📋 Entry and residence rules for work/internships (overview)

✈️ If you are going to work or do an internship, the most important thing is to choose the right basis for your legal stay and not get lost in the registration process. Below is a clear overview of the types of work permits (and how they differ), what is required for students and interns from the EU and outside the EU, and whether registration is required for a short business trip or project in the capital. This is not legal advice, but a roadmap based on official sources and explained in plain language. Save it — it will be useful for colleagues and HR.

🛠 What types of work permits are there and how do they differ?

1) Skilled worker (for specialists).

A diploma/vocational training and an offer are required. The term is usually up to 3 years at a time (for university qualifications) with a path to permanent residence after 3 years. You cannot start work before the decision is made, except with special confirmation of an early start from the police. Remote work is not allowed unless it is part of the job.

2) Seasonal worker.

For seasonal work (agriculture, tourism, etc.) or substitutions. Permits are issued for a limited period of the year.

3) Job seeker (for ‘skilled’ workers in rare cases).

Gives time to look for work without an employer — only for qualified specialists and in exceptional cases.

4) Working holiday / cultural and exchange programmes.

For citizens of certain countries: up to 1 year (sometimes 2), cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months; this period does not count towards permanent residence.

5) Employees of foreign companies on secondment.

There are separate routes for those who are sent to a local branch of a foreign company; details depend on status and duration.

6) EU/EEA.

This is not a ‘permit’ but a registration with the police for stays longer than 3 months; a registration certificate is issued. You can start working immediately if the conditions for the right of residence are met.

📌 Short-term exceptions without a residence permit. Certain categories can work for up to 3 months without a permit (e.g. lecturers, some medical professionals, journalists, athletes, etc.), and artists can work for up to 14 days per year with notification to the police. Check your case on the UDI list.

Important information about remote work. For most non-residents from countries outside the EU, remote work ‘from within the country’ is considered employment and requires the appropriate right/permit.

🎓 What do student interns from the EU/non-EU need?

EU/EEA. If your studies/internship lasts longer than 3 months, register with the police, obtain a certificate, and you can work as soon as you meet the conditions for residence (the card may arrive later). For a salary, you need a D-number/ID number and a skattekort (tax card).

Outside the EU. There are two main options:

• Study permit. This entitles you to work up to 20 hours per week (including remotely) and full-time during holidays. Self-employment is prohibited. You cannot work until your permit is approved.
• Trainee (company intern). A separate category for students on practical training/vocational training; also allows part-time work up to 20 hours per week in addition to the main activity.

🏢 Where and how to apply. Apply through the UDI portal, then visit the police/embassy (biometrics/documents). After entry, meet with the police to get a card, ID check at the tax office for a D-number and skattekort. SUA (Service Centre for Foreign Workers) centres help you do everything in one place.

📅 If you live for more than 6 months. Notify the national register of your move and receive a permanent ID number.

🕒 Do I need to register for short-term work in Oslo?

EU/EEA. If the project is shorter than 3 months, separate registration with the police is not required; if longer, register no later than 3 months after arrival. You can start working immediately, subject to the conditions of your right of residence. In any case, you will need a skattekort and a number (D-number/ID) for payments.

Outside the EU. The general rule is that you need a residence permit with the right to work, even if the contract is short. There are exceptions, but they are limited: a number of professions can work for up to 3 months without a permit, and artists can work for up to 14 days (with notification to the police). If you are unsure, check your profile on the UDI website.

💰 Taxes and registration. Without a tax card, your employer is required to withhold 50% tax. Sign up for an ID check (Tax Administration) — they will issue you a D-number/ID number and skattekort. In Oslo, it is convenient to do this through SUA.

🗺 Simple route: basic steps after receiving an offer

1. Determine the type of permit/registration you need (skilled, seasonal, trainee, EU registration, etc.) and submit an application to the UDI.
2. Book an appointment with the police/embassy; gather the documents according to the UDI checklists.
3. Upon arrival: police (card), then tax office ID check → D-number/ID number and skattekort.
4. If you are staying for more than 6 months, report your move to the national register.
5. For short-term projects in the capital: check whether your case falls under the ‘up to 3 months’/ "14 days‘ and still apply for a skattekort.

✅ The scheme is simple: choose the right ’container" (permit, registration or one of the narrow exceptions), visit the police and the tax office, and only then start working. For the EU/EEA, short-term projects go almost without a hitch; for others, it depends on the type of residence permit (skilled/seasonal/trainee/exchange, etc.). The sooner you check with the UDI and plan your steps at the SUA/Skatteetaten, the smoother your move and first weeks of work will be.

If you have any private questions, the best place for a final check is always the official website of the UDI and the tax office: the rules are updated regularly.