Moving to Spain from Norway: Complete 2026 Guide
An estimated 50,000 Norwegians call Spain home. Nearly 1% of Norways population. As an EEA citizen, you enjoy similar freedom of movement to EU citizens. No visa required, with full work and residence rights.
Key Facts for Norwegian Citizens
- Visa: Not required (EEA citizen. Similar rights to EU)
- Registration: NIE certificate required after 90 days
- Citizenship: 10 years residency required
- Dual Nationality: Norway allows dual citizenship (since 2020), but Spain requires renunciation
EEA Free Movement Rights
Although Norway is not an EU member, as an EEA (European Economic Area) and Schengen country, Norwegian citizens enjoy nearly identical rights to EU citizens when it comes to living in Spain. You can live, work, study, and retire in Spain without any visa or work permit.
The EEA Agreement extends the EUs single market to Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. This means you have the same freedom of movement rights as citizens of EU countries, including:
- Right to reside indefinitely
- Right to work without a work permit
- Right to establish a business
- Access to public services
- Protection under EU consumer and employment laws
The Norwegian Community in Spain
Norway has one of the largest per-capita expatriate communities in Spain:
- Population: Approximately 50,000 Norwegians live in Spain
- Costa Blanca: Largest concentration, particularly around Torrevieja and LAlbir, with Norwegian restaurants, health services, Norwegian Club, and Sjomannskirken (Norwegian Seamens Church)
- Gran Canaria: Arguineguin has a significant Norwegian population, especially in winter. Home to a Norwegian school, church, and health center
- Seasonal Residents: Many Norwegians are “snowbirds”. Spending winters in Spain and summers in Norway
- Retirees: Large proportion are pensioners taking advantage of the difference between Norwegian pensions and Spanish cost of living
Why Norwegians Choose Spain
- Climate: Escape Norways long, dark winters for Spains Mediterranean sunshine
- Purchasing Power: Norwegian pensions and savings go much further in Spain
- Established Communities: Full Norwegian infrastructure in popular areas. Churches, schools, health services, social clubs
- Health Benefits: Warmer climate can improve quality of life for those with certain health conditions
- Quality of Life: Outdoor Mediterranean lifestyle with excellent healthcare
- Direct Flights: Multiple connections from Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger to Spanish destinations
- Proximity: Only 3-4 hours flight time. Easy to visit family back home
Registration Process
EEA citizens follow the same registration process as EU citizens in Spain:
To register, youll need to demonstrate sufficient resources to support yourself and have health insurance coverage. This can be through employment, self-employment, NAV pension, or savings.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Norwegian citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain. This is the standard requirement.
Important dual citizenship consideration: Norway has permitted dual citizenship since January 1, 2020. Before this date, acquiring foreign citizenship meant losing Norwegian nationality. Now, Norwegians can hold multiple citizenships without restriction.
However, Spain does not have a dual citizenship agreement with Norway. This means that while Norway fully permits dual citizenship, Spain will require renunciation of Norwegian citizenship when naturalizing. Since Norway no longer revokes citizenship for acquiring another nationality, the practical situation depends on Spanish enforcement. Many Norwegian residents in Spain choose to maintain their Norwegian citizenship and EEA residence rights rather than pursue Spanish citizenship.
Requirements for Spanish citizenship include:
- 10 years of legal, continuous residence
- Clean criminal record in Spain and Norway
- Passing the DELE A2 Spanish language exam
- Passing the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam
- Proof of integration into Spanish society
Spanish Consulates in Norway
Spain maintains extensive diplomatic representation across Norway:
Tax Considerations
Norway-Spain Tax Framework
Norway and Spain have a Double Taxation Agreement. As Norway is outside the EU but within the EEA, some tax rules differ slightly from EU member states.
Key Points:
- Norwegian Pensions: NAV pensions have specific treatment under the tax treaty. Professional advice essential
- Employment Income: Taxed in the country where the work is performed
- Tax Rate Comparison: Spains rates are generally lower than Norways high tax environment. Potential for significant savings
- Beckham Law: Special tax regime for new residents may offer flat 24% tax rate for 6 years on Spanish-source income
- Wealth Tax: Both Norway and Spain have wealth taxes. Planning important
- Social Security: EEA coordination rules apply. You generally pay into one system only
- Exit Tax: Norway has strict exit tax rules for certain assets. Plan carefully before relocating
Norwegian Support Services in Spain
Norway has established excellent support infrastructure for its citizens in Spain:
- Sjomannskirken: Norwegian Seamens Church with locations in Torrevieja, Alfaz del Pi, and Gran Canaria
- Norwegian Schools: Including facilities in Gran Canaria
- Norwegian Health Centers: Private clinics with Norwegian-speaking staff
- Norwegian Clubs: Social organizations throughout the Costa Blanca
- NAV International: Norwegian social security services for residents abroad
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Norway being outside the EU affect my rights?
No, as an EEA citizen you have virtually identical rights to EU citizens when living in Spain. The EEA Agreement guarantees freedom of movement. The only notable difference is you cannot vote in European Parliament elections.
Can I keep my Norwegian citizenship if I become Spanish?
Norway has allowed dual citizenship since 2020. However, Spain requires renunciation of Norwegian citizenship when naturalizing. Most Norwegians in Spain choose to maintain their Norwegian citizenship and EEA residence rights rather than pursue Spanish nationality.
What happens to my NAV benefits?
Norwegian pensions (alderspensjon) can generally be paid to Spain. Other benefits require individual assessment. Contact NAV International before relocating to understand how your specific benefits are affected. EEA coordination rules apply.
Can I access healthcare in Spain?
Yes, as an EEA citizen you have healthcare rights. If youre working, youll contribute to Spanish social security. Pensioners can use the S1 form (formerly E121) to access Spanish public healthcare while Norway covers the costs. Private healthcare with Norwegian-speaking staff is also available in popular areas.
We Handle Everything
Relocating to Spain involves numerous administrative procedures that can be complex and time-consuming. Our team specializes in helping Norwegian citizens navigate Spanish bureaucracy efficiently.
We assist with:
- NIE registration and EEA residence documentation
- Tax residency planning (including Norwegian exit tax considerations)
- Social security and NAV coordination
- Property purchase procedures
- Business establishment in Spain
- Citizenship applications (with full dual nationality implications advice)
This guide provides general information about moving to Spain from Norway as of 2026. Immigration and tax laws can change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with our legal team or book a consultation.