Only in certain circumstances is a work permit required for work on the continental shelf. A work permit is required if you will be working on a Norwegian or foreign
fixed installation being used on the Norwegian continental shelf.
A group work permit may be an alternative type of work permit for working on the continental shelf.
There is no requirement to obtain a work permit if you will be working on a Norwegian or foreign
mobile installation on the continental shelf. However, mobile installations which are attached to fixed installations and mobile installations which have entered a fixed production phase are considered fixed installations, and a work permit is required for work on such installations (see above).
Work on the continental shelf may also fall within the general rules regarding exemptions from the requirement to obtain a work permit. In the case of work lasting no longer than three months, a work permit is not required for technical experts, technicians, fitters, consultants or instructors who will be installing, disassembling, inspecting, repairing or maintaining machinery or technical equipment or providing information on their use.
Even if there is no requirement to obtain a work permit, you are required to report for registration with the police before starting your work and no later than one week after entry into the country. Your employer is also obliged to report to the police on working conditions before the employee enters Norway. If you require a visa, you must apply for your visa before entering Norway, or the Schengen area.
To apply for a work permit, you must complete an application form. The application must be submitted from your from your country of origin or another country where you have been legally resident for at least six months. You may not enter the country and start working before your permit has been granted. The application must be submitted to your nearest Norwegian foreign service mission (embassy, consulate general). You will also be informed of the decision regarding your application via the Norwegian foreign service mission.
Your employer may apply for you
Your employer may also apply for a work permit for you, if you give your employer written power of attorney. In this case, the application must be submitted to the police in the district in which the employer’s business is based.
Temporary permit
You may not start working until you have received a work permit.
The police may, on request, issue a
temporary permit, if they believe it is likely that your application will be granted. In this case, you must meet the conditions for submitting an application from within Norway.
When you are applying for a working permit, the following documents must accompany the application:
As a main rule, it is sufficient that copies of the documents are sent with the application. However, you have to produce the original documents when you hand in your application.
All documents attached to the application have to be translated into English or Norwegian.
NB: The requirement for documentation varies from country to country, and may change over time. You should therefore check what requirements currently apply by contacting the Norwegian embassy in the country from which you are applying.
In order to avoid unnecessary case processing delays, it is important to take care when completing the application form and to include all the requested documentation.
- The permit is linked to a particular job and a particular workplace. Therefore, you may not take any other work without first applying for a new work permit.
- The permit entitles the holder to live in Norwegian territory. The permit does not constitute grounds for a settlement permit.
- Family members may come to Norway under the rules for family immigration. If the family’s application is submitted at the same time as the application for the principal person, these will be processed together.
The permit may be renewed. An application for renewal of the work permit must be submitted at least one month before the current permit expires. The application must be submitted to the police where you live.
You must also pay a fee when applying for renewal.
If your application for a work permit is rejected, you may appeal against this decision. If you appeal, your application will be re-examined by the UDI. The UDI may overturn the decision and grant the requested permit. If the UDI upholds the decision, the case is forwarded to the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) for new consideration.
Any questions?
If you are still unsure about anything relating to how you apply for a permit to work on the Norwegian section of the continental shelf, you can contact your local Norwegian embassy or consulate, or
the Information Service (OTS).
