There are no transitional rules for this type of permit, i.e. citizens from Bulgaria, Rumania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia 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 a}.
- The business must be a genuine business and of a permanent nature.
Employed foreign nationals
A residence permit to establish a business cannot be granted if you are to be employed by a business that is to be established. 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 a business 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 can grant the application if there is no doubt that the conditions are met. If there is doubt, the application will be sent to the UDI for a decision.
- A description of the nature of the business.
- Registration in the Central Coordinating register for Legal Entities.
The type of documentation that should be enclosed with the application will vary depending on the type of business you aim to run. The most important thing is that you can document that it is a genuine and permanent business.
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 and run a business while you are waiting for your application to be processed.
The time the police take to process applications will vary depending on the district you reside in. Ask the police when you hand in your application.
The permit’s content
The permit entitles you to run a business and take up other employment. The permit does not entitle applicants covered by the transitional rules to be employees alone.
The permit is granted for five years.
The permit does not constitute grounds for a settlement permit.
Family members can come to Norway pursuant to the regulations for
family immigration pursuant to the EEA Agreement. If the family’s application is submitted simultaneously with the main applicant’s application, they will be processed together.
Can the permit be renewed or extended?
The permit can be renewed. It is renewed for five years at a time. Applications for renewal must contain documentation that the business is engaged in actual operation. Accounts must be submitted that document operations.
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 renewal should be submitted to the police in the district in which you live.
When applying for a renewal, you must enclose documentation showing that the business is still in operation.
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 believes 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.
