Visas
Information and practical advice about visas across Europe.
Which nationalities get the most EU Blue Cards and where do they go?
The EU hands out thousands of Blue Cards to highly-skilled third country nationals each year, according to the latest figures. But which nationalities receive the most and which EU country gives out the most?
EU ministers agree new rules around suspending visa-free travel
European affairs ministers gave the go ahead this week to new rules that will make it easier to suspend the right to visa-free travel for non-EU countries under certain circumstances.
COMPARE: Which country in Europe is the easiest to retire to?
Finishing work and heading off to a glorious new life as a retiree in Europe is the dream for many, but just how easy is it to do in reality? We compare the rules in 9 countries in Europe.
Does Norway have a 'golden visa' option?
Some countries offer visas to prospective residents who can pay their own way while living in the country. One reader wants to know whether Norway has such a scheme.
Europe to draw up new visa strategy to bring in skilled non-EU workers
The European Commission is preparing a new visa strategy to attract "top talent from abroad that is needed to fill skills and labour shortages in the EU and drive research and innovation."
'Cascade scheme': Who can benefit from longer term Schengen visas?
Certain non-EU nationals, including Indian citizens, can benefit from a new type of Schengen visa, which rewards travellers with an established travel history, and allows multiple entries to the EU/Schengen area over a long period of time.
Which European countries now offer a 'digital nomad' visa?
With the world of work rapidly changing, digital nomad visas are now in high demand as a way to experience life in another country while continuing to work remotely. Here are the European countries that you can obtain one for, and what’s involved.
‘I had no idea what was going on’: American deported from Norway for volunteering
Juliana Mattson, from the US, travelled to Norway to learn more about organic and sustainable farming but was deported and banned from entering the Schengen Area for two years just ten days into her trip.
EES and ETIAS: Prepare for the major travel changes in Europe
There are some big changes due to come into effect in 2025 which will affect travel in and out of the European Union for non-EU citizens such as Brits, Americans, Australians and Canadians. Here's how EES and ETIAS will affect you.
Cost for getting a short-stay Schengen visa to rise on June 11th
The fee for getting a Schengen visa will rise by 12 percent in June, the European Commission has confirmed.
What happens if you overstay your 90-day limit in Norway?
In line with European Union (EU) and Schengen Zone rules, people who do not need a visa to visit Norway can stay in the country for up to 90 days within a time span of 180 days. Here's what happens if you overstay the 90-day period.
Norway's immigration directorate cuts contact hours to work on cases
Norway’s Directorate of Immigration will cut the hours that applicants can contact it to try and process more residence, citizenship and asylum applications.
EU set to hike cost for getting a Schengen visa
The fee for obtaining a Schengen visa looks set to rise by 12 percent if the European Commission has its way.
How many family immigration permits did Norway issue in 2023?
More than 15,000 people moved to Norway last year to be with family or were granted a residence permit for family reunification, according to the latest figures.
How Norway’s working holiday visa rules work in 2024
Norway has a working holiday scheme that grants nationals from certain countries the right to work in Norway while they travel.
Who can move to Norway on a working holiday visa in 2024?
Norway offers several working holiday visa types, allowing foreigners to come to the country and earn a wage while travelling.
Explained: Can simply being born in Norway grant you residency rights?
Can being born in Norway grant you or your children residency rights later in life? The answer depends on several factors, such as the nationality of the parents.
Norway’s immigration authority changes price of several application fees
Norway’s immigration directorate (UDI) has changed the prices of its application fees, with paperwork to move with and visit family in Norway becoming significantly more expensive.
Reader Question: Can you visit Norway for more than 90 days?
Whether you need a visa or not, many travellers are limited to stays of just 90 days within Norway. So, are there any alternatives or ways to visit Norway for longer?
Mythbuster: Can you really 'cheat' the Schengen 90-day rule?
It's human nature to look for a loophole, shortcut or workaround to the rules, but most of the advertised 'dodges' to the EU's 90-day rule are nothing of the sort.
ETIAS: Will non-EU tourists need to pay for a visa waiver to visit Norway?
The EU has plans to introduce an entry requirement for visa-exempt non-EU holidaymakers - including Brits, Americans, and Canadians when visiting the EU and Schengen zone. Here's how it will work for people travelling to Norway in future.
Is Norway's independent contractor visa a good fit for digital nomads?
Digital nomads have been showing an increased interest in Norway in recent years. But what are the visa options best suited to working remotely from Norway, and is the independent contractor visa an option?
The key things you need to know about Norway's student visa
If you want to study in Norway and you're not from a country that is a member of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you will likely need a student visa. Here's what you need to know.