Living in Oslo: the ultimate expat guide

Oslo is the financial and cultural core of Norway, providing residents with one of Europe's highest standards of living. Major employers include DNB (finance) and Telenor (telecommunications). Non-EU/EEA citizens require work permits tied to job offers, while EU/EEA citizens enjoy freedom of movement but must register with authorities.

Key sectors

Key growth sectors include renewable energy technology, software development, maritime services, and healthcare. The startup ecosystem has flourished, with Oslo becoming a European tech hub attracting international talent. Other top employment sectors include maritime industries, finance and business services.

Work permits

EU/EEA citizens can work in Norway without permits but must register with police within three months if staying longer. Non-EU/EEA citizens need employer-sponsored work permits, requiring job offers with salary and working conditions meeting Norwegian standards. Applications are processed by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), typically taking 2-4 months. Skilled workers are given priority, particularly in healthcare, technology, and engineering.

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: Trading Economics, Numbeo

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Oslo hosts several internationally recognized universities offering programs in both Norwegian and English. Norwegian higher education historically charged no tuition fees for all students regardless of nationality, though recent changes have introduced fees for non-EU/EEA students at some institutions.

Major universities and programs

University of Oslo (UiO), founded in 1811, ranks among Europe's leading research universities and is known for its programs in medicine, law, and social sciences. Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), Norway's third-largest university, specializes in professional programs including nursing, engineering, teacher education, and journalism. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in nearby Ås focuses on environmental sciences, veterinary medicine, and agriculture. BI Norwegian Business School, a private institution, offers internationally accredited business programs with tuition fees for all students. Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) in Bergen, while outside Oslo, attracts many Oslo-area students for its prestigious business education.

Admission and student life

Admission requirements typically include recognized bachelor's degrees for master's programs. English proficiency must be demonstrated through IELTS (minimum 6.5), TOEFL (minimum 90), or equivalent tests unless applicants completed prior education in English. Some programs require GRE or GMAT scores for business and graduate programs. Deadlines for applications to universities in Oslo generally fall around December 1st for autumn semester admission.

Sources: University of Oslo, Oslo Metropolitan University, BI Norwegian Business School

Norway's education system provides free, high-quality public schooling for all children aged 6-16, encompassing primary (grades 1-7) and lower secondary (grades 8-10) education. Upper secondary school (ages 16-19) offers academic or vocational tracks preparing students for university or skilled trades. Public schools teach primarily in Norwegian. Many international schools operate in Oslo, following curricula from various countries and the International Baccalaureate program.

International schools

Oslo offers several options for international schooling, primarily focusing on English-language instruction and internationally recognized curricula. Oslo International School (OIS), established in 1963, serves students aged 3-18 with instruction mainly in English, following the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Other options include Norlights International School (NLIS), which also provides an IB education with the benefit of partial government funding, and the Deutsch-Norwegische Schule Oslo offering trilingual education in German, English, and Norwegian.

Enrollment process

Due to high demand, parents are advised to apply well ahead of time, ideally 12–18 months before. The standard process requires submitting prior school records, completing entrance assessments, and participating in interviews.

Sources: Oslo International School, Norlights International School

Oslo's housing market ranks among Europe's most expensive, though quality standards are generally high. Rental properties are the most popular as home ownership is expensive with very high property prices.

Popular neighbourhoods for expats

Frogner and Majorstuen are Oslo's most prestigious districts, featuring elegant streets, excellent shopping, proximity to parks, and easy access to downtown. These areas attract diplomats and professionals. St. Hanshaugen offers central location with parks and family-friendly atmosphere, while Tøyen provides more affordable options in a diverse, evolving neighborhood. Nordstrand and Holmenkollen appeal to families seeking quiet residential areas with good schools and access to nature.

Rental procedures and housing types

Landlords typically require proof of employment, references, and deposits of 1-3 months' rent. Rental contracts should clearly specify all terms including rent, deposit, utilities, maintenance responsibilities, and notice periods. Building maintenance fees (felleskostnader) may be included in rent or charged separately. Always clarify what utilities and services are included in advertised rental prices, as practices vary considerably.

Data correct as of December 2025.

Source: Numbeo

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Oslo offers exceptional cultural amenities combined with unparalleled outdoor access. The city invested heavily in cultural infrastructure, opening world-class museums and performance venues in recent years. The Oslo Opera House, with its walkable roof offering fjord views, symbolizes the city's commitment to accessible culture. Outdoor recreation opportunities are extraordinary—cross-country skiing, hiking, and swimming are possible within city limits year-round.

Cultural highlights

Oslo is rich in cultural institutions, including the vast National Museum, one of Europe's largest art museums, which displays Edvard Munch's The Scream. The stunning Munch Museum holds the world's largest collection of his works. At Bygdøy, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History features over 150 historic buildings, including the Gol Stave Church. Visitors can also explore the Nobel Peace Center, or learn about polar exploration at the Fram Museum and Kon-Tiki Museum. The Astrup Fearnley Museum showcases contemporary art in striking Renzo Piano-designed buildings. Many museums offer free or reduced admission during certain days.

Parks and outdoor activities

Nordmarka, the vast forest north of Oslo, offers hundreds of kilometers of marked trails for year-round recreation, including hiking, cross-country skiing, and cycling. The Oslofjord is ideal for summer swimming, sailing, and kayaking, with several popular beaches accessible by ferry. Within the city, Vigeland Sculpture Park displays over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Winter brings outdoor ice skating and accessible cross-country skiing with routes directly accessible from many neighborhoods.

Sources: National Museum, Nobel Peace Center

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Oslo experiences dramatic seasonal variation, with summer sun setting after 10 PM and winter daylight limited to six hours. This affects lifestyle significantly, with Norwegians maximizing summer outdoor activities and embracing koselig (cozy) indoor culture during dark winters.

Getting around

Ruter operates Oslo's integrated public transport system covering metro (T-bane), trams, buses, and ferries throughout the city and surrounding municipalities. The metro features five lines radiating from the center. Services are frequent, reliable and clean.

Cycling is increasingly popular. The Oslo City Bike system offers seasonal subscriptions and short-term rentals, though winter cycling requires dedication. Many Norwegians bike even in snow and ice using studded tires. Electric vehicles dominate Norway's car market due to generous incentives.

Cultural particularities and lifestyle

Norwegian social norms differ markedly from other European countries. Punctuality is sacred—arriving even five minutes late is considered rude. Meetings and appointments start precisely on schedule. The Janteloven (Law of Jante) cultural concept discourages boasting or standing out, promoting modesty and equality. This manifests in relatively flat social hierarchies and informal dress codes, even in professional settings.

Norwegians take their five weeks of annual vacation seriously, with July seeing much of Oslo essentially close as residents scatter to cabins and holiday destinations. Work-life balance is genuine, not merely stated—leaving office at 4 PM is normal, and working late regularly suggests poor time management.

Source: Oslo City Bike

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The cost of living in Oslo consistently ranks among the world's highest, though high salaries somewhat offset costs for employed residents.

Monthly expenses for a single person

Data correct as of December 2025.

Monthly expenses for a family of four

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: Numbeo, Foyer Global Health