Living in Stavanger: the ultimate expat guide

Stavanger's economy centers on the energy sector, earning its nickname as Norway's Oil Capital. The city hosts headquarters for Equinor (formerly Statoil), the Nordic region's largest company, along with major players like Aker BP, NOV, and numerous international oil service companies. Beyond petroleum, the city is expanding into renewable energy, particularly offshore wind.

Employment Opportunities

Engineers, geologists, project managers, and IT professionals find abundant opportunities in energy-related fields. The technology sector is growing, with increasing demand for software developers and data scientists. Healthcare, education, and hospitality also provide steady employment. International professionals benefit from English being widely used in corporate environments, though learning Norwegian remains advantageous for career advancement.

Work Permits and Regulations

Non-EU/EEA nationals require a Skilled Worker residence permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Applicants must have a concrete job offer, relevant qualifications, and meet salary thresholds (minimum approximately NOK 312,000 annually). EU/EEA citizens can work freely but must register with authorities if staying beyond three months. Processing times typically range from 1 to 3 months.

The table below summarizes key employment indicators for Stavanger and the Rogaland region.

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

Stavanger offers strong higher education options, with the University of Stavanger (UiS) serving as the region's main academic institution. Founded in 2005, UiS has quickly established itself among Norway's top universities, particularly recognized for engineering and petroleum-related programs.

University of Stavanger

UiS enrolls over 12,000 students across six faculties and offers 23 English-taught programs at bachelor's and master's levels. The university excels in petroleum engineering, offshore technology, and risk management. Its location near major energy companies provides excellent internship and employment opportunities. The main campus at Ullandhaug sits approximately 4 km from the city center, while the performing arts faculty occupies the Bjergsted campus downtown.

Tuition and Admission

EU/EEA students pay only a semester fee of approximately NOK 900. However, since 2023, non-EU/EEA students must pay tuition fees, though UiS has set rates lower than many Norwegian universities. From 2026/2027, UiS plans further fee reductions to attract international talent. PhD programs remain fully funded with candidates receiving salaries. Admission requires documentation of previous education, English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent), and specific program prerequisites.

Sources: University of Stavanger

Stavanger provides excellent educational options for expatriate families. The city hosts two major international schools alongside quality Norwegian public schools that welcome foreign children.

International School of Stavanger (ISS)

Founded in 1966, ISS is one of Scandinavia's largest international schools, serving students from kindergarten through grade 12. Approximately 50 nationalities are represented among its 500+ students. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and IGCSE examinations, with accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council of International Schools. Annual tuition ranges from approximately NOK 90,000 for early years to over NOK 200,000 for high school. Students in grades 10–12 may apply for grants up to NOK 115,221 from Lånekassen (Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund).

British International School of Stavanger (BISS)

BISS comprises three schools: a preschool and two primary/secondary campuses at Gausel and Sentrum. Operating as IB World Schools, they follow the Primary Years Programme alongside British curriculum elements. Being classified as Norwegian friskole (independent schools), fees are significantly lower at approximately NOK 43,000 per year. The school welcomes children aged 18 months to 16 years and maintains over 50 nationalities on its rolls.

Norwegian Public Schools

Public schooling is free for all residents. Children are enrolled based on their home address catchment area. While instruction is in Norwegian, schools provide additional language support for newcomers. Many expat children adapt well after an initial transition period.

Sources: International School of Stavanger, British International School of Stavanger

Finding accommodation in Stavanger requires early planning, as the rental market moves quickly. The city divides into seven boroughs: Eiganes/Våland, Hillevåg, Hinna, Hundvåg, Madla, Storhaug, and Tasta. Each offers distinct characteristics suited to different lifestyles and budgets.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Stavanger Sentrum suits young professionals seeking walkable access to restaurants, bars, and cultural venues. Eiganes attracts families with its mix of detached homes, green spaces, and proximity to museums. Jåtten/Hinna offers newer developments, excellent schools, and proximity to the Forus business district where many energy companies operate. Madla provides more affordable housing while maintaining good bus connections to the center. Gamle Stavanger (Old Town) features charming historic wooden houses but limited availability.

Rental Prices and Procedures

Most expats search for rentals on platforms like Finn.no and Hybel.no. Leases typically require a deposit of three months' rent held in a dedicated bank account. Furnished apartments command premiums. The table below shows average monthly rents based on recent market data.

Sources: Numbeo, Finn.no

Stavanger offers an exceptional blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and culinary experiences. Whether you seek adrenaline-fueled hikes or quiet museum visits, the city delivers.

Outdoor Activities

The Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) hike is a bucket-list experience, with the iconic cliff rising 604 meters above the Lysefjord. The 8 km round-trip trail takes approximately four hours. For more challenge, Kjeragbolten offers a boulder wedged between mountain faces. Lysefjord cruises provide a more relaxed way to experience the dramatic scenery. Closer to town, Dalsnuten offers accessible hiking with panoramic views. The Jæren beaches south of the city attract surfers and kitesurfers.

Cultural Attractions

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum explores the industry that transformed Stavanger, with interactive exhibits suitable for all ages. Gamle Stavanger features 173 preserved wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries—Northern Europe's largest such collection. The Stavanger Cathedral, dating to 1125, is Norway's oldest cathedral still in regular use. Street art enthusiasts will appreciate works scattered throughout the city, legacy of the annual Nuart festival. The Stavanger Art Museum holds important collections of Norwegian fine art.

Food and Nightlife

With nine Michelin-starred restaurants, including the three-star RE-NAA, Stavanger punches above its weight culinarily. The annual Gladmat festival celebrates local food traditions. The colorful Øvre Holmegate (Fargegaten) street offers cafes and bars in a vibrant setting. Nightlife concentrates around the harbor and old town, with options ranging from craft beer bars to clubs.

Sources: Fjord Norway, Region Stavanger

Life in Stavanger revolves around outdoor activities, strong community connections, and a healthy work-life balance. The compact city center makes daily errands manageable on foot or by bicycle, while the surrounding nature provides endless recreation opportunities.

Getting Around

Public transportation is operated by Kolumbus, which runs an extensive network of buses, ferries, and coordinates with local train services. A single bus ticket costs NOK 45, while monthly passes are NOK 760. The city is divided into zones for pricing purposes. Most downtown attractions are within walking distance, and cycling infrastructure continues to improve. The Kolumbus app allows convenient ticket purchases at lower prices than paying onboard. Ferries connect downtown to nearby islands and the Lysefjord region.

Lifestyle and Culture

Norwegians embrace friluftsliv—outdoor life—year-round. Hiking trails, beaches, and cycling paths see regular use regardless of weather. Social life often centers on sports clubs, community organizations, and informal gatherings. While Norwegians may initially seem reserved, expat communities and international groups provide welcoming entry points. The city hosts numerous cultural events, including the Gladmat food festival and Nuart street art festival. Nine Michelin-starred restaurants have made Stavanger a culinary destination. Grocery shopping is typically done at chains like Rema 1000, Kiwi, or Meny, with stores generally open until 21:00 on weekdays.

Sources: Kolumbus, Stavanger Municipality

Stavanger ranks among Norway's most expensive cities, though slightly more affordable than Oslo. High salaries generally offset living costs, but newcomers should budget carefully during their initial months. The tables below provide estimated monthly expenses for different household types.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

A single professional can expect the following approximate monthly expenses.

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

A family with two children should anticipate higher expenses, particularly for housing and education if choosing international schools.

Sources: Numbeo, International School of Stavanger