Visitor’s visa and residence permit
A visitor's visa allows you to stay in Norway or other Schengen countries for up to 90 days over a period of 180 days. A residence permit gives you the opportunity to work in Norway and to stay for more than 90 days.
Requirement to give biometrics when applying for residence permit and visa for Norway
Since March 18, 2021, persons applying for a residence permit in Norway have been requested to submit biometrics in the form of a live photograph. This means that, applicants will have to meet at a VFS application Center to submit their application.
From and including January 24, 2022, applicants will, in addition to fingerprints and photographs, have to submit a signature when applying for a residence permit with VFS.
The matrix below gives a full overview of the biometric requirements for the different groups of applicants:
Where and how to hand in my application?
The Norwegian Embassy in Abu Dhabi is the responsible hub for visas and residence permit matters for Norway from the following countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Qatar.
In addition to the above-mentioned countries, the Embassy receives residence permit applications from Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
For information about the application procedures and requirements for other nationals, please select your country from the list on www.norway.no.
Information regarding the situation in Afghanistan and temporarily acceptance of submission of applications for residence in Norway.
Due to difficulties in crossing the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan family members (reference persons) can now apply for family immigration on behalf of a family member who is in Afghanistan.
Please note that if your family member is staying outside Afghanistan, he or she must apply the ordinary way by handing in the documents in person at a VFS application centre in the country of residence. You can find information about the VFS application centre and Embassies which accepts applications for residence permits here- Embassies which accepts applications for residence permits - UDI
You can find information on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration’s (UDI) website about How to apply in Norway on behalf of a family member in Afghanistan- Reference persons in Norway may apply for family immigration on behalf of family members residing in Afghanistan - UDI
Please note the following:
VFS Global: VFS' Visa Application Centers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran and Qatar are open. Please visit www.vfsglobal.com for more information and to book an appointment.
Interviews: Interviews are being conducted through videolink at the VFS Application Centers. If you are waiting for an interview, please note that the Embassy will contact you to schedule the appointment once it is your turn.
DNA-tests: DNA-tests are being conducted. The missions in Islamabad, Teheran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia will contact the applicant to schedule a date for the DNA- sample to be collected.
Representation agreements
The representation agreements Norway has with the Netherlands in Oman, Germany in Kuwait and Bahrain are now re-activated. Applicants in the afore-mentioned countries who wish to apply for a visa to Norway can now submit their applications to the Embassy of the Netherlands and German in the respective countries where they represent Norway.
Iceland is represented by The Embassy of Norway in the United Arab Emirates.
General enquiries about visas and residence permit
Please note that The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway has a global agreement with VFS Global regarding receiving applications for visa and residence permits, answering phone calls and answering e-mails on behalf of Norwegian Embassies. Therefore, if you have any questions regarding your visa or residence permit to Norway, you must contact VFS Global. The main webpage of VFS Global is www.vfsglobal.com. From here you can find contact details to the VFS applications centers in the country you want to hand in your application, or you want to contact for questions.
If you have further queries that VFS cannot answer, you may contact the Visa Team at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
You can contact the Norwegian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, visa section- visa.abudhabi@mfa.no