Moving to Norway

Living in Norway

Located in Northern Europe, Norway is a Scandinavian country that usually conjures up images of Vikings, fjords, glaciers and trolls, and is known for its dramatic and breathtaking scenery. In recent years, however, expats have been moving to the 'Land of the Midnight Sun' for its booming economy, high standard of living, excellent welfare and relatively 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 has enjoyed strong economic growth. And owing to the government’s wise investments in its national oil fund, the country currently enjoys one of the world’s biggest budget surpluses.

The combination of economic success, social welfare systems and egalitarian policies has led to Norway being ranked first in the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Index for several years in a row. Norway is also one of the world’s richest countries, and its capital, Oslo, is consistently ranked as one of the planet’s most expensive cities. Expats moving to Norway should bear this in mind when negotiating their salary package.

Norwegians are on the whole very proud of their country and heritage. The Norwegian spirit is best seen annually on 17 May, the national holiday celebrating the establishment of the Norwegian constitution in 1814 – which, incidentally, makes it one of the oldest constitutions in the world. It is celebrated with more fanfare than is witnessed in many other countries.

Although the country is an expensive place to live, with high taxation and cold winters, Norway offers a great quality of life and incredible work-life balance. The lifestyle prioritises family time and egalitarianism, enticing many an expat into calling the country home.

Oslo city guide
Bergen city guide
Stavanger city guide

Working in Norway

The robust and flexible business sector in Norway offers many opportunities for expats moving here, particularly in the oil and gas sector, but also in the service sector that employs more than three quarters of the working population. Thanks to its strong economy and plentiful natural resources, Norway has one of the highest levels of GDP per capita in the world. 

Although Norway is not a member of the EU, it is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and an EFTA (European Free Trade Association) state. This means that it can trade within the EU internal market on the same terms as the EU member states.

Citizens of EU and EEA countries (including the UK) do not need a work permit or visa for Norway, but certain restrictions apply. 

For more information, see our page on visas, work permits and residence permits for Norway

Norwegian culture

Understanding the local culture is key to a successful transition to Norway. Locals are naturally reserved and value straightforward and honest communication, and it is considered inappropriate for people to flaunt their wealth or achievements. 

The work culture reflects Norwegian society at large in that it's egalitarian and there is no real hierarchy. While there is a strong work ethic, employees typically work shorter hours than in other countries and benefit from a good work-life balance.

Local culture in Norway
Business culture in Norway

Accommodation in Norway

The quality of housing in Norway is mostly excellent. Although rental prices are high, many employers will provide expats with a housing allowance as part of their employment contract. Good properties are in high demand and are likely to rent out quickly, so it's important to check online property portals regularly. 

Some expats will be lucky enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf; they will do the research for you and provide 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 is undeniably high, but salaries are relatively high too. The standard of living for both expats and locals is also correspondingly high, yet saving money can be difficult. Salary margins are narrow between blue- and white-collar workers or C-level executives.

Owing to the housing supply shortage in Norway, housing will take the biggest chunk out of expats' salaries. Eating out will cost expats a pretty penny as well, and getting around is equally expensive. Taxation in Norway is also above average, leaving very little disposable income.

For more info, see the page on Cost of Living in Norway.

Living in Norway with children

Expats will find that Norway is the perfect country to raise a family in, as Norwegians pride themselves on their egalitarian policies and welfare state. Every person has the right to free or subsidised medical services (minus dental) and free education. Parents receive a year of paid maternity/paternity leave (also known as parental quota), and usually split the time between the mother and the father. A law passed states that fathers must have three months of paternity leave that can be used until the child is eight.

Heathcare and medical insurance in Norway

Finding a school in Norway

Public education in the country is of an excellent standard, while higher education is also free for all legal residents. Expat parents planning a short-term stay in Norway will be delighted to know that the country has a fair few private and international schools offering global and country-specific curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). There will also be lots of outdoor activities to keep the tots entertained during their leisure time thanks to the abundance of green spaces and picturesque natural landscapes in Norway.

Schools and education for expats in Norway
International schools in Oslo
Education and schools in Bergen
Education and schools in Stavanger

Getting around the country

Public transport in Norway is excellent and varied, with metro, tram, bus and train systems linking most urban areas. Cities are often small enough to traverse on foot, though it might be better for expats who choose to live in a suburb to have a car.

See our page on Getting around in Norway

Climate in Norway

Contrary to popular belief, the weather in Norway is quite temperate. The coastal regions of the country experience mild winters and pleasant summers, though, rain and gales tend to occur during this time. The north of the country experiences freezing winters, with much of it covered in snow.

Climate charts for Norway

Fast facts

Official name: Kingdom of Norway

Population: Around 5.5 million

Capital city: Oslo (also 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 consists of 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.

Politcial system: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Major religions: Christianity

Main languages: Norwegian (official). English is also widely understood.

Money: The Norwegian Krone (NOK) is divided into 100 ore. 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.