Norway Business Visa - Definitive Guide

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 - 

1. The first step is to gather all the documents you need for the business visa.
2. Visit the online portal of the Norway visa application, and register an account. 
3. Login to the portal and fill in the application form. You will have to mention your purpose of visit as ‘business’. 
4. Proceed to pay the fees online. 
5. After this, you will receive a cover letter on your registered email. Take a print out of this and sign it. 
6. You must now proceed to book an appointment for the application submission at a VAC. 
7. Visit the respective VAC for the appointment, along with your cover letter, and the documents. 
8. You will also have to submit your biometrics at the VAC as well. 

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,

• You must be living in a country where you are lodging the application. If you are a resident on a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it to the corresponding visa authority in that particular country.
• You must possess a valid passport meeting all the requirements.
• The primary motive of your visit must be to take part in business activities such as meetings, conferences, interviews, etc.
• You must be invited by a Norwegian company to do business in the country.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the entire stay period in the country.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Norway is your only destination, or
  2. Norway is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, 
  3. Norway must be your port of entry into the Schengen region.

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. 

•  A valid passport- 

• 1. It must have at least 2 blank pages.
  2. Passports older than 10 years are not allowed.
  3. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• A covering letter from the sending Indian company - 
  1. This should include the visitor’s basic details and source of funds. 
  2. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  3. It must be on the company letterhead and must contain the seal. 
  4. It should be addressed to the Embassy of Norway.
• Invitation letter from the Norwegian organisation/company stating complete details of the visit.
• Printed out the cover letter from the online application 
• Printed out a fully filled C category questionnaire
• Questionnaire for business visa filled out by the Norwegian company. 
• Registration certificate of the Indian company.
• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 

Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc.

• Financial documents -

Financial documents such as bank statements of past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

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. 

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 - 

• Keep in mind the expiry date, duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. Your travel and stay must be in accordance with these. 
• Carry all the travel documents while travelling. If you do not possess them, you will be denied entry into Norway. 
• Ensure that you travel to Norway within 6 months of the issue date, or as mentioned on the sticker. After this date, your permit will become invalid and you will not be able to enter the country. 
• While you are travelling within the country, carry a copy of your travel documents with you. 
• While you are on a business permit, you cannot work on a payroll of a Norwegian company or establishment. You may, however, take part in unpaid voluntary work. 
• You will not be able to extend the business permit under any normal conditions.
• You can move freely within the Schengen zone. And depending on your entry type, you may enter or exit the Schengen as allowed.