The Norwegian government proposes allowing entry visas (D visas) to be issued for up to one year instead of up to 90 days. As of 22 September 2026, this is a consultation proposal. It has not been adopted, and the current rules still apply.
What is the proposal for a one-year D visa?
The proposal would increase the maximum possible validity of a D visa from 90 days to one year. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security launched the consultation on 17 August 2026.
A D visa is a national entry visa. In certain situations connected with a residence permit, it can allow a person who requires a visa to travel to Norway. It is neither a residence permit nor a standard visitor visa.
The consultation deadline is 12 October 2026. The ministry can assess the responses and decide whether to amend the regulations only after the consultation. No date has been set for a possible change to take effect.
SamfunnPrep follows the rules on residence permits and working before a decision. Always check your own case with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) or the embassy.
Has the new one-year rule been adopted?
No. As of 22 September 2026, a one-year D visa is only a consultation proposal. You therefore cannot demand a D visa valid for one year.
The current Immigration Regulations set a maximum of 90 days. The consultation paper also describes shorter periods used in normal practice:
- normally 30 days when a residence permit has already been granted
- normally 7 days for certain people who may apply and wait in Norway
- up to 90 days following an individual assessment under the current rule
These periods describe practice and the legal maximum, not guarantees. The embassy assesses each application and may grant a shorter period.
Be cautious with social media claims that the rule has already changed. Look for consultation, proposal and adopted. A consultation means the authorities are seeking comments before deciding.
Why does the government want to change the rules?
The ministry believes a longer possible validity period could solve practical problems for people waiting for a residence case to be decided in Norway. The proposal also follows a European Commission evaluation of Norway's application of the Schengen rules.
Some applicants may lawfully remain in Norway while UDI processes their case. After a short D visa expires, their stay in Norway may remain lawful, but they may lack valid travel documentation for other Schengen countries.
This can make necessary travel difficult, for example while waiting for a residence card. Under the Schengen rules, a D visa valid for more than 90 days can permit travel in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
The proposal would give the authorities greater flexibility. It would not give everyone one year; validity would be decided in each case.
Who can get a D visa?
D visas are issued only in specific cases, and it must normally be likely that the residence permit will be granted. The embassy processes the application.
UDI says Norway most often uses D visas for people recently granted a residence permit, or residents who are abroad without a valid residence card. In limited cases, a person may receive one before the residence application is decided.
Conditions and documents depend on the group. Examples include certain skilled workers, students and family members.
If you applied abroad and UDI has granted your permit, UDI says the embassy will normally issue an entry visa automatically when needed. Wait for the embassy to contact you; do not submit a new application without checking.
How is a D visa different from other documents?
A D visa facilitates entry, while a residence permit provides the legal basis for living, working or studying in Norway. A residence card normally documents the permit when you travel.
| Document | Main purpose | Important to know |
|---|---|---|
| D visa | Entry to Norway in a particular residence case | Does not itself grant a residence permit |
| Visitor visa | Short visits or tourism | Normally for stays of up to 90 days |
| Residence permit | The right to stay for work, family or studies | Has its own conditions and validity |
| Residence card | Documents a residence permit | May be required for travel and return |
If your card expires or is lost abroad, check whether you need a D visa to return. The guide to residence cards explains its use.
What should you do while the proposal is considered?
Follow the current rules and plan according to the documents you actually hold. Do not book travel or let a document expire because you expect the proposal to pass.
- Check the expiry dates of your passport, visa and residence card.
- Read the UDI page for your permit type.
- Follow your document checklist in the application portal.
- Contact the embassy if you need an entry visa.
- Request a written answer before necessary travel if the situation is unclear.
- Keep decisions, receipts and messages from UDI or the police.
Apply to renew a permit within the deadline for your case. The guide to residence-permit renewal deadlines can help, but UDI is authoritative.
Use the residence-time calculator to track stays and travel. It does not determine travel rights; your documents and decision do.
Can you respond to the consultation?
Yes. Anyone may submit comments by 12 October 2026. Responses are submitted digitally at regjeringen.no.
Responses are normally public. Do not include passport numbers, national identity numbers, health information or other private details. Describe the issue generally and explain how a short visa affects travel, family or work.
After the deadline, the ministry may revise, adopt or abandon the proposal. Follow regjeringen.no and UDI for the final decision. SamfunnPrep updates its guidance when rules are adopted. Try it free.
