It is a condition for this type of permit that you shall provide a service in the realm.
There are no transitional rules for this type of permit, i.e. citizens from Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Rumania can also apply for this type of residence permit.
A more precise definition of the terms can be found in the Immigration Regulations s. 176 litera b}.
- The purpose of the stay must be to provide a service.
- The provision of the service must be for a limited duration.
- The service must be carried out with the intention of earning an income.
Employed foreign nationals
The residence permit for service providers will not be granted if you are in reality to be employed in Norway. In such case, you will be assessed pursuant to the regulations for employees, and the transitional rules will apply.
How do I apply?
To apply for a residence permit, you must fill in the
application form for EEA citizens. The application can be submitted to your nearest Norwegian foreign service mission in your home country, or in another country in which you have legally resided for a minimum of 6 months. You can also apply from the realm. If you decide to apply from the realm, you can start providing a service and reside in Norway for three months before you have to apply for a permit.
Applications submitted in Norway must be delivered to the police district where you live. The police will send your application to the UDI for a decision.
- A description of the nature and duration of the service provision, e.g. a contract entered into between a Norwegian and foreign company.
- If you are self-employed in your home country and your firm is going to provide a service, you must document that you have a firm of this kind in your home country.
- If you are employed by a firm that is to provide a service, you must document that you are employed by the foreign firm that has entered into the contract.
You must also enclose:
- A copy of your passport or approved identity card.
- A passport photo/photo that meets specific requirements.
We encourage everyone to apply well in advance. In order to avoid the processing of applications taking longer than necessary, it is important to be accurate when filling in the application form and to enclose all the requested documentation.
Remember that you can start providing a service and reside in the realm while you are waiting for your application to be processed.
The permit is issued for the same duration as the provision of the service.
An application for the renewal of a residence permit must be submitted at least one month prior to the expiry date of the permit.
Applications for renewals should be submitted to the police in the district where you live.
When applying for a renewal, you must enclose documentation showing that you are still providing a service.
Can I appeal against a rejection?
If your application for a residence permit is rejected, you may appeal the decision. If you appeal, your application will be reconsidered by the UDI. The UDI can overturn the decision and grant the application. If not, the case will be sent to the
Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) for new processing.
The revocation of a residence permit means that you are obliged to leave Norway, unless you satisfy the requirements for being granted a permit on other grounds.
The Immigration Directorate (UDI) decides the revocation of permits. If the UDI believe there are grounds for revoking your permit, they shall, as a rule, inform you, so that you have an opportunity to state your point of view before they make a decision. You also have the right to appeal a revocation decision.
