Discover Norway's Digital Nomad Visa
Are you fed up with your nine-to-five grind and ready for a Scandinavian adventure? Imagine stunning scenery–lakes, mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and fjords– at your fingertips, a rich, vibrant and egalitarian culture, and a quality of life that’s second to none. Welcome to Norway, a Northern European wonderland that has long been a dream destination for people around the world.
But here’s the catch – for US citizens, the road to Norway has often felt like an elusive dream due to immigration constraints. While US passport holders can stay in Norway for up to 90 days within a 180 period, staying there long-term has been almost impossible without a company transfer or by marrying a Norwegian.
Hold on tight, though, because a ray of hope has pierced the horizon – Norway’s Digital Nomad Visa. Keep reading as we dive into everything you need to know about this exciting option, how it works, the requirements, and things to consider for those eager to make the move to Norway.
Digital nomad visa Norway: How it works
We can’t stress enough that moving to Norway isn’t a viable option for most people. But if Europe has captured your heart, there are more accessible ways to live in Europe than Norway, and we’ve got you covered! Dive into our comprehensive digital book that is your ticket to living in Europe! We reveal the 18 easiest European countries for US citizens to move to and deep dive into 50+ viable visa options.
Now, let’s talk Norway. It’s not a country you’ll find in our book, and there’s a good reason for that. But if Norway has your heart, the digital nomad visa is your golden ticket to discovering one of the most enchanting corners of the world. It may not be the conventional path, but it offers an exhilarating alternative for those itching to break free from the confines of the US.
Here’s the twist: while it’s commonly referred to as a digital nomad visa, technically, it’s an independent contractor’s visa. This means it’s open to freelancers, independent contractors, and even 1099 employees. The key requirement? You must have at least one Norwegian client in your corner to qualify (we’ll dive into this in a bit).
What makes this visa truly special is that it grants you the privilege of calling Norway home for up to two years, allowing ample time to immerse yourself in the country’s natural wonders. And guess what? You can renew your visa for two more years, extending your Scandinavian adventure.
But here’s the fine print – this visa won’t pave the way to permanent residency. So, if you’re in search of an everlasting solution for moving to Norway, you’ll need to look elsewhere. As we mentioned, the path to Norway isn’t a walk in the park for US citizens, but where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Norway digital nomad visa requirements
While having at least one Norwegian client is the primary requirement for this visa, there’s a bit more to the story. Here is your checklist of requirements you’ll need to meet and documents you’ll need to obtain. Once you’ve conquered this checklist and gathered your documentation, you can apply at your local Norwegian Embassy or Consulate.
- Self-employment or freelancing:
As mentioned above, you must be self-employed, a freelancer, or 1099 employee to qualify for this visa. Employees of a company (W2 employees) do not qualify. - Proof of self-employment:
The Norwegian government won’t just take your word for it so get your documentation in order to prove your self-employed status. This could include business registrations, tax records, or contracts with your clients showing that your business is set up outside of Norway. - Proof of Income:
To qualify for this visa, you’ll need to demonstrate financial stability. You should have an annual income of at least €35,719/year to cover your expenses during your stay in Norway. Be ready to provide evidence of your income, such as bank statements or financial records showing a steady and reliable income stream. - Norwegian Client:
The trickiest part of this visa is obtaining at least one Norwegian client. It’s crucial to have a signed contract with your Norwegian client, stating which services you are providing and the length of the assignment. It also needs to show that they agree to pay you at least the minimum wage for a skilled worker in Norway. - Address of accommodation:
You’ll need to provide a valid address where you intend to stay in Norway. This can be a house, apartment, a room in a shared apartment. If you are renting, you must hand in a written rental contract which is approved by the home owner, manager or housing co-operative. - Proof of education:
If you have completed a degree at a university you will need to provide a copy of your diploma or other documentation that shows what degree you have completed. Vocational training requires proof of a diploma and a transcript which shows your grades and duration of the program. If you have studied but not completed a degree, you will need to provide documentation which shows how long the education lasted, the level and the content. - Work experience:
In some cases you may need to provide proof of work experience.
For a detailed breakdown of all the requirements, take a look at Norway’s official digital nomad visa list here.
Important considerations for Norway’s Digital nomad visa
- Application Fee:
Obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa comes with an application fee of €600. - Local taxes and VAT Number:
While living in Norway, you’ll be subject to local taxes. Depending on your business activities, you might also need to apply for a Value Added Tax (VAT) number.
There's more: Digital nomad visa Norway Svalbard
Now, Norway’s actually has another option for long-term living that doesn’t require a Norwegian client– the Svalbard digital nomad visa. If you’re yearning for a unique Arctic adventure, this is your chance. Svalbard is actually a visa-free territory where you can live and work remotely without even needing a visa. But before you get too excited, keep reading!
Svalbard is nestled between mainland Norway and the North Pole. It is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas, home to around 2,500 people. If you love the cold, this Arctic adventure has average summer temperatures ranging from 37.4 to 44.6 °F in July and winter temperatures from 8.6 to −4.0 °F in January. Burrrrr!
While many people refer to this as the Svalbard digital nomad visa, there is no visa needed to enter the territory. However, there are requirements that you will still need to meet. Learn more about immigrating to Svalbard on Norway’s Directorate of Immigration website.
FAQs about living in Norway
How long can a foreigner stay in Norway?
US citizens can enjoy a 90-day stay in Norway within a 180-day period as tourists. Need more time? Discover ways to extend your stay in Europe beyond the initial 90 days.
Do I need a visa to work in Norway?
Can you become a citizen of Norway?
Start your Nordic odyssey with Norway's digital nomad visa
If you’ve ever fantasized about immersing yourself in the enchanting beauty of Norway, the digital nomad visa is your best option to realizing that dream. You just need to overcome one obstacle of finding a Norwegian client. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
If you need more resources to help you move abroad check out the following:
- Sign up for the next Move Abroad After 30 Masterclass to see if a move abroad is a possibility for you!
- Join our Facebook Group for women age 30 and up who want to move abroad
- Grab your copy of our Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe as an American
