Norway Digital Nomad Visa: Your 2025 Guide to Working Remotely in Norway

Maybe your visions of digital nomad life don't involve tropical beaches (sand is bad for laptops anyway). Maybe instead, you want to live somewhere with four distinct seasons a year, beautiful scenery, and first-world infrastructure, where English is widely spoken.

In that case, Norway might be the ideal choice.

Whether you want the cosmopolitan bustle of Oslo or the stark beauty of remote Svalbard, digital nomad visa options in Norway, specifically the Norway Independent Contractor Visa, give you the chance to live and work in Norway and have easy access to the rest of Europe.

So how do you apply it for a Norway remote work visa? In this article, we'll discuss the details of the digital nomad visa for Norway, look over the visa requirements and application process, and help you submit your application so that you can live and work in this unique country. Check out our guide to the Norway digital nomad visa below:

What Is the Norway Digital Nomad Visa?

Norway’s digital nomad visa is officially the Independent Contractor Visa — a residence permit designed for self‑employed professionals who work remotely and have at least one Norwegian client paying the standard skilled wage.

It lets eligible applicants live in mainland Norway for up to 2 years, with the possibility to renew up to 4 years total.

The digital nomad visa in Norway is a little unusual in its requirement that you contract with a Norwegian client. This visa program is designed for people who are self-employed in countries outside Norway, but do some work for a Norwegian client. If your remote employer or freelance clients are all outside Norway, you can't apply for the visa. That's one of the biggest hurdles to the Norway digital nomad visa program.

Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa

Let's talk about Svalbard. 

Svalbard is a chain of islands between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. Although part of Norway, it is the only place on the planet that you can go without a visa. Sounds ideal for digital nomads, right?

While Norway has a digital nomad visa that lets you stay in Norway for up to two years, you can live the rest of your life in Svalbard if you want to.

The minimum income required here is significantly lower than what you need in the rest of Norway, at around US$40,000 per year. Plus, tax here is much lower, at only around 8%. The requirements here are less stringent than the requirements for the Norway digital nomad/independent contractor visa, and since you effectively have a lifetime visa for Svalbard, you don't have to worry about reapplying.

So why aren't digital nomads flocking to Svalbard? I can think of a few reasons:

• The cost of living is high here, even by Norwegian standards. Food and all other requirements need to be flown or shipped in, which makes life on these islands expensive.

• Housing is extremely limited. Most houses on Svalbard are owned by companies that use them to house workers in the Arctic, so if you don't have a regular job, you'll find it really difficult to get a house.

• The Svalbard Visa is not a back door that lets you move to Norway. Living on Svalbard doesn't give you any special rights to live and work on the mainland, beyond what the independent contractor visa allows, if you can get one.

• Svalbard is small, with a population of around 2500 people. That means your nightlife and dining options are extremely limited.

• It's not an easy place to reach. Most of the time, you will either have to fly or travel by ship to Norway.

• From mid-November to the end of January, the sun does not rise. At all. Likewise, at the height of summer, it never sets.

• The warmest month of the year is July, with an average temperature of – this is not a typo – 3 to 7°C. A hot summer day in Svalbard is cold enough to have frost. And in winter, temperatures can be -20° C or colder.

• It's a legal requirement that, if you leave the settlements, you need to bring something with you to scare off polar bears. It's recommended that you carry a gun to defend yourself against these Arctic predators.

  
  

If these issues aren't enough to put you off, go for it. Living in Svalbard is an experience not many people get to have, and definitely one you're not likely to forget. But the challenges of living here mean it isn't a great option for digital nomads unless you can handle cold, darkness, rampaging polar bears, and a lot of isolation.

Who Can Apply?

The visa targets:

• Self‑employed professionals or independent contractors whose main business is registered outside Norway.

• Remote workers working for a non‑Norwegian company, including those with at least one Norwegian client paying local skilled‑worker rates.  As of September 1, 2025, the rate for a bachelor-degree-level position is 522,600 NOK. Based on a full-time position, that's 251 NOK per hour, which is about US$25 at the moment.

• Highly skilled individuals based on education or vocational training (bachelor’s, master’s, or three+ years of training).

Examples include freelancers, web developers, designers, digital consultants, and marketing specialists working remotely from abroad.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must generally fulfill the following:

1. Valid Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond application.

2. Proof of Remote Income

You must show a minimum gross annual income of 522,600 NOK ($51357 USD) via bank statements or tax returns.

3. Contract with Norwegian Client

A signed agreement with a Norwegian business paying at least local minimum wage for a skilled worker (~ 251 NOK/hr, ~ $26 USD/hr)

.

4. Business Established Abroad

Proof that your business is registered and operates outside Norway, not in Norway or as a subsidiary.

5. Skilled Worker Status

Documentation of education (degree, certificates, or vocational training) to confirm highly skilled classification.

6. Proof of Accommodation

You need to have accommodation in Norway, so provide a rental agreement or hotel booking confirming address in Norway at your visa appointment.

7. Health Insurance

Valid travel or health insurance for duration of stay.

8. Other Documents

• Two passport‑size photos

• CV / resume

• Completed application form and signed UDI checklist

• Police clearance or clean criminal record (if required).

How Much Does the Visa Cost?

The application fee is approximately 6,300 NOK (about USD $620), with an additional service fee (~$30) if you submit via a licensed visa center.

Processing Time

Typical processing timeframe ranges from 2 to 4 months, depending on where you apply and how complete your application is. In some countries, turnaround may be as fast as 15 days, but expect closer to 3–4 months if verification is involved.

Step‑by‑Step Visa Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documents

Gather all required paperwork (see list above), have items translated if needed to English or Norwegian, and complete the UDI checklist online. Print and sign it.

Step 2: Submit Application

• If applying from abroad: schedule an appointment at a Norwegian embassy or consulate.

• If already in Norway (with legal stay): apply at a local police station.

Either way, you will need to pay the visa application fee. You'll be given a visa appointment at your nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate so that you can interview for your self-employed visa. You can't submit your application online, and will need to take it to a consulate or embassy when you apply for digital nomad status.

Step 3: Attend appointment

Bring originals and copies; be prepared to answer questions about your remote work, income, and business history. Because the program is only open to skilled workers, you will also need to demonstrate your education level, with the minimum they will accept being a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience. In other words, to apply for the Norway digital nomad visa, you need to be fairly well-established and good at what you do.

Step 4: Await Decision & Travel

Once approved, you may receive a visa allowing entry into Norway. On arrival, register with local authorities and collect your resident permit card if required.

Step 5: Renew if Desired

You may renew your visa before expiry—generally for a second two‑year term, with the same income and client requirements.

Duration & Renewal

The visa is typically issued for one or two years (commonly up to two years). It can be renewed once, allowing up to four years total residence in mainland Norway. Longer stays beyond that may require a break or a different permit.

Taxes & Residency Rules

• Staying in Norway for more than 183 days per year may make you a tax resident, meaning you will have to pay taxes in Norway. Income earned may be subject to Norwegian income tax (~22%) plus potential VAT registration if sales exceed 50,000 NOK/year, taxed at 25%. That will also require you to apply for a VAT number.

• If you stay under 183 days/year, you may avoid full tax residency—but ensure you comply with home country rules and any double‑tax treaties. Usually, when you pay local taxes, you won't then have to pay extra tax to your home country, but that depends on whether your home country has a tax treaty with Norway. For citizens of the United States, this gets especially complicated, as Uncle Sam considers himself entitled to a taste of anything you earn anywhere in the world. There is a tax treaty in place between Norway and the United States, which should help you avoid double taxation if you get a digital nomad visa for Norway, but it's always a good idea to consult with a licensed tax professional.

  
  

Cost of Living in Norway

Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, so plan for a higher budget than typical nomad hotspots.

Along with the slightly onerous visa requirements, the cost of living in Norway is one of the biggest problems with living a digital nomad lifestyle here. Norway is a very wealthy country, but that makes it more expensive than most countries that offer digital nomad visas. Prices are comparable to major cities in the US and Western Europe, and sometimes even more expensive.

That's part of why the minimum income requirement for this type of visa is as high as it is, and why, when you apply for the digital nomad visa, you'll need to show you make enough money to survive here. It costs a lot for remote workers to live here. It's up to you to decide if the benefits of living in Norway are enough to overcome that and make it an attractive destination for digital nomads.

Best Places to Live in Norway as a Digital Nomad

• Oslo: Capital with coworking spaces, startup communities, excellent public transport. Although the capital city is one of the most expensive places for remote workers to live in Norway, it makes a fantastic base to explore the country, and is the best place to live if you don't speak Norwegian, as English is widely spoken here.

• Bergen: Cultural hub nestled among fjords, plus remote‑work friendly cafés. If you're a digital nomad who loves seeing a more authentic side of the countries you visit, this is a good option.

• Trondheim: Tech‑oriented city with universities and innovation ecosystems. If you want to become a digital nomad in an atmosphere of innovation and experimentation, this is a great option.

• Tromsø: If your visions of the kingdom of Norway involve mountains, glaciers, and Northern lights, this city in Norway may offer exactly what you're looking for. Even though it's a little more remote, English is still widely spoken. Be warned, though, that in this Arctic city, it's almost completely dark for three months out of the year, which can be difficult to take for those who grew up outside of Norway. It would be enough to put me off all by itself.

• Smaller towns: Some digital nomads opt for quieter locations—but check internet connectivity. Of course, the more remote the town, the less likely you are to be able to get by in English.

  
  

Coworking spaces are available in most major cities, and Norway excels in digital infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I bring my family?

Yes. You can bring a spouse and children under 18. However, your partner must obtain a separate work permit if they wish to work in Norway.

Do I need a Norwegian client?

Yes. The visa requires at least one client based in Norway paying at least the skilled‑worker minimum wage (~ 251 NOK per hour, or around $26 USD).

Can I apply inside Norway?

Yes, if you are legally present (e.g. on tourist visa or other permit) you can apply at a local police station; otherwise you must apply abroad. You can enter Norway on a Schengen visa if you are coming from the border-free area of Europe.

What if I don’t meet income?

If your income falls below the threshold of 522 600 NOK per year (about $51,000 USD ), your application is likely to be rejected. If your job requires a Masters level of education, the income requirement is even higher.

There is some leeway in the sense that the immigration authorities want to see that you are going to be paid what locals are. Many jobs in Norway are covered by collective bargaining agreements, so if you are making the same amount of money as that agreement for a particular position, you'll be okay. Ultimately, it's up to the immigration authorities to decide if you make enough.

How long does the process take?

Average is 2 to 4 months; in some cases for a straightforward application, as little as 15 days, but applicants should plan for up to 3–4 months .

Pros & Cons of Norway’s Digital Nomad Visa

Pros

• Up to two years in Norway, renewable once

• Work remotely while enjoying Scandinavian quality of life and safety.

• Access to modern infrastructure, stunning nature, cultural richness.

• Possibility to become a permanent resident after three years if eligible.

  
  

Cons

• High cost of living, even compared to international nomad hotspots.

• Strict requirement: Norwegian client contract—not ideal for nomads who lack local ties.

• Complex documentation (education records, business registration abroad).

• Northern winters may not suit everyone.

  
  

Is Norway the Right Fit?

Norway is a country with a high standard of living, rich history, beautiful scenery, and enviable infrastructure, including healthcare. That makes Norway an attractive destination for those looking for digital nomad visas worldwide. And while there is no official digital nomad program, the Independent Contractor visa means you can enjoy Norway while working remotely.

But Norway also has a high cost of living, dark and unpleasant winters, and the requirement to do at least some work for a business in Norway that holders of the digital member visa must comply with. That makes this a very difficult visa to get.

Difficult isn't the same as impossible, and if your heart is set on exploring the fjords and seeing the northern lights, the digital member visa allows you to experience two years in this northern country. But the first thing you'll need to do is find a Norwegian company you can do business with before your digital member visa allows you to settle there.

Only you can decide if Norway is the right fit for you. Personally, I'd be looking with a lot more interest at the Spain digital nomad visa…