Norway Graduate job seeker

For a recent graduate in Norway or a researcher looking for a skilled job; apply before the study or research permit expires. ^{1 2}

What you must show and pay

• Savings of at least NOK 341,373 a year (≈ $35,700) · NOK 28,448 (≈ $2,970) per month, usually in a Norwegian bank account; income from a job offer may count; former PhD candidates who held a skilled-worker permit need NOK 85,344 (≈ $8,910) regardless of the length of stay. ¹
• A fee of NOK 6,300 (≈ $660) · Application fee under Immigration Regulations section 17-10 (work and similar permits), including renewals; applicants under 18 pay half. ⁴

Requirements

• The applicant is 18 or older and has skilled-worker qualifications (vocational training, a degree or special qualifications). ¹
• The applicant holds a current permit as a university or vocational-school student in Norway, for additional education, as a researcher with own funds, or as a skilled researcher. ^{1 3}
• The applicant has completed the degree or education in Norway. ¹
• The applicant looks for work as a skilled worker, not as a religious leader or teacher, and cannot be self-employed or run a business in Norway. ¹
• Funds are at least NOK 28,448 (≈ $2,970) per month (NOK 341,373 (≈ $35,700) per year), the applicant's own money, usually in a Norwegian bank account. ¹
• Income from a job offer may count; former PhD candidates who held a skilled-worker permit need NOK 85,344 (≈ $8,910) regardless of the length of stay. ¹
• The application fee is NOK 6,300 (≈ $660). ⁴
• The application is filed before the current permit expires, preferably at least one month before. ¹
• The permit is valid for up to one year, gives full-time or part-time work in any job, and does not lead to permanent residence. ^{1 3}

Stay

• Up to one year in total; the permit does not lead to permanent residence.
• First stay: up to 12 months, decided case by case.
• Not renewable according to our source.

Nationality

Third-country nationals; EU/EEA citizens do not need the permit. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

Work

May work full-time or part-time while looking, including jobs not requiring skilled workers.

Family

Existing family immigration permit holders can renew.

Checked 2026-10-12

Official sources

1. Job seekers · Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) · checked 2026-10-12
2. Grunnbeløpet i folketrygden (National Insurance basic amount) · NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) · checked 2026-10-12
3. Immigration Regulations (utlendingsforskriften), chapters 6 and 10 · Lovdata (Norwegian legislation) · checked 2026-10-10
4. Regulation on foreigners' entry and residence (utlendingsforskriften), section 17-10: processing fees for residence permits · Lovdata (Norwegian regulation text) · checked 2026-10-11