How to Obtain a Visa as a Skilled Self-Employed Worker in Norway

Are you planning to start and run your own business in Norway as a skilled worker? If so, you must fulfill several requirements related to your education, experience, and the business you want to establish. Below you will find an overview of the main requirements and what you should be aware of before applying.

Based on our experience it is very important that the documentation that is provided to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration with the application is precise and includes sufficient information about the business in Norway and its potential and challenges.

Requirements for the Applicant

Education and Competence Requirements

To qualify for a residence permit, you must have one of the following types of education or competence:

• Completed Vocational Education from Upper Secondary School:
  At least three years’ duration, for example as a carpenter or health care worker. There must be an equivalent vocational training program in Norway.
• Completed Higher Education:
  For example, a bachelor’s degree as an engineer or nurse from a university or university college.
• Special Qualifications through Extensive Work Experience:
  This applies if you have acquired skills through at least six years of relevant work experience, possibly combined with courses or some formal education. You must be able to document that your competence is equivalent to someone with relevant vocational education. Be sure to include detailed work certificates that demonstrate your practical experience. Please note that there are particularly strict requirements for this type of application, and many are rejected.

Business Requirements

• Necessary for Establishment and Operation:
  It must be necessary for the establishment or further operation of the business that you live in Norway and participate actively.
• Own Sole Proprietorship:
  As a general rule, the business must be a sole proprietorship that you own yourself (not a limited liability company). You are only permitted to work in your own business, and cannot take other employment or work remotely for others. It is normally accepted that the sole proprietorship is planned and not yet established when you apply.
• Skilled Worker Requirement:
  The work you will perform must require skilled worker competence.
• Income Requirement:
  It must be likely that the business will provide you with an annual business income of at least NOK 325,400 before tax (as of May 2025).
• Necessary Public Authorizations:
  If your business requires a permit from public authorities, you must have this authorization or confirmation that you will receive it.
• Application Fee:
  You must pay a fee when you submit your application for a residence permit.

Rights and Obligations

• Duration of Permit:
  The residence permit is granted for one year at a time.
• Permanent Residence:
  After three years with such a permit, you can apply for a permanent residence permit in Norway.
• Family Immigration:
  Close family members can usually apply for family immigration to live with you. If you apply at the same time, the applications will be processed together.

Tip:
Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the official regulations from UDI and include all necessary documentation. This increases your chances of getting your application approved.

Experienced law firm

We regularly assist foreigners with immigration law in Norway. We are also listed on the UK Government site

We have also contributed to the ICLG corporate immigration guide for 2024. 

Get in touch with us to discuss your case either through phone: +47 23688558 or e-mail: post@reinholdt.no.

Read more about immigration law in Norway here.