Moving to Norway is a dream not only of Viking history fans. The Land of the Midnight Sun offers a high standard of living, quality education, and many career opportunities. The nation is friendly and welcoming.
The longer cold spells are conducive to creating a homely atmosphere in Norwegians' homes. “Koselig” is the word that best describes this knack for creating warmth and comfort. Unlike the Danish “huga”, “koselig” predisposes to socializing and time spent outdoors.
Nature tours with camping, winter sports, and quality time spent with family describe Norwegian life. If this is the environment in which you want to build your new home, familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of moving to Norway.
What language will you be speaking in Norway?
Norwegian is the country's official language. It is close to Danish and Swedish, sharing common roots from Old Norse.
Once you move to Norway, you will encounter the two varieties of Norwegian – Bokmål and Nynorsk. At the heart of Bokmål is the Danish orthography, which is rewarded with the specific Norwegian dialects' characteristics of native speech. It is the most widely used language in the country.
Nynorsk is not as widespread and it is spoken by about a quarter of the population, mostly in western Norway. It is based on Norwegian dialects, which are the least influenced by Danish. Students who are native speakers of Bokmål learn Nynorsk as a compulsory subject at school.
English is studied intensively in educational institutions. It is the most spoken foreign language in the country's larger cities. However, if you want to move to a smaller place, you would need to become more familiar with the local language.
Plan your moving to a new home
Your development plans could significantly influence your choice of place to live when moving to Norway. Small towns offer lower rents and charming houses with views of the country's picturesque countryside. Moreover, renting in Oslo and other larger cities is a difficult task. Numerous applicants and high prices are the main problems you will face.
It is common to find temporary accommodation. It is used for a short period until you find a home that meets your requirements. After applying for a specific property, you will be placed on a waiting list. When reviewing your application, the landlords will consider whether you qualify for an open viewing appointment. If an active viewing of the property occurs, you must attend to get further information and a chance of a contract. Be prepared to pay three-month rent upfront.
Online platforms with listings for new housing are useful for discovering more offers. You can contact a real estate agent for further assistance.
Familiarize yourself with the NBBL membership requirements. Participation in the federation would give you additional advantages if you decide to buy a property in Norway.
New job in Norway
Norway is not a member of the EU, but its participation in EFTA, EEA, and Schengen provides good relocation conditions for most Europeans. For stays and professional relationships of up to 3 months, registration in the country is not required. If you wish to settle for a longer period, you will need to obtain a long-term residence permit. Visit your local tax office to obtain a personal identification number or D-number.
If you are moving to Norway from the UK or another third country, you will need to familiarise yourself with the acquisition. There are many requirements and they depend on factors such as your nationality, reason for visit, professional qualifications, financial situation, etc.
The average salary for Norway is around NOK 612 000 (62 070 EUR) per year. It varies considerably by years of experience and chosen field of development. In larger cities such as Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim you will get a higher salary.
Before moving to a city with a more enticing salary, you should familiarise yourself with the standard of living in the particular location. Check out the offers provided by the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) and other online job platforms.
According to legal regulations, the working week reaches a maximum of 40 working hours, but its average length varies between 36 and 38 hours. Most Norwegians spend around 37.5 hours in the office. Depending on the sector, more flexibility is given to meet work commitments.
Hourly employment is well accepted and widespread in the country. Many people choose to work fewer hours to spend more time with their families.
Moving to Norway with children
The level of education in Norway meets high standards, and the institutional framework provides considerable support.
Kindergartens and pre-schools are not compulsory. Some are subsidised by the state, but a fee is still charged. There is an upper monthly threshold that cannot be exceeded. The training focuses on developing children's creativity and curiosity, language skills, and communication.
The location of your home is a determining factor in choosing a school.
In Norway, there is a policy of district placement in schools. Some municipalities enjoy a system of elective schools where you are free to decide where to enroll your child.
The compulsory age for getting on the primary-school-education path is 6 years. Pupils must attend junior secondary school until the age of 16. High school education prepares adolescents for university entrance. Depending on the desired direction of development, one can choose between general and vocational education.
Norway has a tolerant education system for all graduates. According to the country's policy, every student should have access to education, regardless of their background. Education is free for all European citizens as well as for non-EU/EEA students.
The only fee at public universities is for a Student Union membership (30-60 EUR). The money is used to organise sports and student events. Private universities are paid for by domestic, and international students, and feature low annual fees.
Moving to Norway with a pet
Moving with a pet is subject to health requirements for the animal. If you are entering the country with a dog, cat, or ferret, they must have a valid passport, ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination, and veterinary health certificate.
The animal must have started treatment against fox dwarf tapeworm 24-120 hours before crossing the border. Treatment is continued regularly until the 28th day after moving to Norway. There are specific rules for the pre-treatment of pets against worms. Check if the country you are moving from is on the list of countries with this requirement.
If you have legally kept your animal in Sweden, it can enter Norway freely. There are differences in the regulations for moving with a pet from non-EU/EEA countries.
Norway applies restrictions on moving with rodents, birds, and rabbits. Some varieties do not fall under the pet criteria and you may encounter difficulties. Research well the Norwegian food safety law applicable to the animals in question.
Drivers’ rights and obligations
EU/EEA nationals can drive in Norway with their licence as long as it is valid. After it expires, it can be replaced by a Norwegian equivalent without taking exams.
If you move to Norway from a non-EU/EEA country, you are allowed to drive with your licence for the first 3 months. Driving licences issued in the UK are replaced using the same procedure as for EEA member states.
Norway provides reference conditions on the replacement of driving licences for some third countries. If you are coming from another country, you will need to take a Norwegian course. It must include training in night driving, first aid, and measures in the event of an accident.
You can use an international driving licence for your stay in Norway. It is used as a legal translation in the following cases - your current document does not have a photo, is not written in Latin script, or does not comply with the Geneva or Vienna Conventions.
How does the Norwegian healthcare system work?
The Norwegian healthcare system is one of the most developed in Europe. Health and social coverage in Norway (Folketrygd) are available to citizens but are free only for children up to 16 years and pregnant women. Once your medical costs reach NOK 2,040 (EUR 207), you can apply for an exemption card. With it, your treatment is free until the end of the current year.
The health system gives you permanent access to your medical records. You can access them online and get an explanation of all the medical terms and diagnoses.
If you are a member of the EU/EEA or Switzerland and have an EHIC, you can receive emergency treatment by paying fees similar to those paid by Norwegians. Registering in the public system would provide more rights and better conditions for you as a citizen.
If you are moving to Norway from the UK or other third countries, you must get private health insurance until you are eligible for residency and inclusion in the public health system. Once you are in the country's regular taxpayer group, you have access to public healthcare. You also enjoy these rights once you start working, obtain a residence permit, or register as a citizen.
Nature and climate in Norway
Norway's geographical location misleads many people into thinking that the country has a perpetual snowy winter. The North Atlantic Gulf Stream mildens the climate and Norwegians enjoy warm summers. The influence of the current is most pronounced in the south part of the country.
Polar days and nights are phenomena you will encounter when moving to Norway. At first, you may feel discomfort, but after a while, you will adjust and live like a true local. On the Scandinavian side, you will also be able to observe the Aurora Borealis.
Much of Norway is covered by mountains and lakes. They form the harsh but picturesque landscape of the country, which is known as the land of fjords and “Lakeland”. The wild beauty of the “northern way” is most often explored by small boats and long car expeditions.
Norway is home to various ski championships and attracts many winter sports enthusiasts. Despite the activity of the winter resorts and the presence of a tourist summer season, the country manages to retain its seclusion and tranquility. Norwegians are respectful of their privacy and pay special attention to their family.
Moving to Norway with the Movega Removals team
Creating a new home requires good coordination of all the activities. Moving to Norway could provide the opportunity to achieve long-awaited dreams. Plan your move and the entire accompanying process with the help of our professional team. Movega Removals is the company you can rely on for assistance.
Contact us for a free consultation and a relocation plan in Norway. Use our contact form or chatbot.
