2.5 Cross-border mobility programmes
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EU programmes
The European Solidarity Corps replaced the European Voluntary Service (EVS) in 2018. Norway is not a Participating Country but takes part in certain actions under the programme as a Partner Country. Norwegian organisations can participate as partners in Volunteering Projects, but cannot apply for funding. Norwegian organisations are required to find host organisations in the EU, Turkey, Iceland or Macedonia that are responsible for funding and reporting.
The European Solidarity Corps is managed by the European Commission.
Other Programmes
NOREC – the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation, an agency administratively subject to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and funded through the national budget, funds volunteer exchange projects. Some projects have a specific youth focus and are meant to contribute to contact and cooperation between a variety of youth-oriented organizations and institutions in Norway and in developing countries, based on reciprocity, equality and solidarity. Cooperating counties must be approved by OECD / Development Assistance Committee (DAC) as recipients of Official Development Assistance. Specific target groups are identified in each project.
Legal framework applying to foreign volunteers
Visas and residence permits are regulated by chapter 2 and 3 of The Immigration Act [Lov om utlendingers adgang til riket og deres opphold her (utlendingsloven)]. The Act concerns visas, control and deportation and residence in connection with work and studies.
Visitors from most countries outside of the Schengen area will have to apply for a VISA to work as a volunteer in Norway. The Norwegian Directorate for Immigration provides information about entry requirements and visas: https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/.