A country on the Scandinavian Peninsula is famous for its fjords, Vikings, trolls, and more. Norway has entered the top 7 best countries for remote work. For immigrants, the government has opened the Visit Norway website with information about visas and programs.
Relocators and individual entrepreneurs with an annual income of 360,000 NOK are eligible to participate in the Digital Nomad program. They can legally stay in the land of the midnight sun for two years, earn money abroad as self-employed or under contract with Norwegians. Digital nomads and freelancers work in specialized fields. Program participants are allowed to extend their stay for up to six years and apply for PR.
Specifics of Norway’s Freelance Visa
The country consistently ranks high in the Legatum Prosperity Index, particularly in safety and personal freedom, including 2nd in social capital and 3rd in healthcare. Foreigners can legalize their stay in the country with a nomad visa. This program is designed for mobile people traveling the world with laptops and working remotely. In Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger, convenient infrastructure has been created for digital nomads, with coworking spaces like Startup Campus, 657 Oslo, and WeWork Oslo.
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The Digital Nomad Visa in Norway is somewhat different from European programs. There are two projects operating within the Kingdom of Norway. Those drawn to the beauty of the Northern Lights head to Svalbard to work on the archipelago. After some time, they have the right to move to mainland Norway and continue working.
Applicants can include programmers/web developers, graphic designers, other digital tech specialists, marketers, technicians, and freelancers.
Key conditions for obtaining the visa in 2024:
- Annual income of 350,000 NOK (€35,000);
- Higher education;
- Relevant work experience;
- Rental accommodation in Norway.
The Independent Contractor Visa is open to third-country nationals earning income abroad. Relocators are granted individual entrepreneur status under certain conditions. Officials request documents confirming the activity. Self-employed individuals must prove sole ownership of a business in another country.
If an entrepreneur finds a new client or signs a contract under different terms, they are required to submit a new application to the local police office as per program requirements.
What Taxes Does a Freelancer Pay
The country has both a general and simplified tax system. After six months, relocators submit applications and receive tax cards (skattekort), which reflect their income with tax deductions (skatteoppgjør). They automatically become participants in a loyal tax program and pay income tax at a base rate of 23%. With income below 40,000 NOK, foreigners can claim a deduction of no more than 10%.
How Much Does the Visa Cost
Obtaining a residence permit for independent contractors and digital nomads costs 6,300 NOK (€600). The same amount is paid by expats for extensions. When submitting files through a visa center licensed by the embassy, an additional service fee of €25 is charged.
Required Documents
Entrepreneurs must first complete and print the UDI checklist, sign it, and gather a folder of documents translated into Norwegian and English.
Requirements for the basic package:
- Completed application form;
- Copy of passport and photo;
- Resume;
- Proof of self-employment;
- Proof of business abroad;
- Income certificate;
- Contract with a Norwegian client;
- Receipt of registration fee payment;
- Proof of residence address.
Relocants planning to work in their profession need diplomas to confirm their education. An immigration officer may request additional documents, recommendation letters, a work contract, or permission from a supervisor. The dossier review period is not regulated. The time depends on the country of submission. On average, the waiting period is 3-4 months.
Recent Changes in Norway’s Visa Policy
Since 2022, strict restrictions have been introduced for citizens of some countries. Tourist visas are no longer issued. Exceptions are made for children with invitations from their parents, or vice versa, and for citizens traveling for work, study, or humanitarian reasons.
According to open data from Google Trends and Yandex.Wordstat, over the past year of 2024, the number of inquiries related to obtaining “digital nomad” status remains consistently high despite the restrictions.
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