Norway has resumed visa services for Pakistani applicants after a temporary suspension caused by the regional conflict, allowing applications for work, visitor, and residence permits to be submitted once again.
According to the Norwegian Embassy in Pakistan, visa operations resumed on March 26, 2026, following the reopening of the Norwegian Visa Application Centre. Applicants can now submit their visa applications through VFS Global/Gerry’s International offices in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
The embassy said visa services had been temporarily suspended due to the regional war, which forced the Norwegian visa hub in Abu Dhabi to halt operations for applicants from Gulf countries and Pakistan.
Applicants are required to book an online appointment and pay the applicable service fee before submitting their visa applications.
Those whose appointments were scheduled between March 3 and March 25, 2026, will receive new appointment dates directly from the VFS team via telephone or email. Applicants who no longer wish to proceed with their application can cancel their appointments after being contacted.
Eligibility for Norway Working Holiday Visa
Applicants seeking a Norway Working Holiday Visa must meet several eligibility requirements. They must apply through a Norwegian embassy in their home country and belong to a country that has a Working Holiday Agreement with Norway.
Currently, the programme is available to citizens of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand. Applicants must generally be between 18 and 30 years old, while Canadian citizens are eligible up to the age of 35.
Applicants must also provide proof of employment with a specific employer in Norway and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves during the first three months of their stay. The required amount is NOK 45,507, equivalent to three months of living expenses.
In addition, applicants must obtain valid medical insurance before travelling to Norway.
Visa Conditions
The Working Holiday Visa is valid for a maximum of one year and does not permit permanent employment. Visa holders may work in Norway, but they cannot remain with the same employer for more than six months.
The visa is not intended for individuals planning to study for more than three months. Those wishing to pursue longer studies must apply for a separate student residence permit.
Family members are not eligible to accompany visa holders under Norway’s family immigration scheme through this visa category.
How to Apply
Applicants should first confirm their eligibility through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) before preparing the required documents.
The application package includes a completed application form, a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of sufficient funds, a return ticket or evidence of funds to purchase one, health insurance documents, and a police clearance certificate.
Applications must be submitted at the Norwegian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. In some countries, applicants can complete part of the process online before attending their appointment.
Applicants are also required to pay a visa application fee, which is typically NOK 6,300, and attend an interview at the embassy or consulate.
Visa processing times vary depending on the application and may take several weeks to up to six months. Successful applicants will receive an approval letter along with an entry permit authorising travel to Norway.
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