Visas and work/residence permits

What to do when you first arrive in Norway
New arrivals in Norway need to go to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), which is co-located with the Trondheim Police Station to register as soon as possible after arrival. Students from Nordic countries are exempt from having to apply for residence and work permits. Students who are not going to be staying in Norway more than 3 months are also exempt.

Apply for a visa from your home country if you can
All international students, visiting researchers and newly hired employees who are going to stay in Norway for more than 3 months must have a valid residence/work permit. Applying for a work permit can be done via the Norwegian embassy in yoiur home country, or if you have a visa or are allowed to be in Norway for 3 months without a visa, you can apply once you arrive in Trondheim.

If you bring your family with you to Norway, you will all need to go together to get your permits -- the Immigrations officials will want to physically see your children.

Renewing your residence/work permit
It is possible to renew your permit. Renewals should be submitted at least one month before the current permit expires and must be submitted to the Trondheim Police Department. Once again, if you need to renew permits for your family, you either all have to physically appear at the Police Station, or you need a letter from the Principal of your child's school certifying that your child actually attends that school and is in school that day.

Processing times can be long
Once submitted, processing times for work permits vary anywhere from 1-4 months. A letter confirming you have been granted a work/residence permit will be sent in the mail. With the letter, you must go back to the UDI office with your passport and picture to get the permit stamp.

Application forms and what you need to apply
The application forms for Non EU/ EEA countries are different than those for applicants from EU/EEA countries.

You should have:
*Job offer (with Salary) / Letter of admission from the Office of International Relations
* Passport (Must be valid for the duration of your stay in Norway)
* Passport size photo
* Letter from Consulate that issued your visa (in English)
* Payment (Typically 1100 NOK).

Fees
Fees vary depending on which country you come from. EU/EEA countries are typically exempt from paying. Check the website for more details. It is not always possible to use foreign credit cards for payment at the UDI so be prepared to use cash.

Insurance and health check requirements vary
EU/EEA Students must also bring a proof of health insurance that is valid for the entire length of study in Norway. This can be proof of private insurance, an E-form, or the European Health Insurance Card.

Students from specific countries may also have to have a tuberculosis examination. You can request more information about the health check at the Immigration Department.

Where to go, opening hours
The Trondheim Police Station is located at Gryta 4, 7010 Trondheim (just east of the railway station). The UDI section is open ONLY on Monday to Thursday from 09:00 to 14:00. The system has changed so that all appointments are made on line, so that you no longer need to wait in a queue. Go to the Immigration Department's online Application Portal to apply for the permits you need. You will then be given a time to come to the Trondheim Police Station.