Norway is a Schengen member state offering visa-free access to citizens of over 100 countries for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Known for its stunning fjords, high quality of life, and advanced digital infrastructure, Norway attracts digital nomads despite its high cost of living. The country offers an Independent Contractor Visa for self-employed remote workers with Norwegian clients.
5
Visa Types
100
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Schengen Visitor Visa (C-Visa)
Short-stay visa for tourism, business visits, or family visits in Norway and the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
90 days
Duration
€135
$146 fee
+€125 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Valid for travel throughout the entire Schengen area (27 countries)
✓Multiple entries possible if specified on the visa
✓Can be used for tourism, business meetings, family visits, and short courses
✓No separate visa needed for transit through other Schengen countries
📋 Requirements (10)
•Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond planned departure and 2 blank pages
•Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
•Apply at least 4 weeks before travel, but no earlier than 6 months
•Keep copies of all documents submitted
•Ensure your travel insurance is valid from your departure date
•Book refundable flights and hotels until visa is approved
•Bring evidence of ties to your home country to show intent to return
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work
Independent Contractor Visa
Residence permit for self-employed individuals and digital nomads with at least one Norwegian client. Valid for up to 2 years with extension possibilities.
730 days
Duration
€600
$651 fee
+€705 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $35,719/per_year
Alternative: Proof of stable income through bank statements showing consistent earnings over the past 6-12 months. Contract with Norwegian client demonstrating expected income.
✅ Key Benefits
✓Live and work legally in Norway for up to 2 years
✓Access to Norwegian healthcare system after registration
✓Ability to travel freely within the Schengen area
✓Spouse and children under 18 can apply for family reunification (for contracts over 6 months)
✓Path to permanent residency after 3 years
✓Work for multiple clients as long as at least one is Norwegian
📋 Requirements (10)
•Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
•Proof of self-employment or ownership of business registered outside Norway
•Proof of minimum annual gross income of EUR 35,719 (approximately NOK 400,000)
•Contract with at least one Norwegian client paying minimum skilled worker wage (230 NOK/hour as of 2025)
•Proof of accommodation in Norway
•Health insurance valid in Norway and Schengen area
•Clean criminal record certificate
•Completed UDI checklist signed and dated
•Evidence of qualifications as a skilled worker
•Bank statements showing financial stability
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 3 to 4 months on average
1Secure a contract with at least one Norwegian client paying minimum skilled worker wage
2Gather all required documents including proof of income and qualifications
3Create an account on the UDI Application Portal
4Complete the online application form and upload documents
5Pay the application fee (EUR 600) through the portal
6Complete and print the UDI checklist, sign and date it
7Book an appointment at Norwegian embassy/consulate or police station (if in Norway)
8Submit your application with all original documents
9Wait for processing (typically 3-4 months)
10If approved, travel to Norway and register with local authorities within 8 days
Process: Apply for extension through the UDI portal at least one month before current permit expires. Must continue to meet all requirements including Norwegian client and income threshold.
Renewal: Can be renewed for additional 2-year periods, up to a maximum of 6 years total. After 3 years, may be eligible for permanent residence.
💡 Pro Tips
•Consider using an Employer of Record (EOR) service if you cannot secure a direct Norwegian client
•The Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa is an alternative with no expiration date but limited to the Arctic archipelago
•Register for BankID as soon as possible for easier access to Norwegian services
•Join digital nomad communities in Oslo or Bergen for networking and client leads
•Keep detailed records of all client contracts and income for tax purposes
Skilled Worker Residence Permit
WorkPopular
Residence permit for qualified professionals with a job offer from a Norwegian employer. Requires completed higher education or vocational training.
365d
Duration
NOK 5,900
$6.4K fee
+NOK 2,000 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱1 to 3 months, may be faster with early employment start scheme
Document translationPer document, if not in English or Norwegian
NOK 500$543
Credential evaluationNOKUT evaluation for certain professions
NOK 1,500$1.6K
Required Total
NOK 5,900$6.4K
+ Additional (estimated)
NOK 2,000$2.2K
Estimated Total
NOK 7,900$8.6K
💱1 USD = 0.92 NOK•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Concrete job offer from a Norwegian employer for a full-time or 80%+ position
•The position must require skilled worker qualifications
•Completed higher education (bachelor's degree or higher) OR completed 3-year vocational training
•Qualifications must match the job requirements
•Salary and working conditions must be normal for Norway
•Professional authorization if required for your field (e.g., healthcare)
•Employer must be registered in Norway
📝 Application Steps
1Secure a job offer from a Norwegian employer
2Employer verifies the position meets skilled worker requirements
3Create account on UDI Application Portal
4Complete application form and pay fee (NOK 5,900)
5Gather required documents including employment contract
6Submit application at embassy or police station (if visa-free)
7Attend biometrics appointment
8Wait for processing (typically 1-3 months)
9If approved and visa required, obtain entry visa (D-visa)
10Travel to Norway and register with police to receive residence card
⚠️ Restrictions
•Tied to the employer and type of position specified
•Cannot start a different type of work without new permit
•Must notify police within 7 days if you lose your job
•Can stay up to 6 months to find new job if employment ends
•Must maintain same salary and working conditions
💡 Tips
•Ask your employer about the early employment start scheme to begin working sooner
•Apply for renewal well in advance to maintain continuous residence
•Check if your profession requires Norwegian authorization
•Join professional networks to find opportunities
•Learn Norwegian to improve career prospects and integration
Study Permit
Education
Residence permit for international students accepted to Norwegian educational institutions. Allows part-time work up to 20 hours per week during studies.
365d
Duration
NOK 172,759
$187.4K fee
+NOK 15,000 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱4 to 8 weeks, apply well in advance of semester start
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
NOKUSD
Required
Application feeNon-refundable application fee
NOK 5,900$6.4K
Financial guarantee (per year)Required deposit in Norwegian bank account for 2025
NOK 166,859$181.0K
Additional (estimated)
Student housing depositTypically required by student housing organizations
NOK 15,000$16.3K
Required Total
NOK 172,759$187.4K
+ Additional (estimated)
NOK 15,000$16.3K
Estimated Total
NOK 187,759$203.7K
💱1 USD = 0.92 NOK•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Acceptance letter from a Norwegian educational institution
•Proof of financial means: NOK 166,859 deposited in Norwegian bank account per year
•Proof of accommodation in Norway
•Health insurance (for non-EU/EEA students)
•Educational certificates and transcripts
•Proof of language proficiency if required by institution
•Full-time enrollment (minimum 15 ECTS credits per semester)
📝 Application Steps
1Receive acceptance letter from Norwegian educational institution
2Deposit required financial guarantee in Norwegian bank account (NOK 166,859)
3Create account on UDI Application Portal
4Complete application and pay fee (NOK 5,900)
5Gather all required documents
6Submit application at embassy or police station
7Wait for processing (can take several weeks)
8If approved and visa required, obtain entry visa
9Travel to Norway and register with police
10Collect residence card
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must maintain full-time student status
•Work limited to 20 hours per week during term time
•Must deposit new financial guarantee each year
•Cannot switch to work permit while studying (with exceptions)
•Must leave Norway if studies are discontinued
💡 Tips
•Apply early as processing can take several weeks
•Open a Norwegian bank account before applying if possible
•Check if your institution offers help with deposit account setup
•Register for courses and housing as soon as you receive acceptance
•Learn about Norwegian student welfare organization (Sammen/SiO)
Family Immigration Permit
Special Program
Residence permit for family members of Norwegian citizens or residents. Includes spouses, cohabitants, children, and in some cases parents.
365d
Duration
NOK 12,200
$13.2K fee
+NOK 800 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱3 to 12 months depending on case complexity
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
NOKUSD
Required
Application feeFee for family immigration applications in 2025
NOK 12,200$13.2K
Additional (estimated)
Document translationPer document if not in English or Norwegian
NOK 500$543
Marriage certificate apostilleIf marriage occurred abroad
NOK 300$326
Required Total
NOK 12,200$13.2K
+ Additional (estimated)
NOK 800$868
Estimated Total
NOK 13,000$14.1K
💱1 USD = 0.92 NOK•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
•Reference person must have valid residence in Norway
•Reference person must meet income requirements
•Both parties must be at least 24 years old for marriage/cohabitation (with some exceptions)
•Genuine relationship documentation
•Proof of accommodation in Norway
•Reference person must have worked or studied full-time for 4 years (for many cases)
•Health insurance if required
📝 Application Steps
1Reference person in Norway confirms eligibility and income
2Applicant creates account on UDI Application Portal
3Complete application form with reference person information
4Pay application fee (NOK 12,200)
5Gather required documents proving relationship
6Submit application at embassy or visa center
7Attend interview if requested
8Wait for processing (can take several months)
9If approved and visa required, obtain entry visa
10Travel to Norway and register with police
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must live together with reference person
•Relationship must remain genuine
•Reference person must maintain income requirements
•Must complete Norwegian language and social studies courses
•Some permits require 4-year work/study history for sponsor
💡 Tips
•Start gathering relationship documentation early
•Ensure reference person meets all requirements before applying
•Be prepared for potentially long processing times
•Attend any required interviews together if possible
Norway offers the Independent Contractor Visa, which functions as a digital nomad visa for self-employed remote workers. However, it has a unique requirement: you must have at least one Norwegian client paying minimum skilled worker wages (approximately NOK 230 per hour). This permit is valid for up to 2 years and can be extended. There is also a separate Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa for those willing to live on the Arctic archipelago, which has no expiration date but is geographically limited.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while staying in Norway on a tourist visa
Working remotely in Norway on a tourist visa exists in a legal gray area. While Norwegian authorities focus mainly on local employment, technically any work performed in Norway requires authorization. For short stays of 90 days or less, many digital nomads do work remotely without issues, but this is technically not permitted. For longer or fully legal remote work, consider the Independent Contractor Visa or establish yourself as a tax resident with proper permits.
How long can I stay in Norway without a visa
Stay duration depends on your nationality. EU/EEA citizens can stay indefinitely and work freely, but must register after 3 months. Citizens of visa-exempt countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period under Schengen rules. This limit applies to the entire Schengen area, not just Norway. Citizens requiring visas can stay for the period granted on their Schengen visa, up to maximum 90 days.
What is ETIAS and how will it affect travel to Norway
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new travel authorization required for visa-exempt travelers to the Schengen area, including Norway. Expected to launch in late 2026, it will require travelers from countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia to obtain online authorization before travel. The authorization costs EUR 7, is valid for 3 years, and is linked to your passport. It does not change the 90/180 day stay limit or visa requirements.
How do I extend my stay in Norway beyond 90 days
Extending beyond 90 days depends on your situation. EU/EEA citizens simply register with police and can stay indefinitely. For others, Schengen tourist visas cannot be extended except in emergencies. To stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit before your authorized stay expires. Options include the Independent Contractor Visa (if you have a Norwegian client), Skilled Worker Permit (if you have a job offer), Study Permit, or Family Immigration Permit. You cannot switch from tourist status to a residence permit while in Norway; most permits require applying from your home country.
What are the costs associated with living in Norway as a digital nomad
Norway is one of the world's most expensive countries. Expect to budget NOK 25,000-40,000 (USD 2,300-3,700) per month for a comfortable lifestyle. Rent in Oslo ranges from NOK 12,000-20,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Meals at restaurants cost NOK 200-400, while groceries are about NOK 800-1,200 weekly. Coworking spaces range from NOK 2,500-5,000 monthly. Internet and mobile data are reliable but cost NOK 400-600 monthly. The high costs are offset by excellent infrastructure, safety, and quality of life.
Do I need health insurance to visit or live in Norway
Health insurance requirements depend on your visa type and nationality. For Schengen visa applications, travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage is mandatory. EU/EEA citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary medical treatment at standard Norwegian patient fees. Non-EU tourists should have comprehensive travel insurance as healthcare costs are high without coverage. Residents registered in Norway gain access to the public healthcare system through the National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden) after paying taxes.
How difficult is it to open a bank account in Norway as a foreigner
Opening a Norwegian bank account is challenging and time-consuming for foreigners. You need a Norwegian National Identity Number (personnummer) for stays over 6 months or a D-number for shorter stays. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks. Major banks like DNB require in-person verification. Non-residents without a personnummer may need to deposit EUR 100,000 as a savings account. Consider using Wise, Revolut, or N26 for initial banking needs while your Norwegian account is being processed.
What is the 90 180 day rule and how is it calculated
The 90/180 day rule limits stays in the Schengen area to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This applies to all 27 Schengen countries combined, not individually. Days are counted from your first entry. For example, if you enter on January 1 and stay 90 days continuously, you must leave by April 1 and cannot re-enter until July 1 (180 days from first entry). Use the official Schengen calculator at ec.europa.eu to track your days. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.
Can I bring my family to Norway if I have a work permit
Yes, family members can typically apply for family immigration permits if you hold a valid work or residence permit in Norway. Eligible family members include your spouse or registered partner, cohabitant (if you have lived together for at least 2 years or have children together), and children under 18. For the Independent Contractor Visa, family reunification is available if your contract is for more than 6 months. The reference person must meet income requirements and may need to have worked or studied in Norway for 4 years depending on the case.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025