If you’re looking for information about the Norway digital nomad visa, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, you’ll learn more about the independent contractor visa, which digital nomads can apply for to live in Norway for up to two years.
Norway is one of those countries slowly attracting digital nomads worldwide. Despite the cold climate, the country has consistently ranked as one of the world’s best countries to live.
Because of this, Norway has been a magnet for ex-pats for many years. When living as a digital nomad in Norway, you’ll enjoy a high quality of life, well-developed infrastructures, not to mention gorgeous fjords and stunning scenery that you can explore while on break from work. It doesn’t matter if you’re a high-profile freelancer or someone like Margaret Asencio, Norway might be the place for you.
While it’s not officially a digital nomad visa, Norway’s independent contractor visa is issued to self-employed individuals who want to have a long stay in Norway. Therefore, it’s the perfect visa for digital nomads looking to live longer in the country while working remotely.
If you’re interested in the Norway remote work visa, here’s everything you need to know.
About the Norway Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa of Norway is a residence permit given to eligible remote workers, allowing them to live and work remotely in the country for two years. Norway launched the program to attract foreign entrepreneurs who want to relocate to the country. To qualify for the Norway digital nomad visa, the applicant must have at least one Norwegian client.
The Norway remote work visa is well-suited for self-employed individuals working on a project for a company based in Norway. Those who want to live as digital nomads in Norway and can work remotely can apply for the visa if they meet the qualifications.
It’s perfect for travelling digital nomads who want to experience how it is to live in Norway for a long time before moving on to the next destination.
What Are the Requirements and Qualifications for the Norway Digital Nomad Visa?
First of all this visa is for non-EU citizens, as EU citizens and EEA citizens have the right to work and stay in Norway without this visa.
As with applying for any visa, you must meet some requirements to be eligible for the Norway digital nomad visa. Here’s what a digital nomad must fulfil to qualify for the independent contractor visa:
- Valid passport – the most important requirement for the Norway digital nomad visa application is a passport.
- Proof of self-employment – you must provide proof that your employment or business is outside of Norway.
- Proof of income – you need to have an income of at least 35,719€ each year to qualify for the independent contractor visa.
- Bank statements – you should submit bank statements to prove how much you earn.
- Contract with Norwegian client – one of the qualifications for the Norway digital nomad visa is to have at least one client from Norway. To prove this, you need to show a contract with the Norwegian client agreeing to pay you the minimum wage.
- Address of accommodation – you must have a place to live in Norway, and you are required to provide the address of your accommodation during the application.
If you meet all the above requirements, you can start applying for the Norway digital nomad visa.
Step by Step Process of Applying for the Norway Digital Nomad Visa
Applying for the Norway digital nomad visa should be easy as long as you have all the above requirements in order. Below is a step-by-step process on how to apply as per Norway’s Directorate of Immigration.
1. Gather all the documents
Before you begin the application, you must get all your requirements in order. Otherwise, your application could be delayed or rejected. So, here are the documents you must submit:
- Completed application form
- Passport (original and photocopy, including all used pages)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Address and proof of accommodation in Norway
- Documentation to prove the business was established abroad
- Contract with the Norwegian client
- CV & work history
- Proof of education
- Printed and Signed UDI Checklist
- Payment for the €600 application fee
Make sure to bring all the original documents and photocopies of these documents during your visa appointment. The documents should either be in English or Norwegian language.
2. Print the UDI Checklist
One of the requirements is the UDI checklist which must be printed and signed. You must complete the checklist online, print it, and sign it. Make sure to bring it with you to the visa appointment. Take note that there’s a series of questions at the end of the checklist, which you need to answer.
3. Submit the Application
There are two ways to submit your application for the Norway digital nomad visa.
If you’re already in Norway, you can apply for the visa directly at the police station. Take note that when you apply for the visa in person, you must be in the country legally.
But for those outside the country, you can apply through the Norwegian embassy or consulate near you. Schedule an appointment and submit the required documents on your appointment date. To schedule an appointment, you can call or email them. You will find the information on their website.
4. Wait for Approval
It should take around four months for your visa to be processed. Once your visa application is approved, you will receive a call. However, the processing time will depend on where you submit your application. Usually, it will take longer if you are outside Norway.
Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa
The independent contractor visa is not the only visa that digital nomads can apply for if they plan to move to Norway. Another option for digital nomads is the Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa, which allows you to live in Norway’s Svalbard region while working as a digital nomad. If you don’t mind the cold weather in this region, this visa would be a great option.
Live and work within the arctic circle in Svalbard.
The Digital Nomad Visa in Svalbard applies to freelancers working remotely, such as programmers, developers, SEO writers, social media marketing representatives, online language teachers, etc.
To apply for the visa, you need the following requirements:
- Visa application form – you’ll find the application form on the website of Norway’s Directorate of Immigration. Fill it out completely.
- Valid passport – your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of visa application.
- Two passport-size photos – submit photos that are recently taken with a white background.
- Proof of residence in Svalbard – you need to submit a document showing where you live in Svalbard during your stay. This is very important since housing in Svalbard is very limited.
- University Certification – an educational degree is required for the Svalbard digital nomad visa application, so you must submit a University Certification.
- Proof of stable income – to be approved for the Svalbard digital nomad visa, you should have a regular income of around €35,000 a year, and you’re required to submit a bank statement to prove this.
- Medical insurance coverage – you need to show proof you have medical health insurance with coverage in Norway.
- CV- your CV should show your academic background and your previous jobs.
You can apply for the Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa through Norway’s Directorate of Immigration. You can apply for the visa through their website, which is very convenient. It’s also possible to apply through the Norwegian embassy or consulate in your area. The application should take around a month to process.
Just like the independent contractor visa, the Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa will allow you to live in Svalbard as a digital nomad for a maximum of two years.
Living as a Digital Nomad in Norway
Norway is an interesting destination for the digital nomad lifestyle. The country is home to friendly locals and offers good quality of living, not necessarily a low cost of living. Norway is a great country to consider for digital nomads looking to move to Europe.
Living in Norway comes with many benefits. The infrastructures are well-developed, so foreign visitors will not find it hard to adjust. Getting around is also easy since the transport system is excellent. Travelling by train is a scenic journey, as it passes through lush hills, majestic mountains, and stunning fjords.
In big cities like Oslo, the T-Bane metro line offers a convenient way to get around the city. Flying is also a convenient option when travelling within the country. The major airports of Norway have direct flights to various cities in Europe and around the world, which makes it even more convenient for digital nomads to travel abroad.
With excellent Internet connections all over the country and several co-working spaces in big cities like Oslo, Norway is one of Europe’s best destinations for digital nomads. Another great advantage for digital nomads is the ability to communicate easily since most locals speak English. Even in the most remote region like Svalbard, you will find that most locals speak English, which is very useful when you first move to the country and need help getting around.
The best part about living in Norway as a digital nomad is you’ll find many stunning sights to explore when you’re not at work. If you’re the outdoorsy type, Norway is your paradise. The best way to explore the country’s gorgeous landscape is hiking, especially during summer. In winter, you will find many winter sports to enjoy, from cross-country skiing to snowboarding and dog sledging.
What’s even great about living in Norway is that even if you are in one of the major cities, nature is never far away. So, if you want to unwind and explore the outdoors on a weekend break from work, you certainly have many options. From the superb views of the fjords to the fantastic ski slopes and the splendid Northern Lights, Norway is an incredible place that you can call home for two years once you have the Norway digital nomad visa.
European Digital Nomad Visas
Norway is not the only country in Europe with digital nomad visas. There are many others that have introduced them like Estonia, Latvia, Croatia, Greece, Germany, Malta, Georgia, Spain, Italy, Iceland, Portugal and more. Check out our frequently updated article on countries with digital nomad visas.
