Moving to Norway is an exciting step, but it is rarely a simple one. Whether you are relocating for work, family, or a lifestyle change, the process combines many of life’s most stressful events into one.

You are not just moving house. You are navigating a new legal system, adapting to a different culture, often learning a new language, and in many cases, starting a new job at the same time.

The more you prepare in advance, the smoother your transition will be. This guide walks through the key steps to take before you leave and in your first weeks after arrival.

Get Your Documentation in Order

Before you leave your home country, gather every important document you might conceivably need. In Norway, administration is efficient, but it is also detail-oriented.

Bring original copies and digital backups of essential paperwork, including your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, and any documents relating to children.

Educational certificates and professional qualifications are especially important. Norwegian employers often expect to see original degree certificates, not just transcripts or CV listings. If you have completed professional training or certifications, bring proof of those too.

Financial records can also be useful, particularly when renting a property or opening a bank account. Recent bank statements and proof of income may be requested.

If your documents are not in English or a Scandinavian language, consider arranging certified translations in advance. While many authorities accept English, translations can speed up certain processes.

For some roles or residence permits, a police clearance certificate may also be required. Check requirements early, as these can take time to obtain.

Understand Immigration and Registration Requirements

Your right to live and work in Norway depends on your nationality and reason for moving.

Citizens of EU and EEA countries can live and work in Norway but must still register with the authorities. Non-EU citizens will typically need a residence permit before arrival.

The main authority responsible is the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, otherwise . Their guidance outlines visa types, documentation requirements, and application processes.

Once you arrive, you will need to register with the police, confirm your address, and begin the process of obtaining a Norwegian identification number.

Register Your Move and Get an ID Number

One of the most important early steps is obtaining a Norwegian identification number. Without it, daily life becomes significantly more difficult.

There are two main types. A D-number is a temporary ID number typically issued for short-term stays or early administrative use. A fødselsnummer is a permanent national identity number assigned to residents.

You will usually deal with the  during this process, even if you are not yet working.

This number is essential for opening a bank account, receiving a salary, accessing healthcare, and interacting with public services. Delays can happen, so it is wise to begin this process as soon as possible after arrival.

Open a Bank Account and Get Set Up Digitally

Opening a bank account in Norway is not always immediate. Most banks require a Norwegian ID number and proof of address, which can create a frustrating delay for new arrivals.

In the meantime, many people rely on foreign bank cards or international money services.

Once your account is active, gaining access to BankID is a major milestone. This secure digital ID is used to log into banks, sign contracts, and access a wide range of services.

You should also familiarise yourself with Altinn, which is used for official communication with authorities, including tax, employment, and business matters.

Norway is a highly digital society, and much of your interaction with both public and private services will happen online.

Get a Norwegian SIM Card

A Norwegian phone number is more important than many people expect.

It is often required for banking, job applications, deliveries, and communication with authorities. However, setting up a mobile contract can be tricky without a Norwegian ID number.

Prepaid SIM cards are usually the easiest option when you first arrive. Once your paperwork is complete, you can switch to a contract if needed. This is a small step, but it helps unlock many other parts of daily life.

Plan Your Job Search Carefully

If you are not relocating with a job already secured, it is important to approach the job market realistically.

Norway has a highly educated workforce, and English proficiency among locals is very high. This means competition can be strong, particularly for roles that do not require Norwegian.

Certain industries, such as engineering, IT, and energy, may offer more opportunities for English speakers. However, for many roles, especially customer-facing positions, Norwegian is either required or strongly preferred.

Research your industry in advance, tailor your CV to Norwegian expectations, and begin networking before you arrive if possible. The  is a useful starting point for job listings and labour market insights.

Understand the Norwegian Tax System

The Norwegian tax system is relatively straightforward once you understand the basics, but it can be confusing at first.

Tax is deducted at source from your salary, based on a tax card issued by the Norwegian Tax Administration. This card determines how much tax your employer should withhold.

It is important to check your tax card early, especially in your first year, to avoid overpaying or underpaying.

Most people submit a tax return annually, but much of the process is automated. Still, it is your responsibility to ensure the information is correct.

Prepare Your Finances for a High-Cost Country

Norway consistently ranks among the most expensive countries in the world. Even if you expect this, the reality can still be surprising.

You will need enough savings to cover several months of living costs, particularly if you are job hunting. Rental deposits are typically equivalent to three months’ rent, in addition to the first month’s payment.

Beyond housing, everyday expenses such as groceries, transport, and eating out are significantly higher than in many countries.

As a new arrival, you should not expect immediate access to credit. Building a financial history takes time.

The Real Cost of Daily Life

Beyond the headline cost of living, it is the smaller details that often surprise newcomers.

Alcohol is heavily taxed and sold under restrictions, with limited availability outside licensed shops. Eating out is expensive enough that many people reserve it for special occasions.

Services such as haircuts, repairs, and home maintenance can cost far more than expected. Even everyday habits like buying coffee or takeaway food add up quickly.

At the same time, salaries are generally higher, and many aspects of life, such as healthcare and education, are heavily subsidised.

Think About Housing Before You Arrive

Finding somewhere to live can be one of the biggest challenges, especially in cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim.

The rental market moves quickly, and many landlords prefer tenants who already have a Norwegian ID number and employment contract.

If possible, arrange temporary accommodation for your first weeks. This allows you to attend viewings in person, which is often expected.

Be prepared for competition and high prices. Having documentation ready, including proof of income and references, can improve your chances.

Transport and Driving in Norway

Transport in Norway varies significantly depending on where you live. In cities, public transport is reliable and widely used. In rural areas, a car is often essential.

If you plan to drive, check whether your licence is valid in Norway and whether it needs to be exchanged after a certain period. The rules vary depending on your country of origin.

Owning a car in Norway is expensive due to taxes, insurance, tolls, and fuel costs, so it is worth considering your needs carefully.

Plan Ahead for Healthcare and Medication

If you rely on prescription medication, careful planning is essential.

It may take time before you are registered in the Norwegian healthcare system and assigned a general practitioner.

Speak to your doctor before leaving and arrange to bring enough medication to cover the transition period. Keep it in original packaging and bring supporting documentation.

If you have ongoing health conditions, written summaries from your doctor can help Norwegian healthcare professionals provide appropriate care.

Enrolling Children in School or Kindergarten

If you are moving with children, understanding the education system is crucial.

Children have the right to attend school in Norway, and education is free at the primary and lower secondary level.

For younger children, kindergarten (barnehage) places are in high demand, and application deadlines can be strict. It is important to contact the local municipality as early as possible.

The system is well-regarded, but planning ahead is key to securing a place.

Start Learning Norwegian Early

Although English is widely spoken, learning Norwegian will significantly improve your experience. It opens up more job opportunities, makes daily life easier, and helps you integrate socially.

Starting before you move is highly recommended. Apps like Duolingo and Memrise are useful for beginners, while content from NRK can help you get used to real-world language.

Progress will accelerate once you are immersed, but having a basic foundation makes a big difference.

Social Integration and Making Friends

One of the biggest challenges for newcomers is building a social life.

Norwegians can seem reserved, and friendships often take time to develop. Social circles are frequently established early in life, which can make it harder to break in as an adult.

The key is consistency. Joining clubs, attending regular activities, volunteering, or taking language classes can help you meet people over time.

Friendships in Norway may develop slowly, but they are often deep and long-lasting.

Winter, Darkness and Seasonal Adjustment

Norway’s seasons can have a significant impact on daily life. In winter, daylight hours are short, especially in the north. This can affect mood, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.

Preparing for this is important. Maintaining a routine, spending time outdoors during daylight hours, and staying socially active can all help.

On the other hand, summer brings long days and a very different rhythm of life, something many newcomers quickly learn to appreciate.

Prepare Mentally for the Move

Practical preparation is only part of the story. Moving to Norway also requires mental adjustment. Cultural differences, language barriers, and the absence of a familiar support network can all take time to navigate.

If you are moving as a trailing partner, this adjustment can be particularly challenging. Building structure into your days, pursuing hobbies, and actively seeking social connections can make a significant difference.

Being prepared for both the opportunities and the challenges will help you settle more quickly.

Moving to Norway is a major life step, but it is one that can be incredibly rewarding. With the right preparation, you can reduce stress, avoid common pitfalls, and give yourself the best possible start.

The post Preparing to Move to Norway appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Whether you're planning to study, work, or start a new life in Norway, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps.

Before making the leap, it's crucial to understand the requirements for a residence permit, as well as the unique challenges and benefits of living in this Scandinavian country. Read on to start your journey to moving to Norway.

Even if you've always dreamed of moving to Norway, it's wise to take a moment and do some research before committing to the idea.

Before You Decide: Why Norway?

With such a life-changing decision, it's vital to get the full picture before committing you and your family to a new life. On this website, we've done our best to balance the upsides of living in Norway with the downsides.

You could do a lot worse than spend a few hours browsing around the site, reading some of the articles about the pros and cons of life in Norway.

Pay special attention to the personal stories, as they chronicle some of the challenges that people from various countries experience. You'll find many on our podcast, the 51łÔšĎÍř Show, which is focused on the relocation stories of foreign residents.

Start with these:

• Article: The downsides of living in Norway
• Article: Things you must know before moving to Norway
• Podcast: Succeeding with Norway’s Job-Seeker Permit
• Podcast: Moving to Norway as a Child

How to Get a Norway Visa (Residence Permit)

Once you've made up your mind to move, you'll need permission to live and work in Norway. Typically, this comes in the form of a residence permit. These are often called work permits, but there are other forms of residence permit too.

Broadly speaking, the award of a residence permit depends on two things: your country of citizenship and your ability to financially sustain yourself and any dependents.

This generally means you need a job offer, or you must prove financial sustainability if you are coming to Norway to study or for some other reason.

It is possible for some people to move to Norway as a job seeker, but this is only allowed for a relatively short period of time. If you don't manage to find employment during that time, you will have to leave the country, and there is a waiting period before you will be able to return.

The Department of Immigration (UDI) and the Police are the two authorities responsible for managing the immigration process. While applications take place in person, the process of booking appointments is done online via .

Why You Should Visit Norway Before Moving

If you've never even visited Norway before, the best thing you can do is to plan a trip. You could of course tour the fjords at the height of summer, but that will only give you a false impression of Norwegian lifestyle.

Instead, spend some time in your chosen city during the darkness and low temperatures of the winter. You'll be living like this for months every year, so it's a great idea to give this time of the year a “test run” before you decide to move.

Cost of Living

Although Norway has some of the highest salaries in the world, they do come with a higher cost of living. Because of those same high wages, goods and services are more expensive than in many other countries.

It's essential to understand the cost of living in your chosen part of the country, and the relationship between your expected salary and everyday expenses.

If after thorough research you're still keen on a move to Norway, then the next steps depend on your country of citizenship.

Broadly speaking, the rules are split into three overarching categories, with an increasing level of difficulty as you move down the list:

• Nordic citizens (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden)
• EU citizens (EU and EFTA countries)
• Rest of the world (including the U.K.)

Now let's take a look at each one of these immigration categories in turn.

Norway Immigration for Nordic Citizens

People from the other Nordic countries have an easier time with the immigration process. Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden who come to work in Norway must go in person to a tax office to register and obtain a tax deduction card.

Registering not only fulfils legal requirements but also grants access to Norway's public services, including healthcare and social security. Nordic citizens benefit from a simplified process and can work and live in Norway without needing a residence permit.

If you plan to stay for more than six months, you must also register with the Police. They will check your ID and update the National Population Register.

To register, Nordic citizens just need to show a passport or national ID card with a photo and confirmation of your citizenship and gender.

Alternatively, a valid driving licence together with an extract from the National Population Register of your home country from within the last three months is also acceptable.

For Nordic citizens, that's it! Welcome to Norway.

Norway Immigration from EU Nations

Citizens of EU/EEA member states, including Switzerland, benefit from Norway’s EEA membership through EFTA, which upholds the rules.

This allows citizens of EU/EEA member states to move to Norway for up to six months to seek employment, with a job or study programme required to stay longer.

These rules apply to citizens of: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic,, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland.

Since Brexit, British citizens must follow the immigration rules for the ‘rest of the world' countries. For more details of the specific processes for Brits, see our guide on moving to Norway after Brexit.

What this means is that anyone holding citizenship of one of the above countries is permitted to come to Norway for up to six months to live, while looking for a job.

Registration is required and involves obtaining a D-number, a temporary national ID number, which can be used in place of a national ID number for things like signing contracts, obtaining a bank account, and so on.

To stay beyond six months, you must belong to one of these categories: an employee, self-employed, family member, full-time student, have your own funds, or be employed by a foreign company.

The latter category requires a posting to Norway, not a remote working arrangement. If you are a student or are here on your own funds, you must have health insurance.

The most common way people stay beyond the six-month period is by finding a job. While a job is required to stay beyond six months, this process is much easier than for non-EU/EEA citizens.

That's because no work permit is required. As long as you find a job, any job, you'll be able to stay. Read our full guide to moving to Norway from Europe for more information.

Norway Immigration from Elsewhere

As a general rule, citizens of other countries will need to apply for a residence permit in advance of relocation. For most people, this means a work permit.

You must normally have found a job before applying for the permit, although it is possible to move to Norway in order to look for a job. More on this later.

What residence permit you should apply for depends on your competence and the type of work you will be doing in Norway.

Skilled Workers

The most common work permit is available for so-called ‘skilled workers'. This is for people with higher education who will be using those qualifications in the job.

There are that depend on the education required for the job. They are updated annually in line with inflation and are designed to ensure pay and working conditions are acceptable for Norway.

At the time of writing, the salary must be at least NOK 513,100 pre-tax if the job requires a master’s degree. If the job requires a bachelor's degree, a salary of NOK 469,366 per year pre-tax is sufficient.

There is an exception if and when an industry has a collective agreement (minimum wage), in which case the collective agreement rate would apply.

Read our full guide to immigration from outside Europe for more information on who qualifies as a skilled worker, plus all the categories of work permit available including for offshore workers, and for professional athletes and coaches.

Seasonal Workers

A separate category of residence permit is available for seasonal workers, defined as a job that can only be carried out at a special time of the year, or if you are going to work as a holiday stand-in for a permanent employee.

This permit is only available for six months out of every twelve months. For example, if you hold this permit for six months, you must leave Norway for six months before applying for the permit again.

Job-Seeker Permit

Not sure you'll be able to bag a job from abroad? You're not alone! Realistically it's very difficult to find a job without being physically present in Norway. For these circumstances, there is a residence permit for job seekers.

However, there are a lot of restrictions with this permit. It is only available for someone defined as a skilled worker (see above) who is from a country that has a visa-free visitor arrangement with Norway.

You'll need a substantial amount of cash for living expenses. You must have at least NOK 25,839 per month, a total of NOK 155,034 for the full six-month period. Also, this permit does not entitle you to have family members join you in Norway.

Family Immigration to Norway

Successful applicants for a residence permit are usually able to bring their immediate family (partner and children) with them.

There is a family immigration permit for this purpose. To successfully apply for such a permit, the family member living in Norway must meet certain salary requirements.

The family immigration permit is also relevant for EU/EEA citizens living in Norway under the registration system. A family member of an EU/EEA national in Norway also has the right of residence if the EU/EEA national can provide for you.

Contrary to some information out there, a family immigration permit is not applicable if you have a Norwegian grandparent, for example. It's simply the method to join a close family member (typically a spouse) in Norway.

Norway Immigration for Americans

I see from the 51łÔšĎÍř inbox that many communities of Norwegian Americans (American citizens with distant Norwegian relatives) believe they have the right to live in Norway because of ancestry.

Unfortunately, this is not the case. Norway does not grant automatic residency or citizenship based on ancestral ties alone.

American citizens must go through the standard immigration process, which typically requires securing a job, gaining acceptance to a Norwegian educational institution, or having close family ties to someone already living in Norway.

Understanding these requirements is crucial before planning a move to Norway. Read our article on how Americans can move to Norway for more advice on these matters.

Study Permits in Norway

If you have been accepted to an accredited educational institution or an upper secondary school, you can apply for a study permit.

For EU/EEA citizens, this uses the same registration process, with the only requirements being you must have health insurance and be able to support yourself and any family members that move with you.

For citizens of other countries, a minimum requirement of NOK 166,859 per year for living expenses is required. Successful applicants will be able to work for up to 20 hours a week during semesters and full-time during holidays, but cannot be self-employed in Norway.

Asylum in Norway

This is a highly-charged political issue these days and the rules are changing regularly. However, if you are persecuted or fear inhumane treatment in your home country, it is possible to apply for protection and refugee status in Norway.

This is only possible to do if you are physically in Norway or at a Norwegian border, unless you are already in the system and are being resettled.

It is the Police that operates the initial registration system for asylum seekers. The Police will register you, then UDI interviews you about the reasons for your application. Asylum seekers are entitled to an interpreter during both parts of this process.

The initial interviews take place at the Østfold reception centre. Applicants will be tested for tuberculosis and then moved to an somewhere in Norway.

At this point, there are several different processes for applications depending on where you are from. Typically, it can take a couple of months to receive an answer.

One important point: If you have been in another European country before coming to Norway, you will be sent back there. That's because under the , the first country you arrived in is responsible for considering your case.

Practical Matters

Relocating to a new country is not a straightforward task. Before you make the move, take some time to begin your Norwegian language education. There are lots of free resources out there to get you started.

The biggest hurdle you’ll face without a good grip on the language is finding a job. While there are jobs out there that require English speakers, most Norwegians speak English fluently anyway, so you have no real advantage.

Learning the language will also be of great help with everyday living such as finding somewhere to live and shopping for goods and services. Don’t forget, most people applying for permanent residence will need to prove their language abilities.

Staying in Norway Permanently

At the time of writing, there is no time limit on how long European citizens can stay in Norway once you have registered. Your entitlement to welfare benefits and the state pension depends on how long you’ve lived in Norway and your employment status.

If you’ve been living in Norway for several years with a residence permit, you could consider making your stay more concrete with a permanent residence permit, or even citizenship.

Typically, to become either a permanent resident or citizen, you will have to have lived in Norway for several years with valid work permits. There are also formal language requirements for most people.

The rules for both of these are quite complex and depend on your own personal circumstances. Citizenship, in particular, is a big commitment, and needs some serious thought.

Norway Immigration Questions

Even though we are not the immigration service, people from all over the world send us CVs and queries about their personal circumstances.

Please don't do this! Sending personal information over the internet to people you don't know puts you at serious risk of identity theft, and being taken advantage of by immigration scams.

We cannot help you with personal advice. This article is designed to share the basic information on immigration and point you in the right direction.

The is the primary source of immigration rules, advice, and where the majority of applications and questions must be directed. In researching this article, we have consulted UDI's website extensively.

Best wishes with your application, and we hope to see you soon here in Norway.

The post Norway Immigration Guide appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

As with all EU/EEA countries, Norway offers protection to those who need it. People can apply for protection (asylum) if they are persecuted or fear persecution or inhumane treatment in their home country.

Read more about how the refugee process in Norway works. Once someone is accepted as a refugee, Norway offers an introduction programme.

Through a combination of work experience, education, and language training, the programme facilitates smoother integration into Norwegian society and into the workforce.

Here’s a detailed overview of what the programme entails and how it can benefit those under temporary collective protection.

What is the Introduction Programme?

The Introduction Programme is designed to prepare refugees aged 18 to 55 for work or further education in Norway.

Participation is voluntary and primarily offered to those who have settled in a municipality through an agreement with the Directorate of Integration and Diversity ().

The municipality must offer eligible people the opportunity to start the Introduction Programme as soon as possible, and no later than three months after settling in the municipality.

If a participant has a full-time job offer (30 to 40 hours per week), they must accept it instead of joining the programme. Part-time employment can be integrated into their training plan.

Eligibility Criteria

• Refugees aged 18 to 55 with temporary collective protection.
• Must reside in a municipality with an IMDi agreement.
• Should start the programme within three months of settlement.
• The municipality may also offer the programme to refugees aged 55 to 67 or those settled without an IMDi agreement.

Moving to another municipality generally disqualifies one from continuing the programme unless the move is pre-agreed.

Duration and Activities

The programme’s length varies based on the individual’s educational background and goals. Typically, for most Ukrainian refugees, it lasts about six months.

Participants engage in:

• Work-related activities (minimum 15 hours per week by the fourth month), which could include work experience, part-time work, or short vocational courses.
• Education for those without secondary schooling.
• Norwegian or English language training.
• Parental guidance for those with children under 18.

An integration plan, created with a programme advisor, outlines the specific activities and duration for each participant.

Financial Support

Participants receive an introduction allowance to cover living expenses, which is subject to taxation. Additional financial support or income from a job may reduce the allowance. Misreporting income can lead to repayment demands.

Holiday and Leave

Participants in programmes lasting a year or more are entitled to five weeks of vacation, while those in shorter programmes receive pro-rated vacation time.

Leaves of absence for illness, pregnancy, childbirth, or significant reasons must be approved by the programme advisor. Unapproved absences can lead to deductions in the allowance or termination of the programme.

Norwegian Language Tuition

Refugees aged 18 to 67 are entitled to Norwegian language training, irrespective of participation in the Introduction Programme. This training lasts one year from the start date, with extensions granted for valid leave periods.

Language training aims to reach proficiency levels suitable for employment and can be scheduled flexibly, including evenings and online sessions, especially if the participant has some work.

A free Norwegian language test is available to document skills learned on the programme. Ordinarily, a fee applies for the national Norwegian language exams.

Complaints and Appeals

Participants can appeal decisions regarding the programme by submitting a complaint to the municipality, which must provide guidance on regulations and appeal procedures.

If the municipality upholds its decision, the complaint is forwarded to the county governor for review.

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Moving to Norway is a goal for many people from all around the world. But for some, the relocation is just the first step toward a more stable and secure future.

Obtaining a permanent residence permit is the key to unlocking a host of benefits, including the right to live, work, and study in Norway indefinitely. It is the last step before Norwegian citizenship, which is not something everyone wants nor needs.

The rules for permanent residence are complex and depend on many things. However, the basics are your country of citizenship and the length of time you have lived in Norway.

This guide outlines the updated criteria and application process, helping you navigate the path to permanent residency.

What Does Permanent Residence Mean?

After first publishing this article, I received a lot of questions. What rights does permanent residence give? How is it different from a work permit, or citizenship? And so on.

First things first, permanent residence is not the same thing as being a long-term resident of Norway. Some people–especially European citizens–can legally live in Norway for much of their life without being officially classed as ‘permanent residents.'

Permanent residence is a specific category of residence permit. It grants the holder, who is not a Norwegian citizen, the right to live and work in Norway indefinitely. You will also be granted extra protection against expulsion.

For European citizens, it's not especially necessary unless you plan on staying in Norway long-term. But for non-Europeans in Norway on a work permit, it's a good idea to apply for it as soon as you can, if you intend on staying in Norway.

National ID Card

A national ID card is an identity card that you can use when you need to identify yourself inside Norway and in other countries. It is an alternative to a passport within Norway, and can be used as a travel document in some circumstances.

However, a national ID card is not available to permanent residents. At the present time, only Norwegian citizens are able to apply for one.

Permanent Residence Application Process

UDI is the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration. As with all things related to immigration, the is the main source of information and the place you'll start your application.

The process involves making an appointment with your local police station or immigration office. Although much of the application is digital, you'll need to hand over certain documentation in person.

During the online application process, you will receive a checklist of documentation to hand over at the appointment. What documents are on that checklist will depend on your own circumstances, so pay close attention to the list you receive.

Permanent Right of Residence for Europeans

People who have lived in Norway for at least five years using the EU/EEA registration scheme can apply for a permanent right of residence. This is the version of permanent residence available via the European system.

This status entitles you to stay and work in Norway indefinitely, and your family members may also be eligible. To obtain the permit, you must have been living in Norway under the terms of the EU/EEA registration scheme for at least five years.

A shorter time period applies in certain circumstances. This includes those who have taken early retirement or become an old-age pensioner during their stay in Norway, and those who have suffered a workplace accident.

In practical terms, obtaining this permanent right of residence makes very little difference to most people, as the EU/EEA registration doesn't have to be renewed.

However, there are slightly improved protections against expulsion for those with a permanent right of residence. The process is relatively easy, although a lot of paperwork is required.

This includes a transcript from the National Population Register, plus employment contracts and tax returns covering your period in Norway. Supporting documentation such as a house purchase contract is also useful.

This documentation must be presented along with the completed application at your local police station or immigration office. All being well, you'll receive the confirmation letter in the post several months later.

Permanent Residence for British Citizens

British citizens living in Norway under the terms of the EEA agreement prior to Brexit had the opportunity to apply for either permanent residence or a card to prove their post-Brexit residence rights.

British citizens who moved to Norway after the Brexit process was complete must now follow the process for non-European citizens in order to apply to permanent residence.

Permanent Residence for Non-European Citizens

The process for permanent residence is similar for non-European citizens. Although the length of time you need to have been living in Norway is less, the other requirements are greater.

You must have lived in Norway for the past three years holding valid residence permits. It's important to note that not all residence permits count towards permanent residence.

If you came to Norway as a refugee or as a resettlement refugees, or as a family member of someone with these permits, the residence requirement is extended to five years. This rule was introduced in 2020.

There is a financial requirement too. In the 12 months prior to your application, your personal annual income must have been more than NOK 296,550. Among other requirements, applicants must also have a clean criminal record.

You must also have completed the mandatory tuition in the Norwegian language and social studies, and pass the relevant tests, with some minor exceptions. There's more information on this below.

Language Requirements for Permanent Residence

If you're a skilled worker, self-employed, or here via family immigration with such a person, the language and social studies tuition requirements vary based on when your first residence permit was issued.

The information is too complicated to cover in detail here, because a lot of it changes based on your personal circumstances.

However, in most cases, you must complete a certain amount of Norwegian language tuition or pass all four parts of the Norwegian language test at level A2 or above. You'll also likely need to have taken a social studies course.

Note that these requirements apply for non-EU/EEA citizens applying for permanent residence. There is no language requirement applied to European citizens applying for a permanent right of residence.

In order to establish what's required for you and your own personal circumstances, check the .

Processing Times

The processing time for permanent residence varies, but at present applications are taking a long time. Typically, it will likely take at least 12 months. Yes, it really does take that long.

Because of this long waiting time, it's important to understand that any existing permits are not impacted by your application.

That means you will still have to apply for the renewal of a work permit, for example. Follow the usual process for permit renewals to avoid any complications.

Questions?

We have pulled together this information based on official sources and personal experience. However, we do not have any insider knowledge. We cannot help in individual cases and have no expertise beyond the information shared above.

Any questions about permanent residence should be directed to UDI. If you require legal help, consider engaging the services of an immigration lawyer.

The post How to Get Permanent Residence in Norway (Updated for 2024) appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Norway has some of the world’s most scenic roads, offering not only breathtaking views but also a thrilling driving experience. Bringing your own car to Norway to experience these thrills is easier said than done, however, given the country’s strict rules.

Those rules on car ownership make buying a car in Norway a very expensive affair. It can therefore feel very tempting to import a car from abroad, but buyer beware: the road to importing a car in Norway is fraught with unexpected detours and toll booths.

So, whether you’re bringing your car to Norway temporarily or permanently, let us guide you through the mazes of custom regulations and Norway’s unique road tax system.

Buckle up, adjust your rearview mirrors and get your credit card ready, because it’s gonna cost you!

A history of high road taxes in Norway

While the post-war period in America led to an unprecedented boom in car ownership, the story was quite different in Norway. Due to the necessity of allocating resources to rebuilding after the occupation, private car ownership was rationed until 1960.

This rationing period led to cars being considered a luxury in Norway. This perception has changed: cars are now considered a basic necessity in the country, unless you live in one of the bigger cities.

But the historical context of car scarcity and luxury taxation has contributed to higher costs for purchasing a car than in many other countries.

The exception in recent years has been electric cars, which are exempt of many of the fees imposed on their fossil-fuelled predecessors. This led to comparatively lower prices and a high adoption rate for battery-powered vehicles.

Bringing your car to Norway as a tourist

First, let’s get the basics out of the way: driving your car in Norway as a tourist (up to 90 days on a typical tourist visa) should pose no major problems, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

First, make sure that your driver’s license is recognised by Norwegian authorities.

Next, make sure your car is roadworthy. Assuming you are coming from another European country, this means having your EU inspection documentation in order.

Keep in mind also that it is mandatory to carry a red warning triangle and a yellow fluorescent visibility vest in the car in case of breakdowns or accidents. Last but not least, please, for the love of everything you value, equip your car with tyres that are appropriate for the conditions.

This means that if you are planning a winter road trip to Norway, you need winter tyres. Driving in winter conditions with summer tyres amounts to a death wish.

Winter tyres are not mandatory, strictly speaking, but drivers are obligated to have tyres that are adapted to the driving conditions. Not complying with this rule and being involved in an accident can result in charges of gross negligence.

Bringing your car to Norway as a temporary resident

If you're planning to hang out in Norway for up to a year, you're in luck. You can drive your foreign-registered car just about as easily as if you were a tourist.

A crucial condition is that you need to be able to provide proof that your stay won’t exceed a year from the time you rolled into Norway. And by ‘time you rolled in', we mean your feet touching Norwegian soil, not when your car arrives (if it arrives before you).

What counts as proof, you ask? Things like an employment contract, evidence of your study placement, or maybe your spouse's or family member's documents showing how long they'll be in the country, if you’re just tagging along.

If you have plans to jet back to your job overseas, that paperwork is also good to show. Proof that you are renting out your pad back home works as well. Basically, anything that shouts, “I'm just here for a short Norwegian adventure!”

If you stay for up to two years, things get a bit more complicated. You'll need to apply for a temporary driving permit for your second year – which means you have to do this within your first year of arriving in Norway.

Keep in mind that to qualify for this “temporary” status, you shouldn't have been hanging around or officially registered in Norway for more than 365 days during the two years before you came over. So moving in and out of the country to “reset the counter” doesn’t work.

Importing a car to Norway

So, you’re either moving to Norway with your own car, or you already live here and want to bring a foreign car into the country. Here are the ground rules.

Before you cross the border

Check with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) to see if there are special rules applying to your particular type of car. This can be done by contacting a .

Next, if it’s a new car that you are importing from abroad, make sure the country you’re buying from doesn’t have any export restrictions or requirements to be fulfilled to clear the car for export. Also, ensure you have the proper licensing and insurance to drive the car to the Norwegian border.

You can drive a car in Norway with valid foreign licence plates for a period of 30 days after crossing the border, while you wait for your Norwegian plates. If your foreign insurance doesn’t cover Norway, there’s a solution for that – read on.

When you cross the border

If you arrive by road, pick a staffed border crossing to enter the country, since you’ll need help from a customs officer. Go through the red “something to declare” lane and get ready to cough up the value-added tax (VAT), which amounts to a whopping 25% of the car’s value.

The value of the car is equal to the purchase price plus freight and insurance costs, if the car is new. If you have owned the vehicle for a while, you need to get a valuation from the dealership in the country where the car is registered – here too, freight and insurance costs will be added to that amount before calculating the VAT.

If your car is not insured for driving in Norway, you can get “border insurance” right there at the customs office. You really don’t want to be that person responsible for damages with an uninsured vehicle.

Now if you arrive by ferry, things are a bit more complicated. Customs offices in ferry terminals are typically not equipped to complete the whole procedure.

What you need to do is get a transit document from the customs authorities of the country you travelled from. If you can’t or didn’t get that, Norwegian customs will issue this at the border crossing when you stop in the red zone.

But then, you will have to report at another customs office to complete the paperwork, within a certain deadline. Fail to meet up within the deadline they give you and you will have to pay a fine.

If this all sounds a bit overwhelming, a third option is to use the services of a forwarding agent who will take care of the paperwork with the customs, for a fee. Your ferry company can give you information about how to proceed to come into contact with a forwarding agent.

What to do after you have crossed the border

So you’ve cleared customs and paid the VAT. Don’t put your wallet away just yet: there are two more bureaucratic hurdles left.

The first is to get your vehicle approved by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen). Do this by booking an appointment at your nearest .

Then, you need to pay a one-off registration tax. This is calculated based on the vehicle's tax group, kerb weight, CO₂ emissions, NO_x emissions and cylinder capacity.

For some vehicles, engine power is also included in the calculation. As you can see, the fees are quite varied and not super specified.

It might be worth it for you to calculate in advance the cost of importing your car before actually doing it, just to see if it’s worth all the money and trouble.

The Norwegian Tax Administration have prepared a handy (in English!) to help you figure out how much you’ll need to cough up, bless their hearts.

The post How to Import a Car to Norway appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

From finding somewhere suitable to live to adjusting to a new lifestyle, relocation to Norway presents a whole heap of challenges. Top of that list for many people is the need to find a job first.

If you’re moving to Norway from outside Europe, most people will need to find a job first in order to gain a residence permit. As I’ve written about many times before, this is challenging for several reasons.

One of the biggest reasons is that you’re competing against a large pool of people for jobs. Not just Norwegian citizens, but residents of the entire EU/EEA area. That’s because it’s far easier for an employer to hire someone from within Europe.

Another major challenge is not being present in the country for interviews. Generally, Norwegian employers place strong emphasis on whether a new hire will fit into company culture. It’s difficult for them to assess this without an in-person meeting.

The job-seeker residence permit could help you, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s what the permit offers, who it is designed for, and how to apply for it.

Residence Permit for Skilled Workers

First of all, let me say that I do not work for the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (). I have put everything I know into this article, so I will not be able to help with any questions. Address any queries to UDI directly. With that in mind, read on!

Norway's immigration system offers several categories of residence permits for non-EU/EEA citizens. Aside from family immigration (used by people intending to live with a partner), the biggest category is work permits.

To apply for a work permit, you must usually have received a job offer first. But if you are a skilled worker, it’s possible to apply for a temporary residence permit in order for you to live in Norway while you look for work.

Those awarded the permit will be able to stay in Norway for up to six months. However, the permit does not entitle the holder to work in Norway at all during this time. If the holder gets a job offer, they can apply for a residence permit as a skilled worker.

Students who have recently graduated in Norway or researchers can also apply for this permit. More on this category of applicant later.

Requirements for a Job-Seeker Visa

It’s important to say that this permit is not given out automatically to everyone who applies. Each case will be individually assessed, so it’s important you easily meet all the requirements. If not, it’s a waste of your time to apply.

Perhaps the most important thing to understand is Norway’s definition of a . Norway defines it as someone who has completed vocational training, completed higher education or has special qualifications.

This is a vague definition, for sure. Examples given by UDI include at least three-years professional training as a carpenter or health worker, or a university degree in engineering or nursing. Remember, these are just examples.

There are other significant requirements too. The biggest is the requirement to have NOK 155,034 available for living expenses for the duration of the permit. You must show proof that you have this money.

You must hold a passport from a country that has a visa-free travel agreement with Norway. That means if you would have to apply for a visa to visit Norway, you cannot apply for this permit.

Finally, you must pay a non-refundable application fee. At the time of writing, the fee is NOK 6,300.

Job-Seeker Permit for Graduates & Researchers

If you’re coming to the end of a full-time study program in Norway and have a study permit, you are able to apply for a job-seeker permit in order to extend your stay in Norway. You must apply at least one month before your study permit expires.

Researchers holding a residence permit as a â€˜researcher with own funds’ can also apply for this permit, but must also do so before the original permit expires.

A key difference is that, unlike regular job-seeker permit holders, graduates and researchers can work (though not as self-employed) while seeking employment as skilled workers. It also lasts for 12 months, not 6 months.

Those applying in this category must be able to demonstrate income of at least NOK 325,400 per year. This money can come from savings and/or income from a part-time or full-time job.

How to Apply for the Job-Seeker Visa

All applications are done via the . Bear in mind that waiting times are lengthy. At the time of writing, processing time can take up to 8 months.

Should you be successful, the time-limit on the permit begins when you enter Norway, not when the permit is granted.

Restrictions with the Job-Seeker Permit

Before you rush in to apply for the job-seeker permit, it’s important to understand all the restrictions.

Unless you are applying as a recent graduate or researcher, you are unable to work legally while in Norway on this permit. If you do get a job offer, you can apply for a skilled worker work permit, but cannot start working until you receive the work permit.

Once the time limit on the job-seeker visa elapses, you must leave Norway. You then have to live outside Norway for one year before applying for the same permit again. However, you could return sooner as a tourist, for example.

Another restriction on the job-seeker permit is that your partner/family cannot apply for a family immigration permit to join you. They would only be able to do so if you find a job and successfully apply for a work permit as a skilled worker.

Hear a First-Hand Account

Abby, an American who moved to Norway without a job in the hope of finding one, has first-hand experience of using the job-seeker visa.

Abby grew up in Wisconsin and lived in Colorado prior to her making the move to Norway. She made a thorough plan before before applying for the visa in order to maximise her time and chances of success.

She joined me on episode 79 of the 51łÔšĎÍř Show talk about the job-seeker visa, and her process for finding work in the architecture industry in Oslo.

“I didn't want to get to Norway and waste any time doing things I could have prepared in advance. That time felt very precious to me,” she said.

Have you used Norway’s residence permit for job-seekers? Please do share your thoughts and experiences down in the comments so others can benefit.

The post Norway’s Job-Seeker Visa Explained appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Back in 2012, it was a pretty big deal, at least in the country, when Norway broke the 5 million mark on inhabitants. It raised the inevitable questions on whether immigration was ‘out of control’ and the impact on healthcare and pensions.

Fast-forward now to the present day, and Norway has smashed through the 5.5 million barrier for the first time. As of Q3 2024, the population of Norway is 5,585,044.

In 2024, the annual increase of 61,219 reported by state statistics office represented a slight decline in growth from the population growth reported the previous year.

Most people will assume that growth was driven by immigration. Yes, that certainly played its part, but it wasn’t the only factor. In 2023, Norway recorded 51,980 births and only 43,803 deaths.

Now, let’s look in detail at what’s going on. From the history of population growth and poulation decline in Norway, to the population of immigrants and where people actually live, this article is your thorough introduction to the Norwegian population.

Population Growth in Norway

In recent years, the population of Norway has risen fast, and steadily. But that’s not just a recent trend.

The consistent upward trend actually started back in the 1960s, around the time that oil was discovered in the Norwegian Sea. Norway desperately needed people with the skills to build a new industry from scratch.

In the last two decades, population growth has largely been fuelled by immigration. Initially this was due to Norway’s membership in EFTA, which means European residents are free to move to Norway under the terms of the EEA Agreement.

However, there have also been spikes due to a number of refugee crises. Most recently, high numbers of war refugees from Ukraine have driven the population numbers up.

Periods of Population Decline

Looking back further in time, we also see more of an inconsistency in population numbers. There have been several events throughout history that have led to major falls in the numbers

One of the more famous of these was the , which hit Norway extremely hard in the mid and late 1300’s.

It is estimated that around 50% of the population in Norway succumbed to the disease. Some estimates even report higher than that number.

Another historical change to population was the mass emigration to North America. Just about every European country (and many others across the globe) at one time or another had people flocking to the shores of America.

Though Norwegians were counted as some of the earliest settlers crossing the Atlantic, the organised exodus began en masse around the middle of the 19^th century.

The reasons for Norwegians to leave their home vary as much as the people did. Some left for religious freedom, other for the promise of the New World, and even more because of the economic pressures, famines, and crop failures that were occurring throughout Scandinavia at the time.

By the 1900’s the number of immigrants from Norway began to decline: particularly after The Immigration Act of 1924 that restricted the number of immigrants from any given country.

But still, 87% of the permits issued after this were given to immigrants from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia. This still slowed the flow of Norwegian immigrants to a few thousand per year, a pattern that persists to the modern day.

Today more than 4.5 million Americans claim Norwegian ancestry. Many of them are our readers, so, hello to you!

Immigrant Population in Norway

Norway has taken in immigrants for some time, but the upward trend got started in the middle of the 20^th century. People from all over the globe have found a new home in Norway, myself included.

As of Q3 2024, immigrants in Norway made up approximately 16.6% of the population. That figure of 931,081 people includes everyone born outside of Norway, but also children who were born in Norway to immigrant parents.

By far the biggest group of foreign-born residents are originally from Poland, at over 100,000 people. Other significant groups come from Lithuania, Sweden, Somalia, and Germany.

Where do people live in Norway

Big cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim make up a large bulk of the Norwegian population.

The entire Oslo region in itself counts to be approximately one-quarter of the entire population, although the population of Oslo itself numbers approximately 723,000 people.

From there, most people are clustered in the cities that stretch up Norway’s impressive west coast. The biggest cities in Norway? Bergen is home to almost 300,000 people, with Trondheim numbering just over 200,000, and Stavanger coming in at 150,000.

All the major cities have nearby cities contributing to a more significant population in the wider urban area.

Though the cities draw more and more people, rural life in Norway still attracts a number of people. Small villages and towns dot the country – from stunning coastal fishing villages, to breathtaking mountainous retreats.

Farming is also still relevant in Norway, and many farms have stayed within the same family for generations.

There is somewhere for everyone in Norway, whether that be the busy, bustling city of Oslo, the mellower town vibe of Lillehammer, the cosy hamlet of Aurland, or even an isolated cabin up in one of the many mountain areas in the country.

The post The Population of Norway (Updated for 2025) appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Most people gain their Norwegian citizenship at birth. However, it is also possible for people from other countries to become citizens of Norway later in their life. However, it is not an easy process.

Generally speaking, you will need to have had legal residency in Norway for at least seven years to be able to apply. You'll also need to be at least partially fluent in the Norwegian language.

But as with all things related to immigration, it is highly dependent on your personal circumstances. There were also some significant changes to the process and requirements during 2021 and 2022, of which many people were unaware.

Read on for more information and the latest requirements that apply as of January 2024.

Why Become a Citizen of Norway?

First things first, do you need to take citizenship? Many foreigners have been living in Norway for most of their adult lives and have not taken citizenship.

If you have permanent residence here, the day-to-day differences are marginal. So, why become a Norwegian citizen?

Citizens of Norway can vote in national elections, and receive a Norwegian passport. The latter could be a good enough reason to apply depending on the “quality” of your original passport.

What do I mean by that? Well, citizens of many countries face a lengthy visa process to travel to many countries. According to the Henley visa restrictions index, Norway's passport is one of the best in the world for freedom of movement.

Norwegian citizens enjoy visa-free or straightforward visa-on-arrival access to 173 countries and territories. We think that's something worth having! So, let's take a look at how to do just that.

Double Citizenship in Norway

Up until recently, dual citizenship was not allowed. This meant that most applicants would have to renounce their previous citizenship in order to become a Norwegian citizen.

There were some exceptions to this rule, but it stopped many people who qualified from going ahead with the process. Norway was one of the few countries in Europe to have this restriction. Politicians had long debated removing this restriction.

In December 2018, the plans were finally approved with only minor opposition in Parliament. Opposition centred around issues such as whether people would have divided loyalties in wartime.

From January 2020, new citizens of Norway have no longer needed to give up their previous citizenship. Of course, if your original country does not allow more than one citizenship, you will still lose this citizenship when you become a Norwegian citizen. 

This law change led to a big increase in applications and record numbers of new citizens.

How the Citizenship Process Works

How do you become a Norwegian citizen? There is an online application process, but the requirements differ for different groups of people.

Some of the factors include the type of residence permit you have, how long you have been in Norway, whether you have family here, and if you have previously been a Norwegian citizen.

The rules typically fall into two broad categories:

• The length of time you've lived in Norway
• Your level of documented fluency in Norwegian

Now let's look into more detail at each of these points.

Residency Period

Generally speaking, you must have lived in Norway for a total of eight of the past eleven years.

This period was recently extended by a change in the Citizenship Act made by the Norwegian government, and applies from January 2022. It was previously seven of the past ten years.

In addition, you must have held valid residence permits (such as a work permit) that cover that period of time. The rules for residency depend, among other things, on whether you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or not.

If you have ‘sufficient income', the residency requirement is reduced to six of the last ten years. At the time of writing, sufficient income is defined as an annual figure of NOK 329,352.

If you are married to, or are the registered partner or cohabitant of a Norwegian citizen, the time you have lived in Norway, you must have lived in Norway for a total of at least five years during the past ten years. In these cases, your combined residence period and marriage period must be at least seven years.

Typically, time spent away from Norway for more than two consecutive months in a calendar year extends the amount of time required for residency by the same amount.

So if you lived overseas for a year in the middle of your residency period, the time required extends to eight years. You must also intend to continue to live in Norway once you have been awarded citizenship.

Proving Your Norwegian Language Ability

Fluency in Norwegian is a non-negotiable when applying for citizenship. However, in October 2022, the rules were overhauled significantly. The focus now is on fluency in spoken Norwegian.

Previously, applicants had to have completed 250-300 hours of approved tuition in the Norwegian language and be able to document language skills.

This was done by passing the Norskprøve written and oral tests (levels 2 or 3), the Bergenstest, or another oral and written Norwegian test. The minimum level you needed to have attained was A2 or B1, depending on your current country of citizenship.

However, now what is required is a successful B1 grade in oral Norwegian. There is no longer a requirement for other language exams or a specific number of tuition hours.

There are a couple of exceptions to this rule whereby only A2 is required. These include people over the age of 55 who came to Norway as a refugee or receive disabled benefits.

Applicants for Norwegian citizenship must also pass an exam about Norwegian society, laws and history. There are two tests available: one is the social studies and the other is the citizenship test.

Citizenship for Nordic Citizens

The biggest exception for citizenship rules is for nationals of the other Nordic countries. So that's Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden.

The Norwegian Nationality Act of 1950 allows any Nordic citizen who has been legally living in Norway for at least two years and can understand Norwegian to become a citizen upon application.

There for Norwegian citizens who are living in other Nordic countries and wish to become a citizen there.

Citizenship via Family Ties

As with almost every country in the world, citizenship by birth is not applicable in Norway, unless the child has a Norwegian parent.

This means children of a foreign-born couple do not automatically become Norwegian citizens. However, if you were born in Norway to foreign parents, or moved here as a child, there is a shorter residence period requirement for the citizenship application.

There is also no provision for people with Norwegian heritage to become citizens by heritage. This means that someone identifying as “Norwegian American” is not entitled to Norwegian citizenship because they had a Norwegian grandparent.

Individuals in such cases have to meet the criteria for citizenship listed above, including the length of time with permanent residence in Norway and documented fluency in the Norwegian language.

Citizenship by heritage is very rare and is only really possible in Ireland and Italy. A handful of other countries offer something similar in very specific circumstances, but Norway is not one of those.

One big exception is if your parents were Norwegian when you were born. If so, to see if you qualify to become a Norwegian citizen.

Family immigration permits are available, which mean that someone can move to Norway if their spouse or other immediate family member lives in Norway, in most circumstances. But this is a residence permit, and not the same thing as citizenship.

How to Apply for Norwegian Citizenship

If you hold a valid residence permit in Norway and you live here on a permanent basis, you can apply for Norwegian citizenship. Your residence permit must be valid both when you apply and while your application is being processed.

It's very important to understand that applying for Norwegian citizenship does not mean that you have a valid permit to stay in the country. If you are here on a work permit and apply for citizenship, you must still apply to renew your work permit.

The actual process of starting an application is handled online, although you will have to hand over documents in person. To begin your application, complete the application form on the . You will be given an appointment to present your papers in person.

There is an application fee, which as of January 2025 is NOK 6,500 for an adult. This must be paid by debit or credit card during the initial application process. Those under the age of 18 do not pay.

Items you will need depend on your personal circumstances but will include the following:

• Birth certificate
• Certificate of marriage / partnership
• A full list of entries and departures to Norway, including a copy of all the pages in current and previous passports
• Tax returns covering the qualification period
• A police certificate proving good conduct
• Proof of language competency (exam results)

What Happens After Becoming a Norwegian Citizen?

Once your application for Norwegian citizenship is approved, you’ll be notified in a simple letter from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

This notification may take several months to arrive, and in fact some applicants report waiting more than a year. However, processing times can vary widely. In my own case, I received the approval letter just eight weeks after submitting my application.

Once you receive confirmation of your citizenship, the next step is to apply for a Norwegian passport. This must be done in person at a police station that offers passport services.

Be prepared to present your approval letter and proof of identity. Usually you'll be required to book this appointment online in advance. Waiting times can vary depending on where you live.

You’ll also receive an invitation to attend a These events are optional but are designed to celebrate your new status as a Norwegian citizen. They are typically formal but friendly, often including speeches and music.

It’s a symbolic welcome into the Norwegian community and many find it a meaningful experience.

Questions?

I am just a writer, and have collected various bits of information here to help you understand the process.

Despite the number of people commenting below, please note that I do not work in immigration and cannot help or advise on individual cases.

The information above is a summary of what is available on the UDI website. Questions should be directed there. Thanks!

The post How to Get Norwegian Citizenship (Updated for 2025) appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Incredible landscapes, free-to-access nature, and a focus on children are some of the reasons people are drawn to Norway. But what about the high cost of living, difficulty to settle, and lack of cultural activities?

These are some of the factors given by Norway-based respondents in the Expat Insider 2023 survey, which looks at the ease of living and working abroad. Norway placed 52nd of the 53 countries included in the Expat Insider Index.

Norway only ranked higher than Kuwait in the index, part of the survey which has been run for the last 10 years. More than 12,000 people living abroad in 53 countries took part in the survey.

The top ten countries in the index are Mexico, Spain, Panama, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Bahrain, and Portugal.

It’s not a Nordic thing

Norway may have ranked badly but that wasn’t the case with other Nordic countries. Finland (16th) and Sweden (24th) both ranked in the top half, while Denmark placed 41st.

There were not enough respondents from Iceland for the country to feature in the index.

All Nordic countries ranked high in the Working Abroad Index, although Norway was still notably behind Sweden, Finland and Denmark. Foreigners living in Finland also ranked the country well for quality of life.

Norway: expensive and difficult?

Norway is not only the worst-rated Nordic country in the Expat Insider survey but also second-to-last worldwide. It also comes second-to-last in the Personal Finance Index, only ahead of New Zealand.

More than three in five expats (62%) rate the local cost of living negatively, compared to 35% globally. Perhaps most worrying, 37% say that their disposable household income is not enough to lead a comfortable life (vs. 27% globally).

Similarly to the other Nordic countries featured in the survey, Norway does not perform well in the Ease of Settling In Index (48th). Close to a third of expats (32%) describe the locals as unfriendly towards foreign residents, compared to 18% globally.

They also find it hard to make local friends (51% unhappy vs. 36% globally) and are unhappy with their social life (38% vs. 25% globally). Overall, 37% do not feel at home in Norway (vs. 20% globally) — 17% do not feel at home at all, which is more than twice the global average (8%)!

Read more: Is Norway ‘Safe But Boring?’

Some of the reasons given for Norway’s poor ranking in the Quality of Life Index include the affordability of public transport, the opportunity to travel, and the availability of healthcare. Norway also ranks and dining options, and badly for culture and nightlife.

However, Norway-based respondents valued the political stability, the high air quality, and the natural environment.

About the survey

InterNations has been conducting its annual since 2014. This 10th edition of one of the world’s largest expat surveys is based on data from 12,065 expats representing 171 nationalities and living in 172 countries or territories. They provided information on various areas of expat life, as well as their gender, age, and nationality.

Participants were asked to rate up to 56 different aspects of life abroad on a scale of one to seven. The process emphasized the respondents’ personal satisfaction with these factors, considering both emotional topics and more factual aspects with equal weight.

The ratings of the individual factors were then bundled in various combinations for a total of 16 subcategories, and their mean values were used to draw up five topical indices: Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance, and Expat Essentials.

These indices were further averaged together with expats’ general happiness with their life abroad to rank 53 destinations around the world. To be featured in the indices and overall ranking, a sample size of at least 50 survey participants per destination was necessary.

What do you think?

So, is Norway’s placing in the Expat Insider Index fair? What do you think about the pros and cons of living and working in Norway? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Is Norway Really So Bad For Foreigners? appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Many children and teenagers spend several years as refugees and have their lives put on hold.

NTNU researchers Tone Brendløkken and Ragnhild Liland went to a refugee camp to learn more about how to best welcome students with a refugee background to Norway. They collected their data from 2018 to 2021, which consists of conversations with teachers, aid workers and refugees in Moria.

Their findings have been compiled in an  (in Norwegian), which also describes their experiences in Moria. Their article is the basis for this article.

Moria – “Welcome to Prison”

It is October and it’s raining when the researchers get off the plane on the Greek island of Lesbos. Researchers Tone Brendløkken and Ragnhild Liland are on their way to visit the Moria refugee camp, which is reputed to be one of the world’s worst.

The next day the sun is shining. Graffiti on a wall outside the refugee camp reads “Welcome to Prison.” A mountain of rubbish lies at the entrance to the camp, stinking in the heat, and yesterday’s rain has turned the place into a mud pit.

A boy in his teens comes over and wants to say hello. His name is Samir. The researchers ask Samir if he thinks it’s okay for them to go in.

“Come in and tell Europe what you see. People need to know how we’re doing here,” he replies.

Schools need refugee-competent teachers

Today, about 100 million people have been forced to flee their homes, including many children and adolescents who have spent all or part of their upbringing in a refugee camp.

When these children come to Norway, they bring challenges and experiences with them into the classroom that few teachers have experience handling.

Even more pupils will come to school with a refugee background in the future. Research shows that school staff in Norway have little knowledge of the issue, and schools and teachers-in-training are asking for information about pupils with a refugee background.

Read more: How the Refugee Process Works in Norway

Tone Brendløkken and Ragnhild Liland are researchers at NTNU’s Department of Teacher Education. After a trip to Moria in 2018, the researchers understood that schools need to better understand what it means to be a refugee. This became the start of the project  (The refugee-competent teacher).

Internship in a refugee camp

The researchers have been learning about refugees and their educational situation through conversations with teachers and aid workers who spend time with them on a daily basis, and by talking to the refugees themselves.

In addition, Brendløkken and Liland provide student teaching internship opportunities with children and teens who have been displaced.

One of the student teachers who has had the chance to try out his teaching hand is Harald Aksnes Karmhus. He had a school internship at the Mosaik Support Center on Lesbos, where refugees come to receive education.

“As soon as I heard that we could have an internship in, or associated with, a refugee camp, I wanted to go. I thought it would be a useful experience to have, especially since I wanted to become a teacher and would certainly be encountering students with a refugee background,” says Karmhus.

Life loses value

Samir invites the researchers into the tent he shares with his brother, sister-in-law and their two children. Inside the tent, the floor is covered with cardboard sheets and wool blankets to protect against the mud. Samir and his brother say that they spend a lot of time standing in food queues. They wait for up to nine hours every single day.

As a refugee, you experience having your life put on hold. You lose the right to have rights. In the refugee camp, your opinions don’t count, and you have no opportunity to influence the environment you are in.

You never know when the documents you need will be ready, and people sit for years without knowing. It is precisely this knowledge that Karmhus says he will take with him into his subsequent jobs.

“I’ve gained an understanding of what it’s like to be stuck in a refugee camp, in a country you don’t know, a country you don’t want to live in, and without the opportunity to move on. You’re stuck in a situation that doesn’t give your life any value,” says Karmhus.

Education improves people’s lives

All children have the right to education, including asylum seekers and refugees. According to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, education is seen as a foundation for improving people’s lives.

“National and international studies point to the importance of school for refugee children and teens. If these children and youth do not have access to education, they are deprived of the opportunity to acquire linguistic, professional and social competence. Education is about knowledge, but also about mental health and quality of life,” says Brendløkken.

Research shows that 25 per cent of students in Norwegian schools who were not born in Norway drop out part way through their education. A large proportion have never started upper secondary education. Many of these students have a refugee background.

“Bodily experience”

The researchers travel on to the refugee training centre. The pupils have decorated trees and walls with drawings of freedom, equality and human rights. Teachers Mikis and Lefteris come out, together with Maria, an aid worker.

Mikis was born and raised in Greece and had read about the refugee camps in his home country, but they felt distant from his everyday life, as if they didn’t really exist. It was only when he started working there as a teacher in 2012 that he understood that the camp actually existed. He needed to have a bodily experience of it.

“The refugees are people like you and me who come across the sea. They risk their lives to get across. You have to be in it to understand. Experience it. You have to feel it in your body,” says Mikis.

Mikis is referring to one of the three practices that Brendløkken and Liland have concluded are necessary when teaching refugees. Bodily experience is one of them.

Bodily experience means that you gain knowledge through your senses and emotions. In meeting the refugees, you experience how their situation affects their lives, and why they might experience challenges in learning.

“Bodily learning has remained somewhat under the radar when we discuss learning. For example, our student teachers always bring up the importance of the practicum in teacher education. They’re experiencing things in their body, and that knowledge can be said to be physically rooted. Bodily learning emphasizes the subject’s encounter with others and the outside world,” says Brendløkken.

Brendløkken and Liland believe that it might be crucial for teachers to gain an understanding of refugees through physical experience in order to be able to effectively plan for and teach pupils with a refugee background.

“When we were asked after the trip about what our meetings with the refugees and their situation were like, we had a hard time putting it into words, because the meetings and experiences had touched our emotions, and the experiences were in our bodies,” says Brendløkken.

“Closeness and distance”

Aid worker Maria tells the researchers that she has had to learn to what extent she should involve herself in the lives of the people she meets. There are so many people who want to tell their stories and so much suffering. She shares her experience:

“At the beginning I was angry, angry because these people had to suffer. But then I realized the importance of choosing an appropriate level of involvement. I can listen to one or two stories, but I can’t listen to all of them. I need to be a fellow human being for the refugees, a close person that they can trust, but at the same time I have to maintain a certain distance, which is necessary to be able to help them.”

Maria is involved in the practice that Brendløkken and Liland call Closeness and distance. Teachers need to be close enough to understand the pupils’ feelings, but have enough distance so that they are not left with the same feeling themselves.

By maintaining distance, you take care of yourself, and only then is a teacher able to help the youngster and offer strength. In other words, it is important that as a teacher you place yourself somewhere between rejecting the refugees and identifying with them.

“Offer power and strength”

Lefteris is glad to see that the pupils change when they are at school. They become more assertive, they learn to work together and gain new experiences and knowledge that they can put to use.

“So the most important thing for us as teachers is to help them become stronger,” says Lefteris.

Many of the pupils have been refugees for several years. They are used to following orders, and not asking or expressing their own opinions. Going to school is unfamiliar to them. School is a place where their opinion counts, where they can ask questions and where they can participate.

The teachers help pupils believe that they have a future, that they have value and will be able to influence their own lives again.

The assistant and teachers point out that they are able to do this since their school is a democratic organisation. The students are asked questions, listened to and given the opportunity to influence a small part of their own lives. The school provides students with the belief that they have opportunities and the tools they need to trust in a new future.

Eager to support but without lived experience

Since 2018, “The refugee-competent teacher” project has evolved to also include teachers who work in schools.

The project organizes professional days where teachers meet to talk about educational practices for pupils with a refugee background. In this way, the schools and teachers who have experienced receiving pupils with a refugee background can share their knowledge.

“Some schools and teachers have extensive experience and expertise in working with pupils with a refugee background. Their experiences should be shared and discussed, because many effective educational practices already exist. The work with this group of pupils is still largely happening by individuals who bring a strong desire to the task, but we have a responsibility to bring competence to schools and to share the work of experienced teachers,” Brendløkken says.

Karmhus, the former student teacher, offers the following tips for teachers in schools that have students with a refugee background:

“Talk to pupils and get to know them. I also had pupils with a refugee background when I was practice teaching in a Norwegian school, and if you engage in a good way, there’s no problem with talking openly about this. These students experienced being a resource for the rest of the class,” says Karmhus.

In the tent of Samir and his family

Samir’s nieces are healthy and happy. They are like any other children, but their mother is afraid for the girls’ future and whether being a refugee will destroy the most beautiful thing she has.

Refugees’ daily life is often characterized by psychological pain, anxiety, grief, loneliness, worthlessness, and loss of meaning and connection in life. People need other people. We need to have people around us who show care and responsibility.

By being allowed to go to school while being a refugee, children have the opportunity to hope and dream for the future, and that they will one day be able to themselves contribute.

Karmhus now works at the . There he engages with pupils on school visits, visits schools and teaches on the topics of dialogue, conflict resolution, democracy and racism.

This article was written by Monika Nyhagen and originally published on . It has been republished here with kind permission.

Source: Brendløkken, T. and Liland, R. (2022). Du mĂĽ vĂŚre i det for ĂĽ forstĂĽ. Profesjonelt lĂŚrerarbeid med flyktninger (“You have to be in it to understand.” Professional teaching work with refugees.) In J. Klein, A. Bergersen and A. S. Larsen (Eds.), Utenlandspraksis for lĂŚrerstudenter (Foreign practicum for student teachers). Universitetsforlaget.

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