Norway is a beautiful and modern country known for its stunning nature, high standard of living, and strong economy.
With the rise of remote work, many professionals from around the world are asking: Can I get a visa to work remotely for a Norwegian company? And if so, does Norway offer visa sponsorship for remote jobs?
In this article, we’ll explore how visa sponsorship works in Norway, what remote job opportunities are available, and what non-EU citizens need to know to work legally for a Norwegian employer.
1. What Is Visa Sponsorship?
Visa sponsorship means a company or employer supports your visa application by offering you a job and handling part of the immigration paperwork.
This usually applies to skilled workers coming from outside the EU/EEA (European Union / European Economic Area).
For remote jobs, visa sponsorship becomes a bit more complex. If you are not living in Norway, and you work online for a Norwegian company, you may not need a visa, as long as you are working from your home country.
However, if you want to live in Norway while working remotely, that’s a different story—and you will need the right visa.
2. Does Norway Offer a Digital Nomad Visa?
As of now, Norway does not have a specific “digital nomad visa” like some other countries (e.g., Estonia or Portugal). That means there is no special visa for people who want to live in Norway while working remotely for a foreign company.
Still, there are a few options if you want to live in Norway and work remotely:
Self-Employed Person Visa:
You can apply as a self-employed person with a contract from a Norwegian company. You must show that:
- You have professional skills (education or experience),
- You have a real client in Norway,
- You can support yourself financially.
This visa works well for freelancers or consultants who get a long-term contract with a Norwegian business.
Skilled Worker Visa:
If a Norwegian company offers you a full-time remote job, and they are willing to sponsor your visa, you may qualify for the Skilled Worker visa. The job must:
- Require a higher education degree or special qualifications,
- Be paid according to Norwegian standards,
- Be offered by a registered Norwegian employer.
This visa is usually used for people working on-site, but it can apply to remote workers if the employer agrees and immigration rules are followed.
3. Can a Norwegian Company Sponsor a Remote Job Visa?
Yes, but it depends. If a company in Norway wants to hire someone from outside the EU and have them live and work in Norway, they must:
- Be a registered company in Norway,
- Be willing to handle sponsorship paperwork,
- Offer a job that meets immigration standards (education, salary, skills).
Some companies are open to sponsoring remote positions, especially in IT, software development, marketing, or digital design.
But many small companies may not sponsor due to the extra work and costs.
4. Where to Find Remote Jobs in Norway with Sponsorship
If you’re looking for a remote job with possible visa sponsorship, try searching in these places:
- NAV Job Portal – Norway’s national job site.
- Indeed.no – Filter for remote jobs.
- LinkedIn – Use keywords like “remote + Norway + visa sponsorship.”
- Global tech job boards – Sites like Remote OK, We Work Remotely, and AngelList often list remote jobs with international teams.
Look for companies with international staff and remote-first policies, as they may be more open to sponsorship.
5. Tips for Getting Sponsored for a Remote Job in Norway
- Highlight your international experience: Show that you’re comfortable working across time zones and cultures.
- Tailor your resume to Norwegian standards: Be clear, professional, and list relevant skills.
- Be honest about your location: Tell employers your country of residence and whether you want to move to Norway.
- Ask during interviews: If you’re shortlisted, politely ask if the company offers visa sponsorship.
- Build in-demand skills: Fields like software development, AI, cybersecurity, and digital marketing are more likely to offer sponsorships.
Conclusion
Visa sponsorship for remote jobs in Norway is possible, but it’s not always easy. If you plan to stay in your home country, you don’t need a Norwegian visa.
But if you want to move to Norway and work remotely, you’ll need to apply for a self-employment visa or find an employer willing to sponsor you through the Skilled Worker program.
It takes time, research, and the right job opportunity—but with the right skills and persistence, working remotely from Norway is within reach.