Seafarers on ships in Norwegian waters
Who it's for: For people working on board Norwegian or foreign ships in Norwegian waters; the need for a permit depends on the ship type and citizenship.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 3 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Job offer needed: Yes
- Main fee: NOK 6,300
- Family can join: No
- Can lead to permanent residence: No
- Decision time: Official processing-time tool
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main fee | NOK 6,300 | — | udi.noOfficial · 3 Nov 2026 |
Figures marked check could not be confirmed on a live official page, or come from a secondary source.
What the official pages say
5 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Job offer neededYesOfficial wording
“You must have received a concrete offer of full-time work on board a foreign-registered ship that carries cargo or passengers between Norwegian ports.”
Main feeNOK 6,300Official wording
“Residence permits for work for applicants over the age of 18 (also renewals) NOK 6 300”
Family can joinNoOfficial wording
“Your family members cannot apply for a family immigration permit to come and live with you in Norway.”
Can lead to permanent residenceNoOfficial wording
“The period you have this permit does not count if you later wish to apply for a permanent residence permit.”
Decision timeOfficial processing-time tool ↗Official wording
“Here you can find UDI’s waiting times for first-time applications, renewals, and appeals.”
We have not yet recorded: Study place needed; Minimum education; Work experience; Language; Age limit; Money to show; Salary threshold; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other work with a sponsor routes in Norway
- Employee of a foreign company on assignment in Norway
- Athletes or coaches
- Residence for an EU/EEA employee (registration)
- Posted worker from an EU/EEA company
- Employee of a foreign company in another EU/EEA country on assignment
- Employees of international companies on assignment for the Norwegian branch
- Journalist on assignment for a foreign media institution
- Other media personnel on assignment for a foreign media institution
- Offshore worker on a mobile installation
- Religious leaders/teachers
- Researcher with own funds
- Russian cross-border workers
- Unskilled Russian workers in Northern Norway
- Skilled worker with an employer in Norway
- Trainees
All visa types in Norway
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
Norway visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.