Living in Norway: the ultimate expat guide

Relocating to Norway is straightforward if you know the steps. EU and EEA citizens don't need a visa to live or work here, but if you plan to stay longer than six months, you'll need to register with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Non-EU/EEA nationals usually need a residence permit, whether it's for work, studies, joining family, or other reasons.

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Norway's economy is a dynamic blend of traditional industries and emerging sectors, offering a wealth of opportunities for expatriates. While oil and gas have long been the backbone, several other industries are thriving and attracting global talent.

High wages, strong labor rights, and a high level of unionization characterize Norway's labor market.

Key sectors currently hiring expats include:

1. Oil and gas
2. Technology
3. Health care
4. Education

Norway is considered a business-friendly country with a stable economy, clear regulations, and strong support for startups. The process for setting up a company is straightforward, but it requires some preparation and understanding of local rules.

Booming sectors for startups in Norway:

1. Technology and software
2. Clean energy and sustainability
3. Maritime and ocean tech
4. Creative industries (media, design, and gaming)

Key employment facts and figures

Data correct as of October 2025

Sources: Trading Economics, Euro News.

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In Norway, public schools and public universities generally do not charge tuition, making education accessible to both domestic students and those from the European Union, as well as Iceland and Liechtenstein. Most students only need to cover a minor semester or enrollment fee. Tuition fees apply mainly at private institutions or for specialized programs, often at the master's or doctoral level. In 2023, international students accounted for about 12% of the student population in higher education.

Norway's top universities include:

1. University of Oslo (Oslo): Norway's largest university, strong in humanities, law, and social sciences.
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU, Trondheim): leading in engineering, technology, and natural sciences.
3. University of Bergen (Bergen): known for marine research, climate studies, and humanities.
4. University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway (Tromsø): specializes in Arctic and indigenous studies.
5. Norwegian School of Economics (Bergen): focused on business, economics, and finance.

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Opening a bank account in Norway as an expat is generally straightforward but requires local documentation and in-person identity verification due to strict anti-money-laundering regulations. While some banks let you start the process online, you'll typically need to visit a branch after arrival to activate the account. Opening an account from abroad is difficult. Once set up, digital banking is the norm in Norway, with most people using mobile apps and BankID for secure identification and payments.

Paying tax as an expat in Norway

If you live or work in Norway for more than 183 days in one year (or 270 days over three years), you're considered a tax resident and Norway can tax your income from both Norway and abroad. Before you become a tax resident, only your Norwegian-sourced income (like salary earned in Norway) is taxed.

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Norway offers universal health care, which is funded mainly through taxes. All residents — including expats with a valid residence permit — have access to the public health system. Once you're registered with the National Population Register, you'll receive a personal ID number and can sign up with a local GP, who becomes your main point of contact for medical care. The standard of care in Norway is excellent, with well-trained doctors, modern facilities, and strong preventive health services. The country's hospitals and clinics are clean, efficient, and use advanced medical technology.

Important information about health care in Norway

1. Treatment is immediate for medical emergencies.
2. Wait times for specialist or elective care can be weeks or even months, depending on the region and demand.
3. Many Norwegians and expats use private clinics to avoid delays, especially for dental or physiotherapy services.
4. EU/EEA citizens can temporarily use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
5. Non-EU expats should arrange private health insurance until they are covered by the national system.

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Expat children in Norway can usually attend public school for free, with enrolment depending on the family's residence status rather than a separate student visa. In Norway, education is compulsory for children aged six to 16 and is of high quality, with a strong emphasis on equality, inclusion, and developing both academic and social skills. International schools can be found in Norwegian cities and offer English-language programs such as the IB. However, many expat families choose the public school system, which is free, high-quality, and provides Norwegian language support for non-native speakers.

Key points for expats about schools in Norway

EU/EEA families: children do not need a separate student visa. Once the family is registered in Norway, they can enrol in school.

Non-EU/EEA families: children can attend public school as long as parents have a valid residence permit for work, study, or family reasons.

No extra fees: public schooling is free for all eligible children.

Enrolment process: registration is handled by the local municipality where the family lives.

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Finding the right home in Norway is an adventure in itself, with options ranging from vibrant city apartments to cozy rural retreats. Housing in Norway varies significantly between urban and rural areas, and housing can be one of your greatest expenses. Housing in Norway is generally more expensive than in many other European countries, with Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger ranking among the priciest places to rent or buy property in Northern Europe. Despite the costs, Norwegian homes are generally modern, well-insulated, and close to public transport, making them comfortable and convenient for both singles and families.

Best places for expats to live in Norway

Jobs and networking: Oslo, Stavanger, Trondheim

Scenery and the outdoors: Bergen, Ålesund, Tromsø

Family-friendly: Drammen, Sandnes, Kristiansand

Affordable living: Arendal, Sandnes, Drammen

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Moving to Norway can be an exciting adventure, but careful planning makes the process much smoother. Before you go, it's essential to familiarize yourself with customs regulations and what you can bring into the country. Items like food, plants, fireworks, and certain electronics may be restricted or require special permits, so checking the official Norwegian Customs website is essential. Hiring professional international movers can also simplify your relocation, helping with packing, transport, and customs clearance while also providing insurance for your belongings.

Moving with pets requires careful preparation, including vaccinations, microchips, and health certificates, with extra steps for animals from outside the EU. By understanding the rules for personal effects, alcohol, and tobacco, and organizing their documents in advance, expats can settle in Norway efficiently and focus on enjoying life in their new home.

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Norway is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking rugged mountains, skiing across endless trails, and exploring fjords and forests are all part of daily life. In summer, long days invite cycling, swimming, and kayaking, while winter brings snow sports and the chance to chase the Northern Lights. Nature is never far away, making adventure easy to fit into any weekend.

Norway also offers a lively cultural scene. Cities like Oslo and Bergen feature museums, music festivals, and contemporary art galleries, while smaller towns host local events celebrating Viking history and Norwegian traditions. Combined with a growing food and café culture, there are plenty of ways to relax, explore, and enjoy life outside of work.

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Life in Norway is safe, comfortable, and easy to navigate, with clean cities, reliable public transport, and efficient services. Expats quickly notice that Norwegians value punctuality and personal space, and English is widely spoken. Social life can feel a bit reserved at first, but expats often find that Norwegians are friendly once you get to know them. Work-life balance is excellent, with plenty of vacation time and shorter working hours than in many countries, and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and cycling are a big part of life. For many expats, the combination of safety, high living standards, and welcoming communities makes day-to-day life both enjoyable and stress-free.

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Expats should be prepared for a higher cost of living in Norway compared to many other countries. Daily expenses like groceries, dining out, and transportation tend to be pricey, especially in major cities. Housing can also be a significant part of your budget, though suburban areas and smaller towns offer more affordable options.

Despite the costs, salaries are generally higher, and public services such as health care and education help make everyday life manageable. Many expats find that with some planning and budgeting, Norway's high quality of life, safety, and excellent services make the expense worthwhile.

Source: Numbeo