Ranking 7th in the ease-of-doing-business index, Norway is a business hub. With one of the top GDP per capita in the world, the country attracts businessmen from all over the world. The Norway business visa caters to the need of these businessmen who wish to enter Norway to take part in business-related activities.
This is issued for individuals travelling to Norway for the purpose of business. Being a category of the Schengen, nationals from Schengen region and of other countries that have a visa-exemption agreement with Norway do not require a permit. Also known as the Norway Schengen business visa, this permit is issued for a maximum stay duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period and can be granted with single-entry, double-entry, or even multiple-entries.
The application for the Norwegian business permit is done online. However, the submission of the application is to be done offline at a Visa Application Center (VAC). Before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to Norway on business. After this, you can proceed to make the application as follows -
Note that if you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen visa in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. Biometric data from your previous application will be copied and used. Also, ensure that you submit only genuine documents and true information. If you submit fake documents and wrong information, you may face visa rejection.
To be able to apply for the process, you will need to meet the following eligibility conditions,
The following are the list of documents you would need to apply for the business permit. Note that if the documents are not in English or Norwegian language, they must be translated into it.
Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc.
Financial documents such as bank statements of past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.
The time taken to process the Norway business visa for Indian citizens depends on several factors such as the number of entries, the validity, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. Normally, it takes around 15 working days to process the application. However, in certain cases, it may take 30 working days, and in extreme cases, this can even take up to 60 days. As a result, it is suggested that you apply for it well in advance.
The fees for the business visa includes the biometric charges, processing fee, as well as any other service charges. The application fee can also vary upon the foreign exchange rates. It is suggested that you check the exact amount before starting the application.
Entry | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 8720.0 |
Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 8720.0 |
Once you have submitted the application successfully, it will be sent to the embassy for processing. Even though you have submitted the application at a VAC, the processing is totally done by the embassy only. The VAC has no influence whatsoever in this. If your visa is approved, you can collect it directly from the VAC, or have them deliver it to you for an extra delivery charge.
You can check the status of your application by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track and entering your application reference number and date of birth. You can also check your status by contacting your travel agency and have them check it for you.
Once you have received the permit, you must keep in mind the following points to ensure a hassle-free journey -
The Schengen C category permits are not extendable. As a result, the Norwegian business visa cannot be extended in normal conditions. However, in certain extreme cases such as a Force Majeure, or humanitarian reasons, you may be granted a permit. In all other situations, you must exit the country upon expiry.
Once you have expired your business permit, you cannot stay any longer in the country. As regulations, you must leave the country before the date of expiry. Staying back after the period is considered as an offence and can lead to deportation or even be banned from entering into the Schengen zone again.
Being a short term C category, the Norwegian business permit is issued for up to 30 days. As a result, there are no medical test requirements necessary. However, the long term permits may have related test requirements. In either case, it is suggested that you get a health checkup done before travelling abroad.
It is not possible to convert a Schengen business permit into another category. You are also not allowed to work on the payroll of a Norwegian company on this. You are allowed to take part in unpaid voluntary work. If you do require a work permit, you must apply for a work permit once you return back to your home country.
Normally, it takes around 15 working days for processing. This is excluding the time taken for transit. As a result, it is suggested that you apply for the permit at least 3 weeks before your date of intended travel. However, you cannot apply before more than 3 months to the travel date.
Since Norway is a part of the Schengen, you are allowed to travel and do business activities in any of the other Schengen countries with the business permit. However, you can only visit the European countries that are a part of the Schengen. Visiting the other countries would require their individual permits. Although, few countries, such as Croatia allow you entry with a Schengen permit.