Norwegian Visas and Work Permits
Our tax guide for freelance contractors working in Norway
For citizens of the old Member States of the EU as well as the two new Member States of Cyprus and Malta, no work restrictions apply.
Citzens of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia still need a work permit according to transitional rules. The procedure has been simplified, though. They can either apply for the permit at Norwegian embassies and consulates in their home States or by going to a police station in Norway in person. Employers may also apply on behalf of the worker. They have to have full-time employment and their pay and employment conditions must to be the same as for Norwegian workers in the same type of job.
For all other nationalities, a work permit must be acquired before they start work and conditions vary according to the type of work and the qualifications of the applicant.
Effective from December 1st, 2008, Russian nationals may benefit from relaxed visa conditions as part of the two countries' bilateral agreements. For more information, please read this news article.