Norway announces changes to seasonal work visa program, set to take effect in 2025 

These updates, set to take effect in 2025, will impact the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and job categories covered under the program.

TravelBiz reports that the changes are aimed at addressing labour shortages in specific industries while providing foreign workers with temporary employment opportunities in Norway.

The program has long been a key pathway for thousands of workers seeking jobs in seasonal sectors, such as agriculture, tourism, and forestry.

The Seasonal Work Visa permits foreign nationals to work in Norway for a set period in industries with seasonal demand. Common job categories include agriculture, forestry, and tourism.

The updated rules will limit the Seasonal Work Visa to specific job sectors. Eligible job categories include:

Nevertheless, jobs in trades such as carpentry, painting, and other similar professions will no longer be eligible for the visa. These changes are expected to focus the program on industries where labor shortages are most significant.

To qualify for the Seasonal Work Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

These requirements are designed to ensure that workers can live and work in Norway without burdening the country’s social systems.

The application process for the Seasonal Work Visa involves several steps:

Norwegian authorities recommend applying early, as the process may take longer during peak seasons. Processing times can be delayed if documents are incomplete or incorrect.