Living in Norway as an expat comes with many perks — stunning nature, high quality of life, and a strong sense of security. But if you’re also trying to run an online business or launch a digital project, one thing becomes clear fast: hiring developers in Norway isn’t cheap.
Norway has one of the highest wage levels in the world. That’s great for workers, but tough for solo entrepreneurs, startups, or anyone looking to build something new without burning through their entire budget.
That’s why more expats in Norway are turning to a smarter solution: offshore developers.
Let’s break down why this option makes so much sense — and how you can make it work for your business.
Why Offshore Developers Are a Popular Choice for Expats in Norway
Hiring a developer in Oslo or Bergen can easily cost over 60,000–80,000 NOK per month — and that’s before you factor in taxes, vacation pay, and social contributions.
Compare that to hiring a highly skilled offshore developer from, say, Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia, where the cost might be just 10,000–25,000 NOK per month, depending on experience and working hours.
But it’s not just about saving money. Offshore developers often:
- Specialize in exactly what you need (like Shopify, WooCommerce, or custom apps)
- Have experience working with international clients
- Work flexible hours to match your schedule
- Communicate well in English
- Deliver fast and professional results
More importantly, you don’t need to hire full-time. You can start with a small task or project and build up from there.
What Kinds of Developers Can You Hire Offshore?
The short answer? Pretty much all types.
But here are some of the most common roles that expats in Norway successfully outsource:
- WordPress Developers – for blogs, business websites, or personal projects
- WooCommerce Developers – ideal for online shops that need custom features
- Shopify Developers – for fast-growing ecommerce brands
- App Developers – iOS, Android, or cross-platform apps
- Fullstack Developers – for more complex sites and systems
- Software Developers – for SaaS tools or business platforms
- Prestashop Developers – for European-style webshops
Some companies, like Move Marketing, help connect business owners with pre-vetted offshore developers in these categories, making the process easier and more reliable.
How to Find the Right Developer
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started the smart way:
1. Define Your Project Clearly
Before you contact anyone, know what you need. A new webshop? A redesign? A plugin or custom feature? The more specific you are, the better results you’ll get.
2. Decide on Budget and Timeframe
How much are you willing to invest? Do you want to finish fast, or are you okay with a more flexible schedule? These details help filter the right candidates.
3. Choose Where to Hire
You can go through freelance platforms, hire directly, or work with an agency that specializes in outsourcing (like the one mentioned earlier). Agencies often come with built-in support and a quality guarantee.
4. Start Small
Don’t hand over your whole business right away. Start with a small task or trial period. This gives both sides a chance to test the collaboration.
5. Communicate Clearly
Use tools like Slack, Trello, Zoom, and Google Docs to stay on the same page. Weekly updates and clear deadlines help everyone stay focused.
What About Time Zones?
One of the first questions people ask is, “What if they’re in a completely different time zone?”
The truth is: it’s not a problem — and sometimes it’s even helpful.
Let’s say you’re based in Trondheim. When you finish your day and go to bed, your developer in the Philippines or India starts theirs. You wake up the next morning and the work is already done.
This “follow-the-sun” workflow can speed up development dramatically. You just need to agree on a window for real-time communication (1–2 overlapping hours is usually enough).
Tips to Make Offshore Work Smoothly
Here are a few real-world tips from other expats in Norway who successfully manage remote developers:
- Set up clear communication from day one
- Don’t micromanage — focus on results, not hours
- Use screen sharing for walkthroughs
- Record short videos with tools like Loom to explain tasks
- Create a shared checklist or dashboard for ongoing work
- Schedule weekly check-ins to review progress and adjust priorities
The key is to treat your offshore developer as part of your team — not just a task robot. Respect and trust go a long way, even across continents.
Realistic Costs: What to Expect
Here’s a rough idea of what you might pay for skilled offshore developers (monthly):
- WordPress Developer (part-time): 6,000–10,000 NOK
- Shopify Developer (full-time): 15,000–25,000 NOK
- App Developer (project-based): 20,000–40,000 NOK depending on complexity
- SEO-friendly Fullstack Developer: 20,000–30,000 NOK
These prices are averages — not bottom-of-the-barrel deals. You’re still hiring professionals who deliver quality, but without the Nordic price tag.
The Freedom of Building Remotely from Norway
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to build a local office to run a successful digital business. You can sit in your cabin in the fjords, sip your morning coffee, and still push code live — thanks to a global team.
Outsourcing lets you focus on what matters most: your vision, your brand, and your customers. The technical work? That can happen quietly in the background, even while you’re out enjoying a hike or cross-country skiing.
Final Thoughts
Norway gives you the peace and structure to live well. Offshore talent gives you the flexibility and power to build well.
If you’re an expat in Norway looking to grow your online presence, outsource your development, or scale your shop — consider bringing in help from outside the country.
You don’t need to do it all alone.
You just need the right support — and a good internet connection.