The permit is available to Australian passport holders, single or married, in the 18-30 (inclusive) age group who meet the following criteria:
- Possess a return travel ticket or sufficient funds with which to purchase a ticket
- Possess the required financial means
- Can provide a health certificate from a doctor/GP stating that the applicant is fit and healthy to travel to and work in Norway. Please be advised that you may freely choose which qualified medical doctor to see to obtain the required medical certificate. There is no requirement regarding the format of the medical certificate.
- Intend primarily to holiday in Norway for a specific period
- Are not accompanied by dependent children
- Have not previously taken part in this specific Working Holiday Maker scheme
General permit information
This is a multiple-entry permit valid for 12 months. This permit may be extended for an additional 12 months at the discretion of the Norwegian immigration authorities.
Employment is restricted to a maximum of 6 months with each individual employer. There is no restriction on the type of employment which may be taken, however permit holders will be required to comply with the laws and regulations of the country and not to engage in employment that is contrary to the purpose of the Working Holiday arrangements.
A knowledge of the Norwegian language is not a requirement for this permit. Although there is no direct assistance available for finding jobs, the Government of Norway will encourage youth, cultural and community organizations within the country to provide appropriate counseling facilities for Australian citizens who have entered Norway on Working Holiday permits.
Working Holiday permit holders are permitted to study or train for up to 3 months during their stay.
Applicants may break their Working Holiday and depart Norway temporarily within the 12 months from the date of initial entry. However, if you depart Norway during this period you will not be able to recover the period spent outside Norway.
Applicants may apply simultaneously for Working Holiday permits in other countries.
Application process
Applications can be lodged at any of the Norwegian Consulate offices within Australia or posted directly to the Embassy in Canberra. The form to be used is called "Application for a residence permit or work permit". These forms are available on-line or from any Norwegian Embassy or Consulate office throughout the world.
Applications are processed by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Canberra and generally take no more than 4 weeks to finalise. However, it is important that correct documentation is submitted if delays are to be avoided.
Due to the large number of applications, the Embassy will not be able to confirm receipt of your documents. If you would like acknowledgement that your application and or supporting documents have been received, please use a delivery service that enables you to track your letter/email.
Please note that the Embassy will return passports and send notifications by regular post only. If you wish for these to be sent by a faster or more secure method, you must either provide a pre-paid self-addressed envelope of your choice, or a confirmation that you will book and pay for a courier company when needed. The same applies for postage from the Consulate to the Embassy if the application and or supporting documents are lodged with one of our Consulates.
Applicants are provided with an official Embassy letter which must be taken to the police in Norway within 7 days of arrival in the country in order to have the permit sticker stamped into their passports. For this reason applicants must be sure to state the city/town where they will be located during their initial days in Norway so that permit particulars can be forwarded to the appropriate police district.
Applicants have up to 6 months to enter Norway from the date the permit is approved. If you are unable to enter Norway within the required six month period after the permit has been approved you must contact the Embassy in Canberra to cancel the original permit in good time before the given final date of entry, otherwise it will not be possible to reapply for the permit at a later time.
Please note that you will as a general rule not be permitted to enter Norway until your permit has been granted.
Applicants will be advised if an interview is deemed necessary in order to determine eligibility.
The following application documentation must be provided:
- Application for a residence permit or work permit
- One passport photograph
- Certified copy of the bio-data page (containing photo/personal details) of the Australian passport
- Supporting financial documentation
- Medical certificate from a doctor/GP stating that the applicant is fit and healthy to travel to and work in Norway. Please be advised that you may freely choose which qualified medical doctor to see to obtain the required medical certificate. There is no requirement regarding the format of the medical certificate.
- Application fee
Please note: If you do not have an employer at the time you apply, please leave that space blank in the application.
Please Note: Applications mailed directly to the Embassy must include a Money Order made payable to "The Royal Norwegian Embassy Canberra"
Please Note: All photocopied documentation must be certified by a qualified authority as a true copy of the original document. The following persons are qualified to certify documents: Medical Practitioner,Legal Practitioner,Pharmacist,Justice of the Peace,Police Officer,Post Office employee,Commissioner for Affidavits/Declarations,Commonwealth/State/Local Government employees with 5+ years of continuous service,Bank/Building Society/Credit Union employees with 5+ years of continuous service, Member of Parliament
Financial documentation:
Evidence must be provided showing that the applicant has available funds of no less than AUD 7,000 in his or her own name at the time of the application. This amount is intended to include approx. AUD 2,000 airfare and AUD 5,000 for initial subsistence in Norway. If the airfare has been paid for at the time of application, a bank statement showing a minimum of AUD 5,000 together with a certified copy of the paid-for airline ticket will be accepted.
Bank statements must be either originals or certified copies of originals. Over-the-counter statements of balance can also be accepted if they bear a bank stamp, date and signature. Internet statements and ATM balance statements cannot be accepted unless they bear the applicant's name and have been certified correct by the relevant bank.
Please note that this permit does not allow for guarantees of accommodation or financial support from other people as a part of the financial requirement of the application.
Credit card limits or balances are not acceptable as proof of available funds.
Health Insurance:
Temporary visitors to Norway may now obtain limited subsidised health services for immediately necessary treatment. This means any ill-health or injury which occurs while in Norway and which requires treatment before you return home. Existing medical conditions are not covered. Any necessary treatment will be given within the public health care system on terms no less favourable than would apply to a resident in the country. However, transportation is not included and there is a limit on the daily amount of hospital costs which will be covered. In order to have expenses covered the patient must use a GP with a reimbursement agreement (this should be checked with the doctor). The patient will only be required to pay the cost-sharing charge (patient's fee) which is non-reimbursable. A passport or valid Medicare card will suffice as documentation.
Working Holiday permit holders are strongly advised to obtain private travel/health insurance before leaving Australia.