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Head to head

Cape Verde vs Norway: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Cape Verde has the lower entry bar: €1,500 per month versus €2,453 for Norway.
  • Norway grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Only Norway offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Cape Verde — foreign income exempt; Norway — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Cape Verde Remote Working Program and the Norway Self-employed permit (+ Svalbard route).
Criteria Cape Verde Remote Working Program Norway Self-employed permit (+ Svalbard route)
Minimum income / month €1,500 (better) €2,453
Income basis Savings accepted Freelance income
Initial duration 6 months 1 year (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 1 year No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Remote Working Program tax exemption (foreign-source income)) Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €20 (better) ≈ €570
Where to apply Online Embassy / consulate, In country, Online
Processing time 2 weeks 8–24 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Cape Verde Remote Working Program →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Norway Self-employed permit (+ Svalbard route) →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Cape Verde → Insurance for Norway →

Sources