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Non-EEA nationals need a confirmed job offer meeting Norwegian wage standards (typically NOK 560,000+/year, 2024); employer files the application and qualifications must be recognized.
For remote workers employed by companies outside Norway; requires an annual income of at least NOK 35,719/month (approx. USD 3,300) and is based on Svalbard — mainland stays are separate.
Requires a viable business plan, sufficient funding, and relevant qualifications; applicants must demonstrate they can establish and operate a business and support themselves financially.
EEA/EFTA and Swiss nationals have freedom of movement in Norway; registration is required after 3 months but is straightforward with proof of employment, study, or sufficient funds.
Norway is part of the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area (EEA), granting EU/EEA citizens freedom of movement with a simple registration obligation after 3 months. Non-EU nationals must apply for a residence permit before arriving; most categories require a job offer or family tie in Norway. Norway introduced a Digital Nomad Visa in January 2022 for self-employed foreigners and freelancers earning income from clients outside Norway.
Non-EU workers must secure a job offer from a Norwegian employer before applying for a skilled worker residence permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). The employer must demonstrate that no suitable Norwegian or EEA candidate was available in most cases, except for shortage occupations. Permits are typically issued for 1–3 years and renewable, with permanent residency available after 3 years of continuous legal residence.
Spouses, registered partners, and dependent children under 18 of residence permit holders can apply for family immigration permits allowing them to live in Norway. Family members above age 18 can apply for their own independent work permits once resident, and younger dependents have full access to free public education.
Norway has a progressive income tax with a top effective rate around 47.4% (including national insurance), and taxes residents on worldwide income. However, Norway has a favorable tax regime for investments held through holding companies (participation exemption). Norway has tax treaties with over 90 countries and operates a transparent, well-administered tax system.
Norway has a universal public healthcare system funded by taxes; all residents holding a residence permit are enrolled in the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and receive free or heavily subsidized healthcare. Wait times in the public system can be long, so some expats purchase supplementary private health insurance for faster specialist access. Prescription drugs and dental care for adults are partially subsidized.
Opening a Norwegian bank account requires a D-number (temporary national ID) or national ID number; major banks like DNB, Nordea, and Sparebank 1 serve expatriates. Norway is largely cashless and digital; BankID is used for nearly all financial transactions and government services. The Norwegian Krone (NOK) is a freely convertible currency with no capital controls.
Norway does not offer a traditional golden visa program; the government closed its investor permit route in 2022 due to concerns over abuse. Business owners and self-employed individuals can obtain residency by establishing and running a viable business in Norway. A startup entrepreneur visa allows founders with an approved business plan to reside for 2 years while building their company.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Startup Entrepreneur Visa | — | No | No |