There are two visa programs for remote workers in Norway. Which one to choose and what are the requirements of each?
Norway is a country of fjords, sagas, and trolls. Itโs one of the happiest countries in the world and offers good social policies as well as high salaries. Well, its climate is not as awesome as in Southern Europe, though some people like that.
There are two visa programs for remote workers in Norway. One is Norway Independent Contractor Visa, applicable for the whole country, and the other is Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa for those who dare to come to Svalbard islands within the Arctic Circle. Which one to choose, and what are the requirements of each?
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You can apply for this visa in the Norwegian embassy or consulate in your home country or the country of your residency. In the last case, youโll need a resident permit.
If you are already in Norway, you can visit the nearest police station and apply there for your digital nomad visa. Youโll need to prove that you live in Norway legally.
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Having a contract with at least one client in Norway is the main limitation of this program which makes it not so popular among remote workers. Your Norwegian client should pay you the minimum wage for a skilled worker or higher (230 NOK / 19,71โฌ per hour as of 2023).
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The other requirements are:
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๐ You should prove an income of 35,719โฌ per year at least (e.g. with bank statements).
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๐ You should have a registered business.
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๐ Youโll need accommodation in Norway.
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๐ Your passport should be valid.
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Step 1. Gather your documents
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๐ Filled and signed the Application formย
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๐ 600โฌ application fee
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๐ Passport and a copy of all used pages
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๐ 2 Passport Photos
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๐ Proof of Accommodation in Norway
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๐ Medical insurance
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๐ Contract with Norwegian Client
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๐ Documentation of Business Established Abroad
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๐ Proof of Education (e.g. BA or Master's diploma)
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๐ CV & Work History
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Step 2. Fill and print the UDI checklist
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UDI checklist is one more crucial document for your application. You should select your country of citizenship, and then fill in all the checkboxes that relate to your application. Make sure to provide the necessary documents. Then print the web page with the checklist and sign the necessary fields.
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Step 3. Apply for the visa
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You may apply for the visa at the embassy or consulate of Norway, or the police station if you are already within the country. You may be asked to provide any additional documents at this stage.
In some countries, the Norwegian consulate approves the applications only via certified centres, so check it before your visit.
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Step 4. Travel to Norway.
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When your visa is approved, you can travel to Norway.
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The Independent Contractor Visa allows you to stay in Norway for up to 2 years. Remember, that after you live more than 6 months in a year you should become a tax resident of Norway.
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Yes, you can bring your spouse and your children under 18 years to Norway. Your partner wouldnโt be allowed to work in Norway until they acquire a work permit.
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No, you can live and travel across the whole country.
Officially, everyone can visit and live at Svalbard without a visa. However, to visit the Arctic archipelago, you travel from the mainland, so youโll need a valid Schengen visa or Svalbardโs Digital Nomad Visa.
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You can apply for this visa in the Norwegian embassy or consulate in your home country or the country of your residency. In the last case, youโll need a resident permit.
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If you are already in Norway, you can visit the nearest police station and apply there for your digital nomad visa. Youโll need to prove that you live in Norway legally.
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Some of the jobs are preferred for this visa such as software developers, SEO writers, social media specialists, online language teachers, etc. However, if you possess any other profession your application will also have proceeded.
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You donโt need to have a Norwegian client to apply for this visa.
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The other requirements are:
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๐ You should prove an income of 35,000โฌ per year at least (e.g. with bank statements).
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๐ You should have a university degree.
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๐ Youโll need accommodation in Svalbard.
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๐ Your passport should be valid.
โ
ย
Step 1. Gather your documents
โ
๐ Filled and signed the Application formย
โ
๐ 600โฌ application fee
โ
๐ Passport and a copy of all used pages
โ
๐ 2 Passport Photos
โ
๐ Proof of Accommodation in Svalbard
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๐ Medical insurance
โ
๐ Proof of Education (e.g. BA or Master's diploma)
โ
๐ CV & Work History
โ
ย
Step 2. Fill and print the UDI checklist
โ
UDI checklist is one more crucial document for your application. You should select your country of citizenship, and then fill in all the checkboxes that relate to your application. Make sure to provide the necessary documents. Then print the web page with the checklist and sign the necessary fields.
โ
ย
Step 3. Apply for the visa
โ
You may apply for the visa at the embassy or consulate of Norway, or the police station if you are already within the country. You may be asked to provide any additional documents at this stage.
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In some countries, the Norwegian consulate approves the applications only via certified centres, so check it before your visit.
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Step 4. Travel to Svalbard
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When your visa is approved you can travel to Svalbard.
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Good news! Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa does not expire. However, you may need a valid Schengen visa to travel back to the mainland.
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Yes, you can bring your spouse and your children under 18 years to Norway. Your partner wouldnโt be allowed to work in Norway until they acquire a work permit.
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You can live and travel only across the Svalbard islands.
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Got a question? Contact us!
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โPhoto: Ignacio Ceballos, Daniel Fatnes
