Welcome to Norway 🇳🇴
Living and staying in Norway
Once you’ve were invited to work or study in Norway, it’s time to start thinking about the move itself. How will you find accommodation, and do you actually find a place? Read all our tips here!
Housing in Norway
Housing in Norway can be tricky, the easiest way to get a place to live is via a relocation agency, it can be costly but several companies that hire internationals provide it as a package.
In Oslo, you have Nordic Relocation Group (NRG), Alfa Mobility (formerly Alfa Quality Moving), Santa Fe Relocation as major relocation firms. You can find a full overview in the link to our main partners in the box below. Please note that other cities and regions might vary.
There are different types of housing to choose from, from dormitories, private apartments and shared housing. Prices vary based on size and whether you share a kitchen and bathroom with others.
In housing, water and heating are usually included, but electricity may be excluded. The bedrooms are usually unfurnished.
If you are already living in Norway it is worth of visiting Finn.no.
Private rental property
Most people find private apartments through search engines, the most popular in Norway is FINN.NO, real estate ads from real estate agents or Facebook groups. Rental prices might vary generally due to the size of the place.
It is common to pay 3 months’ rent as a deposit. Before the lease is signed by both the tenant and the landlord, it is important that you have not paid any deposit or advance rent. It is advisable to have someone who speaks Norwegian read through the lease with you. Also remember to save the receipts for rent payments.
Other living expenses such as electricity, water and heating are often included if you rent on the private market. Your rights as a tenant in Norway are protected by the Tenants’ Association (Leieboerforeningen), which you can contact if problems arise in your tenancy.
- Nordic Relocation Group (NRG)
- Alfa Mobility (formerly Alfa Quality Moving)
- Santa Fe Relocation
- Crown Relocations
- Bournes Relocation Solutions
- SIRVA (Allied/Team Relocations network)
- K2 Corporate Mobility
- NEY (Norwegian Employee Relocation/NEY Relocation)
- Relocation.no (Relocation AS)
- Prime Relocation
- Move Management Group (MMG)
- A-2 Norway (mobility/expat services)
- Key Relocation (serves Nordics including Norway)
- Aspire Mobility
- Packimpex (pan-European; serves Norway via partners)
- Harmony Relocation Network members operating in Norway
- Intermark Relocation (Nordics coverage via partners)
- Eres Relocation (coverage in Nordics through partners)
- NRI Relocation (global; supports Norway via network)
- Arpin International Group (global mobility; Norway capable)
Housing benefits in Norway
In case you are a student, there are some support schemes for housing and the costs typically comes from two sources:
- general housing allowance for low-income households (from Husbanken), and
- student financing that includes a stipend/loan (from Lånekassen), plus access to subsidized student housing via student welfare organizations.
→ Norway: Bostøtte (Housing Allowance) from Husbanken, administered with municipalities.
- Who it’s for: Low-income households with high housing costs relative to income. It’s primarily aimed at families, elderly, disabled, and people with low income. Some students can qualify, but there are restrictions (e.g., students living alone generally do not qualify unless they meet specific criteria such as having children, being over a certain age with disability benefits, etc.).
- Key points: Means-tested; depends on rent, income, household size, and municipality. You must be registered at the address and meet housing standards.
- Where to read and apply: See Husbanken’s official bostøtte pages.
→ Norway: No direct equivalent cash “student housing supplement.”
- Instead:
- Lånekassen provides student grants and loans; parts of the loan can be converted to a grant if you pass exams and meet conditions. This is the main national support that students use to pay rent.
- Students also have access to subsidized student housing through regional student welfare organizations (Studentsamskipnaden), e.g., SiO in Oslo, which offers below-market student apartments/rooms rather than a cash housing benefit.
- International students: Funding/eligibility depends on residence status and study program; Lånekassen is generally for Norwegian/Nordic/EEA students meeting specific criteria.
Also it is important note that finding a place to live by yourself (without relocation firms) might be tricky because the landlords/ladies tend to make an interview with you before granting you a place to live. They will ask you where you came from, what do you (and your partner) work with, and once they like you, they will ask for a letter of reference from your former tenet.
→ Read more about Public housing benefit
→ Read more about housing allowance
→ Housing benefit in Norway (Info Nordic)
Registration in Norway
If you’re moving to Norway (foreign national)
- Immigration authority: You apply to/meet with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and the police.
- What you may need:
- Residence permit or registration (depends on citizenship):
- EU/EEA citizens: Must register your right of residence.
- Non‑EU/EEA citizens: Usually need a residence permit (e.g., work, study, family).
- Residence permit or registration (depends on citizenship):
- Where you go in person: Typically a scheduled appointment with the police/Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA) to verify documents and biometrics after submitting an online application via UDI.
Population registration and ID numbers in Norway
- If your intended stay in Norway is at least 6 months, you must register in the Norwegian National Population Register.
- You do not submit a “notification of permanent relocation” to UDI. Instead:
- You report your move to the Tax Administration/Population Register (Skatteetaten) after arrival. UDI/police handle immigration status; Skatteetaten handles population registration.
- What number you get in Norway:
- Fødselsnummer (Norwegian national ID number): Issued if you’re registered as a resident (generally for stays 6+ months).
- D‑nummer: Issued for shorter stays or if you need an identification number without being registered as resident (e.g., tax purposes).
Documents to bring to appointments
- Valid passport or national ID (for EU/EEA citizens where applicable).
- Residence permit approval or documentation for registration (depending on your basis for stay).
- Rental contract/address in Norway (needed for population registration).
- Birth/marriage certificates if registering family members, sometimes apostilled/translated.
Typical sequence
- Submit immigration application/registration online at UDI, book appointment.
- Attend UDI/police/SUA appointment for ID check/biometrics.
- After arrival and with an address, register your move with Skatteetaten for a fødselsnummer (if staying 6+ months) or obtain a D‑nummer.
- Once registered, you can open a bank account, get a GP (fastlege), and access other services.
For more information check this site (link).
Bank account in Norway
Many newcomers to Norway keep using their foreign bank cards at first, since card payments are widely accepted. However, opening a Norwegian bank account has clear advantages—especially if you plan to live or work in Norway for an extended period. A local account makes it easier to receive salary, pay bills with AvtaleGiro/VIPPS, avoid foreign transaction fees, and verify your identity for public services.
You typically need a Norwegian identification number to open a full-featured bank account:
- Fødselsnummer (for residents staying 6+ months), or
- D‑nummer (for shorter stays or while your residency is being processed).
Some banks can start you with a basic account using a D‑nummer and passport, then upgrade once you receive a fødselsnummer. Requirements vary by bank, so check their specific documentation list.
BankID
The most common solutions are used to log in securely to online banking, government services, and many private websites.
- BankID: The standard e-ID used by most people in Norway. Available as BankID app (preferred) or BankID on mobile/SMS codes (being phased out). You typically need a Norwegian identification number (fødselsnummer or D‑nummer), a Norwegian bank relationship, and a valid ID check.
- Buypass ID: Often used for public services and some employers. Can be app-based or on a smart card. Also requires a Norwegian ID number and identity verification.
- Commfides e-ID: Certificate-based e-ID used for certain business and public-sector services. Requires a Norwegian ID number and verified identity.
Key points for newcomers:
- You generally need a Norwegian ID number:
- Fødselsnummer (resident, usually stays 6+ months), or
- D‑nummer (temporary ID for shorter stays or while residency is processed).
- Most banks can issue BankID once your identity is verified in person and your account is fully established. Policies vary by bank, especially if you only have a D‑nummer.
- E-ID is essential for:
- Logging into public services via ID-porten (e.g., tax, health, NAV).
- Online banking and payments (Strong Customer Authentication).
- Signing documents electronically.
Norwegian banks that commonly provide BankID include
Telephone and internet in Norway
Before you switch, check whether your current foreign mobile plan includes free or low-cost roaming in Norway/the Nordics. Many operators offer generous EU/EEA/Nordic roaming, which can be a good short-term solution when you first arrive. If you plan to stay longer, getting a Norwegian subscription is often cheaper and more reliable, and makes number verification with local services easier.
What to know:
- SIM options: You can choose prepaid (kontant) or postpaid (abonnement). Prepaid is easiest to start without a full bank setup, while postpaid may require a Norwegian ID number (fødselsnummer or D‑nummer), a credit check, and a Norwegian address.
- Coverage: 4G/5G coverage is extensive. Speeds and rural coverage vary by operator; check their coverage maps if you’ll be outside major cities.
- Bundles: Many providers offer mobile, home internet (fiber/5G), and TV packages. Ask about newcomer or campaign discounts; some also have youth/under-31 offers.
- Identification: Be prepared to show passport/ID. Requirements can differ if you only have a D‑nummer.
Popular Norwegian providers
Public transport in Norway
Norway has well-developed public transport, with different operators in each region. In Oslo you’ll find metro (T‑bane), trams, buses, local trains, and ferries. Most tickets are digital and must be purchased before boarding; buying on board is limited or more expensive.
Key points:
- Regional operators and apps:
- Oslo/Viken: Ruter app (metro, tram, bus, and local ferries). You can also use Vy for regional trains.
- National/regional trains: Vy app/website; some lines are run by other operators (e.g., Go-Ahead, SJ Norge), but tickets are available via their own apps/sites too.
- Other regions: Each county has its own operator and app (e.g., Kolumbus in Rogaland, Skyss in Vestland/Bergen, AtB in Trøndelag/Trondheim).
- Tickets and discounts:
- Buy in the operator’s app, at ticket machines, or selected kiosks. Validate before travel where required.
- Period tickets (7/30 days) can be much cheaper if you travel often.
- Airport links:
- Oslo Airport (OSL): Regular Vy trains and the Flytoget airport express. Flytoget is faster but more expensive.
- Bergen/Trondheim/Stavanger airports have frequent bus or light rail connections.
- Ferries:
- Coastal and island communities rely on ferries. In some regions, ferries are integrated with the regional ticket system; long-distance coastal routes (Hurtigruten/Havila) are separate and priced like long-distance travel.
Taxis and ride-hailing:
- Taxis are generally more expensive than in many countries. Prices are deregulated; check the starting price and per‑km rate on the sticker before you ride.
- Apps: Bolt and Uber operate in the major cities; local taxi companies have their own apps (e.g., Oslo Taxi, Norgestaxi). Pre-booking can reduce waiting time and sometimes price.
Tips for newcomers:
- Always check zone boundaries before buying a ticket; crossing zones affects price.
- Inspectors perform spot checks; fines for traveling without a valid ticket are high.
- Many services run less frequently late at night and on Sundays—plan ahead.
- If you’re eligible for student discounts, carry your student ID in case of inspection.
Useful links to get started
Healthcare in Norway
Nordic and EU/EEA citizens have the right to necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in Norway. Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); it helps you access medically necessary public healthcare on the same terms as residents. You will still pay standard user fees (“egenandel”) where applicable.
If you register as a resident in Norway (usually stays of 6+ months) and receive a Norwegian ID number:
- You are enrolled in the National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden) and gain full access to public healthcare services.
- You can choose or be assigned a regular GP (fastlege) via Helsenorge.
- You pay regulated user fees up to an annual cap, after which you may receive an exemption card (frikort) for the rest of the year.
Non‑EU/EEA citizens:
- Typically need valid residence permission and may need private insurance until registered in the National Insurance Scheme. Check your permit type and NAV’s rules for when coverage starts.
How to access care:
- GP (fastlege): Your first contact for non‑emergency issues. Manage your GP via Helsenorge once you have a Norwegian ID number.
- Emergencies: Call 113 (ambulance).
Practical tips:
- Keep your EHIC/passport handy until you’re fully registered.
- User fees vary by service; save your receipts toward the annual cap (frikort).
- Dental care is mostly private for adults; children and some groups get subsidized care through the municipality.
Key resources
Regional health authorities
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