A Complete Guide to Norway’s Digital Nomad Visa
Travelers around the world are looking for Norway’s digital nomad visa, which grants remote workers the right to both live and work in the nation known for its astonishing landscapes, colorful and lively cities, and excellent quality of life. Norway is a supercharged digital nomads dream location, especially for those who want to work remotely while exploring Northern European beauty and culture. Unfortunately, if you are looking to acquire a visa to Norway for digital nomads, you might be disappointed to find out Norway doesn’t have a specific visa to cater for remote workers.
Do Digital Nomads Need a Visa to Enter Norway?
Not at the moment. Unlike Estonia, Portugal, or Spain, Norway does not have a visa specifically designed to cater for digital nomads. Norway does offer visas for freelancers, but they are not designed specifically for remote working professionals. Oslo has become a modern European hub for live digital nomads, and Norway does offer visa options for remote workers.
For remote workers or freelancers planning to relocate to Norway, the best option of immigration may be applying for the Skilled Worker Visa, Job Seeker Visa, or Visitor Visa applicable to the individual’s situation.
Alternative Options: Norway Digital Nomad Visa
While Norway does not offer a digital nomad visa, there are alternative and different types of visas that cater to remote workers. Let’s take a look at the most important examples:
1.Skilled Worker Visa
Among the alternative options for a visa, the Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most common in Norway for digital nomads. Anyone who possesses a job offer from a Norwegian employer can use this visa. However, if you are a freelancer or working for a foreign company, this option might not be preferable.
To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must comply with the following conditions:
Have an offer of employment with a Norwegian company that bestows specialty jobs, such as information technology, engineering, and health care.
Possess a valid work contract.
Have the requisite qualifications and relevant work experience.
Satisfy the minimum salary requirements, which are usually above the average in Norway.
It should be noted that as long as the visa is granted for a person with a contract of a Norwegian employer, employees working for a foreign company remotely would not normally qualify.
2.Job Seeker Visa.
The Job Seeker Visa is ideal for those who want to relocate to Norway with the aim of finding work. The visa grants you residency in Norway for a period up to six months as you look for work. In order to qualify for the Job Seeker Visa, however, there are necessary criteria you have to meet; specifically, a higher education degree or the requisite skills.
What would be important for one to note is that even though this visa will give you a chance to seek work in Norway, one would still need to receive a job offer for you to remain in the country beyond the visa duration.
3.Visitor Visa
For those wishing to spend limited time in Norway while working from abroad, the Visitor Visa might work well. This visa type permits business travelers to spend up to 90 days and no more than 180 consecutive days within the country.
You will not be able to work for a Norwegian company while on this visa, but if you work for a company based outside of Norway, you may be able to take advantage of this visa as a digital nomad. If you wish to stay beyond that, you will have to consider switching to another type of visa or broadening your stay through a residence permit.
4.Self-Employed Visa
If you are an entrepreneur or a freelancer seeking to establish a business in Norway or continue managing a business from abroad, the Self-Employed Visa may cover your needs. Under this visa, a candidate is expected to provide proof of adequate funds available which ensures self-sufficiency through paid freelance work or business activities.
Keep in mind that while applying for self-employed visa, a comprehensive business plan along with proof of financial means supporting argument that the business will survive in Norway will be required.
Norway Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Although Norway doesn’t have a standalone digital nomad visa, remote workers interested in applying for one of the visa options listed above (Skilled Worker Visa, Job Seeker Visa, Visitor Visa, Self-Employed Visa) must satisfy some basic Norway digital nomad visa requirements.
These are the most important requirements for working remotely in Norway:
1.Proof of Employment or Freelance Work
For both the Visitor Visa and the Self-Employed Visa, proof of remittance income from work done abroad is required along with other documents. Evidence of income for freelancers includes contracts with overseas clients, bank statements for money received, and invoices.
2.Valid Passport
Having a passport that can allow for entry is required when applying for a visa. Furthermore, it is also required that your passport needs to be valid at least three to six months after your planned stay in Norway.
3.Health Insurance
All visas to Norway require foreigners to have health insurance. Those of you staying more than three months in Norway must be sure to have comprehensive health coverage, which is typically provided by travel insurance or private health insurance providers.
4Accommodation Proof
Norway has some proof of accommodation stipulations such as a hotel booking or rental agreement if you are after a residence permit or visa.
5.Minimum Income Requirements
Proof of income sufficient for living expenses in Norway is also needed from applicants, so if you’re planning to move to Norway and need to pay bills, work, and have some savings, you will need to have a visible remote job on record.
6.Visa Application Fee
Some visas come with an application fee set at anything between €60 to €100 plus. Check the Norway digital nomad visa official website to be sure of any upcoming changes in the fee structure.
7.Absence of Criminal Record
For some nationalities, a police clearance certificate is needed to justify the absence of criminal records, so you may need to get this from your home country.
Norway Digital Nomad Visa Official Website
Your first step should entail going to the Norway dedicated page for digital nomads visa to gather all necessary information. There, you’ll find relevant guidelines that cover the different types of visas, their specific requirements, the application procedures, and links to the necessary forms.
Your Visa Application Process Starts Here:
Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
The UDI website has detailed instructions for visa applications along with the relevant documents and the forms that need to be filled out for the visa or residence permit.
conclusion
Although there is currently no digital nomad visa tailored for remote workers in Norway, the country has generous visa policies that allow you to live, work, and travel in Norway. A Visitor Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, Job Seeker Visa, or Self Employed Visa will all suit your needs if you are a digital nomad seeking high-quality living standards in an exceptional country like Norway.
Understanding the Norway digital nomad visa requirements is more or less where the problem lies with Norway and their flexibility with nomad visas. Until Norway decides to implement a dedicated nomad visa, it is in everyone’s best interest to be realistic when deciding which visa fits your needs the best.
To keep up with the latest requirements and to apply for the correct visa, visit the Norway Digital Nomad Visa Official Website There is much to explore on their website.
In conclusion, while the process for obtaining a visa in Norway is not as straightforward as some other countries with a specific nomad visa, Norway remains a prime candidate for those seeking stunning views with a sprawling society as the backdrop while working remotely.
