Quick answer
An entry visa (D-visa) allows you to travel to Norway before your residence permit is granted, or if you have lost your residence card while abroad [1]. Eligibility is limited, and it must be likely that your residence permit will be granted [2]. To apply, you must complete a digital application form and then go to an application centre to submit your documents in person [3]. Most applicants do not need to pay a fee; only students or family members applying before permit is processed must pay the same fee as a visitor's visa [4]. The visa is granted with a 30-day period of stay [5]. While on a D-visa, you have limited rights: you are not registered as a resident, have no right to work (except if granted early employment start), only emergency healthcare, and no public benefits [6]. After entering Norway, you must report to the police within one week [7].
Key facts
| Visa type | Entry visa (D-visa) – long-stay visa[1] |
| Duration of stay | 30 days[5] |
| Fee | Most applicants free; only students/family members pay visitor's visa fee[4] |
| Application method | Online form then in-person submission[3] |
| Right to work | No, except if granted early employment start[13] |
| Post-entry requirement | Report to police within one week[7] |
Requirements
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Requirements in detail
You must report to the police in person within one week after entering Norway, either to apply for a residence permit or to notify them if you have already applied.
You must submit an online application for a residence permit within one week of entering Norway and book the first available appointment to hand in your documents.
The D-visa does not grant the right to work. You may not work in Norway unless you have been granted a residence permit.
You are not entitled to public benefits (including Norwegian language training for family immigration) before a residence permit has been granted.
After the 30-day period indicated on the visa sticker, you may not travel to other Schengen countries unless you have been granted a residence permit and received a residence card.
Make sure to bring any original documents you need for your residence permit application from your home country.
Documents you'll need
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Complete the digital application form. [3]
- 2
Gather the required documents based on your personal checklist. [9]
- 3
Go to the application centre notified in the form to submit your documents and provide biometrics. [3]
- 4
If granted, travel to Norway. After entry, report to the police within one week to apply for or notify them of your residence permit. [7]
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a C-visa and a D-visa?
A C-visa is for short stays (up to 90 days in 180 days) and is uniform across Schengen. A D-visa is a long-stay visa; Norway issues D-visas as entry visas for specific purposes. The D-visa allows transit through other Schengen countries to Norway. [18]
Can I work on a D-visa?
No, a D-visa does not give you the right to work, except if you have been granted early employment start. [6][13]
How do I appeal a rejection?
If your entry visa application is rejected, you can submit a written appeal to the embassy. The embassy will reconsider, and if it does not reverse the decision, the case is forwarded to UDI. [11]
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
D-visa allows travel to Norway before permit or if card lost
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
Eligibility limited; must be likely permit granted
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
Application: online form + in-person submission
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
Fee: most free; students/family pay visitor fee
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
30-day period of stay
UDI 2020-011 Application for and issue of entry visas (D-visas) · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
Rights: limited healthcare, no work, no public benefits
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Report to police within one week after entry
Information for holders of an entry visa · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [9]
Documents depend on reason; checklist after form
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [10]
Lost card: apply and provide explanation
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [11]
Appeal rejection with written appeal
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [13]
Right to work only if early employment start
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [18]
Difference between C-visa and D-visa
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Norway's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Norway's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.