Missionary

This form of work permit may be granted to persons who will be working as missionaries or carrying out preaching work.

NB: Separate rules apply for citizens of EU/EEA countries.

Who can obtain a work permit as a missionary?
How do I apply?
What must the application include?
How long will it take to process my application?
Permit holder’s entitlement
Can the permit be renewed or extended?
Can I appeal against a decision?

Who can obtain a work permit as a missionary?

You must be a missionary or engaged in a preaching activity. The term missionary must be given a narrow interpretation, so that the person in question must be engaged in direct outgoing activity for the purpose of spreading a religion. The preaching must not be in conflict with Norwegian law
You must be offered a job for a religious community. If the organisation is registered as a religious community pursuant to ”Act no. 25 of 13 June 1969 relating to religious communities and various other matters.”, it will satisfy the requirements in respect of its activities. If the organisation is not registered, a specific evaluation of the organisation and its activities will be required. In order to be considered a religious community the organisation must be religious, organised as a church and have a register of members. Furthermore, the main features of the organisation’s creed and doctrine must be clear. The members must practice the same religious persuasion. An interchurch organisation is consequently not a religious community. Examples of such interchurch organisations are Youth with a Mission.
Subsistence and housing must be ensured. The minimum requirement is that the organisation guarantees for the stay and return.

How do I apply?

To apply for a work permit, you must complete an application form. The application must be submitted 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.

However, some people may apply for a work permit from Norway.

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.

What must the application include?

In addition to a completed application form, you must include:

A completed “offer of employment” form or an employment contract which has been signed by the employer/client and the applicant. The offer of employment or contract must detail the rights and obligations of both parties, including working hours, workplace and wages, plus any supplements in the form of free board and lodging, for example.
Information about housing
Copy of passport (all completed pages)
Passport photo/other photo which meets the set requirements
You must also pay a fee

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.

How long will it take to process my application?

Case processing times vary. For an overview of average processing times for the various types of permit, visit www.udi.no/caseprocessingtime. You can also contact the Information Service (OTS) by e-mail or by calling (+ 47) 23 35 16 00.

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.

Permit holder’s entitlement

The permit is granted for one year at a time.
The permit is linked to a particular job and work place. You are not permitted to work at another place without first, applying for a new permit.
The validity of the first time work permit can be given for one, two or three years, but nevertheless not beyond the validity of the work situation.
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.

Can the permit be renewed or extended?

A permit on these grounds is granted for up to four years. It cannot be renewed after this period. 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.

Can I appeal against a decision?

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 sent on 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 work permit, you can contact your local Norwegian embassy or consulate, or the Information Service (OTS).