Articles on: Europe

Norway — Independent Contractor Visa: everything you need to live and work as a self-employed professional

Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder of QUESTRAVEL

Why Norway (the essentials)

Norway is synonymous with dramatic nature, high quality of life, and a strong, predictable economy. While Norway does not offer a “digital nomad visa” per se, there is a solid route for independents: the Independent Contractor / Self-employed residence permits. With the right setup, freelancers and independent professionals can live legally in Norway while working for clients (often including at least one Norwegian client, depending on the route) or by running their own registered business in Norway. (udi.no)

What is the self-employed/independent contractor permit?

It’s a residence permit intended for people who will work for themselves in Norway. There are two common pathways:

  • Independent contractor (company abroad): a self-employed professional with a company outside Norway who has a contract for services in Norway (typically with a Norwegian client). See UDI’s document checklists. (udi.no)
  • Self-employed with a company in Norway: you establish and run your own sole proprietorship (non-limited) in Norway and actively operate it. Requirements are set under the Immigration Act §25 and Regulations §6-18. (regjeringen.no)
Norway does not brand these as “digital nomad” permits; they are work residence permits for self-employment/contracting. Working remotely from Norway still requires a residence permit that allows remote work. (udi.no)

Who processes it

  • Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) — rules, processing, guidance. (udi.no)
  • Norwegian embassies/consulates — where most applicants submit first-time applications abroad. (udi.no)
  • Local Police (Foreigners’ Office) — in-country biometrics/registration after arrival. (Nomads Embassy)
  • Immigration Act (Utlendingsloven) — Act No. 2008-05-15-35. (lovdata.no)
  • Immigration Regulations §6-18 — residence permit for self-employed persons; UDI guideline UDI 2014-009 explains processing. (regjeringen.no)

Duration & renewals

  • Initial grant: up to 2 years (typical).
  • Extensions: renewable while you continue to meet conditions.
  • Permanent residence: generally possible after 3 years of continuous qualifying residence. (Check current UDI rules for your case.) (udiregelverk.no)

Core requirements (what authorities look for)

General (non-EU/EEA)

  • Professional activity & need: contracts/projects that justify your activity in Norway. For independent contractors with a company abroad, this typically means a contract with a Norwegian client. For self-employed in Norway, it means a registered Norwegian sole proprietorship and that your presence is necessary to run it. (udi.no)
  • Qualifications & income level: you must qualify as a skilled worker/independent and meet salary/means standards in line with what is normal in Norway. UDI adjusts salary levels periodically; verify the current threshold before filing. (udi.no)
  • Insurance & clean record: valid health insurance, clean police record, valid passport, and proof of accommodation in Norway, per checklist. (udi.no)

Fees (official): NOK 6,300 for work/residence permits for adults (plus any VAC/embassy service fees). (udi.no)

Step-by-step (how to apply)

  1. Choose your route
    • Independent contractor with a company abroad (contract in Norway), or
    • Self-employed with a company in Norway (register and operate a sole proprietorship in Norway).

Review UDI’s checklists to confirm your path. (udi.no)

  1. Prepare documents
    • Passport; contracts or business plan; proof you are self-employed; budget/accounts; registration extracts; insurance; accommodation; police certificate (if required). (Exact list per UDI checklist.) (udi.no)
  1. Submit your application
    • Usually abroad at a Norwegian embassy/consulate (book via UDI’s “Want to apply” wizard), or in some cases in Norway with the police if eligible. (udi.no)
  1. Pay the fee (NOK 6,300) and attend your biometrics/ID appointment. (udi.no)
  2. Decision & residence card
    • On approval, complete police registration and receive your residence card (proof of legal stay and work permission under your permit). (Nomads Embassy)

Advantages

  • A clear, legal pathway for independents to live and work in Norway.
  • Ability to run your own Norwegian sole proprietorship or contract as a foreign self-employed with a Norwegian client. (regjeringen.no)
  • Potential permanent residence after sustained legal residence. (udiregelverk.no)
  • Access to Norway’s stable business environment and thriving tech/creative networks.

Official references (use these first)

  • UDI — “Remote work in Norway” (key rule): you need a permit that allows remote work while in Norway. (udi.no)
  • UDI — Document checklists: Independent contractor (company abroad) and Self-employed with a company in Norway. (udi.no)
  • UDI guideline UDI 2014-009: Residence permit for self-employed persons (Act §25; Regs §6-18). (udiregelverk.no)
  • Immigration Regulations (PDF) — §6-18: Residence permit for self-employed persons. (regjeringen.no)
  • Immigration Act (Lovdata): Act No. 2008-05-15-35 (English/unofficial). (lovdata.no)
  • UDI — Fees (official): NOK 6,300 for work/residence permits (adults). (udi.no)


QUESTRAVEL’s take

Norway’s route is stricter than classic “digital nomad” visas: you must fit an existing self-employment framework (often with a Norwegian contract or by registering a Norwegian sole prop) and meet salary/means norms that UDI updates over time. The most common pitfalls we fix: vague contracts, insufficient documentation that you’re truly self-employed, and income proofs that don’t match Norway’s current benchmarks.

💡 Want a clean, approval-ready file? Book a 1:1 with QUESTRAVEL at fromquestravel.com — we’ll map your best route (contractor vs. Norwegian sole prop), align documents with UDI checklists, and time your embassy & police steps so your landing in Norway is smooth.

Updated on: 03/11/2025