Norway is a country of fjords, sagas, and trolls. It’s one of the happiest countries in the world and offers good social policies as well as high salaries. Well, its climate is not as awesome as in Southern Europe, though some people like that.
There are two visa programs for remote workers in Norway. One is Norway Independent Contractor Visa, applicable for the whole country, and the other is Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa for those who dare to come to Svalbard islands within the Arctic Circle. Which one to choose, and what are the requirements of each?
1. Norway Independent Contractor Visa
Wherefrom can I apply?
You can apply for this visa in the Norwegian embassy or consulate in your home country or the country of your residency. In the last case, you’ll need a resident permit.
If you are already in Norway, you can visit the nearest police station and apply there for your digital nomad visa. You’ll need to prove that you live in Norway legally.
What are the requirements?
Having a contract with at least one client in Norway is the main limitation of this program which makes it not so popular among remote workers. Your Norwegian client should pay you the minimum wage for a skilled worker or higher (230 NOK / 19,71€ per hour as of 2023).
The other requirements are:
👉 You should prove an income of 35,719€ per year at least (e.g. with bank statements).
👉 You should have a registered business.
👉 You’ll need accommodation in Norway.
👉 Your passport should be valid.
How do I apply?
Step 1. Gather your documents
👉 Filled and signed the Application form
👉 600€ application fee
👉 Passport and a copy of all used pages
👉 2 Passport Photos
👉 Proof of Accommodation in Norway
👉 Medical insurance
👉 Contract with Norwegian Client
👉 Documentation of Business Established Abroad
👉 Proof of Education (e.g. BA or Master's diploma)
👉 CV & Work History
Step 2. Fill and print the UDI checklist
UDI checklist is one more crucial document for your application. You should select your country of citizenship, and then fill in all the checkboxes that relate to your application. Make sure to provide the necessary documents. Then print the web page with the checklist and sign the necessary fields.
Step 3. Apply for the visa
You may apply for the visa at the embassy or consulate of Norway, or the police station if you are already within the country. You may be asked to provide any additional documents at this stage.
In some countries, the Norwegian consulate approves the applications only via certified centres, so check it before your visit.
Step 4. Travel to Norway.
When your visa is approved, you can travel to Norway.
How long does the visa last?
The Independent Contractor Visa allows you to stay in Norway for up to 2 years. Remember, that after you live more than 6 months in a year you should become a tax resident of Norway.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, you can bring your spouse and your children under 18 years to Norway. Your partner wouldn’t be allowed to work in Norway until they acquire a work permit.
Are there any regional restrictions?
No, you can live and travel across the whole country.
2. Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa
Officially, everyone can visit and live at Svalbard without a visa. However, to visit the Arctic archipelago, you travel from the mainland, so you’ll need a valid Schengen visa or Svalbard’s Digital Nomad Visa.
Wherefrom can I apply?
You can apply for this visa in the Norwegian embassy or consulate in your home country or the country of your residency. In the last case, you’ll need a resident permit.
If you are already in Norway, you can visit the nearest police station and apply there for your digital nomad visa. You’ll need to prove that you live in Norway legally.
What are the requirements?
Some of the jobs are preferred for this visa such as software developers, SEO writers, social media specialists, online language teachers, etc. However, if you possess any other profession your application will also have proceeded.
You don’t need to have a Norwegian client to apply for this visa.
The other requirements are:
👉 You should prove an income of 35,000€ per year at least (e.g. with bank statements).
👉 You should have a university degree.
👉 You’ll need accommodation in Svalbard.
👉 Your passport should be valid.
How do I apply?
Step 1. Gather your documents
👉 Filled and signed the Application form
👉 600€ application fee
👉 Passport and a copy of all used pages
👉 2 Passport Photos
👉 Proof of Accommodation in Svalbard
👉 Medical insurance
👉 Proof of Education (e.g. BA or Master's diploma)
👉 CV & Work History
Step 2. Fill and print the UDI checklist
UDI checklist is one more crucial document for your application. You should select your country of citizenship, and then fill in all the checkboxes that relate to your application. Make sure to provide the necessary documents. Then print the web page with the checklist and sign the necessary fields.
Step 3. Apply for the visa
You may apply for the visa at the embassy or consulate of Norway, or the police station if you are already within the country. You may be asked to provide any additional documents at this stage.
In some countries, the Norwegian consulate approves the applications only via certified centres, so check it before your visit.
Step 4. Travel to Svalbard
When your visa is approved you can travel to Svalbard.
How long does the visa last?
Good news! Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa does not expire. However, you may need a valid Schengen visa to travel back to the mainland.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, you can bring your spouse and your children under 18 years to Norway. Your partner wouldn’t be allowed to work in Norway until they acquire a work permit.
Are there any regional restrictions?
You can live and travel only across the Svalbard islands.
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Photo: Ignacio Ceballos, Daniel Fatnes
