Moving to Norway – Details Every Expat Should Know Before Relocatio
With its deeply rooted culture and exceptionally high living standards, Norway is a great location. There are plenty of ways to take advantage of Norway’s gorgeous scenery and fresh air, from hiking, camping, and fishing in the summer to just enjoying the snow in the winter.
Do you think moving to Norway is an exciting option, but are you still worried about certain circumstances? In that case, IMovingTo will dispel your doubts and let you become a Norwegian expat without any difficulties.
Norge Lifestyle & Culture Explained
Norwegians have a strong sense of tradition and civic engagement. Tolerance, respect, and equality rank among the most significant values in Norwegian culture. Foundational principles of Norwegian society include volunteer efforts for charity and even helping to clean up public areas in your community.
Janteloven, or “the Law of Jante,” is a notion that aims to represent Norwegian societal values and emphasizes putting society before the individual, not boasting concerning one’s accomplishments, and not being jealous of others.
Along with respecting tradition and history, Norwegians are comfortable with modern technological developments. Moreover, the Nordic region, including Norway, has a highly digitalized society. Most Norwegians don’t even carry cash and rely on debit cards, credit cards, and mobile payment apps for daily purchases.
Norwegians strive to enjoy life fully and constantly seek something new. Therefore, weekly trips by plane are common among Norwegians. That’s why you should make sure to sign up for the frequent flier programs after moving to the country.
The Expense of Living in Norway
Strictly speaking, Norway is a very expensive country. However, higher salaries balance out these costs. Generally, you should budget between 2,176-4,352 USD a month to live in this Nordic country. However, the standard of living in Norway may still vary depending on your lifestyle and the area you choose.
Still, there are plenty of relatively affordable locations, including Hedmark, Telemark, Oppland, and rural Østfold. On the other hand, Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim are the most expensive places to live.
Because most of the products in the country are imported, the cost of services is generally higher there. Accordingly, Norwegians don’t usually eat out in cafes or restaurants as much as people from other European nations.
In order to give you a better idea, we present the cost of living in Norway in the form of numerical indicators:
- Rent of 1 bedroom apartment in Downtown: $1022
- Visit to a doctor: $55.6
- A monthly pass for local transport: $77.1
- 1-month gym membership: $43.4
- Cinema Ticket for 1 person: $14.5
- 1 loaf of bread: $2.77
- 1 kg of cheese: $11.4
- 1 kg of apples: $3.13
- Beer in a pub: $9.28
- Cappuccino: $4.47
How to Relocate Your Household Goods?
Your household goods and belongings can be transported by road, sea, or air. Regardless of the option you take, you will need to have a few customs considerations to import your belongings easily and quickly. The option that involves air is the most expensive while choosing the sea takes the longest.
It is essential to put everything into the right-sized boxes and label them. It is advisable to number the boxes and keep a list of the inner contents of each box. It is vital to be as thorough as possible since customs will ask for a detailed description of each item.
In order to claim the household items you are bringing into the country, you should fill out a declaration form and give this paperwork to a customs official after arriving in Norway. If this form is not correctly filled out, your products will not be processed.
You must prove that you have lived abroad and that the items have been in your possession for at least 1 year. If not, you will be required to pay duty fees for any new items.
How to Obtain a Visa in Norway?
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration website is the space where the visa application process starts.
You won’t require a visa to enter Norway if you are a citizen of one of the member countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), European Free Trade Association (EFTA), or you are coming from the United Kingdom.
An applicant needs to receive a residence permit before traveling to Norway. Furthermore, long-stay entry visas (D-visas) are usually obtained only for applicants given a residence permit for Norway.
You will require a visa if you originate from a country outside of the EU, EEA, or Schengen Zone. You are able to stay in Norway for up to 90 days with a Schengen visa. You will need the following to apply for a Schengen Visa:
- An application form
- 2 passport-sized photos
- Passport and copies of previous visas
- Travel Insurance
- A written statement regarding the purpose of your visit
- Proof of Civil Status
- Flight itinerary
- The address of your accommodation
- Proof of your financial capacity
Work Permit Requirements
If you are coming from the EU, EEA, or EFTA countries and aim to obtain a work permit, you have to arrange an appointment with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration. You are required to bring your contract and an employment certification from your employer to your registration appointment, your completed application form, and a valid passport.
If you move to the country as an EU/EEA citizen without a job, you should register there as a job seeker. You have only 6 months to find work, and if you cannot get a job within this period, you have to leave the country. However, you will be allowed to return and start the application process again.
Furthermore, in order to apply for a long-term D visa for skilled workers, you should also apply for a residence permit and have a valid job offer. D visas may be granted to skilled employees so they can either apply for a work permit in Norway or wait for the outcome of an earlier application.
Norge Healthcare System
The healthcare system in Norway is comprehensively effective. The vast majority of the population has access to healthcare, and both public and private clinics are operating in sufficient numbers. All Norwegian citizens, regardless of their age, color, gender, income, or place of residence, are encouraged to benefit from this service.
Residents of the EU have the same access to healthcare in Norway as they do in their home country. Foreign visitors should pay for these services independently, although adult immigrants without documentation can access emergency care. In terms of childcare, children who haven’t been registered yet are entitled to the same privileges as Norwegian citizens.
The only individuals who prefer private health insurance are those on a tight timeline. Aside from this, the level of care provided by public healthcare services in Norway is identical to that in private healthcare facilities.
Specific Laws Immigrants Should Be Aware Of
In Norway, the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and the police are eligible to control the administration process of immigration.
In general, the immigration process is characterized by a complex set of regulations and rules. For instance, if you decide to become a permanent resident in Norway, you should pass such specific tests as the Norwegian language test and social studies test.
Additionally, you need to register with the police if you intend to stay for longer than 6 months. In this case, your ID will be verified, and the National Population Register will be updated.
It is essential to mention that one of the main conditions for maintaining your temporary visa is not to commit a serious crime while staying in Norway.
Where You Should Move in Norway
Finding the preferred location to reside in Norway is quite complex, as many great destinations make your decision hard.
Oslo
Oslo is the best choice for expats who want a successful career as well as an opportunity to explore the alluring natural beauty. Oslo is an exciting playground for young professionals as well as a thriving cultural center for families.
Trondheim
Trondheim is a beautiful place with cobblestone streets, many stores, a charming ancient town, and a magnificent cathedral. Trondheim is home to a variety of wild species, including birds, foxes, otters, moose, beavers, and deer.
Due to its potentially severe winters, the city may present an insensitive environment, and you can enjoy a snowstorm from November to March.
Stavanger
Stavanger, the energy capital of Norway, is a constantly evolving city with a proud historical legacy. It is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich culture. Stavanger is among the top destinations in Europe for outdoor enthusiasts. There are historical landmarks, museums, trails, castles, and well-known monuments from the 1800s.
Alesund
Alesund is famous for its greatly preserved Art Nouveau architecture. Alesund is one of Norway’s most attractive tourist destinations. Jobs are available in the port and fishing industries. In addition, it has a rich history that goes all the way back to the past adventures of Scandinavia.
Pros & Cons of Moving to Norway
Pros
Unique culture
Norwegians have a great sense of history and culture. You will experience unique adventures, enjoy exploring various dishes, and adopt regional customs. Many Norwegians are fluent in English, which makes it convenient to live and navigate the country. Part of Norwegian culture is their food traditions. Norwegian cuisine represents the influence of sea farming.
Exceptional living standards
Norway has an exceptionally high level of living. Due to the strong emphasis on family in Norwegian society, most employers give full-time employees at least 5 weeks of vacation time. This allows you to spend even more time with your loved ones.
Additionally, you’ll get to live in high-quality accommodation. Most Norwegian properties are kept to very high standards, whether you decide to buy or rent.
Attractive outdoor lifestyle
Many Norwegians spend their entire childhoods skiing, and even if you don’t ski, there are plenty of activities to get interested in. From hiking, camping, and fishing in the summer to just playing outside in the snow in the winter, there are many ways to take in the pure air and beauty that Norway is famous for.
Cons
Weather conditions
Chilly winters and warm summers are typical weather conditions in Norway due to its maritime climate.
The winters can last far into April and can be extremely chilly. You will notice that the entire country is covered in a layer of snow and that the average temperature is frequently below freezing.
Because the sun does not rise north of the Arctic Circle during the winter, very little heat is generated in this region, which contributes to the chilly weather.
Eating out is highly expensive
Because most of the products in the country are imported, the food costs a lot in Norway, and eating out is significantly expensive. Accordingly, Norwegians don’t usually eat out in cafes or restaurants as much as people from other European nations.
In fact, Norway’s food prices are 40% more expensive compared to other countries in the rest of Europe.
Final Thoughts
If you belong to the ranks of people fascinated by Norway’s general living features and seek new adventures in this country. In that case, IMovingTo will guide you to ease your tension and overcome any obstacles associated with the international moving process.