Norway Digital Nomad Visa (Svalbard)
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Nadia Dardón
Freelance writer
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Norway Rating from Citizen Remote
Overall 
3.8
Internet Infrastructure 5.0
Country Stability 5.0
Cost of Living 2.0
Ease of Obtaining Visa 4.0
Taxes 3.0
Quick Visa Facts
Visa length N/A
Possible to extend? N/A
Who can apply? N/A
Minimum Income Requirements N/A
Time for visa applications N/A
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Norway Quick Facts
Norway is also known as the Kingdom of Norway which shares the Scandinavian Peninsula with Sweden and Finland. The nation is also one of the most mountainous countries in Europe creating beautiful stunning fjords, therefore, Norway is absolutely one of the most popular destinations for outdoorsy people.
Capital Oslo
Form of Government Constitutional monarchy
Population (Est. 2021) 5,405,000
Climate A temperate oceanic climate
Language Norwegian and Sami
Currency The Norwegian Krone or NOK
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Norway’s coastline is famous for its fjords which are sea inlets between cliffs. The fjords were carved out by glaciers as well as mountains. Besides, Norway also includes the Svalbard island chain as well as three islands in the Antarctic.
Svalbard is a true Arctic haven with two-thirds of the surface are protected by national parks, reserves, or sanctuaries. The area is also one of the perfect places in the world for sightseeing other Arctic wildlife in addition to the polar bears, such as the reindeer, Arctic fox, birds, walruses, and whales.
In addition to being considered to be one of the best tourist attractions, Norway is also one of the best-considered places for tourists. As such, Norway is absolutely a place for the people who love adventure as they can find the world’s best skiing opportunities at perfect resorts with a peaceful environment.
Norwegians pay a lot for services and these taxes are utilized in providing the services to the people. As a result, the country is able to offer a high standard of living to its citizens and visitors. Compared to other EU countries, the earnings ratio in Norway is higher.
As the standard of living is raised so high, the government can provide health, education, infrastructure development, and other services to its people.
In the nation, 99 percent of adults there can read, therefore, it cannot amaze you that Norwegians are the biggest readers in the whole world who have been spending USD $76 on books per year.
The high standard of living may be one of the reasons that make Norway be regarded as the happiest place in the world in 2017. Peace in Norway is a global standard and it was ranked the 11th most peaceful country out of 162 in the world by the Global Peace Index in 2013.
Norwegians are known for the traditions of equality and humanitarianism as the country often takes in refugees and people seeking asylum from other countries.
The nation is also one of the least corrupt countries in the world as the 5th place ranked by the Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International in 2015.
If you are a digital nomad who loves adventure and requires a standard of living, the Nordic country is truly not only a beautiful place but also a peaceful one for you!
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Norway Remote Work Visa Overview
The COVID-19 pandemic has closed down cities and forced many people into remote workers. Most freelancers and the remote workforce went mainstream in 2020 since the fully employed joined its ranks.
While many have returned to the office, there’s a significant number who have declined to return to the in-person workplace to open a new kind of work environment, digital nomads.
Many countries, especially the ones dependent on tourism, have seen their economies suffer from the coronavirus pandemic. In order to relieve their economies, they embark on bringing in long-term stayers via specially designed visas for the wave of freelancers and digital nomads which is continuously increasing.
Norway has also entered the growing list of countries that launched the visa program for digital nomads. However, unlike other nations, Norway’s digital nomad visa is actually a broader visa, as it allows a lifelong stay once the travelers apply for such visas.
The visa is unique as it only applies to Svalbard.
The benefit of the Norway digital nomad visa is its lack of duration. Once the visa is obtained, you will not need a living permit.
Not only does it have splendid views and wild adventures, but Norway also is a safe bet for anyone who wants to combine work and leisure. The travel magazine Wanderlust has ranked the Nordic country as one of the 7 best countries in which to take a workation in 2021.
However, as mentioned before, Svalbard is an archipelago between Norway’s mainland and the North Pole, which is famous for long, cold winters, so it may not appeal to every digital nomad.
In addition, Svalbard is also one of the most expensive places globally so you will need to have enough money to support your stay.
On the other hand, there’s also another kind of visa which is a self-employed visa, also known as the Independent Contractor Visa. This visa program is designed for those who are self-employed and are working on a Norwegian business project.
Holding an Independent Contractor Visa, you are not limited to staying within Svalbard but other areas in the country for up to two years.
In Norway, the IRS is responsible for the collection of tax and everyone has to pay the taxes. The tax to income ratio varies per policy. Currently, it stands at 22% for the residents over their income earned during a calendar year.
Remote workers or freelancers are considered to be self-employed people. Therefore, you must first have to register on VAT (value-added tax) from the date one’s taxable sales / withdrawals exceed 50,000 NOK.
You also have to pay 25% tax as a value-added tax over the goods and services.
You also need to check and complete registration the update requirements for the COVID-19 in here prior to arrival in Norway.
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Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Norway
Anyone can live in Svalbard, regardless of their country of origin since Svalbard is one of the few places in the world where citizens from any country are welcome to settle. However, you must have a job and a place to live.
How to Apply for the Norway Digital Nomad Visa
You can submit directly online. The visa application process is quite easy and simple. You just have to fill up the application form and submit their visa application fee along with the basic documents.
Besides, you also can apply through the embassy or consulate but there are additional charges because the embassy sends documents on your behalf via courier. This may be a lengthy procedure because the whole procedure and approval from one place to another place take time.
Documents Required for Applying
For the Norway digital visa you will need:
A valid passport and a copy of all used pages in the passport.
Correctly filled application form.
Copies of documents such as education transcripts and degrees.
Proof of income such as bank statements.
Health insurance.
Valid visa
A signed application form
A CV
Two new passport size photos with white background
There are additional documents for Norway’s Independent Contractor Visa, these include:
Qualifications include relevant qualifications to work in your profession.
Proof of work – You must be self-employed with a contract to work on a project for a business in Norway.
Proof of accommodation in Norway.
Proof of income that shows an income of at least €35,719 per year before taxs.
How much does it cost?
The visa application fee is NOK 6300 (600 euros).
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Timeline for Applying
It normally takes 15 days for the processing of a visa application. However, as said, it may take up to 1 month for the whole procedure if you apply from a Non-EU country or via an embassy because the verification of documents takes time.
Firstly, you must prepare and gather the required documents listed on Norway’s Directorate of Immigration website
Next, fill out the application, submit it online along with all required documents or bring them to the nearest Norwegian Embassy.
Once the visa is approved, you can start your adventure in Norway.
Numerous international studies reveal that workers who are comfortable working remotely are happier, have lower sickness absence rates and more energy, and have a greater sense of loyalty to employers when they can work flexibly.
Working remotely while on vacation has become a major global trend.
Norway may offer you a quiet place to complete an important task or simply an ideal way to experience some of the most spectacular places without the crowds.
If you are looking for a new challenge in the unique places in the world and are unphased by the high cost of living, Svalbard could be an ideal location for you to create new memories in your digital nomad journey.
FAQs About the Norway Digital Nomad Visa
Is the Independent Contractor Visa the Same as a Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa?
The Independent Contractor Visa and the Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa are entirely different visas with different applications and requirements. The Svalbard visa only allows the holder to live in the Svalbard region while working remotely. This is the world’s most northern permanent settlement but offers unmatched beauty and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What Are the Taxes in Norway (Svalbard) on the Digital Nomad Visa?
Once you stay more than 183 days in Norway, you are considered a tax resident. After that point, you are obligated to pay taxes in Norway. If you are considering applying for this visa, you are likely prepared to spend quite a long time in Norway, so do note that you will need to pay taxes.
General income is taxed at a rate of 22%. Taxes are high because of the fantastic welfare system throughout Norway, so although you will likely pay more in taxes than you are used to, it comes with plenty of benefits.
What Are the Benefits of the Norway Digital Nomad Visa?
No set duration: The Norway Digital Nomad Visa for Svalbard is very unique, as there is no set duration. In contrast, the Independent Contractor Visa for Norway is only valid for a maximum of two years.
Live and work remotely in Svalbard: Svalbard is an incredible destination that only a few get to visit in their lifetime. This visa allows you to live and work remotely in this dream location. Rent is affordable, the community is welcoming, and you can live a quiet lifestyle.
Straightforward to obtain: This visa is much simpler to obtain than many other visas and also quite affordable. The requirements are not as strict as other countries throughout the world.
What Is the Difference Between a Norwegian Digital Nomad Visa and a Tourist Visa?
| Norwegian Digital Nomad Visa | Tourist Visa |
|---|---|
| Can be issued for a lifetime as there are no duration requirements | Only valid for 30 days |
| Lets you work remotely | Strictly for travel purposes |
| You can live in Svalbard without a residency permit | You cannot live in Svalbard |
| You must pay taxes if your stay is longer than 183 days | You are not obligated to pay taxes |
| You must apply for the visa in advance of your trip and include supporting documentation | Many countries can get a visa on arrival |
Is It Easy to Get Norway (Svalbard) Digital Nomad Visa?
It is relatively straightforward to get the Svalbard digital nomad visa. First, you fill out the application, pay the fee, and submit your supporting documentation. Once you have done so and been approved, you can travel to Svalbard and register as a resident within eight days.
The application takes about a month to process if you are outside of the EU/EEA or about two weeks if you are inside.
Can I Apply for a Norway Digital Nomad Visa Online?
Yes, you can apply for the Svalbard digital nomad visa via the UDI, Norway’s Directorate of Immigration. You can submit your application, fee of €600, and supporting documentation all through the online portal.
If you do not want to submit your application online, you can send your application via courier and go to the nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate.
Can My Family Members Work Remotely in Norway (Svalbard)?
You can only work remotely in Norway if you have a residence permit that allows you to do so. In most cases, you can bring your spouse and children with you. Although they do not need to apply on their own, if they wish to work remotely, they would need to qualify just the same.
Extended family members cannot work remotely in Svalbard, even if you are.
For How Long Is the Norway Digital Nomad Visa Valid?
There is no set duration that the Svalbard digital nomad visa is valid, so you can stay for a lifetime if desired.
Are There Stay Requirements For The Norway Digital Nomad Visa?
No, there are no stay requirements for the Norway digital nomad visa. You can travel freely and are not required to stay for any length of time.
Can I Get Help Applying for Norway’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, you can get help applying for Norway’s digital nomad visa with Citizen Remote. Our team has plenty of relocation experts that can handle your entire visa application process and help you move to the destination of your dreams.
Author
Nadia Dardón is a freelance writer from Guatemala. In early 2022 she embarked as a digital nomad, traveling through Europe, focusing mostly on the literary history of each country. She has worked fully remotely for the past four years as a reader, writer, and content creator with experience creating pieces for different industries. She also has a personal blog where she writes about her cultural and literary travels.
