Living in Bergen: the ultimate expat guide

Bergen is the economic heart of Western Norway, with a diverse job market anchored by the ocean industries—oil and gas, maritime shipping, aquaculture, and renewable energy. The city hosts the highest density of business clusters in Norway, making it an attractive destination for professionals in engineering, technology, and marine sciences.

Key Industries and Employers

The oil and gas sector remains Bergen's largest industry, employing over 12,400 full-time equivalents across more than 1,000 companies. Major employers include Equinor, TechnipFMC, Aker Solutions, and ABB. Bergen Airport Flesland serves as the main heliport for offshore workers commuting to North Sea platforms.

Aquaculture and seafood is another cornerstone, with Bergen serving as Norway's seafood capital. Companies like Lerøy Seafood, Mowi, and Grieg Seafood are headquartered here. The maritime sector contributes over 6,000 jobs, with Bergen housing Norway's largest shipping fleet. The city is also emerging as a hub for renewable energy, fintech, and media technology, with companies like Vizrt leading innovation.

Work Permits and Requirements

Non-EU/EEA citizens require a residence permit for skilled workers to work in Norway. You must have a concrete full-time job offer, relevant qualifications (completed higher education or vocational training), and salary and conditions matching Norwegian standards. Applications are submitted through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Processing typically takes 1-2 months, and permits are usually valid for up to 3 years. After three years of continuous employment, you may apply for permanent residency. EU/EEA citizens can work freely but must register if staying longer than three months.

Sources: Statistics Norway (SSB), Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)

Bergen is one of Norway's leading academic cities, home to prestigious research universities and specialised institutions that attract students from around the world. The city offers a vibrant student atmosphere with over 35,000 students enrolled across its higher education institutions.

University of Bergen (UiB)

The University of Bergen is Norway's second-oldest university, founded in 1946, and ranks among the top 200 universities globally. With approximately 15,000 students and 3,400 staff across seven faculties, UiB is renowned for research in marine sciences, climate research, global health, and digital culture. The university offers numerous English-taught master's programmes. For EU/EEA students, tuition is free—only a semester fee of NOK 700 applies. Non-EU/EEA students pay tuition fees ranging from approximately NOK 187,400 to NOK 373,550 annually, depending on the programme.

Other Institutions

The Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) is Scandinavia's premier business school, with over 3,000 students. It has produced three Nobel Prize laureates in Economics. The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) offers professional programmes in teaching, healthcare, and engineering with 16,000 students. Other notable institutions include the Bergen School of Architecture and the Bergen National Academy of the Arts.

Admission and Student Life

International applicants typically need proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80) and relevant academic qualifications. Student housing is available through Sammen (Student Welfare Organisation), with dormitory rooms starting around NOK 4,500-6,000 per month. Students should budget approximately NOK 12,500 monthly for living expenses.

Sources: University of Bergen, Norwegian School of Economics

Norway offers excellent educational opportunities for children, with a strong public school system and international school options for expat families. Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, and the Norwegian system emphasises creativity, outdoor learning, and collaboration over competition.

Norwegian Public Schools

Public education in Norway is free for all residents, including expat children. The system comprises barneskole (primary, grades 1-7) and ungdomsskole (lower secondary, grades 8-10). Instruction is in Norwegian, and newcomer children typically receive intensive Norwegian language support. Bergen kommune operates numerous well-regarded public schools across the city. Many expat families find that children adapt quickly, particularly younger ones who often become fluent in Norwegian within 1-2 years.

International School of Bergen (ISB)

For families preferring English-language education, the International School of Bergen offers an internationally accredited programme for children aged 3-16. Founded in 1975, ISB is accredited by the European Council of International Schools and New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years and Middle Years programmes. Approximately 245 students from 30 nationalities attend, with a diverse teaching staff (40% British, 30% American, 30% other nationalities). Tuition fees vary by residency status: internationally mobile families pay approximately NOK 100,000-170,000 annually, while local families (Norwegian citizens or 3+ years residency) qualify for reduced rates. An admission fee of NOK 2,500 applies for new students.

Kindergarten (Barnehage)

Childcare for ages 1-5 is widely available, with fees capped nationally at approximately NOK 3,262 per month for full-time care. Bergen has both public and private kindergartens with waiting lists, so early application is recommended.

Sources: International School of Bergen, Bergen Kommune

Bergen's rental market is competitive, particularly in central areas. Acting quickly when you find suitable accommodation is essential, as desirable properties move fast. The city offers diverse neighbourhoods, from historic wooden houses to modern apartments, each with its own character.

Popular Neighbourhoods for Expats

Sentrum and Bryggen: The city centre offers walkability, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife. Expect to pay premium rents for smaller apartments with historic charm. Sandviken: North of Bryggen, this area features charming wooden streets, more affordable rents than the centre, and a strong sense of community. Popular with students and young professionals. Nygård and Møhlenpris: Close to the university and museums, these areas attract students and academics. Rental competition intensifies from July to September. Nordnes: A quieter residential peninsula with the aquarium and parks, suitable for families seeking central living. Fana and Nesttun: Southern suburbs connected by light rail, offering more space, family housing, and lower rents.

Rental Prices and Procedures

The rental market operates largely through online platforms like Finn.no and Hybel.no. Landlords typically require a deposit of 3 months' rent, held in a separate deposit account. Lease agreements are usually for a minimum of one year. Furnished apartments are less common; most rentals are unfurnished.

Sources: Numbeo, Finn.no

Bergen punches well above its weight in cultural offerings, combining a rich musical heritage with stunning natural surroundings. Whether you prefer museums and concerts or hiking and fjord cruises, the city delivers year-round activities.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The KODE Art Museums comprise four buildings housing masterpieces by Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso, and Norwegian artists like Nikolai Astrup and J.C. Dahl. Troldhaugen, the hillside home of composer Edvard Grieg, offers guided tours and daily summer concerts in an intimate lakeside setting. The Bryggens Museum displays archaeological finds from Bergen's medieval trading post, while the Hanseatic Museum recreates life for German merchants who dominated trade here for centuries. The Bergen Aquarium on Nordnes peninsula is popular with families.

Festivals and Events

The Bergen International Festival (Festspillene), held from 21 May to 4 June 2025, is Scandinavia's largest music and performing arts festival, featuring concerts, theatre, dance, and visual arts across historic venues. Bergenfest, a four-day open-air music festival at the medieval Bergenhus Fortress, attracts major international acts. Nattjazz runs concurrently with the International Festival, bringing world-class jazz to the city. Throughout summer, the Fish Market buzzes with activity, and Christmas markets enliven the winter months.

Outdoor Activities

Bergen's setting between mountains and fjords offers exceptional outdoor access. The Fløibanen funicular whisks you to the top of Mount Fløyen (320m) for panoramic city views and forest trails. Mount Ulriken (643m), the highest of Bergen's seven mountains, is accessible by cable car. The challenging 7 Mountain Hike traverses all seven peaks in a single day. Fjord cruises depart regularly for the Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord. In winter, the ski resort at Voss is just an hour away by train.

Sources: KODE Bergen, Visit Bergen

Bergen's compact size makes daily life convenient and enjoyable. The city centre is easily walkable, and excellent public transport connects outlying areas. Be prepared for rain—Bergen averages over 200 rainy days per year—but locals embrace the weather with the motto "there's no bad weather, only bad clothing."

Public Transport

Skyss operates Bergen's integrated public transport network, including buses and the Bybanen light rail. The light rail has two lines: Line 1 connects the city centre to Bergen Airport Flesland, while Line 2 runs to Fyllingsdalen via Haukeland University Hospital. During peak hours, trams run every 4-5 minutes. A single ticket costs NOK 49 (valid for 60 minutes across all transport modes), while a monthly pass costs approximately NOK 813-950 for Zone A, which covers all of Bergen municipality including the airport. Tickets are purchased via the Skyss Billett app or at ticket machines—cash is rarely accepted. Bergen's city centre is compact enough that walking is often the fastest option for short trips.

Lifestyle and Culture

Norwegians value work-life balance, with standard working hours of 37.5 per week and generous holiday allowances (25 days annually). "Friluftsliv" (outdoor life) is central to Norwegian culture—expect colleagues to discuss weekend hikes and ski trips. Grocery shopping is typically done at chains like Rema 1000, Kiwi, Meny, and Coop. Alcohol sales are regulated: beer is available in supermarkets (until 8pm weekdays, 6pm Saturdays), while wine and spirits require a visit to Vinmonopolet, the state-run alcohol retailer. Most businesses close early on Saturdays, and almost everything is closed on Sundays.

Sources: Skyss, Visit Bergen

Bergen is an expensive city by international standards, though slightly more affordable than Oslo. However, high salaries, excellent public services, and quality of life help offset the costs. Understanding typical expenses will help you budget effectively for your move.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

The following estimates cover typical monthly expenses excluding rent. Bergen residents benefit from subsidised healthcare and education, reducing some costs that would be significant elsewhere.

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo (2025), Bergen Kommune