A comprehensive guide on moving to Norway

Jump right in:

• The guide to visa types & work permit requirements
• Relocating your household goods & pets
• Everything about finding a new home
• Cost of living & facts about life in Norway
• Guide on finding work in Norway
• Education & international schools in Norway
• Health insurance & the healthcare system of Norway
• Opening a bank account & managing your taxes in Norway

To work and live in Norway, you'll need to apply for a "residence permit for work." This covers skilled workers and self-employed individuals. The nice thing is that this permit allows you to bring your family along with your spouse, children, and registered partners.

The Norwegian visa application process is streamlined and begins at the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website. Here you will find specific information on the requirements that might apply to your individual situation. Norway’s visa cost for skilled workers and self-employed people is 6,300 NOK (approx. 652 USD).

Other Norwegian visa types include a family reunification visa, student visas, and more. One important thing to know is that your salary needs to meet Norwegian standards. If you're working in a sector with a collective agreement, you must be paid according to the collective wage basically, the minimum a Norwegian worker would earn in the same role with similar experience. This system helps ensure everyone gets fair pay. Read our complete guide on Visas & work permit.

The process of moving to Norway begins with figuring out how to move and store household goods. You can choose between air, road, or sea. Air is the most expensive option, and sea takes the longest. Before you pack, take some time to review Norway's customs regulations. For example, beverages with over 60% alcohol content are prohibited in this country. You can bring personal household items, as long as you can prove that they have been in your possession and you have lived abroad for at least a year.

Bringing a pet? Make sure they're microchipped with an ISO-standard compliant chip. If you are arriving with your pet from outside of the EU/EEA, you need to give the Norwegian District Office at least 48 hours' notice. If you are moving with a dog or a cat from within the EU/EEA, they will need an EU pet passport.

While there are no vaccinations required for Norway, there are certainly a few that are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. These include vaccinations for hepatitis A, B, and others.

Read our complete guide on relocating to Norway

If you are wondering how to rent a house, be aware that accommodation in Norway requires a large security deposit. Many expats are shocked to learn that landlords will require at least three months’ rent. A security deposit cannot exceed six months rent. The average rent in Norway is 9,880 NOK (approx. 1050 USD), with the most expensive city being Oslo. You can find cheaper rent on the outskirts of the city. Utilities may or may not be included as part of your rent, so it is best you clarify this with the landlord before signing a lease.

If you are wondering how to buy a house in Norway as a foreigner, good news there are no restrictions for non-residents. Foreigners can buy any type of property in Norway and access mortgages just like Norwegian nationals. You'll need to provide pay slips and tax returns to verify your income, and you'll need a D-number (a temporary ID for foreigners) to complete the purchase.

Read our complete guide on housing in Norway

Living in Norway, you would enjoy/have the benefit of a well-organized public transport system, scenic drives, and strong social support, including shared parental leave and five weeks of paid vacation. However, living costs are high, from rent and groceries to dining out and utilities. Major cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim are the priciest, while smaller towns are more affordable. Expats should be aware of key practical details like emergency contacts, embassies, airports, and visa requirements, with more information available in the full guide.

We cover practical details like how to use a foreign driving license, tips for navigating public transport, and what to know about family visas or preschools (barnehage). You’ll also get a glimpse into Norwegian culture everything from work-life balance and shared parental leave to social etiquette and dinner parties. Whether moving for work with family or by yourself this guide helps you settle in smoothly.

Read our complete guide on living in Norway

Thinking about working in Norway? This guide is designed to help you understand what it takes to start your career in one of Europe’s most attractive job markets. From learning how to find job opportunities and apply with a Norwegian-style CV, to understanding work culture, networking, and what employers expect, this blog covers the essentials you need as a foreigner.

You’ll also find helpful insights on English-speaking jobs, qualification recognition, and practical tips to improve your chances of getting hired. Whether you’re just exploring your options or actively planning your move, this guide will give you a clear and realistic starting point.

Read our complete guide on working in Norway

Norway is known for its world-class education system, welcoming students of all ages from toddlers in kindergartens to adults in universities. Whether you’re moving here with your family or planning higher studies, understanding the system is key. Public schools in Norway are free, and while preschool and kindergarten (barnehage) come with fees, they are heavily subsidized. The school system is well-structured, with primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary levels, offering both academic and vocational pathways.

For expat families, international schools provide English-language programs and the International Baccalaureate, making transitions smoother for children from abroad. If you’re considering higher education, Norway’s universities and university colleges offer excellent programs, many in English, and tuition is free or modest for EU/EEA students while non-EU students pay tuition fees.

This guide covers everything you need to know: daycare and school options, international schools, higher education, language courses, and costs. Whether you’re looking for the right school for your child or planning your own studies, this resource will help you make informed decisions

As an expat, you will find both a public healthcare system and private health insurance in Norway. Norway’s healthcare system is of such high standards and quality that private health insurance in Norway is pretty much obsolete only 10% of the population purchase private health insurance.

Once you're registered in the National Registry, you can choose your own primary doctor from a government-approved list. You're allowed to switch doctors up to twice a year if you want. The general practitioner system is optional, so you can opt out if you prefer. Growing a family and giving birth in Norway is easy because the healthcare expenses and all other pregnancy and birth-related costs are covered.

Read our complete guide on insurance & healthcare in Norway

In this guide, we break down everything expats need to know about banking in Norway: which banks are best for newcomers, how to open an account as a resident or non-resident, what documents you need, and what fees to expect. We also cover credit cards, online banking, and essential tips for managing finances abroad.

On the tax side, we explain Norway’s progressive income tax system, VAT, property and wealth taxes, and what applies specifically to expats and self-employed workers. You’ll also learn about the PAYE system, common deductions, and how to stay compliant while making the most available benefits.

Read our complete guide on banks & taxing system in Norway