Norway Visa For Indians: Types, Eligibility Criteria & Application Process

Norway, often known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, is located in northernmost Europe. Many travellers from throughout the world visit Norway. If an Indian citizen wants to travel to the Kingdom of Norway, they must get a visa.

Indian nationals travelling to Norway require a national visa, transit visa, or Schengen visa. The type of visa for Norway will depend on the duration, nature, and purpose of your visit. Apart from this, as per 2022 guidelines, you will also need to have an international travel insurance policy, to travel to Norway.

Do Indians Need a Visa to Travel to Norway?

Yes, all Indian nationals willing to travel to Norway require to have a valid visa.

1. Schengen Visa

A Schengen visa allows a stay of up to 90 days throughout a six-month period. Also, you are able to travel throughout the Schengen region with this visa.

For example, you will be able to visit countries including Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Latvia, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Poland. Furthermore, you won't encounter many restrictions even if you frequently enter or exit the Schengen region.

2. National Visa D

You can stay in Norway for 91 to 180 days with a national visa. Indians can apply for this visa for several reasons, including those of a temporary worker, volunteer, researcher, guest researcher, or student. Also, depending on the nature and objectives of your trip, the national visa D may be granted for a single or several entries.

3. Transit Visa

The transit visa differs from other visas in that it is only generally good for a few days. You can apply for this visa if you only want to visit the country once. A transit visa allows visitors to enter the nation while they wait for a subsequent flight, train, or ferry.

4. Visiting Friends or Family Visa

This visa is for persons who have friends or family who are residents of the Schengen area. If your friends or family are staying in Norway on a national visa, you may also use this as your reason. However, when applying for a visa, you will be required to provide a recommendation letter from a friend or relative.

5. Tourist Visa

A tourist visa is for individuals intending to visit Norway for tourism purposes only. In addition, persons who already possess a Schengen visa can enter and leave Norway without needing to get a different visa.

6. Medical Visa

A medical visa is granted when a person has to go to Norway for medical treatment. However, they will also need a letter from the hospital or medical professionals in Norway and a letter of recommendation from a doctor who has prescribed the person.

7. Sports, Cultural, and Film Crews Visa

It is for citizens of India who intend to visit Norway to attend or take part in sporting, cultural, or religious events or activities.

8. Education Visa

A student visa is required to study in one of Norway's educational institutions.

9. Business Visa

A person who needs to visit Norway for business must apply for this type of visa. Additionally, a business visa is also necessary if you work for an organisation or corporation based in Norway.

To qualify for a Norway visa, candidates must meet a few prerequisites. Those Norway visa requirements are –

• Indian citizens with valid Indian passports can apply for a visa to Norway.
• A person can apply for a visa through authorised agents if they want to travel to Norway for business, tourism, a visit to family, or a visit from friends. However, those looking for work in Norway are ineligible to apply through the Visa Lounge.
• Passengers flying to Norway are required to have travel insurance.

To apply for a Norway visa, it is essential to note the document requirements. The requirements are stringent, and sorting and managing these prior applications is advisable. Nevertheless, the requirements are –

• Firstly, download the application form and then fill it out. You can also online complete and print a physical copy of the Norway Schengen Visa Application Form.
• Then send two images; one must be in passport format, and the other must be a current whole-face photograph on a light backdrop.
• You'll need your passport and copies of any prior visas that are still valid for at least three months after your return date. There must be at least two blank pages in your passport.
• A copy of your reservation for a return ticket. If a visa is not otherwise necessary, purchasing the ticket before acquiring one is not advised.
• Confirmation of at least USD 29741 in travel insurance coverage for Norway and the entire Schengen region.
• A cover letter outlining the schedule and the reason for the trip to Norway.
• Flight reservation indicating entry and exit from Norway with dates, including flight numbers.
• Proof of lodging for the entire planned stay in Norway.
• Proof of your civic status (if applicable).
• Evidence of enough financial resources for the duration of the stay in Norway. When applying for a Norwegian visa, a foreign national who wishes to enter Norwegian territory must certify to the Embassy or Consulate that they have at least 52.90 USD. Although this sum is not final, it generally depends on a case-by-case basis.

Apart from these general requirements, some other general requirements are –

1. For Employed Applicants

• Employment agreement
• Last six-month bank statement
• Employer's certificate of no objection
• ITR (Income Tax Return) or CIT (Certificate of Income Tax Deducted at Source)

2. For Self-Employed Applicants

• Your company licence on paper
• Last six-month company bank statement
• Financial Statement (ITR)

3. For Students

• Evidence of enrolment
• A letter approving your leave from your school or university

4. For Retired Applicants

• Most recent six-month pension statement

Here, it is essential to note that these requirements are subject to change, so you should visit the official website for detailed Norway visa information. However, there are also some additional requirements for a visa depending on the purpose of the visit.

5. For Business Purposes

• Letter of invitation from the Norwegian company, including the company's complete address and the dates of your visit.
• A letter from the company approving or saying that you may travel for work.
• If the two businesses had previous business dealings, individuals must provide evidence of those dealings.
• Last six-month business bank statement.
• Memorandum and Article of Association (in original certified copy)
• Documents pertaining to proprietorships and partnerships and a trade license (original and current renewal).
• The employer or the partner company must provide expenses coverage on the letter or invitation while residing in the Schengen area.

6. Tourist/Visitor Visa

• Invitation letter from your Norwegian relatives or friends
• Last six-month bank statement
• Copies of passports

7. For Medical Purposes

• A Local medical or health report
• A medical certification from a Norwegian hospital or physician attesting to the time of your appointment and your health condition
• Receipt for payment of medical costs

8. For Members of Official Delegations

• Copy of the formal invitation
• Applicant's identity document
• Documents showing the objective of the Journey (such as negotiations, events by intergovernmental organisations, meetings, and consultations)
• Duration of stay
• Location of accommodation

9. For Culture, Film Crew, Sports, or Religious Purposes

• Invitation letter from the aforementioned authorities detailing the nature of the events or activities, the visit's purpose, and financial support
• The applicants' names (crew members)
• Length of stay
• Travel schedule

The visa fee for adults in Norway is 86.88 USD (80 EUR). Children under the age of six are not charged any fee. But, those between six to twelve years must pay USD 43.42 (EUR 40). For details on visa charges for additional organisations, visit the UDI website. 

Disclaimer: The visa fees are subject to change, based on new immigration rules, the country in which you apply, the local currency and currency exchange rates.

The Norway visa process is simple, and the details are provided below –

Step 1: The first step for applying online for a visa is selecting the appropriate category and type. You must ensure that you are eligible for the visa and have the necessary supporting papers for the application.

Step 2: The next step is to submit the necessary paperwork, including the visa application form.

Step 3: In this step, you have to make an appointment. Remember that to schedule your visa appointment; you must go to the embassy or general consulate. There you have to submit your visa application, your picture, passport, and necessary paperwork.

Step 4: Lastly, if you get the visa, you must pick it up in person from the embassy or consulate. Not that you won't be permitted to send a substitute in replacement of your absence.

While applying for a Norway visa, you can only submit the filled application offline. However, you have to fill out the application online. For more details about filing applications offline, you can visit your nearest embassy.

After the embassy or consulate receives the application, the processing period typically lasts up to 15 calendar days. In addition, applications might be referred to the Directorate of Immigration (UDI), where they may take up to 45 calendar days to process.

So, planning and applying for a visa much in advance is advisable to avoid any mishaps concerning tickets and deadlines.

As of 2022, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for visa application, so you must opt for it to get your visa approved. But, apart from it, international travel insurance is integral to your trip. It can halt the drainage of money if something unfortunate happens while on the trip.

Most leading online international travel insurance policy providers cover all aspects of trips such as loss of luggage and passport, medical emergencies, personal accidents, etc. Also, raising a claim with an online insurance policy provider is easy, and there is nominal paperwork, so you don’t have to worry about carrying documents while on the trip.

Hence, make sure to check all prerequisites while applying for a visa for Norway. This will ensure your request approves fast without any delays. Additionally, opt for travel insurance for peace of mind to make your trip relaxing and memorable.