Residence permit

Students participating in exchange programmes are exempt from the general rules of immigration which require receipt of a residence permit before departure for Norway. ‘Exchange programme’ refers to an agreement between the University of Agder and an institution abroad (through the Lifelong Learning Programme Erasmus) or another reciprocal agreement.

Do you need a visa?

Depending on the country of citizenship, you may enter Norway by means of one of the following:

• Visa
• Passport

Visa

A visa is required by citizens from all countries except Schengen countries and countries where Norway has a visa waiver agreement. A full overview of these countries can be found here. If you do not come from one of these countries, you should contact the Norwegian foreign service mission (embassy or consulate) in your home country to find out how you should apply for a visa to enter Norway as soon as you have received a letter of acceptance.

It is the responsibility of the individual student to use the University of Agder's acceptance letter to obtain the correct visa to enter Norway through the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence.

Residence permit

A residence permit is required by all exchange students who intend to stay in Norway for more than three months (except citizens of Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Iceland).

EU / EEA citizens

EU / EEA citizens can apply for a permit within 7 days of arrival in Norway. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration has recently created an online application system. You must register to receive a username and password and then follow the directions to apply online here:

https://selfservice.udi.no

After applying, you will receive an email telling you what to bring to the police office to receive your permit. You should have these documents with you when you arrive:

• Proof of insurance (EU Health Insurance Card)
• Two passport photos

The police office in Kristiansand is located at Tollbodgata 45. The immigration office there is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 - 14:30. Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Students outside of the EU / EEA

If you are coming from outside of Europe, we recommend that you apply from your home country. This will save you time and most likely money when you arrive. If you apply from your home country, you will only have to register with the police when you arrive. An application can be made at the Norwegian foreign service mission (embassy or consulate) in your home country. More information is available directly from: The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration

The police office in Kristiansand is located at Tollbodgata 45. The immigration office there is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 - 14:30. Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.