UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration)

UDI is the government directorate that handles applications to live and work in Norway. A nurse, doctor or therapist from outside the EU and EEA usually needs its skilled worker residence permit. UDI and Helsedirektoratet have separate jobs: Helsedirektoratet decides whether you may practise, and it says it does not answer visa questions, which go to UDI.

• Completed higher education or vocational training, or in rare cases special qualifications.
• A concrete job offer from one employer in Norway, for which you have the qualifications. Applying from abroad, you enter a confirmation code the employer gives you.
• Normally a full-time job; UDI accepts at least an 80 per cent position.
• Pay and conditions no worse than normal in Norway.
• Authorisation or recognition for a regulated occupation. UDI names health personnel, approved by the Norwegian Directorate of Health, as an example.

That last point drives the timing. Helsedirektoratet states 23 months to process applications from people educated outside the EU/EEA, and you then complete additional requirements. Plan the permit around your HPR registration, not the other way round.

1. Get your authorisation or licence from Helsedirektoratet.
2. Get a written job offer and the employer's confirmation code.
3. Apply to UDI and pay the fee.
4. Wait for the decision. You may enter Norway first if you already have a visa or do not need one, but you may not start work until the permit is granted, unless the police confirm an early start on an application made by your employer in Norway.

UDI's fee for a work residence permit, including renewals, is NOK 6,300 for adults. Family members applying for the first time pay NOK 11,900 per adult. A permit for a university-level job is normally granted for up to three years, and you can apply for permanent residence after three years. You can change employer within the same type of job without a new permit. If you lose your job, you may stay up to six months to look for another, and must tell the police within seven days.

A skilled worker permit for a vocational-level job is granted for up to one year at a time, and a university-level job normally for up to three years, or one year where UDI needs to check more often, such as for staffing agency work. Starting a different type of job needs a new permit before you begin. Family members can usually apply to join you, and if they apply at the same time you get the decisions together. Adult family applicants pay NOK 11,900 for a first application.

• Applying before authorisation. Without it the permit cannot be granted for a regulated health job.
• Part-time offers below 80 per cent.
• Starting work early, which is not allowed while you wait.

See our Norway guide for the full route.