Svalbard is the northernmost inhabited area located between Norway and the North Pole.
It is a Norwegian archipelago, so it’s part of Norway. There is not much to do close to the Arctic circle, and temperatures vary between 37F – 46F.
This is why Svalbard is not a very popular digital nomad destination for warm-weather travelers.
But if you like the view of glaciers, reindeer, polar bears, and Arctic foxes, a short stay in Svalbard might be a good change.
The population is a little less than 3,000, mainly concentrated in the capital of Longyearbyen.
Svalbard joined the growing list of countries offering digital nomad visas to digital nomads and remote workers across the world.
The Svalbard digital nomad visa allows digital nomads of all nationalities to live and work remotely in the Svalbard region of Norway indefinitely.
Please note that the Svalbard digital nomad visa differs from an independent contractor visa.
However, the Svalbard digital nomad differs from the Norway digital nomad visa. If you want to know everything about Norway’s digital nomad visa, check here.
Who Can Apply for Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa?
Regardless of their country, anyone can apply for the Svalbard digital nomad visa. Freelancers like programmers, developers, online language teachers, SEO writers, and social media marketing representatives are considered a perfect fit for this visa.
A digital nomad in Svalbard is obliged to pay local taxes while living in Norway.
Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
In order to be eligible for the Svalbard digital nomad visa, the applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- The applicant must present proof of self-employment.
- The applicant must meet the income requirement: earn at least $34,170 per year. In this case, the applicant should provide proof of income.
- The applicant must sign a contract with a Norwegian client.
- The applicant must have proof of accommodation as well.
- The applicant must buy international health insurance valid in Norway.
Steps to apply for Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa
With a straightforward process, the applicants can easily apply for this visa.
Step 1: Gather Documents
Before applying for the visa, the applicant must gather the following documents in English or Norwegian.
- Copy of Passport
- Two Passport Photos
- Proof of Address of Accommodation
- Contract with Norwegian Client
- CV and Work History
- Proof of Education
- Printed and Signed UDI Checklist
- $574 Application Fee
Step 2: Print the UDI Checklist
It is imperative that the applicant print the UDI checklist. The applicant is supposed to complete the checklist online, print it, sign it, and bring it to the visa appointment.
Step 3: Submit Application
There are two ways to submit the application for the visa. Applicants who are in the country can apply for a visa at the police station.
The second option is to apply in person at a Norwegian embassy or consulate. Applicants must make an appointment to submit the application.
Before submitting the application, applicants are required to pay the application fee.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
The last thing to do is wait for approval from the government of Svalbard.
The downside of Svalbard’s digital nomad visa is the waiting time; it could take up to 1 month to get approval.
If your visa is approved, you can live in the country for up to 2 years.
How much does the Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa cost?
The Svalbard digital nomad visa application fee is $574, or €600 or NOK 6,300 per applicant.
After paying the fee, make sure to keep the receipt that serves as proof of your payment.
You must attach it with other documents before submitting the application.
