 |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months |
| Route to PR | No direct path; you must convert to a skilled-worker permit, which counts towards PR. |
Pathway & next steps
No direct path; you must convert to a skilled-worker permit, which counts towards PR.
Many applicants also compare Skilled Worker · Residence permit for skilled workers, Post-Study Job Seeker · Residence permit to seek work after completed education or research, Service Provider · Residence permit for employees of a foreign company providing services. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Norwegian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker pitfalls we fix
Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker cost?
The Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker government fee is ~NOK 6,300. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at UDI (Norway) before applying.
How long does the Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker lead to permanent residence?
No direct path; you must convert to a skilled-worker permit, which counts towards PR.
Can I work on the Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker?
Work rights: No work until a skilled-worker permit is granted.
Who can apply for the Residence permit to seek work as a skilled worker?
For skilled workers who want to come to Norway to look for relevant employment.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Norway government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- UDI (Norway) - official Norway immigration authority