Norway Digital Nomad Visa
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Working remotely has many benefits, from having no work commute to having a more
flexible work-life balance. With the option to work from anywhere that you can log on,
it is becoming increasingly popular for people to take 'workations', where they travel
to different places and work remotely.
Norway has been ranked as one of the best 7 countries to take a workation by travel
magazine Wanderlust and it is easy to see why so many people enjoy living in Norway.
The stunning scenery and the many options for snow sports adventures are among the
top benefits of living in Norway.
As of 2023, visitors to Norway will require either a Schengen visa or an
ETIAS visa to enter Norway. However, due to the
introduction of the Norway digital nomad visa, it is now easier for non-EU remote
workers to live in Norway.
Remote workers from the UK, Australia, and the US can apply for a Norway digital nomad visa,
in addition to citizens from a list of other countries that are eligible to apply.
With the majority of people in Norway being fluent in English, this is one of the reasons
why English-speaking remote workers choose Norway over other EU countries. Being able to
easily communicate with people makes the move to a new country a smoother transition and
helps for socialising and building new connections, so foreigners can soon feel at home.
The high standard of living in Norway also ensures that it is a great place to live and
Norway was voted the happiest place in the world in 2017. It also ranked 11th most peaceful
country out of 162 in the world by the Global Peace Index in 2013.
Understanding Norway Digital Nomad Visa Program
The Norway digital nomad visa enables foreign nationals who meet the required criteria to
live in Norway while working remotely. In line with many other EU countries, Norway has
introduced a more straightforward visa program for remote workers.
It is important to note that remote workers will be liable to pay local taxes in
Norway and apply for a VAT number. However, the new Norway digital nomad visa is
a much simpler application process than the majority of other visa types.
D-Visa
The D Visa is a national visa for foreigners wishing to study, work or live in a Schengen
country for longer than 90 days. It is a long-stay visa that applies for travel purposes
such as:
- Tourism
- Professional activities
- Study, training programme, or internship
- Family reasons
The D visa is issued by the consulate authorities of the country that the applicant is
looking to stay in for over 90 days.
Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa is easier to apply for than the D visa, provided all the relevant
documents are available.
The digital nomad visa can be issued for up to two years and it can be renewed while living
in Norway at a local police station.
Self-Employed Visa or the Independent Contractor Visa
To work as a self-employed person in Norway you will need to apply for a residence permit.
The applicant must be a skilled worker with vocational training or education of at least
three years, be a graduate, or hold another acceptable qualification.
With a self-employed visa, the applicant must have the intention of setting up a permanent
business in Norway, so this is not a relevant type of visa for temporary work in Norway.
Independent Contractor vs Digital Nomad Visa: What's the Difference?
The main difference between an independent contractor visa and a digital nomad visa is that
the independent contractor is for a work project based in Norway. In contrast, a digital
nomad has freelance projects that can be based anywhere, as long as they have at least one
Norwegian-based client.
Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa
Svalbard is described as the true Arctic and is popular with tourists who want to see the
Northern Lights or experience expeditions and other types of cold adventures. Svalbard is
visa-free but there are requirements such as obtaining work and accommodation, which can
be difficult. This is why more people choose to live in mainland Norway and visit Svalbard
instead of residing there.
Norway Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
There are a number of key requirements that must be met for a digital nomad visa to be
approved, including:
- Applicant must have a valid passport (a 6-months validity period is usually required)
- Proof of being self-employed or working for a non-Norwegian company
- Proof of a minimum gross annual income of €35,719 (bank statement)
- Health insurance
- A contract with a Norwegian client must state the minimum salary for a skilled employee which is set at 189,39 NOK per hour (approx. 40 euros per hour)
- Proof of accommodation in Norway
- Completed and signed application form and two passport photos
Norway's Independent Contractor Visa: Additional Documents
To apply for the Norway independent contractor visa, you will also require:
- Proof of relevant qualifications in your profession
- Visa application fee (€600)
Who Can Apply for Digital Nomad Visa for Norway
There are many different types of professionals that can apply for a digital nomad visa,
with freelancers such as graphic designers, web developers, and marketing specialists
being examples of the types of jobs that are suitable.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is fairly straightforward and quick to complete once you have
gathered all of the required documents. The application can be started online using
the UDI website. If the applicant is in Norway, they can take their documents to their
local police station but for applicants outside of Norway, an appointment at the
Norwegian embassy will be required.
1. Prepare and Gather the Documents Required for Applying
You will need to provide the following documents for your Norway digital nomad visa:
- Passport & Copy of Passport
- Two Passport Photos
- Address of Accommodation in Norway
- Contract with Norwegian Client
- Documentation of Business Established Abroad
- Proof of Education
- CV & Work History
- Completed Application Form
- Printed and Signed UDI Checklist
- 600€ Application Fee
The documents must be either in English or Norwegian and you should take all the
original documents to the visa appointment.
2. Print and Sign the UDI Checklist
The checklist is a comprehensive list of all the documents that you are required
to take with you to the visa appointment. You must print and sign this to confirm
that you have all the original documents required.
3. Submit Your Application
Arrange the visa appointment at your nearest Norwegian embassy and take all of
the required documents to the appointment to submit your application.
4. Wait for the Approval
The waiting period for the application can vary depending on whether you have
applied through an embassy. It usually takes around 15 days to process the visa
application but document verification can take a while at the embassy so it will
depend on their workload. It will usually take around 30 days when applying
through the embassy.
Visa's Validity: How Long Does It Last?
The Norway digital nomad visa is initially valid for two years and after
that time there is an option to apply for renewal to extend by further years or
even to a lifetime visa.
How Much Does the Norway Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
The application fee for the Norway digital nomad visa is €600.
Do Digital Nomads Have to Pay the Taxes in Norway?
Yes, digital nomads are required to pay taxes in Norway if they spend more than
183 days in the country. The tax-to-income ratio is currently 22% for Norwegian
residents and remote workers who must register for VAT.
Employees working for Norwegian employers are entitled to many benefits but as a
remote worker, you would not qualify for most of the benefits. However, if you
have Norwegian clients, you may benefit from higher-than-average pay rates
compared to other European countries.
Norway Digital Nomad Visa Summary
Norway's digital nomad visa is the ideal gateway for people who want to experience a
rich culture and live in a prosperous and beautiful country while remote working.
There are lots of different types of occupations that can apply for a Norway digital
nomad visa and for people who enjoy adventures, there are few better destinations than
Norway.
The application process is fairly easy and it can give non-EU nationals the opportunity to
see whether they want to live in Norway for a longer period and renew their visa or
apply for a different type of visa.
FAQs About Digital Nomad Visa for Norway
Does Norway Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, Norway has a digital nomad visa that non-EU nationals can apply for to work remotely in Norway.Is Svalbard Visa-Free?
Svalbard is visa-free but there are requirements such as obtaining accommodation and work and if the requirements are not met, The Governor of Svalbard may reject the person.
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