Visa application:
A case processing fee must be paid for visa applications, whatever the outcome. The fee must be paid when you submit your application. The visa section advices applicants to register their application pay the fee and book an appointment in our application portal.
Processing time:
According to Schengen regulations (Visa Code), visa applications shall (as a main rule) be decided on within 15 calendar days. The Visa Section is however normally able to process an application within 7 calendar days. Please note that during high-seasons the case-processing time might be longer.
Please note that we are now in the high season for visa applications and we therefore advise all applicants to apply as early as possible, according to their travel plans.
Required documents:
Prepare all the necessary documents listed below before you deliver the application, otherwise the application might be refused. All documents must be presented in original and all documents have to be translated into English or Norwegian, in a separate document.
Note: The application should be handed in to the Embassy in the following order:
1. Passport, valid at least 90 days after expiry of visa, containing at least two blank pages and issued within the previous ten years.
2. One passport photo not older than six months. For photo requirements see here.
3. Application form for Schengen visa duly completed.
4. Applicant’s “Family Information Form” duly completed.
5. Flight reservation with round trip from the airlines. The ticket should be bought only after the visa has been issued!
6. Invitation letter signed by the inviter/reference person stating the purpose and duration of the visit, the relation with the applicant (if friends, how long the reference/inviter has known the applicant, where you met etc.) and any other information about the applicant’s visit to Norway (not older than 6 months).
7. Copy of the reference’s passport
If the reference person is not a Norwegian national: copy of the reference’s residence permit.
8. Documents confirming employment, school or studies and permission for leave. For details see number 9.
9. Proof of solvency of the applicant: Bank statement from the last 3 to 6 months, no deposits.
For employees:
- Sealed copy of the business licence of the employing company.
- A letter from the employer on official company paper with stamp, signature, date and clearly mentioning: address, telephone and fax numbers of the employing company, name and position in the employing company of the countersigning officer, the name of the applicant, position, salary and years of service, and approval of leave or absence.
For retired person:
- Proof of pension or other regular income.
For unemployed adults:
- If married: Letter of employment and income of spouse and notary certificate of marriage.
- If single/divorced/widow/widower: Any other proof of regular income.
10. For minors (under 18):
- Student card and original letter of the school mentioning: full address, telephone and fax number of the school, permission for absence, name and function of the person giving the permission.
- Minors travelling alone or with one parent: notary certificate of permission to travel from either parents or legal guardian (when minor is travelling alone) or the parent or legal guardian not travelling (if minor is travelling with one parent) and when not in China, attested by the relevant authorities in the country of residence.
- Notary certificate of family relation or proof of guardianship.
11. Original financial guarantee by the inviter/reference person
If the inviter/reference person lives in the country of destination:
- Proof of a regular income over the last 3 months
- A guarantee form (must be verified by the police station in Norway) with one extra copy (can be provided by a third person in Norway e.g. if the inviter/reference person is a student in Norway, the parents can provide such a guarantee form, providing that they live in Norway).
If the inviter/reference person lives in China:
- Bank guarantee (not the same as guarantee form) from a third person living in Norway (e.g. if the inviter/reference person is a student studying in China the parents can provide such a bank guarantee). For more information see here.
- Copy of the residence permit for China.
- Proof of regular income (letter employer)
- Proof of a residence in the country of destination or invitation to stay with close family
12. Proof of relationship with inviter/reference person
For family visit: a notary certificate of family relationship with the inviter/reference person (i.e. marriage certificate, birth certificate whichever is applicable.)
For friend visit: the relationship can be substantiated with original documents, original pictures, letter of invitation etc.
13. Copy of applicant’s passport (all relevant and used pages).
14. Hukou, with photocopies of all pages (only for Chinese nationals). Please note that all documents have to be translated into English or Norwegian, in a separate document.
15. For other nationals: copy of valid Chinese residence permit.
16. Applicant’s “Authorization Form” duly completed (optional).
17. Applicant’s “Report Form” duly competed.
18. A valid travel medical insurance for the duration of stay in Schengen with a minimum coverage of EURO 30.000. Original + one photocopy (list of all applicants)
Note: The Embassy reserves the right to request additional information/documentation and, if deemed necessary, to interview the applicant.
According to article 20 of the Visa Code, all passports, except diplomatic and service/official passports, shall be stamped by the Embassy showing the date and place of submitting the visa application. However, this stamp has no legal implications.
A visa issued by a Schengen country permits free movement within the Schengen area, unless otherwise stated on the visa sticker. However, please note that according to article 47 (i) of the Visa Code mere possession of a visa does not confer an automatic right to entry and that the holders of visa are requested to present proof that they fulfil the entry conditions at the external border, as provided for in Article 5 of the Schengen Borders Code.
For more information see link.
Competent Embassy or Consulate General:
The Embassy or Consulate General of the country of your main destination is the competent authority to deal with the application. If the main destination cannot be determined, the application should be made to the Embassy or Consulate General of the country which the longest visit shall be. If the visits in different Schengen countries are of equal length, the first destination shall be the determining factor.