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.
On this page and in the related articles, you will find detailed information on applying for a Schengen visa and how to appeal if your application has been refused.
Citizens of UAE do not need to apply for a visitor's visa to enter Norway. If you have a UAE passport but a different nationality (non UAE) you must apply for a visa in your national passport.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a residence permit.
ARE YOU AFFECTED BY THE SITUATION IN THE UAE/GULF REGION/PAKISTAN?
03.03.2026: The Norwegian Embassy in Abu Dhabi is temporary closed due to the current situation in The UAE.
Our visa operations have been severely limited, and until further notice it will not be possible to submit new applications at the VFS Global application centers in the region.
We are closely monitoring the developments and applicants who have applied for a visa or residence permit through us will be notified when there is a status change or when documents can be collected.
We are receiving many requests for passport withdrawal. For capacity reasons we are unable to return your passport before your application has been processed and finalized.
Should you wish to drop/cancel your visa application, the Embassy will need the following to process your cancellation and return request:
Full name:
Passport number:
UDI reference number: (ex. UAUH-vis-20260201211341-aXXXXXXX)
VFS reference number: (ex. NOR/DXB/200226/0040/01)
Regional handling of applications:
The Norwegian Embassy in Abu Dhabi is a regional hub and responsible for visas and residence permit matters for the following countries: The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar, Kuwait (residence permit only), Bahrain (residence permit only), Oman (residence permit only), Yemen.
No other missions are responsible for the visa handling process and should not be contacted regarding visa/immigration cases. Honorary Consuls are not involved with immigration cases.
Travelers who must apply for a visa to Norway and Schengen:
Nationals with a passport from: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar need a visa.
In addition, see: Lists of third countries whose nationals must be in possession of a visa Annex 01
Persons and nationalities who do not need a visa to Norway and Schengen:
See: Persons who do not need a visa to visit Norway (visa-free) - UDI
Applicants who must use another country's visa service:
In Oman, Visa applications to Norway are handled by the Netherlands, and by Germany in Kuwait and Bahrain. Please follow their visa process to complete your application.
Traveling to Iceland?
Norway no longer represents Iceland in visa matters from the United Arab Emirates. If you are applying for a visa to travel to Iceland you may still apply through VFS Global, but your application will be sent to The Embassy of Iceland in New Delhi, India.