Norway is famous for its breathtaking fjords, spectacular nature, and the chance to see the Northern Lights in person. Whether you’re looking to explore it as a tourist, visit a family member, or study abroad, you will most likely need a visa. In fact, Qatari citizens must apply for a visa to Norway, even for short stays. Here’s everything you need to know about visa types, fees, and the application process, along with a document checklist.

Qatar citizens need a visa to visit Norway. The same goes for most Qatar residents with citizenship of other countries, including Indians, Pakistanis, Egyptians, and Filipinos. 

On the other hand, as many as 65 other nationalities, including the USA, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan, do not need a visa. Holders of residence permits from any Schengen country are on the exemption list as well. 

Tourist visa

A visitor visa allows you to stay in Norway or other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. It’s designed for leisure, so you aren’t allowed to work on this visa.

Fees: Adults: QAR 371 

Children 6–12: QAR 186 

Children under 6: Free

Processing time: Up to 15 days 

Family and friends visa

This visa allows you to visit family or friends who live in Norway. You will need proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation, an invitation letter from your host, and proof of the relationship. If family members are EU/EEA nationals and not just residents, applicants may be entitled to an accelerated visa procedure free of charge.

Fees: EU/EEA residents’ family members: QAR 371

EU/EEA citizens’ family members: Free

Processing time: Up to 15 days 

Business trip visa

A business visa is granted to those visiting for business purposes, and it is valid for all the Schengen States. To obtain it, applicants need to provide an invitation letter from a Norwegian company and proof of employment. 

Fees: QAR 371

Processing time: Up to 15 days 

Work residence permit

A typical Norway work visa from Qatar doesn’t exist. The country has special residence permits that take longer to process and require more documentation. Details are available on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website, and the main condition is to have an existing job offer from a Norwegian company.

Fees: Around QAR 2,000

Processing time: 1–3 months

Study permit 

This permit allows you to attend a university, college, bible school, or folk high school in Norway. You can also apply for it if you’re planning on taking up vocational training or doing research. The documentation is a bit more extensive, but the main things you need to provide are proof of admission to a Norwegian school and proof of funds. In 2026, the sum is around QAR 63,000 per year.

Fees: Applicants under 18: QAR 1,000

Applicants over 18: QAR 2,000

Processing time: 1–3 months

The application for a Norwegian visa is a bit more complicated than for most other visas. You’re first filling out an application on the UDI website, then booking an appointment via VFS Global, and finally providing documentation in person. 

So, here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Prepare the documents based on the type of visa you are applying for.

2. Go to UDI, create your profile, and start the application.

3. Fill out the form with your information, including personal data, citizenship, contact address, passport, ID, and travel plan.

4. Pay the fees online.

5. Book an appointment at VFS Global. 

6. Attend the appointment in the Al Nuami building and provide documentation.

7. Pay the processing fee of QAR 84 per application.

8. Track your application on the VFS website. 

After approval, you can pick up your documents at VFS or have them sent via a courier for an additional fee.