• Groups which are fully exempted
• Exemptions if the work lasts no longer than three months
• Exemptions if the work does not exceed ten days in any one calendar year
• Diplomats

The following groups are fully exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit:

• Nordic citizens
• Foreign seamen on foreign-registered vessels transporting goods or passengers between Norwegian ports

The following groups are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit, if the work lasts no longer than three months:

• Commercial and business travellers (See Circular 2000-036 for persons who will be selling goods at trade fairs)
• Researchers/scholarship holders/lecturers
• Technical experts providing maintenance of or information about machinery (must notify the police in writing before entering the country)
• Any foreign national in the private service of any person who is resident in the country on a visit for a period not exceeding 90 days
• Professional sportsmen and women
• Public servants paid by their own country, when they come to Norway on the basis of a co-operation agreement between their own country and Norwegian authorities
• Journalists
• Tour guides
• Staff on foreign trains, aircraft, buses or trucks
• Security and maintenance crew on a ship laid up in the country. These must notify the police before entering Norway, see Circular 2002-063.

The following groups are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit, if the work does not exceed ten days in any one calendar year:

• Musicians
• Performers
• Artists
• Necessary accompanying assistants