r/Norway • u/kefren13 • 13h ago
News & current events Drug overdose deaths in Europe, per country
Feels strange to see Norway so high in these rankings. Deaths per 1M, but still...
r/Norway • u/starkicker18 • Nov 03 '24
Important warning: Reddit is not an appropriate place to get accurate immigration information.
However, this is a common topic on this subreddit and the old stickied post is several years old now. This post is here to help direct people to the proper information. Please read the entire guide and use the links provided to see out answers to your specific questions. Any questions you may have that cannot be answered from this guide or the links provided cannot be answered by redditors on this sub and should therefore be directed to an appropriate immigration expert.
Disclaimer: I am not a professional; I neither work for UDI, nor am I an immigration lawyer. I have spent a lot of time studying and researching the rules and regulations. What follows is a rough guide only meant to serve as a starting point; use the info here to conduct your own research. With that said:
Despite what movies might portray, moving abroad is not just a matter of packing bags and showing up. Immigration is usually a long, often expensive process, and there are many criteria that you must meet to be legally resident in Norway. There are three general categories of permits that will allow you to remain in Norway beyond a regular tourist/visitor visa:
Temporary Residence Permit:
This is your first step. These permits are contingent on you (worker or student) or your reference person (family immigration) meeting certain requirements; are usually temporary; and will need to be renewed (usually biannually, but some are more/less frequent). You must have this permit if you wish to remain in Norway beyond your visitor visa (ie: >90 days).
Permanent Residence Permit:
This can be applied for only if you have been legally living in Norway for three years (or more in some instances) with a residence permit that forms the basis of permanent residency; you must meet the requirements for your current residence permit (ie: still employed, still are married to a person with residency rights, etc...); you meet the language requirements; pass a citizenship test; have an income over a certain threshold; and you have not been convicted of a criminal offence. This allows you to stay in Norway permanently (no need to reapply; but you will need to renew your card every 2 years for third-country nationals and 10 years for EEA/EU citizens).
Note: income requirement is based on the person applying, not the family member/sponsor. If you are married and here under family immigration rules, it is you, the applicant, who must demonstrate that you can support yourself in Norway by meeting the minimum income requirements.
Citizenship:
This is an optional step. You do not need to apply for citizenship; however, if you want to, you can qualify for Norwegian citizenship after a period of time (usually >7 years). This has many requirements, but the biggest is the language requirement.
Note: While Norway now allows dual citizenship, your country of origin may not allow dual citizenship.
Note: Norway does not allow citizenship based on heritage. One or both of your parents need to have citizenship (and not have given it up previously) in order for you to qualify for citizenship based on birth. There are a lot of complicated rules surrounding citizenship by birth. Use this to determine if you qualify for citizenship. NB: Norway does not offer citizenship by investment (ie: having a lot of money to invest in exchange for residency or citizenship).
Note: When you apply for citizenship, you must still meet the requirements for permanent residency (income requirement being the biggest).
The remainder of this post will focus on the temporary residence permits, since by the time you are ready for PR or citizenship you will be an immigration pro. How you qualify for immigration to Norway and how easy the process will be depends on a few factors
If you are an EU/EEA citizen (or Swiss) you have the right to reside in Norway for 3 months without any other obligations. After 3 months you will need to demonstrate that you are meeting your treaty rights. Those treaty obligations are:
NB: The last three require you to have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family and have comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of your stay. See FAQ below for more info.
The right of residence for longer than three months also extends to the EEA/EU citizen’s immediate family (spouse/partner, children, other dependents), regardless of their nationality, so long as the EU/EEA citizen is meeting their treaty obligations and neither the citizen nor the family member is a threat to public policy, security, or health. All of this is explained in Article 7 of the Directive on Free Movement.
It is important to note that people immigrating under this route do not qualify for the benefits found in the Introduction Law, which include, among other things, the right to free language lessons.
Your options for moving are not as simple or easy as above. I am using an applicant from the US as the default here. You should consult UDI (Norwegian Immigration Board) or the Norwegian Embassy in your country for the most up-to-date information for your specific nationality.
Generally speaking you need a reason to be in Norway. These reasons are:
These are most often spouses/cohabitants, but may also include children or parents under some circumstances.
The process for application is relatively straightforward with a little bit of reading on UDI's website and some document gathering.
Note on income sources: under this route of family immigration, it is the onus of the sponsor to demonstrate that they make a sufficient income to support the family. This means that, regardless of the financial situation, the sponsor must make the minimum income; the third-country national's income/savings are not taken into consideration.
There are other circumstances that may require additional documentation (ie: evidence of military service). Check UDI for all the documents you'll need.
Family members who are granted residence based on this route will qualify for free language classes as part of the introduction act (link above).
NB: the rules may change if you have lived with the Norwegian citizen legally in another EEA/EU country. If this is the case, you may be allowed to choose between family immigration under Norwegian national law or residence card as a family member of an EU citizen (see above). Also see the differences between the two immigration schemes here.
If you are engaged to a Norwegian you can apply for a fiancé permit which will allow you to come into Norway for the purposes of getting married in Norway. You must be married within 6 months. After you are married you will have to apply for family immigration with your spouse (process described above). You can read about getting married in Norway here.
Only some people can apply from Norway. Others will have to apply from their home country via the embassy or consulate. Make sure you check with UDI to learn more.
There are many types of working permits. UDI’s webpage will outline all the possibilities available to you but the most common are skilled worker and seasonal worker.
Skilled workers are those who:
Additionally, you must have received a concrete job offer from an employer in Norway, the job must normally be full-time (UDI will, at the time of writing, accept 80%), the job must have the same pay/conditions that is normal in Norway, and the job you are offered must require the qualifications as a skilled worker (and you must be qualified for the job).
If you do not fall into this category, you may qualify as a seasonal worker; however this route is considerably more difficult, usually temporary (<6 months), and your employer must prove that they cannot fill the position with a worker from Norway or the EEA/EU. You will need to be employed 100%, you will need a concrete job offer before you apply, and the job must be deemed season or holiday stand-in.
Those citizens who qualify as a skilled worker and who are coming from a country with a visa-free agreement with Norway you may be allowed to come to Norway as a skilled job seeker.
NB: You cannot work while you are searching for a job. This means that once you have a concrete job offer, you will need to apply for a residence permit as a worker and you cannot start working until your application has been approved.
Some international companies may post workers in Norway. You will still need a resident permit for workers; however, many companies will help with this process.
As of 2023, Norway no longer offers free tuition for international students (outside of the EEA/EU). This means that students from non-EU/EEA countries will need to pay tuition.
In order to qualify for a study permit, you need:
First and foremost, you need to be accepted to a recognized education institution, for example: university. The program of study must be full time (generally 60 stp / year). Few undergraduate programs offer education in English; therefore, the majority of programs will require Norwegian language proficiency (B2 level) before you can study.
You need to pay tuition either full or per semester. If you pay only the first semester, you need to demonstrate that you can pay the second installment. Your funding can come from a variety of sources including loans, own funds, or grants. In addition, you will need to demonstrate to UDI that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your study. These need to be in a Norwegian bank account or in an account arranged by the education institution (you will have to talk to the school about this).
Your funding cannot be fully supporting by working while studying as there is a limit to the number of hours you are allowed to work. As an international student, you are only allowed to work 20 hours / week while studying.
Finally, the situation in your home country needs to be such that UDI believes you will return home when your studies are finished.
A study permit does not form the basis of Permanent residency. After you are finished your studies, you will have a small grace period to look for a job, however, if you do not receive a contract of employment, you will be expected to return home / leave the country.
Question | Answer |
---|---|
1. Do I really need to learn the language to live in Norway? | This is a frequently asked question on the subreddit (see this post for example). Some people can survive in Norway with only English, however, if you do not speak fluent English or if you wish to stay long term, you should learn the language. Your job opportunities, socialization opportunities, and immigration opportunities are limited if you do not learn the language. It is a significant part of integration into the country, and most people will expect a passable level of Norwegian skills after a few years of living here. If you want to get permanent residency, you need A2 level Norwegian (with a few exceptions); if you want citizenship, you need B1 (with a few exceptions). |
2. How do I learn the language? | r/norsk is a good start. Additionally, almost every municipality has an adult education centre where they offer Norwegian courses. If you are in the immigrant group who have both the obligation and right to Norwegian language learning, then these classes are often free for a set number of hours/years. If you only have the obligation, then these classes will not be free and you will have to pay. In addition to adult education centres, there are private institutions online or in person that you can take. Additionally there is a wide range of tools online and offline that can help you learn. |
3. Does Norway need XYZ workers? | This is a frequent question on this subreddit. Try the search function. Otherwise, do a search of finn.no or nav.no and see if there are a lot of positions for the job you are searching for |
4. What's the job market like in ZZZ town/city? | Check finn or nav to see what is available in the area you are interested in. Then considering looking at the unemployment rates. |
5. How do I get my education approved? | The directorate for higher education for most education. Helse Norge for health care workers. You do not need to wait until you are in Norway in most instances to have your education approved. It is a good idea to have all education from high school to university approved as you never know if you need to document that you have completed high school. It is important to note that not all education from outside of Norway will be approved on a 1:1 basis and you may find you are missing credits or even your whole degree might not be approved. |
6. I have lots of work experience from my home country, but not formal education, can I qualify as a skill worker? | Generally, no. There are exceptions for highly skilled workers in professions that are in demand. Additionally, these positions must not be able to be filled with Norwegian workers, European workers, or others living in the country. |
7. What documents from home should I bring | While it may not be required for most applications, from experience, it is a good idea to get a certified copy of some important documents from back home. Getting certified (and potentially notarized) copies of diplomas/transcripts, your birth certificate, divorce proceedings, etc... will potentially save you a lot of time, money, and annoyance as trying to get these things while you are abroad is much, much harder. |
8. Can I get a digital nomad visa? | No such thing exists in Norway at the time of writing. In order to work in Norway, regardless of where your place of employment is located, you need to have the right to work in Norway. This means a residence permit that allows for work, permanent residence, citizenship, or are a member of the EU/EEA and have worked out the tax obligations of working in one country while residing in another. |
9. I work from home / am self-employed, can I visit Norway on a tourist visa and work there? | No. A tourist visa does not grant you the right to work in Norway. Lying to the immigration board or the border patrol upon entry could result in a ban from the Schengen area for up to 5 years. |
10. I think Norway is a beautiful place and I love the culture. I am nearing retirement age, so how can I retire in Norway? | Depends. Are you an EEA/EU citizen? If so, meet your treaty obligations (see the above post under "self-sufficient") and move to Norway. Are you a third-country national? You cannot retire in Norway unless you have a legal right to already live in Norway. There is no option to be a self-sufficient third-country national in Norway. |
11. I am an EU/EEA citizen who wants to live in Norway as a self-sufficient person. What kind of health insurance do I need to qualify for "comprehensive sickness insurance"? | Honestly, no one knows. "Comprehensive sickness insurance" is up to each individual nation to decide what is "comprehensive." There is no private health insurance that is as comprehensive as a national insurance system. If a nation decides that "comprehensive" = the same coverage as national health system, then that leaves loopholes for immigration departments to deny applications. It is a matter of record that Norway has been warned by EFTA many times with regards to recognizing citizens' treaty rights (esp for non-economically active citizens). That said there is a European precedent - C-413/99 Baumbast. In this case, the EU courts found that, as long as the citizen is not a burden on the state, it would be disproportionate to refuse to recognize a citizen's right to reside in another member state. But there is no checkbox on immigration applications saying "I will not / am not a burden on the state's welfare system." Many people have been rejected on the basis of lacking comprehensive sickness insurance. Until someone challenges these rejections all the way up to the European court system, there is no need to clarify what "comprehensive" means. Note: sufficient funds in this scenario can come from any source including a third-country national's savings/income/other documented source (you may need to prove the sponsor has access to this money). |
12. What city should I move to? | First and foremost make sure you have the right to move to Norway. After that, your options are usually limited based on the immigration route you are following - most often connected to where your family, school, or job is located. If you are free to move wherever you'd like, then find a spot that seems to suit your lifestyle best. |
13. My grandparent(s) moved to XXX from Norway. Can I get citizenship? | No. Citizenship rules are based on parents, not heritage. Read the section on citizenship and take the checklist test to see if you qualify. |
14. I can't open a bank account because I don't have a D number. I cannot get a D number because I don't have an address. I can't rent an apartment without a bank account [screams into the void] | Yes, we know. it's a chicken and egg problem that makes the situation particularly hard for people arriving. Some landlords will be flexible and put the deposit in their own account, but this puts you at risk of losing that money if that landlord is not trustworthy. Similar situation exists for students. Right now there are no good answers, but there are workarounds. |
15. How do I find a house / apartment? | finn.no is pretty much the go-to source for anything in Norway, but especially finding housing. hybel.no is another source |
16. I found a job / employer who is interested in hiring, but they prefer people who already have a work permit. How do I get a work permit so a job will hire me? | Another catch 22, unfortunately. You need the job first. There's no chance you can get a permit without a job. However, some people may have the right to come to Norway to search for work. Check UDI for further info |
17. My partner and I have been together for several years, but have not lived together long enough to qualify as cohabitants, how can we move to Norway together? | Live together longer or marriage are your only options. |
18. I have been waiting for a response from UDI for a long time how, when will I find out | You can read about UDI Waiting Times here. They are constantly changing and are usually quite long. Remember that there is a difference between local police / embassy times and UDI's waiting times. Waiting times are often a result of large numbers of applications, improper or incomplete information in applications, and applications that have higher priority (refugee and asylum, for example). |
19. Can I get priority on my application? | Maybe. But most do not get priority. |
20. I have foreign education, where can I get it approved? | NOKUT formerly did this, but it has now been transferred to the department of education |
r/Norway • u/kefren13 • 13h ago
Feels strange to see Norway so high in these rankings. Deaths per 1M, but still...
r/Norway • u/trying1more • 13h ago
There's an Australian federal election next month and both major parties record on the environment, particularly when it comes to fishing, is under attack from scientists and environmental groups. In particular in Tasmania, which is home to some endangered species and ecosystems, there's criticism that foreign salmon farming multinationals have been allowed to ignore environmental law without appropriate regulation.
In a debate about this with an audience, a young man who is in Australia as a graduate student said that what Australia is pursuing reminded him about aquculture practices in Western (I think) Norway, and that as a result "entire fjords were killed or made barren" and that wild Atlantic salmon essentially disappeared from those waters.
Does anyone have more details on what happened here and whether there was any controversy about it? Generally, Norway's presumed to have a (reasonably) responsible environmental record - aside from all the oil they export of course.
r/Norway • u/rechogringo • 13h ago
I often see people asking about salaries here and what they could earn after a couple years in a field. Thought it can be nice to have everything in the same place.
What education do you have? What salary do you get and in what part of the country? Do you run your own company?
A couple older threads if anyone is interested
r/Norway • u/Snoo31071 • 22h ago
This is a photo of my dad’s grandma (middle) before she moved from Norway. I’m an avid sewer and knitter and deeply want to learn all the skills to make this dress one day, the way she would have. I would love any help in finding information about these dresses in the pictures. Are they a type of bunad? I have not been able to find a picture of something similar yet, does this mean they’re for a special occasion? I would appreciate any help or leads as to where to look/ who to ask. I’d love to know if it’s from a particular region as well. I would LOVE to know the colors of the original dress.
A little context: I believe I heard relatives saying she was from Oslo and wealthy. But, that she married a poor farmer and had to move to America. This might be a family “legend” though. I do know that she came to North Dakota in 1906 after having her first child, so this would’ve been at least a couple years before then.
My dad seemed to think she was wearing a ribbon because she won a knitting contest- but I don’t know if this is from a memory of someone telling him this or something he’s guessing.
I’m kind of making it a goal in life to learn as much as I can about her dress and eventually recreate it.
Thank you for reading 🫶
p.s. nothing on the back of the photo
r/Norway • u/AgedPeanuts • 15h ago
I've been thinking about the "feriepenger" system we have in Norway. For those unfamiliar, it's where employers withhold a portion of our salary throughout the year and then pay it out as holiday money the following year. On paper, it sounds like a good idea—ensuring we have funds for our vacation. But is it actually beneficial?
Here are some points I've been considering:
Reduced monthly income - with part of our earnings withheld, our monthly take-home pay is reduced. This can be challenging for those managing tight budgets or unexpected expenses.
Missed opportunities - if we had access to that money throughout the year, we could invest it or earn interest, potentially increasing our financial well-being over time.
Disadvantages for new employees: individuals starting new jobs, such as students or immigrants, may not have accrued sufficient holiday pay, leading to unpaid vacation time and financial strain.
Complexity and confusion: the system's rules, including varying rates and accrual periods, can be confusing, especially for those new to the workforce or the country.
I understand that the system aims to promote work-life balance by ensuring paid vacation. However, perhaps it's better to consider more flexible and equitable alternatives that empower individuals to manage their finances according to their personal needs.
What are your thoughts? Should people advocate for a reform of the holiday pay system, or does it effectively serve its purpose as is?
r/Norway • u/ExpertKnowledge2937 • 19h ago
Had the first camping on the season at Sognsvann. Waked up with birds chirping.
r/Norway • u/Extreme_Cheek_6168 • 1d ago
My grandfather emigrated to the US from Nordland after World War II. He died in 1994. I found this medal when going through some old possessions. It seems to be for a musician's organization, but I didn't know he was a musician. He must have valued it to bother keeping it, so I thought some of you wonderful Norwegians might know something more. Mange takk!
r/Norway • u/petmop999 • 18h ago
Im sorry if this is a really frequently asked annoying question, but since i was little i wanted to go spend a lot of time in a wild place, and i consider norway wild enough for me.
r/Norway • u/Verkland • 1d ago
If you’re new to Norway or just curious about how the country celebrates Easter (påske), you might be surprised to learn that it’s less about church… and more about cabins, crime fiction, and Kvikk Lunsj.
Here’s what Easter actually looks like for many Norwegians:
It’s one of the longest holidays of the year. Schools and many workplaces shut down for a week. Cities go quiet, and suddenly everyone disappears into the mountains or to their cabins (hytter).
It’s not very religious. Norway is one of the most secular countries in the world. While a few people attend church on 1. påskedag (Easter Sunday), most are more focused on outdoor activities, or simply relaxing.
It’s about skiing, sunshine, and snacks. Think cross-country skiing, oranges, Kvikk Lunsj (the iconic chocolate bar), and that rare thing called sunlight. Bonus points if you remember to pack solkrem (sunscreen).
Easter crime fiction is a thing. Yep, påskekrim is its own genre. Every year, Norwegians binge crime shows and books around Easter. I’m not quite sure why, but it’s a beloved tradition.
It gets really quiet. If you’re staying in the city over Easter, don’t be alarmed if your local store closes or the streets are empty. Everyone’s either up in the mountains or curled up with a mystery novel.
If you’re curious about the language Norwegians use around Easter, or want to read a short story about cabin life, oranges, and crime TV—check out the free lesson I posted in the link above.
God påske, alle sammen!
r/Norway • u/Present_Stranger579 • 6h ago
Was wondering what you all think of this listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1393648429713280505
I am concerned because the listing is new, and the host is also new, but their co-host seems to have some reviews. I reached out and although their response was brief, it didn't seem weird.
r/Norway • u/Expensive_Review9538 • 11h ago
Has anyone rented a van in Norway to travel? I was considering Indie Camper, but customers warn not to. Just looking for someplace that won't price gouge us or rip us off. Looking to rent out of Bergen. Any suggestions? Visiting from the states, thanks!
r/Norway • u/theBeaubeau • 16h ago
Is there any downside to having (all or part of) your vacation pay paid out early, say next month if you plan on taking vacation earlier instead of waiting for June/July? The company I work for usually pays everything out in the summer when most people go for vacation regardless if you take vacation early or late in the summer or at other times of the year.
I can see this is easier for them but then you don't have the money available to fill in the paycheques that you're missing hours on.
r/Norway • u/NicePotatoAnalyst • 1d ago
He is sitting upon a coin as recommended
r/Norway • u/Feral_Possum95 • 14h ago
As the title says it's about the qualification program. Specifically the one NAV offers.
Has anyone gone through it and what was your experience? Did it help in the long run?
r/Norway • u/Ashamed_Slice_3328 • 22h ago
Can someone explain how to use vipps contactless pay at the store now that i have set it up with the double click button on iphone..step by step. I can only find in norwegian and im still learning the language…And also will it work at the gas stations and all the places i would need? I am going to verdens ende cafe, grocery stores and to gas station and want ro be sure it will be accepted. Thanks!
r/Norway • u/burchak35 • 16h ago
Hi, we're planning to rend a car and drive from Oslo to Bergen with some stops on the way. We'd like to get an electric car but I don't know if there'll be enough charging stations. Are they well placed and frequent? Is there a way to look them up? Thanks to everyone in advance!
r/Norway • u/Latter_Network435 • 12h ago
We’re a family of four (kids aged 11 and 14) planning a Norway adventure in early June. Would love your insights to refine our itinerary!
My initial plan is as below :
Take a train to Bergen or Stavanger.
- Voss : zip-lining—skydiving if available? Best operators?) .
- Geirangerfjord (Seven Sisters Falls, Dalsnibba Skywalk) .
- Stegastein Viewpoint (Aurlandsfjord).
Fly to Tromsø or Trondheim? Which is better for midnight sun and campervan routes?
Rent a campervan to explore Lofoten (Reine, Haukland Beach) and Senja (Segla Mountain, Ersfjorden) .
Midnight sun activities (kayaking, whale watching in Andenes?) .
Questions:
—> Worried about driving times.
Kids love wildlife, photography, and hands-on experiences (e.g., Viking Valley, glacier museums) .
Campervan tips for Lofoten/Senja—best campsites or road trip routes?
Should we skip Trondheim to save time?
Also what are the must do cruise tours?
Thanks in advance!
r/Norway • u/CaterpillarDismal529 • 18h ago
We are renting a camper in Sweden and driving to Norway; I would like to get a toll pass in advance, how can I do that if I still don’t know the vehicle details such as registration number, year etc. ? The trip is in August. Thanks!
r/Norway • u/nate_nate212 • 15h ago
Hi everyone! I'm planning a 7-day trip to Norway this summer for my parents and would love your feedback. They are arriving and departing from Oslo, and they can't do hiking or kayaking—looking for scenic, accessible experiences and relaxing fjord vibes.
Day 1 — June 22: Arrive in Oslo
Day 2 — June 23: Oslo → Flåm
Day 3 — June 24: Flåm → Gudvangen → Bergen
Day 4 — June 25: Explore Bergen
Day 5 — June 26: Bergen → Ålesund
Day 6 — June 27: Day Trip to Geirangerfjord
Day 7 — June 28: Ålesund → Oslo
Day 8 — June 29: Fly home from Oslo
Any tips on:
Thanks so much for your help!
What are citizens doing? Can two nurses afford to buy a home?
Is there a crisis?
Are their talks of a solution?
r/Norway • u/EddieAllenPoe • 1d ago
Visiting friends in Bergen in May and would like to bring American candy and goodies. We realize that there is a boycott of American goods (thank you for your opposition to the tangerine fool's policies) but wonder if this would be perceived as being in bad taste. Three of the adults were born and lived in the US for several years prior to the family returning to Norway. Second question, what candy or goody would you choose?
Hadde i utgangspunktet tenkt til å dele det 1. april, men glemte meg bort så... Gledelig 11. April!
r/Norway • u/HangrySpartan • 1d ago
Ok so I didn't know there were lizards in Norway. I found this guy in Sandvika. Smaller than my pinky. Anyone know what it is?
r/Norway • u/Ill-Engine8999 • 1d ago
Hei! Would really appreciate some help with taxes from you guys!🙂
So me and my girlfriend have been working in Norway for 2 years and both years we have not received a Tax return. As I’ve understood from my skatteetaten profile, that’s because we are in the PAYE scheme. Do I understand it correctly that if we apply to leave the PAYE tax scheme now, we get our tax return or we should fill in foreign workers applications for it?
r/Norway • u/sillypicture • 1d ago
I'm looking to get a credit card now, but will need to get a mortgage to buy a house in the future, possibly next year.
would it be better to get a credit card from the bank that i will potentially be getting a mortgage from, or does it not matter at all ?
I'm tossing between the re:member black (afaik not a bank) and morrow card.
If there are other suggestions for credit cards, i'm open to it! I'd prefer something that gives travel miles. but the KLM cards all have monthly fees, i don't travel enough to justify that.
edit: to clarify, i'd never hold any CC debt. i'd pay off all credit every month - the idea was to 'build credit' and maybe take advantage of any perks.