To work in Norway as a non-EU/EEA professional earning around NOK 1,000,000 per year (approximately USD 100,000+), you must secure a job offer from a Norwegian employer willing to sponsor your visa. This requires a full-time employment contract and compliance with the updated income thresholds enforced by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), which will be in effect from September 1, 2025.
Salary Requirements for Skilled Work Permits
Starting September 1, 2025, Norway will enforce the following minimum wage requirements for work visa applicants:
- Bachelor’s degree roles: Minimum annual salary of NOK 522,600
- Master’s degree roles: Minimum annual salary of NOK 599,200
In sectors covered by collective agreements, employers must follow those wage terms, even if they exceed national minimums. If your job offer includes an annual salary of NOK 1,000,000 or more, you are well above these thresholds and should have no difficulty meeting UDI’s wage requirement.
Industries and Roles Typically Offering NOK 1,000,000+
Some industries consistently pay international professionals salaries above NOK 1 million, particularly for mid-to-senior roles. These include:
- Information Technology: Senior developers, cloud architects, AI engineers
- Healthcare: Specialized physicians, experienced nurses, clinical managers
- Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, petroleum, and project engineers
- Finance: Accountants, investment analysts, risk managers
- Energy and Maritime: Offshore engineers, project leads, safety officers
Most of these roles are centered in Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, and Trondheim, where global companies or high-demand industries operate.
How to Apply for a Sponsored Work Visa in Norway
1. Secure a Job Offer
Begin your job search using Norwegian recruitment portals such as NAV or Finn.no, or international platforms like LinkedIn. Look specifically for companies open to hiring foreign workers and mention visa sponsorship in your application.
2. Employer Initiates Sponsorship Process
Once hired, your employer must submit documentation to UDI to confirm that they are offering a full-time position, paying the legal wage, and are unable to fill the role locally.
3. Submit Your Visa Application
After sponsorship is confirmed, apply online through the UDI application portal or at your nearest Norwegian embassy. As of 2025, the skilled worker application fee is NOK 6,300. Processing times range from four to eight weeks.
4. Receive Your Residence Permit and Begin Work
If approved, you’ll receive a residence card, visa stamp, and instructions for entering Norway. Once inside the country, you must register with the local police and begin work according to your contract terms. Dependents can apply for family reunification at the same time.
Benefits of High-Earning Sponsorship in Norway
Professionals earning NOK 1,000,000 or more annually are in a favorable position to access:
- Legal long-term employment with a path to permanent residency
- Full access to Norway’s healthcare system and social benefits
- Pension contributions and holiday pay
- Opportunity to sponsor family members
- Eligibility for permanent residency after three years of continuous employment
This salary bracket also provides a strong buffer for living in Norway’s high-cost cities while maintaining savings, travel opportunities, and quality of life.
Things to Watch For
- If your profession falls under a sector-wide collective agreement, the employer must meet those specific wage and working condition standards.
- You cannot rely on remote or freelance income to meet the wage threshold—it must come from a formal employment contract with a Norwegian entity.
- All required documentation must be submitted before entering Norway; incomplete applications may delay or void your permit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re offered a job in Norway with a salary of NOK 1 million or more, you exceed the new 2025 wage thresholds for skilled worker permits. Your focus should now shift to finding a reputable employer that has sponsored foreign professionals before, ensuring the contract terms meet immigration standards, and submitting a complete visa application without delay.
Norway’s sponsorship system favors those with strong job offers and clear documentation. With the right employer, this can be a direct path to not just legal employment—but long-term residency, stability, and access to one of Europe’s most livable societies.