Moving to Norway

Living in Norway as an expat

Moving to Norway as an expat lands you in a Scandinavian country that conjures up images of Vikings, fjords, glaciers, and trolls with its dramatic scenery. In recent years, expats have flocked to the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’ for its thriving economy, high standard of living, excellent welfare, and strong job market.

With limited arable land and a long coastline, Norway’s economy was traditionally based on fishing and shipping until oil was discovered off its shores in the late 1960s. Thanks to rich natural resources in the form of fisheries, hydroelectric power and petroleum production, Norway’s economy has thrived. The government’s savvy investments in its national oil fund have secured it one of the world’s biggest budget surpluses.

The country’s mix of economic success, social welfare systems and egalitarian policies keeps Norway at the top of the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Index. Norway is one of the world’s wealthiest countries, with a GDP per capita exceeding USD 100,000. Its capital, Oslo, stands among the planet’s priciest cities – worth keeping in mind when negotiating your salary package.

Norwegians take immense pride in their country and heritage. The Norwegian spirit shines the brightest on 17 May, the national holiday celebrating their 1814 constitution – one of the world’s oldest. The fanfare on this day outshines celebrations in many other countries.

Despite the steep cost of living, high taxation and chilly winters, Norway wins expats over with its stellar quality of life and work-life balance. The family-first lifestyle and egalitarian values make many call this Nordic gem home.

Oslo City Guide 
Bergen City Guide 
Stavanger City Guide

Working in Norway

Working in Norway opens doors to plentiful opportunities, especially in the oil and gas sector, but also across the service industry that employs over three-quarters of the workforce. The country’s solid economy and abundant natural resources have driven one of the highest levels of GDP per capita worldwide.

Although not an EU member, Norway belongs to the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). This grants the country access to trade within the EU internal market on equal terms with member states.

Since Brexit, UK citizens face new requirements when moving to Norway. You’ll need to apply for a residence permit for stays beyond 90 days, following the same immigration rules as non-EEA nationals. EU and EEA citizens still enjoy freedom of movement but with certain restrictions.

Visas, Work Permits and Residence Permits for Norway

Norwegian culture

Understanding Norwegian culture will form the backbone of your successful transition to the country. Locals value directness and honest communication, and they frown upon showing off wealth or achievements. This no-nonsense approach cuts through many aspects of daily life.

The work culture in Norway mirrors the broader social values – flat hierarchies and genuine equality reign supreme. While Norwegians work hard, you’ll enjoy shorter hours than in many countries, typically finishing around 4pm. Most companies embrace flexible working arrangements and true work-life balance, not just as a perk but as a fundamental right.

Local Culture in Norway
Business Culture in Norway

Accommodation in Norway

Accommodation in Norway comes with top-notch quality but eye-watering price tags. Housing prices jumped 6 percent in 2024, with experts predicting another 10 percent rise by 2025. Many employers sweeten the deal with a housing allowance as part of their employment package. Good properties get snapped up at lightning speed, so you’ll need to check property portals daily.

The housing market shows distinct regional differences, with Oslo and Stavanger seeing the strongest price growth. Count yourself lucky if your company provides a relocation specialist – they’ll do the legwork and present you with a shortlist for viewings.

Advice on Renting Accommodation in Norway
Best Places to Live in Bergen
Best Places to Live in Oslo
Best Places to Live in Stavanger

Cost of living in Norway

The cost of living in Norway may make your eyes water, but your salary should help ease the pain. While you’ll enjoy a stellar standard of living, saving money in Norway takes serious discipline. Unlike many countries, salary gaps between blue-collar workers and executives remain refreshingly narrow.

Housing costs will gobble up the lion’s share of your income, thanks to the ongoing supply shortage. Eating out puts a serious dent in your wallet, and transport doesn’t come cheap either. The tax system takes its pound of flesh too – expect to pay around 22 percent income tax at the basic rate, potentially climbing to 40 percent for higher earners. This progressive taxation leaves slim pickings for discretionary spending.

Cost of Living in Norway

Living in Norway with children

Living in Norway with children offers you a family paradise, backed by the country’s commitment to egalitarian policies and its comprehensive welfare state. Every resident gets free or subsidised healthcare (although dental costs extra) and free education.

The parental leave system stands among the world’s most generous – 49 weeks at full pay or 59 weeks at 80 percent pay. The system divides into distinct quotas: 15 weeks for mothers (with the first six weeks taken immediately after birth), 15 weeks for fathers, and a shared 16-week period that parents can split as they choose.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance in Norway

Finding a school in Norway

Finding a school in Norway gives you access to an education system that ranks among the world’s top performers. Public education shines with excellent standards, while higher education costs nothing for legal residents. Short-term stays? You’ll find plenty of private and international schools offering global curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB).

The Norwegian approach emphasises critical thinking over rote learning, with a healthy mix of classroom and outdoor activities. Thanks to Norway’s abundant green spaces and jaw-dropping terrains, your children will enjoy countless outdoor adventures during free time.

Schools and Education for Expats in Norway 
International Schools in Oslo 
Education and Schools in Bergen 
Education and Schools in Stavanger

Getting around in Norway

Getting around in Norway is easiest when using the country’s exceptional and varied public transport network. Metro, tram, bus, and train systems connect most urban areas seamlessly. Most cities remain compact enough to explore on foot, although you might want a car if you settle in the suburbs. Norway leads the world in electric vehicle adoption – a whopping 89 percent of new cars sold in 2024 were fully electric (up from 82 percent in 2023), hitting nearly 100 percent in early 2025. EVs now make up more than a quarter of all passenger vehicles on Norwegian roads.

Getting Around in Norway

Climate in Norway

The climate in Norway surprises many newcomers with its temperate conditions, especially along the coast. Southern Norway enjoys mild winters and warm summers with fairly stable weather patterns. Coastal regions benefit from the Gulf Stream, keeping winter temperatures between 30°F and 39°F (-1°C and 4°C). 

The mountainous interior and northern regions tell a different story, with freezing winters and heavy snowfall. The north experiences dramatic seasonal shifts – sometimes all four seasons in a single day! Climate change has hit Norway hard, particularly in Arctic areas where shorter snow seasons, thawing permafrost, and shrinking sea ice affect the entire country’s weather systems.

Climate Charts for Norway

Fast facts

Official name: Kingdom of Norway

Population: Around 5.55 million

Capital city: Oslo (also the largest city)

Other cities: Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim

Neighbouring countries: Norway shares borders with Sweden to the east, Russia and Finland to the northeast, and Denmark across the Skagerrak Strait.

Geography: Norway has a rugged coastline, broken by huge fjords and thousands of islands. Much of the country is dominated by mountainous or high terrain, with a great variety of natural features caused by prehistoric glaciers and varied topography. The most noticeable of these are the fjords: deep grooves cut into the land flooded by the sea following the end of the Ice Age.

Political system: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Major religions: Christianity

Main language: Norwegian (official). English is widely understood.

Money: The Norwegian Krone (NOK) is divided into 100 øre. It is relatively easy for expats to open a bank account in Norway, provided they have a national ID number (personnummer). 

Tipping: Service charges range from 10 to 15 percent in most hotels and restaurants. Taxi fares are generally rounded up to the nearest krone.

Time: GMT+1 (GMT+2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Two-pin, round-prong plugs are used.

Internet domain: .no

International dialling code: +47

Emergency contacts: 112 (police), 113 (ambulance), 110 (fire)

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. Public transport is efficient and easy to use, making getting around Norway very straightforward. Norway leads the world in electric vehicle adoption, with over 90 percent of new cars being electric.