Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
The first step is to determine which category visa or residence permit you need, and check whether you’re eligible to apply for it.
You will also need to know the documents that you will have to submit along with your application, how long the application might take and fees you will have to pay.
Each application must comply with the guidelines applicable to your visa or residence permit category.
If your documents are not in English you may need to get notarized translations prepared before applying.
On this website you will find guidelines regarding the application process. The first step of the application process is to register your application online. Click here to start the application process. The person inviting you to Norway can also register the application and book an appointment online on your behalf. The documents must personally be submitted at your closest VFS center.
Please note that all applicants are required to provide an online payment receipt confirming online registration and payment of the application fee in the Application Portal when submitting an application at a Norwegian Visa Application Centre. Online payments in the Application Portal can be made by using a credit/debit card (MasterCard or Visa).
Applications for visitor’s visas and residence permits for Norway are handled by the Royal Norwegian Embassy . To submit your application, please go to VFS Global Application Centre.
Once you have filled your visa form, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as ‘biometric information’.
Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.
If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.
When you register your application on the Application Portal, you will need to pay your application fee as part of this process.
For additional information in Service fee and Courier fee, please click here
Certain additional services offered by VFS Global are not included in the service fee. Please note that these services are optional.
You’ll have to submit your complete visa application form at the Visa Application Centre in person.
You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting.
You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service.
After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your documents from the Visa Application Centre or have your documents returned to you by courier for an additional fee.
Collecting your documents in person: bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a form of Government identification. If permitted you may be able to send a representative to collect your documents; they will need to present a notarized authorization in writing (with full name, signature, passport number, place and date), valid identification issued by the government in original and copy for both, the authorized representative and the applicant (one copy of each to be kept at VAC).
Please check with the Visa Application Centre at the time of your appointment for the options available to collect your documents.
When collecting your decision, please make sure to check that your envelope contains your documents, including originals. If you have been granted a visa, it will be affixed to your passport.
We kindly ask that you check the following information on the visa sticker:
Name and surname with correct spelling
Period of validity AND duration of stay. The duration of stay indicates how many days you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area.
Number of entries
Passport number
If there is a mistake on your visa sticker, please contact the VFS office or the Embassy as soon as possible.
Ready to apply?
Start your application process and then come back to VFS Global with your reference number to book an appointment and read about the additional services offered at your Visa Application Centre.
Additional Information
Here is what else you can do