Your Guide to Moving to Norway

Thinking about moving to Norway? If a happier life is what you’re seeking, then you may want to consider making this Scandinavian country your new home. The Nordic country is consistently named one of the happiest places in the world to live. Professionals, families and retirees will find plenty to love about living in Norway. From the excellent work benefits and high wages to the gorgeous fjords and stunning scenery, Norway is one of the best places for anyone in search of both a high quality of life and a large number of outdoor pursuits. With over 5 million residents, Norway is also one of the least dense countries in the world. In fact, according to WorldAtlas, it is the 29 th least dense country in the world, which means there’s plenty of wide open spaces to explore here. For more information about moving to Norway, read our guide below.

A quick guide to moving to Norway

Cost of living

Those moving to Norway should be prepared for a high cost of living. According to Expatistan.com, the cost of living in Norway is more expensive than in 93 percent of countries in the world. The Nordic country is also the third most expensive country in Western Europe. The estimated monthly costs for a family of four is equivalent to $5,775. The estimated monthly costs for a single person living in Norway is $2,814. Numbeo reports that the cost of living in Norway is 47.89 percent higher than in the United States. Of course, keep in mind that your cost of living will depend on where you live and your lifestyle choices. The most expensive cities in the country are Stavanger, Tromso, Trondheim, Oslo and Bergen. In addition, most Norwegians earn a decent living. In fact, per the OECD Better Life Index, “the average household net adjusted disposable income per capita is USD 35,725 a year, higher than the OECD average of USD 33,604.”

Housing

Housing conditions are top-notch in Norway. According to Scandification.com, Norwegian housing is known for the care landlords and owners take with regard to the needs of the humans living within.” The site also claims that most rental units come fully furnished. The OECD states that “in Norway, households on average spend 17 percent of their gross adjusted disposable income on keeping a roof over their heads,” which is below the OECD average of 20 percent. Rent isn’t particularly expensive either. Numbeo notes that rent, on average, is 12.5 percent lower than in the United States. Of course, housing costs vary depending on the city, so be sure to research real estate prices prior to moving.

Safety

Norway is considered to be a very safe country to live. The OECD notes that 90 percent of people in Norway say they feel safe walking alone at night, which is much more than the average of 68 percent. In addition, the country’s homicide rate is 0.4, “one of the lowest rates in the OECD, where the average is 3.7.” In general, crime is low in Norway, so new residents should feel plenty safe when wandering around this fantastic country.

Weather

While Norway isn’t the warmest country in the world, it varies considerably depending on where you are located. Northern areas and inland areas tend to be the coldest. Visit Norway, states that “due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Norway has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska, Greenland, and Siberia.” Coastal areas tend to have mild winters and the southern part of the country is often “considered a summer island paradise.” Norway is also the place to experience several weather and atmospheric phenomenons, including the northern lights and the midnight sun.

Quality of life

Visit Norway, and you’ll quickly see and feel a sense of general contentment among residents. The reason? The country has an exceptionally high quality of life. In fact, Norway ranks as the sixth happiest country in the world, making the high cost of living well worth it. According to the OECD Better Life Index, Norway performed exceptionally well in measures of well-being. The country earned high marks for Safety (10/10), Work Life Balance (8.5/10), Life Satisfaction (9.9/10), Health (8.7/10), Environment (9.6/10), Community (8.2/10), Jobs (8.3/10), and Housing (8.3/10). With such a high quality of life, it’s no wonder moving to Norway is an easy decision for many.

Healthcare

Norway’s universal public healthcare is available to all residents and expats, however, it is only free for those 16 years of age and younger. Those over 16 years old need to pay an annual deductible for access to healthcare services. Internations.org notes that “private health insurance is virtually nonexistent as there is a very small market for it. Mostly everyone is covered under the public system with people only opting for private healthcare insurance to shorten wait times.” In terms of the overall health of Norway residents, it’s safe to say residents enjoy a healthy lifestyle. The OECD states that life expectancy is almost 83 years old, which is three years above the OECD average.

Immigration requirements

Looking to immigrate to Norway? U.S. citizens will need to obtain a residence permit in order to work or live in Norway for more than 90 days. According to Internations.org, you can begin the Norway visa application process online on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration website. “Requirements for a Norway visa vary depending on the visa you are applying for. Skilled workers will need a job, and if you are self-employed, you and your business will need to meet certain income criteria.”

5 fantastic cities to consider when moving to Norway

We recommend considering one of these picturesque cities when choosing a new home in Norway.

Oslo

Bergen

Stavanger

Svolvaer

Tonsberg

Ready to move to Norway

While international moves are certainly stressful, figuring out how you’re going to move abroad doesn’t have to be. In fact, thanks to our network of reputable and reliable international movers, finding the right company to handle your relocation is a cinch. We vet all movers for key certifications, capabilities, and insurance. Our movers are also licensed and bonded with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). In addition, all moving companies based outside of the U.S. must be in good standing with FIDI, the largest global alliance of professional international moving and relocation companies, in order to remain under their banner as an Accredited International Mover. Of course, before hiring an international moving company, we also recommend reviewing a mover’s history with the American Moving and Storage Association, the Household Goods Forwarder Association and the Better Business Bureau. Best of luck and happy moving!