Norway visas are required for individuals from countries outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) who wish to live and work in Norway. The rules for permanent residence vary depending on the country of citizenship and the type of work one wants to do. EU/EEA nationals have the right to live, work, and study in Norway, while family members of an EU/EEA national can either work or study in Norway.
For permanent residence permits, applicants must have held a residence permit in Norway for at least three years and meet certain other requirements. If a visitor is staying in Norway for up to 90 days, they must apply for a visitor visa. Work immigration is also possible for skilled workers or seasonal workers.
Norway does not require a visa for entry to Svalbard, but if a visa is needed to enter Norway or the Schengen Area, a visa is required. Citizens of Schengen area countries do not need a visa, and Norway has visa-free travel agreements with over 50 countries.
For non-EU/EEA citizens, a visitor’s visa allows them to stay in Norway or other Schengen countries for up to 90 days over 180 days. However, everyone, except EU/EEA or Swiss citizens, needs a visa and a residence permit to move to Norway.
Citizens of the EEA or Switzerland can also live in Norway without being a citizen, with almost no paperwork required. EU/EEA citizens do not need a residence permit to live or work in Norway, but they must still register with the police if they intend to stay.
To apply for a permanent residence permit, applicants must have held a residence permit in Norway for at least three years and meet certain other requirements. Nordic citizens may travel freely to Norway to live, study, or work without needing a work or residence permit.
📹 Pros and cons living in Norway as a foreigner | 2022
Pros and cons living in Norway as a foreigner – if your considering moving to Norway and living here for some time or forever – I …
How can I legally live in Norway?
It should be noted that Norway requires a visa and residence permit for all citizens, with the exception of those belonging to the European Union or the European Economic Area, as well as those from Switzerland. Those who have obtained permanent resident status are permitted to relocate to Norway without a visa if they are engaged in gainful employment, pursuing academic studies, or have a familial connection to a Norwegian national. Subsequently, a registration with the local authorities is required after a period of three months.
European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens are permitted to enter Norway without a visa and may reside there for up to three months. However, if they intend to remain in Norway for a period exceeding three months, they are obliged to register with the local police.
Can you live in Norway without visa?
A visitor visa permits a period of up to 90 days’ residence in Norway or other Schengen countries, whereas a residence permit allows the holder to engage in gainful employment and to remain in the country for a period exceeding 90 days. In order to be eligible for entry into Norway, the visa must have been issued less than ten years prior to the intended date of arrival, and it must remain valid for a minimum of three months following the date of departure.
It should be noted that UK citizens are not required to obtain a visitor visa; however, those intending to remain in the country for a period exceeding 90 days are obliged to apply for a residence permit.
Is 1 million NOK a good salary in Norway?
A good salary in Norway depends on personal financial goals, family situation, desired lifestyle, and spending habits. According to Numbeo, a single person living outside of Oslo should be comfortable on a 500, 000-600, 000 NOK salary per year, while a family should be comfortable on an 800, 000-1, 000, 000 NOK annual salary. Norway has a relatively high cost of living, particularly in major cities, but offers excellent healthcare, education, and social security benefits funded through taxes.
Norway is a popular destination for those seeking a higher standard of living and better opportunities, with an average salary of 637, 800 NOK per year, making it one of the highest in the world, alongside Luxembourg, Switzerland, Iceland, and Ireland.
Can I stay in Norway permanently?
A permanent residence permit enables an individual to reside and work in Norway without temporal limitations, provided that the individual has held a residence permit in Norway for a minimum of three years and meets the requisite criteria. Additionally, individuals from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) or their families may apply for permanent residence after residing in Norway for a period of five years. In order to qualify for permanent residence, individuals must have held a residence permit in Norway for a minimum of three years and satisfy additional criteria.
Can I live in Norway without a job?
In order to apply for a residence permit in Norway, it is first necessary to secure employment. The type of permit granted is contingent upon the applicant’s skillset and the nature of their proposed employment.
Can Dutch work in Norway?
All EU/EEA nationals are allowed to work in Norway, but they must register with the police within three months of arrival. Swedish, Danish, Icelandic, and Finnish citizens can work without registration but must notify the National Population Register. If an EU/EEA national hasn’t registered with the police, employers must provide an employment certificate or employment contract with the same information.
The employee must present the certificate or contract to the police when registering. Employees must register themselves, and employers can assist by filling out an application and booking an appointment with the police. The applicant must choose their citizenship first.
What is the 183 day rule in Norway?
If you stay over 183 days in Norway in your first year, you become a tax resident from the first day. If you stay for two income years, you become tax resident from January 1st of the second year. If you have limited tax liability in another EU/EEA country and have limited tax liability in Norway, you can claim taxation as if you were resident for tax purposes, provided at least 90% of your income is taxed in Norway.
This allows you to claim most ordinary deductions, including the full minimum standard deduction/personal allowance, parental allowance for child care, and your spouse’s income. If you have shared children with a cohabiting partner, your partner’s income must be included in claiming parental allowance.
Can EU citizens move to Norway?
Individuals from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) are entitled to reside, engage in employment, and pursue academic studies in Norway. Family members may apply for a residence card or utilize the registration scheme. In this context, the term “applicant” refers to the individual who has expressed interest in visiting or residing in Norway. At the time of writing, it is not possible to make an appointment for EU/EEA registrations in Oslo and the Oslo Police district.
It is possible for EU/EEA citizens to obtain legal residence in Norway for a period exceeding three months, provided that they exercise their rights and that this right is not contingent upon the possession of a registration certificate.
Can I live in Norway if I only speak English?
Learning Norwegian is essential for living comfortably in Oslo, especially if you plan to stay for more than three years. It provides a detailed perspective on the culture, makes it easier to establish connections, and helps you understand the nuances of Norwegian culture. You can also eavesdrop on conversations, follow popular TV shows and movies, and discuss them with others. Most Norwegians have a reasonable level of English, and you can speak English in most shops, restaurants, public offices, and service providers.
If you’re uncomfortable holding conversations in English, learning Norwegian is even more important. Overall, learning Norwegian offers a more comprehensive understanding of Norwegian culture, enhancing your social interactions and fostering deeper connections with the people around you.
How long can EU citizen stay in Norway?
Norwegian citizens from EU/EEA countries can freely travel to Norway for up to three months without a work or residence permit. However, those staying longer than three months must register. Citizens of other Nordic countries and those with other citizenship can also travel freely to Norway for living, studying, or working without needing a permit. However, they must comply with Norwegian regulations regarding registration in the National Population Register and meet the requirements for resident registration.
How long can EU citizens stay in Norway?
Norwegian citizens from EU/EEA countries can freely travel to Norway for up to three months without a work or residence permit. However, those staying longer than three months must register. Citizens of other Nordic countries and those with other citizenship can also travel freely to Norway for living, studying, or working without needing a permit. However, they must comply with Norwegian regulations regarding registration in the National Population Register and meet the requirements for resident registration.
📹 Work Visa EU/EEA In Norway Do Citizens Need Visa (Study, Work or Live in Norway?
Q&A: “Dear Irene thank you for this amazing work. Do you know if citizens from EU we need a visa to work in Norway” I appreciate …
I am Norwegian. I have tried many times to make friends from other countries living in Norway. But they show no interest, and looks away. That is fine with me. I have many friends. But when people say it is hard to make friends in Norway, my question is: what efforts are they doing to make friends? Nobody will turn up to sit on u´your lap. I grew up with an international lifestyle. I have lived in a few countries. I always had to make my own friends and take initiative myself. It is the same in Norway. If you want a frient, it is on your initiative, not theirs. Thanks for making this article, it was very interesting and well done🌹🌹🌹
Norwegian here! I believe the reason Norwegians are considered ´cold` is that we have a very “do not disturb” culture. The most polite thing you can do in Norway is not be a bother, i.e. dont talk to them. Dont sit next to a stranger on the bus, dont talk to people in the shop line. However, say “hei” to me in the mountains, otherwise I’ll be mortally offended.
I’m British, I lived in the Netherlands for a year. I remember having Norwegian friends who came to the UK to study and they were awesome people, really friendly, very funny and couldn’t fault them, just really good people. They’ve been my major inspiration to go to Norway, and yeah Norwegians do have this wall but if you’re talking to them long enough that walls comes down and they’re your friend for life
The cold doesn’t bother me nearly as much as heat does. Heat makes me feel like I’m going die when I go outside in the summer here in the US. Which is odd because we lived in Mexico for 5 years when i was a kid and the heat did not bother me at all. But the heat in the US where I live is a smothering damp heat. It’s like being wrapped up in a hot wet blanket in the summertime. Now I spend most of the days inside the house in summer. Only overcast or rainy days are tolerable to go outside. Mornings and late afternoons on sunny days, if the temperatures aren’t too high, are the only times to go outside in the summer. I would love to live anywhere else that is somewhat cooler. And it looks like people are pretty nice over in Norway! Food might be expensive in Norway, but healthcare in the US is horribly expensive.
I have never lived in Norway, however I did marry a Norwegian women. We met in Norway and I was in the U S Air Force. I have been to Norway many times and loved the country, I found the people to be friendly. Hope one day to come back to vist again when its warm. I have enjoyed the article’s on Norway.
Very good article, you’re the kind of content creator YouTube should have, a pure, heart-trustfull informational article. I am from Cuba 🇨🇺. I can only tell you that Norway seems the paradise to me. The things you call cons are not even considered a bad thing here. Wish I could one day escape this country. Good luck, keep doing well!
Funny thing u mentioned how difficult it is to make Norwegian friends, because this is exactly the same thing I heard from an American woman in here (from N.Y- forgot her name), who supposedly lived in Denmark for a while.. with regards to finding friends in Denmark. I also heard from a young Polish couple in here,who compared living in Norway with life in the UK. They said that it was easier for them to find friends in Norway, compared to the UK.. so; what does it say about finding friends in general? that it probably depends on who you are, and what type of people that you meet..simple as that. I mean, why do you want to hang out with people that you have next to nothing in common with? My suggestion- to anyone-would be to join a group who shares your interests, I mean most people are okay, but not everyone is frienship-material..
Considering that your title is pros and cons of living in Norway, and not moving to Norway, I think that calling Norway Expensive is misleading. The median long-term purchasing power is of course higher than the European average. So It can not really be considered expensive from the perspective of what you get for your salary, which of course is what affects the people living there.
I think you are right about the observation about the initial difficulty to make friends. It is so even when Norwegians move between different parts of the country. The key here is to make contact through mutual interests. Very often having kids is a great way to meet other parents with kids the same age through school, kindergarten or other activities. If you are an active person, find some organized sports clubs, join a chess club etc. Mutual interests is a key either way. And like you said, Norwegians are mostly helpful, so asking for help or guidance, especially in the context of mutual interests, may be a good way into friendship, or at least getting socialized into the community. Norwegians generally do not have a lot of close friends, but when you get a true Norwegian friend, the friendship usually runs deep. And BTW, I am a Norwegian.
My biggest pro moving to Norway: getting to finally live with my husband. My biggest con: the health care system is not equipped to deal appropriately with chronically ill patients. The length of time it takes to see specialists/get treatment, the inability to get some medication, not qualifying for medication on the “blå resept” even though I need the medication for one of my several chronic ailments, lack of physical therapy options, lack of available specialists…it’s been a nightmare. Even my norsk husband has become fed up with the system.
As you probably know, Norway need to import work labour. Ie. within Health care, construction, facility services and waiters. A start and then to shift later if needed. But do your homework, follow the regulations and get hired prior to arrival. There are several entities who have specialized to facilitate immigrants on the different work areas.
The thing about living or dwelling in uncomfortably hot or cold areas is that the cold areas are far easier to deal with! Just dress according to the weather (A favorite Nordic saying is ‘there is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing’). In too hot areas you either use expensive air conditioning or suffer.
Sara, hello and thank you so much for the article! The more I hear about Norway the more I want to go and see the country, the people and make friends. Your country and culture appear to be amazing and what I really want to see in my country in future. Im from Russia and Im terribly sad and sorry about what is happening now. Take care. Ilya
As an American, I find it strange to hear you need a car to access the outdoors in Norway. In Oslo, I could easily and quickly access forest hiking trails, ski trails, beaches and islands by public transportation without needing a car. That is completely impossible in most American cities. In Norway, I took trains connecting Oslo to Skien, Bergen, and Trondheim as well as many suburbs such as Kolbotn. I now live in Columbus, Ohio, population >900,000. There is no passenger train at all.
The making friends thing is typical Scandinavia, weather is cold, people adapted, withdrew to survive. Think it’s genetic as my Nordic relatives are the same even in sunny Calif. I like some standoffishness, nothing worse than someone coming on strong, then being dismissive when they don’t need you anymore. Europeans take their time to make life-long friends. You are on their turf now, respect their space and be patient. Fwiw I found the people friendly and v helpful. Met a nice couple on the train who insisted on driving me to my hotel, even checked me in (it was the guy’s sister and her kids, was safe). A woman in Oslo gave me a quick tour and took me to lunch (fish soup !), etc. Btw these people approached me.
I don’t mind the cold-cold. My biggest issue would be the cost of things. I am too frugal! My dream would be to have a big costal farm with private costal access along the coast, a bit west of Trondheim, maybe a little more north. Pilot’s license and a small airstrip, a few boats, a few cars, motorcycles, but mostly e-bikes. A self-sustainable farm with a few solar greenhouses for produce in the winter, some solar panels and turbines for year-long energy. Cows, chickens, geese, goats, horses. Maybe some fish and algae farms. Of course the problem is $$$ How much is land in Norway? As an American my biggest concern would be purchasing land in hopes of owning it forever and passing it down. That, or dying alone and giving it back to the state. lol
Good morning, I’m not still in Norway. But I already know a few people through social networks. They’re not as described, this label where Norwegians are unapproachable people. Or icer like the snowy fjords. I think really, it’s the kind peoples, very polite. And I like this point. Many countries should take a leaf out of Norway’s book. In other words, Scandinavian culture. Although Norway is a fairly independent country. Perhaps, on their guard. I manage to chat with a few Norwegians without any problems. I would like to wish you all a peacefull day. Good bye
Thanks for the info. I like how the way the Scandinavians think. I think every job should pay a livable wage unlike many of my fellow Americans. I found in the US ego/self worth is really tied to salary. If a dishwasher makes as much as a book keeper say the book keeper will then get offended because he barely makes that and he had to go to school for his career. Although some of the things you said kind of to me seemed to contradict yourself like jobs pay good but things are very expensive. If they seem very expensive then that tells me you don’t make much. Then the Norwegians are friendly BUT it’s hard to make friends with them. I would think if someone is genuinely nice they would be easy to make friends with too. That’s just my thinking though. Anyway good article.
my family actually comes from norway, on both sides, and i always wonder about moving back, so i ask my grandparents, and it seems they are way out of touch with their own country (with them being older, i guess) and i’m sure if they saw this article they’d have a lot to say about it, but nonetheless, thank you for your advice.
The norwegian is quiet and not very talkative so they are perceived is hard to befriend…the truth is they are very shy….once you break down the ice, they open up and one of the kindest and sincerest friends I ever have… The key is …be patient, study the culture, speak some norwegian, you will get along fine..
I’m thinking of moving to Norway… can you have American dishes like tacos, burgers, etc, or is it mostly region type foods? When you say expensive, like how expensive is homes or apartments, and you said it’s expensive to drive a car, what if you ship the vehicle you already have or do you have to drive a Norwegian vehicle?
I think I have to go the legal way to live in Norway. It is where my grandparent are from but can’t prove it as records were rarely kept prior too the 1900’s. According to the Norwegian government I may be able too stay based on my company making more than 100,000 a year. That’s only on shares as I’m retired. Property prices are quite high. Not a lot available for under 2,000,000. I need a bit of space for a couple of malamutes that I’d like too get.
Hey, thank you for making this article! I have recently started looking into moving to Norway as an option for myself but there is always the fear of not fitting in/ not finding my own footing, is there anything anyone can recommend? I’m Polish but live in the UK, speak both languages fluently and I am about to finish my BEng Mechanical Engineering degree with a year of experience working in petrochemical. Idk what else to put here or if anyone will see but it’s worth a shot! Thank you 🙂
Right so, as you said it yourself – the most important element would be your social life and it is hard to make friends, it is goddam cold, dark and expensive, and you may be having a hard time finding a job as a foreigner. Sooo … what on earth would you be doing there ? Been there, done that. It did not work for me. I moved away and I have never been more sane and happy. P.S. prepare to have mental problems. Most foreigners, who are not Nordics, would go mental within 5-10 years’ time. Some more than others, but you’re gonna feel it, defo!
All i hear about Norwegians is that they are very difficult to be friends with, That is not nice ! Someone that i know, who lives in Norway once told me, they are close to and would hang out with you up until high school or so, but after that, they become different people. Like, the more mature they get, the distant they make themselves from other nationalities.
You forgot one significant con: 1. The tax system, that makes people with money leave the country. Two of your pros are questionable. 1. The welfare system: Education system is deteriorating, just look at the quality of the universities, none are recognized internationally, and the health care system is among the worst in Europe, you risk waiting in lines for years. 2. All jobs are well paid: No, not with the cost of living. The fact is that consumer purchase power in Norway is decreasing rapidly, fueled by a weak currency. A very large share of the population are poor, just check the average income in various parts of the country and consider the cost of living. I support what you say about nature and that Norwegians are (mostly) actually very nice and friendly, once you get to know them.
Hei Sara. Good choice on wearing a Yankees hat. Hope that you would visit New York one day. How did you and your partner meet? Is he a Dane or Norwegian? It’s probably a bit warmer in Denmark since it’s a peninsula. It sounds like Norway is really good at investing and they put money in a lot of good investments funds. So every Norwegian is rich in a sense. Thanks for sharing your email. I’ll drop you a line.
It’s very helpful to me,at least I know some tips from you,im afraid of course if I can’t survive,funny!! But I’m from tropical country moving in in a very cold weather country it’s my big problem,and the food I think,be ause you said it’s very expensive,..umm maybe I can have an extra job if I can,. Here in my country we can buy cheap food here,,anyway I hope I can,ans you said Norwegian people it’s like they are not friendly ? Is that what you mean,..I’m okay with that,it’s a process I think…I’m an introvert person it’s hard for me to make friends also cause I don’t have social life,…weird but it’s me,…but I can do that make friends with them,if they are shy,I’m shy too😉,thank you for the tips,❤️
Nearly most foreigner I met hostelling in norway thinks singapore is as or if not more expensive than Norway. Perhaps she doesn’t want visitors to Norway and have it all to herself…..otherwise…..most of the hosteler gripe was having to help fund Norway tourism and not getting anything back in terms of resident benefits like long paternity leave free studies etc….kekeke
How can I get in touch with you Ma’am?… I’m from Bangladesh….I want to study Masters at any low cost tuitioned University… Ielts score 6.5 (no less than 6)…. BSc in EEE 2.85 (approx 61% marks equivalent)… Over 2years of working experience as a Site Supervisor of a construction company, also have working experience in hotel industry & have a light motor car driving license :hand-pink-waving:
Why do you live there if the Norwegian people are so cold? Why is having a car a con? You need a car wherever you live nowadays. I don’t know where you live exactly, but certain areas in Norway are much more affordable than living in the States. I will tell you what is cold. You saying the Norwegian people are cold. Ouch
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Hello, i heard that many European countries have the criteria that, for a foreigner to be accepted, the employer has to prove respected authorities that the job position cannot be fulfilled by Europeans. Is that true? Can I find a job during visit visa and if I managed to get one, can I apply for a work permit after exiting Norway as an unskilled worker?
The cold is my favorite weather. I hate Croatia because it’s 36C at summer. You cannot work anything O outside because you will get burnt in 30 minutes. Or worse stuff…. So i enjoy cold. I watched your article on CV… Yeah, I wrote it correctly. I am waiting. I cannot move until I get a job and once a landlord will ever answer me and take my money lol.. Because not that I am coming alone. I need to bring my man who does not want longer to learn Norwegian, became passive, also I need to bring my old mum who is almost disabled. And I am pregnant but I wanna work until almost the end. It is not a problem for me. I literally cannot abort.. Lifting heavy objects, getting beaten up badly won’t work, I will still be fine. Running, whatever…. I am getting burnt out by the fact that all the responsibility and searching and communication is on me. That I have to write 2 CVS, speak in his name, than just seeing there is nothing…. And my time is running out… I must leave Croatia. I cry in my heart, I grew up here, but if I stay here, Iit will be like I am in Hell. I want friends from Norway because I literally have noone. Noone to ask anything. I had out of 3 people one lady kind enough to give me informations about legal rights etc… But i noticed that getting in touch with landlords is impossible. 🙁 and I saw a place very suitable for me and my family and for my baby on way……
R u norwegian by urself!!I cant understand how one likes norway .When Norwegians themselselves likes to run away from norway.Cold country in every Aspect!!It seems good from outside but as soon as one Enters into any system or regulations.Then one start realizing its not what it seems but is opposite.Depressing,cold country in every aspect!!
“…cold and dark most of the year…”. I don’t know what kind of reality you live in…. Norway is not specially cold unless you want to run around in a bikini all year around…. Opinion of what is cold or warm s a subjective thing. But the actual measured temperature do show that Norway is not specially cold compared to many other countries. What is not up for debate at all concern the amount of daylight hours in Norway compared with other countries ….this is easily measured. You are just spreading misinformation. Norway is the northernmost country, where people actually live, on the planet. Greenland(Denmark), Canada and Russia has land further north ….but no one live there. So the total hours of daylight over a year is higher in Norway than any other country.
We understand from Psalm 33 and Jeremiah that God will preserve only those who revere Him and pray to the LORD. These are the end times as we see and hear worldwide diseases, famines, wars, and death are all coming to destroy the peace of people everywhere. Repent from your sins( in thought, word, and deed)and receive the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Jesus commands in Mark 16:16- The person who believes and is water baptized is saved: the person who believes not is condemned. Join a bible based church and obey as the leaders help you. Read the new testament of the bible daily. Pray to the Lord and begin a relationship with Him.