Does time as a self-employed person count toward permanent residence in Norway?

Whether a particular permit counts toward permanent residence is stated in your decision letter, so the first thing to check is what your own letter says. Self-employed permits that form a basis for permanent residence let you accumulate the required years of residence.

If your time counts, you can later apply for permanent residence once you meet the overall conditions, including the residence period, language and social studies tests, income requirement, and conduct requirement. Keep your permits continuous and your business compliant so the years are not interrupted.