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Head to head

Japan vs Norway: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Norway has the lower entry bar: €2,453 per month versus €4,500 for Japan.
  • 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: Japan — foreign income exempt; Norway — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Japan DN and the Norway Self-employed permit (+ Svalbard route).
Criteria Japan DN Norway Self-employed permit (+ Svalbard route)
Minimum income / month €4,500 €2,453 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Freelance income
Initial duration 6 months 1 year (better)
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 6 months 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 Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €53,999 Required in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €16.20 (better) ≈ €570
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate, In country, Online
Processing time 1 weeks 8–24 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Japan DN →

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 Japan → Insurance for Norway →

Sources