Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship)
For skilled people running their own sole proprietorship delivering services in Norway.
The Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship) is a Norwegian business, talent & investor visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~NOK 6,300) and processing time (~2-4 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship) is for
For skilled people running their own sole proprietorship delivering services in Norway.
Counts towards permanent residence after 3 years of continuous lawful residence.
Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship) - eligibility criteria
- Qualify as a skilled worker (training, degree or special skills)
- Run a sole proprietorship (enkeltpersonforetak) registered in Norway
- Demonstrate a long-term financial need for your activity
- Income of at least the required minimum from the business
- Accountant's confirmation of expected earnings
Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship) (Norway) is ~NOK 6,300, with an indicative processing time of ~2-4 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at UDI (Norway).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside Norway |
| Length of stay | Up to 2 years (renewable) |
| Work rights | Self-employment in your own registered business |
| Study rights | Some study permitted alongside the business |
| Government fee | ~NOK 6,300 |
| Processing time | ~2-4 months |
| Route to PR | Counts towards permanent residence after 3 years of continuous lawful residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Counts towards permanent residence after 3 years of continuous lawful residence.
Many applicants also compare Skilled Worker · Residence permit for skilled workers, Service Provider · Residence permit for employees of a foreign company providing services, Permanent · Permanent residence permit. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Norwegian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship) pitfalls we fix
Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship) cost?
The Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship) government fee is ~NOK 6,300. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at UDI (Norway) before applying.
How long does the Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-4 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship) lead to permanent residence?
Counts towards permanent residence after 3 years of continuous lawful residence.
Can I work on the Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship)?
Work rights: Self-employment in your own registered business.
Who can apply for the Residence permit for self-employed persons (sole proprietorship)?
For skilled people running their own sole proprietorship delivering services in Norway.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Norway government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- UDI (Norway) - official Norway immigration authority