Norway offers temporary residence permits for seasonal workers from non-EEA countries who wish to work in industries that operate only during specific times of the year. This article outlines the application process, documentation requirements, and important regulations for seasonal work permits under Section 6-3 of the Norwegian Immigration Regulations.
What Qualifies as Seasonal Work?
Seasonal work in Norway is defined as work in industries that can only operate during limited parts of the year. Examples include:
Harvesting of vegetables, fruit, and berries
Forestry work
Fishing industry
Greenhouse and nursery work
Restaurant industry (seasonal)
Tourism industry (seasonal)
It's important to note that general maintenance work such as carpentry, painting, and other repair or restoration work does not qualify as seasonal work.
Holiday Replacement Work
The seasonal work permit also covers employment related to covering for regular employees during their holidays. While most Norwegian businesses schedule holidays between June 1 and September 30, permits for holiday coverage are not limited to this period.
For holiday replacement work, applicants must typically provide documentation proving they will actually be replacing employees on holiday, usually in the form of a holiday schedule showing which employees they will be replacing.
Application Procedures
Where to Apply
As a general rule, applicants must submit their application from:
Their home country, or
A country where they have had a residence permit for the last six months
Exceptions – Applying from Norway:
Applications can be submitted in Norway if the applicant has legal residence in the country. However, the applicant cannot:
Begin working before the residence permit is granted
Be staying in Norway in connection with an asylum application
Be awaiting departure after rejection of an asylum application
Employer Application on Behalf of Workers
Employers can submit applications on behalf of their workers if they have written authorization from the worker. This authorization can be provided either:
By completing the designated section in the application form, or
Through a separate power of attorney document
When employers submit applications, they must do so to the police in the district where the business is located or through a Service Center for Foreign Workers.
Documentation Requirements
First-time Applications
Applicants must complete the relevant documentation checklist and submit all required documents. Key documents include:
Completed application form
Valid passport (original must be presented for verification)
Passport photo (meeting specified requirements)
Job offer form completed and signed by both the employer and applicant
Documentation of qualifications if the work requires specific skills
Documentation of holiday schedules (for holiday replacement work)
Official documents such as certificates and diplomas must be presented in their original form to the foreign service mission or police. The originals will be returned to the applicant, while authenticated copies will be attached to the application.
Documents in languages other than Norwegian or English must generally be translated by an approved translator, with clear indication of who performed the translation and when.
For seasonal work in agriculture and forestry industries, applications fall under a quota system. No statement from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) is required as long as the quota has not been filled.
Renewal Applications
If the initial permit was granted for less than six months, it can be renewed for a total period of up to six months. Renewal applications should be submitted to the local police district using the appropriate application form.
The applicant or employer must pay the processing fee for renewal applications. No new statement from NAV is required for renewals.
Decision Authority
The police have the authority to approve first-time applications submitted in Norway if there is no doubt that all conditions are met. Similarly, the police can approve renewal applications when conditions are clearly satisfied. If there is any doubt, the case must be forwarded to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) for decision.
Important Regulations
Quarantine Rule
The total duration of residence in Norway as a seasonal worker must not exceed six months within a twelve-month period. After reaching this six-month limit, foreign nationals can apply for a new seasonal work permit only after spending six months outside Norway.
Transportation Costs
The police must inform if the applicant owes the Norwegian state money from previous deportations, in accordance with Section 91 of the Immigration Act.
Documentation Format
Official documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.) must be:
Presented in their original version
Typically signed by a notary public and stamped with the institution's official seal
In some cases, accompanied by an apostille stamp for legalization
Translated by an approved translator if not in Norwegian or English
If required attachments are missing, the applicant must provide an explanation and specify if and when the missing documents will be submitted.
Conclusion
Seasonal work permits offer a legal pathway for non-EEA nationals to work temporarily in Norway's seasonal industries. Understanding the specific requirements, application procedures, and time limitations is essential for a successful application.
For employers, the ability to apply on behalf of workers with proper authorization can streamline the process. However, all parties must be aware of the six-month limitation within any twelve-month period and the requirement to leave Norway for six months before becoming eligible for a new seasonal work permit.
By ensuring all documentation is complete and properly authenticated, applicants can help expedite the processing of their seasonal work permit applications.
