Remote Work in Oslo: Complete Guide for Digital Nomads
Oslo offers excellent infrastructure for remote workers with world-class internet (100+ Mbps standard), abundant coworking spaces, safe environment, and work-life balance culture. While expensive, high quality of life, reliable services, and 90%+ English proficiency make it attractive for digital nomads and remote workers. Best suited for well-paid remote positions due to high costs (budget 25,000-35,000 NOK/month). Visa options exist but limited compared to other European cities.
Visa Options for Remote Workers
EU/EEA Citizens
Freedom of movement: Can live and work remotely in Norway indefinitely. No visa needed.
Requirements:
- • Register with police after 3 months
- • Get D-number for banking/services
- • Access public services
- • No restrictions
Non-EU Digital Nomads
Challenge: Norway does not have dedicated digital nomad visa. Options limited:
Tourist visa:
90 days max (Schengen), cannot legally work even remotely
Skilled worker permit:
Need Norwegian employer, not for remote work for foreign company
Self-employed visa:
Possible if providing services to Norwegian clients, requires business plan
Student visa:
Study + work 20 hours/week
Reality: Many digital nomads work on tourist visas (technically illegal but rarely enforced). Better long-term: Get residence permit through employment or study.
Best Legal Approach
UDI Website- Option 1: Get hired by Norwegian company (remote role)
- Option 2: Register as self-employed (freelancer visa)
- Option 3: Visit on tourist visa, explore, decide if worth pursuing permanent status
- Option 4: Use Oslo as base within 90-day Schengen limit, travel elsewhere
More info: Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
Internet & Connectivity
Home Internet
Quality: Excellent, among world's best. Fiber widely available.
- Speed: 100-500 Mbps
- Reliability: 99.9%+ uptime
- Cost: 300-600 NOK/month
- Setup: 1-2 week wait
- Contract: 12-month typical
Mobile Data
Quality: Excellent 5G coverage in Oslo, fast LTE nationwide.
- Speed: 50-200 Mbps
- Plans: Unlimited 300-500 NOK/mo
- Coverage: Excellent in Oslo
- Backup: Perfect for home internet
Cafe WiFi
Availability: Most cafes offer free WiFi, quality varies.
- Speed: 10-50 Mbps
- Reliability: Generally good
- Video calls: Often possible
- Cost: 40-50 NOK coffee
Public WiFi
- • Metro/buses: Free WiFi on most
- • Libraries: Excellent free WiFi
- • Shopping malls: Free WiFi
- • Airport: Free, fast WiFi
- • Security: Use VPN on public networks
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Monthly Budget Breakdown
USD equivalent: $2,200-3,200/month (private), $1,700-2,400/month (shared). Rates vary with exchange rate.
→ Full cost of living breakdownBest Neighborhoods for Remote Workers
Grünerløkka (Best Overall)
Top PickWhy: Cafes with WiFi, coworking spaces, vibrant community, good transport, social scene.
Rent: 13-17k NOK/month. Perfect for digital nomads wanting local experience.
→ Grünerløkka neighborhood guideSentrum (Most Convenient)
Why: Walk to coworking spaces, all amenities, best transport connections.
Rent: 14-20k NOK/month. Best for short-term stays.
→ Sentrum neighborhood guideMajorstuen (Balanced)
Why: Quieter than Grünerløkka, excellent transport, good cafes, residential feel.
Rent: 14-18k NOK/month. Good for focused work.
→ Majorstuen neighborhood guideGrønland (Budget Option)
Most AffordableWhy: Cheapest central option, diverse, authentic, some good cafes.
Rent: 11-15k NOK/month. Best for budget-conscious.
→ Grønland neighborhood guideRemote Work Community
Finding Community
Networking Events
- • Oslo Innovation Week: Annual tech/startup event →
- • Startup Norway: Regular networking
- • CoworkingOslo meetups: Monthly gatherings
- • Tech conferences: Regular throughout year
- • Language exchange: Practice Norwegian, meet people
Pros & Cons for Remote Workers
Pros
- • Excellent internet infrastructure
- • Very safe city
- • High English proficiency
- • Great work-life balance culture
- • Excellent public services
- • Beautiful nature access
- • Quality coworking spaces
- • Reliable everything
- • Good timezone for Europe/US East
Cons
- ✗ Very expensive (top 10 globally)
- ✗ Dark, cold winters
- ✗ No digital nomad visa
- ✗ Difficult to make local friends
- ✗ High cost of living requires good income
- ✗ Small digital nomad community
- ✗ Weather can be depressing
- ✗ Expensive social life
Practical Tips
Timezone Considerations
CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2): Good for Europe. Challenging for US West Coast (9-hour difference). Perfect for UK/EU clients. Consider if your team/clients are in compatible zones.
Winter Survival
December has 6 hours daylight. Take Vitamin D, use light therapy lamp, embrace winter sports, or plan to travel south January-February. Many remote workers leave Oslo for winter months.
→ Complete Oslo winter guideBanking Without Residence Permit
Challenge: Norwegian banks require residence permit. Digital banks offer best solution for tourists and short-term stays.
Health Insurance
Essential: Non-EU visitors must have comprehensive coverage. Emergency treatment available but extremely expensive without insurance.