Norway Self-Employed Residence Permit

Norway has no digital nomad visa. This residence permit, which UDI (the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) lists as the permit for self-employed persons with a company in Norway, is for skilled people who move to Norway to run their own business there (UDI).

• Profit test: the business must be likely to make at least NOK 341,373 a year before tax
• Business form: normally the applicant's own sole proprietorship, not a limited company
• Permit length: 1 year at a time, renewable
• Fee: NOK 6,300, charged again on each renewal
• Other work: No. The holder can work only in the business, and remote work is not allowed either

That last rule rules this permit out for remote workers who want to keep an employer or clients abroad. UDI runs a separate permit for self-employed people whose company is abroad and who have an assignment for a Norwegian client (UDI); this site has no page for it yet. Visitor stays are covered in the Norway country guide.

• Skilled worker: A completed vocational training program of at least three years at upper secondary level (with a Norwegian equivalent), a university or university college degree, or special qualifications from long professional experience (generally at least six years)
• Own business: the business must normally be the applicant's own sole proprietorship; a limited company does not qualify
• Profit: it must be likely that the business gives a profit of at least NOK 341,373 a year before tax. UDI revises the figure regularly, so applicants should check the current amount before filing
• No other work: the holder can only work in this business, including no remote work for others
• Family: Yes. Family members can apply for family immigration to live with the holder

Source: UDI.

Applicants work from UDI's current checklist for this permit (UDI). Given the conditions, an application has to show:

• Identity: a valid passport
• Qualifications: diplomas, vocational certificates or documented work experience that meet the skilled-worker standard
• The business: what it does and budgets showing it is likely to reach the profit threshold; an existing business adds its accounts or tax returns

Regulated professions may also need Norwegian authorization before the business can operate. Applicants should confirm the full document list with UDI before submitting.

• Application fee: NOK 6,300 one-time for applicants aged 18 or over (UDI fee table)
• Renewals: the same fee applies to each renewal
• Other costs: translations, certified copies and travel to an appointment can add to the bill, and they vary by country

The profit test is a separate hurdle from the fee: the business itself must be likely to earn at least NOK 341,373 a year before tax.

Applications are decided by UDI. The fee of NOK 6,300 is paid when applying (UDI fees).

UDI doesn't publish a fixed processing time for this permit. It shows current waiting times on its website, so applicants should check them before planning a move.

Each renewal is a new application that retests the conditions, including the profit threshold, and carries the same fee.

• Permit length: 1 year at a time (UDI)
• Renewal: Renewable one year at a time while the requirements, including the profit threshold, are still met; the work-permit fee applies to each renewal
• Permanent residence: Yes. After three years the holder can apply for a permanent residence permit; since Sept. 1, 2025 all requirements must be met on the date UDI or the police decide the case (UDI notice)

Because each renewal retests the business, a year of weak profit can end the permit. Holders should keep accounts that show the threshold is met.

The permit carries no special tax regime. Norway's Tax Administration treats someone as tax resident after more than 183 days in Norway over a 12-month period or more than 270 days over a 36-month period (Skatteetaten).

A tax resident pays tax to Norway on all Norwegian and foreign income and wealth. A non-resident can still owe tax on income and wealth from Norway, which includes profit from a business run in Norway.

Holders who keep income or assets abroad should check any tax treaty between Norway and their home country.