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🇳🇴 Moving to Norway: what you actually need to know
Norway is one of the highest-income countries in the world and consistently ranks at or near the top of quality-of-life indices. Moving here as a non-EU national requires a job offer and a permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). The process is straightforward if you have a qualifying offer: the challenge is getting one.
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Quick facts
Main visa typesSkilled Worker Permit, Self-Employed Permit
Processing time2–5 months (UDI)
Monthly cost (mid-range)NOK 30,000–55,000 (approximately €2,600–4,800)
English accessibilityExcellent. Norwegians are among the most English-proficient globally
Difficulty3 / 5
Visa routes
Your main options for moving to Norway
Skilled Worker Permit
The primary route for non-EU professionals. Requires a concrete job offer (written employment contract) with a Norwegian employer, at a salary consistent with Norwegian collective agreement standards for the role. The permit is employer-tied: changing jobs requires a new permit application.
Self-Employed Permit
For running your own business in Norway. Requires a detailed business plan, evidence of a client base or contracts, sufficient personal capital, and relevant qualifications. Processing takes 3–6 months. Renewal requires evidence of actual income from the business.
Seasonal Worker Permit
For specific seasonal roles, primarily in agriculture and fishing. Limited to 3 months. Not a route to permanent residence.
EEA Nationals
EU/EEA citizens have the right to move to Norway freely and do not require a permit. They must register at the local police station (politiet) after 3 months to receive a registration certificate.
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Cost of living
What it actually costs to live in Norway
Oslo
NOK 35,000–55,000/month (€3,100–4,800)
Rent for a 1-bed: NOK 16,000–28,000. Groceries, transport, and dining are significantly more expensive than most of Europe. Oslo is consistently one of the world's most expensive cities.
Bergen / Trondheim
NOK 28,000–42,000/month (€2,500–3,700)
Rent for a 1-bed: NOK 12,000–20,000. Major Norwegian cities with strong employment markets in energy, maritime, and technology sectors.
Smaller Norwegian cities and towns
NOK 22,000–32,000/month (€1,950–2,800)
Costs drop significantly outside the major cities. Some industries, including oil and gas, fishing, and tourism, are concentrated in smaller coastal communities.
Key steps
What to do and in what order
1
Secure a job offer with a written employment contract
You cannot apply for a Skilled Worker Permit without a written employment contract (arbeidsavtale). The contract must specify your salary, role, and hours. Your employer does not need to be a registered sponsor: any Norwegian employer can offer a role to a non-EU worker.
2
Apply for the Skilled Worker Permit
Apply online via UDI (Utlendingsdirektoratet) or at the Norwegian embassy in your country. Attach your employment contract, proof of qualifications, and valid passport. Processing takes 2–5 months. You cannot start work before the permit is granted.
3
Register at the police station (politiet)
After arriving in Norway with your permit, report to the local police station to register your residence. You will receive a residence card (oppholdskort): keep it with you at all times.
4
Get a D-number then a National Identity Number
Non-permanent residents initially receive a D-number (a temporary personal ID). After settling permanently, you can register for a full Norwegian personal identity number (fødselsnummer) at Skatteetaten (the Tax Administration). The fødselsnummer is needed for most banking and services.
5
Register with NAV (national welfare/employment agency)
NAV manages health insurance, parental leave, and unemployment benefits. Register with your local NAV office: important for understanding your rights and the Norwegian welfare system you are now contributing to through payroll taxes.
Common mistake
The most common mistake is underestimating the cost of living during the settling-in period. Norwegian salaries are high, but so is everything else, and before your first paycheck, setup costs (deposits, furniture, winter gear) add up fast. Have at least 3 months of living expenses saved before you arrive. Many newcomers also underestimate how dark and cold Norwegian winters are: this is a significant factor in long-term satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about moving to Norway
Do I need to speak Norwegian to move to Norway?
Not for most work permit applications in international companies. English is excellent throughout Norway. However, learning Norwegian is required for permanent residency (you must pass a Norwegian language test at A2 level) and strongly recommended for integration into Norwegian society and for roles outside English-speaking workplaces.
What is the salary requirement for a Norwegian Skilled Worker Permit?
There is no fixed national threshold. Your salary must be at the level set by the collective agreement (tariffavtale) for your occupation and industry: typically NOK 400,000–700,000/year depending on the sector. Your employer can confirm the applicable rate before you apply.
How long does a Norwegian Skilled Worker Permit take?
UDI processing takes 2–5 months depending on case complexity and current volumes. Priority processing is available for an additional fee. You cannot begin work until the permit is issued: factor this into your employment start date negotiation.
When can I apply for Norwegian permanent residence?
After 3 years of residence on a Skilled Worker Permit, you can apply for permanent residence (permanent oppholdstillatelse). Requirements include: continuous residence, sufficient income, passing a Norwegian language test (A2), and completing 300 hours of Norwegian language courses (if required for your permit type).
Is Norwegian healthcare free for work permit holders?
Yes, after registration with the National Population Register (Folkeregisteret). Norway has a universal public healthcare system (helsetjenesten). You contribute through payroll taxes and pay a small patient fee (egenandel) for GP visits: approximately NOK 160–280 per consultation. Hospitalisation is free.
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