Processing time

Longer waiting time for residence permits

From August 2019 the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila no longer process residence permit applications. Applications for residence permits are now processed by the Directorate of Immigration in Norway (UDI).

As a consequence, applicants from the Philippines must expect longer processing times. Information about the current processing times is available on UDI’s website.

The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok is responsible for forwarding the applications from VFS Manila and VFS Cebu to UDI. Applicants will receive regular updates from UDI on the status of their application by email or SMS until a decision has been made.

Please note that some applicants may be summoned for an interview. The applicant will be notified by the Embassy in Bangkok if this is applicable and where the interview will be conducted in the Philippines. It is therefore important that you provide your phone number and email address in the application form. 

If you need an entry visa, you must wait until you receive an answer to your application for a residence permit before you can enter Norway. If you need your passport while waiting for the application to be processed, you must contact the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok.