1. Overview of Norway Visas
Visa Policy: Norway is part of the Schengen Area; Indian citizens need a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Residence Permits: Required for stays exceeding 90 days or for work, study, or family reunification.
2. Types of Visas for Indians
Schengen Visa: For tourism, business, cultural, and sports events (up to 90 days).
Work Visa: For employment, volunteering, or religious work (varies in duration, leads to a residence permit).
Study Visa: For higher education, vocational training, or research (valid for the program duration).
Family Reunification Visa: For joining family members in Norway (leads to a residence permit).
Other Visas: Includes diplomatic and service visas, with specific conditions.
3. General Requirements for All Visa Types
Valid Indian passport (with at least 2 blank pages and 3 months’ validity beyond departure).
Completed and signed visa application form.
Recent passport-sized photos (as per Schengen specifications).
Travel insurance covering at least €30,000.
Proof of financial means (approximately NOK 500/day or INR 4,000).
Flight itinerary and accommodation details.
4. Specific Requirements by Visa Type
Schengen Visa: Travel plans and invitation letter (if applicable).
Work Visa: Employment contract and job offer letter; employer must apply to UDI.
Study Visa: Admission letter; institution must apply to UDI.
Family Reunification Visa: Family documents and a guarantee form; family member must apply to UDI.
5. Step-by-Step Application Process
Identify the correct visa type.
Collect all required documents.
Apply online (if eligible) via the Application Portal Norway or at the embassy, consulate, or VFS Global.
Submit biometric data if required.
Pay the applicable visa fee.
Track the application status and collect the passport once approved.
6. Fees and Payment Methods
Schengen Visa: Approximately €60 (~INR 5,000).
Work/Study/Family Visas: Fees vary; check the UDI website.
Payment is accepted via credit/debit cards or cash, depending on location.
7. Processing Times and Status Tracking
Schengen Visa: Approximately 15 calendar days (can vary).
Residence Permits: May take several months.
Track applications via the Application Portal Norway or VFS Global.
8. Collecting Your Passport and Visa
Collect from the same point where you submitted the application.
Bring identification and collection receipt.
9. Entering Norway and Post-Arrival Formalities
Present passport, visa, and supporting documents at border control.
Register with local authorities if staying longer than 90 days.
Long-stay visa holders receive a residence permit card after arrival.
10. Common FAQs and Troubleshooting
Do Indians need a visa for Norway? Yes, for all types of visits.
How long can I stay with a Schengen visa? Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Can I work with a Schengen visa? No, you need a Work Visa and Residence Permit.
Troubleshooting: Contact the embassy, consulate, or VFS Global for issues.
11. Useful Contacts and Resources
Royal Norwegian Embassy (New Delhi): www.norway.in (+91 11 4136 3200).
Consulate General (Mumbai): www.norway.no (+91 22 6120 7200).
Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI): www.udi.no/en.
VFS Global: www.vfsglobal.com/norway/india.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type
Based on the Purpose of Your Visit:
Tourism/Vacation: Schengen Visa
Business Meetings/Conferences: Schengen Visa
Employment: Work Visa (leading to a Residence Permit)
Education: Study Visa (leading to a Residence Permit)
Family Reunification: Family Reunification Visa (leading to a Residence Permit)
Other (Cultural, Sports, etc.): Check with the Norwegian Embassy/Consulate for the appropriate visa type
Tools to Help You Decide:
Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) Website: www.udi.no/en/
Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi Website: www.norway.in
Consulate General of Norway in Mumbai Website: www.norway.no/en/india/norway-india/consulate-general-of-norway-in-mumbai/
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Common Documents for All Visa Types:
Valid Indian Passport
Completed and Signed Application Form
Recent Passport-Sized Photos
Travel Insurance
Proof of Financial Means
Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans
Accommodation Details
Specific Documents Based on Visa Type:
Schengen Visa:
Detailed Travel Plans
Invitation Letter (if applicable)
Work Visa:
Employment Contract
Job Offer Letter
UDI Application by Employer
Study Visa:
Admission Letter
UDI Application by Institution
Family Reunification Visa:
Family Ties Documents
Guarantee Form
UDI Application by Family Member
Tips for Document Preparation:
Ensure all documents are in English or Norwegian; otherwise, provide a certified translation.
Make sure all documents are up-to-date and valid.
Provide original documents unless specified that copies are acceptable.
Step 3: Apply Online (If Eligible) or Schedule an Appointment
Online Application through Application Portal Norway:
Eligibility: Check if your visa type is eligible for online application.
Process:
Register on the Application Portal Norway.
Fill in the application, upload required documents, and pay the fee.
Book an appointment at the embassy, consulate, or VFS Global for biometrics (if required).
Benefits: Convenience, faster processing in some cases.
Scheduling an Appointment at the Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global:
Process:
Visit the website of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi, Consulate General of Norway in Mumbai, or VFS Global.
Fill in the appointment request form, selecting a suitable date and time.
Receive a confirmation email with the appointment details.
Tips:
Schedule appointments well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Ensure you have all required documents ready before the appointment.
Step 4: Submit Biometric Data (If Required)
Applicability: If you haven’t provided biometric data in the last 59 months for a Schengen visa.
Process:
Attend your scheduled appointment at the embassy, consulate, or VFS Global.
Present your passport and application confirmation (if online application).
Provide biometric data (fingerprints).
Tips:
Ensure your fingers are free from any decorations that may interfere with the scanning process.
If you have any issues with providing fingerprints, inform the authorities in advance.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Fee Structure:
Schengen Visa: Approximately €60 (about INR 5,000) for adults.
Work/Study/Family Reunification Visas: Fees in NOK, vary; check the UDI website.
Payment Methods:
Online Applications: Credit/Debit card.
In-Person Applications: Cash, Credit/Debit card (varies by location).
Tips:
Check the exact fee before applying, as it may change.
Keep the payment receipt safe, as you may need to refer to it.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing Times:
Schengen Visas: Typically 15 calendar days, but can vary.
Work/Study/Family Reunification Visas: Longer, often several months.
Tracking Your Application:
Online Applications: Through the Application Portal Norway.
In-Person Applications: Contact the embassy, consulate, or VFS Global for updates.
Tips:
Apply well in advance of your planned trip to Norway.
Be patient and plan for potential delays.
Step 7: Collect Your Passport
Collection Point: Same location where you submitted your application (embassy, consulate, or VFS Global).
Required Documents for Collection:
Passport
Possibly the receipt or a form of identification
Tips:
Ensure the visa is granted and there are no issues before traveling.
Check the visa for any errors and report immediately if found.
You cannot extend the short term Norwegian permits under normal conditions. However, in certain extreme cases such as a Force Majeure, or other humanitarian reasons, you may be granted an extension. The resident permits and D visas may be extended depending on the exact conditions of them.
There are no mandatory medical test requirements for the short term Schengen category of the Norwegian permit. However, the longer-term categories may have additional medical test requirements. You must check the exact requirements before starting your application. In either case, it is suggested to get a medical checkup done before travelling abroad.
Under normal conditions, it takes at least 15 working days for processing. This is excluding the time taken during transit of the applications. As a result, it is suggested to apply for the permit at least 3 weeks before your date of intended travel. However, you cannot apply before more than 3 months prior to the travel date.
As per the requirements, there is no steadfast rule on the exact amount required. You are simply required to possess enough funds to support yourself during the stay in Norway. This includes your day-to-day expenses such as food, travel, accommodation, and so on. Although, the embassy will be mainly looking at the consistency and stability of your transactions.