Living or working in Norway: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas

Digital nomads earning at least €10,000 annually can apply for a 12‑month stay visa; those with a Norwegian job offer need a skilled‑worker permit; citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand may use a working‑holiday scheme for up to a year.

The digital nomad visa (introduced 2024) is for remote workers who can prove a minimum annual income of €10,000 and have health insurance. No local employer is required, but you must register a residence address in Norway.

The skilled‑worker permit (formerly “work visa”) requires a concrete job offer, a contract of at least 30 hours per week, and the employer must have a labour‑market test showing no suitable EU/EEA candidate.

The working‑holiday visa is a reciprocal agreement with a few countries; it allows short‑term work (up to 6 months) and travel for up to 12 months. Applicants must be 18–30 years old and hold a passport from an eligible country.

Application fees are the same for most permits: NOK 5,400 (≈ €500) for the digital nomad visa and NOK 6,300 (≈ €580) for a skilled‑worker permit. The working‑holiday fee is NOK 5,000 (≈ €460).

Processing normally takes 3–6 weeks, but high demand periods can extend to 8 weeks. Submit the application at least three months before your intended arrival.

1. Create an account on the UDI portal (https://www.udi.no).

2. Upload required documents: passport, proof of income or job contract, health insurance, and a Norwegian address.

3. Pay the fee online.

4. Attend a biometric appointment at the nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate.

5. Wait for the decision; if approved, you receive an electronic residence permit card.

Health insurance must cover the whole stay and be valid in the Schengen area.

You cannot switch from a digital nomad visa to a skilled‑worker permit without leaving Norway first.

Working‑holiday participants may not work in the public sector or for more than 6 months with a single employer.