Digital Nomad Life in Norway

"Expats in Norway can join local clubs and participate in activities such as soccer or tennis. They can join a gym, take a cooking class, or explore museums, restaurants and galleries with other expats. Expats may also attend English language meetings, join an organisation or join a religious or cultural group. Additionally, expats can try meeting people by attending social events or local festivals, or connecting with other internationals via social media platforms," said one expat in Norway.

"The people's priorities are money, status and beautiful houses. Daily lives revolve around sports, socializing and family activities. They spend their money on big boats, big houses and keeping up with each other and taking the boat or drive to neighboring countries to buy cheap meat and alcohol. Public drunkness and disordliness is socially acceptable. Where ever you travel in the nordic countries, if there is a drunk staggering the odds are he/she is Norwegian," said one person in Kristiansand.

"The best way to find a place to live in Norway is by researching online. You can check popular websites such as Finn.no, Boligbygg, or Leilighetsnett for available housing in the particular area you are interested in. Additionally, you could reach out to local housing agencies and real estate specialists to help with your search. Another option is to get in contact with colleagues and friends in Norway who may know of potential opportunities or could help you in your search," explained one expat living in Norway.

"We live in the center of Oslo because it is close to the train and bus stations for us to get to work- it also has a great balcony. We also wanted two large bedrooms, and a w/d in the flat which can be tricky to find in older flats," said one person in Oslo.

"I would tell them that they should have to like a closed off culture of people. When you walk down the street people do NOT smile or say hello. A man will push you out of the way to get through the door first. If you are lazy and don't have a good work ethic, then this place will be perfect for you. There are plenty of expats that love this place, however its not for us," said one person in Tromso.

"1. Expats should be prepared to learn Norwegian to easily navigate life in Norway, as it is the official language. 2. Obtaining a residence permit may be complicated so it is important to understand the requirements carefully. 3. Non-Nordic citizens may need to pass a test of language and cultural understanding in order to obtain a residence permit. 4. There are some tax advantages to retiring in Norway such as not having to pay any tax on pensions and certain allowances. 5. Retiring in Norway can be expensive compared to other countries, with higher costs for groceries, restaurants and housing. 6. Although public healthcare is free for anyone living in Norway, medical treatment can still be costly so expats should consider a private insurance policy," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Norway.

"The beautiful nature and the lush green surroundings. Although, I have to admit that it can get tedious sometimes, as I am used to the extravagant city life with skyscrapers at every corner and streets bustling with people. I love the seafood here. I like how people are very independent," said one expat who made the move to Bergen.

"I appreciate the Norwegian's love of and respect for nature. I like the roundabouts as opposed to USA stoplights all over the place. I bike/walk, so I really enjoy that the sidewalks are separate from the roads and often wind off in completely different directions. I appreciate that Norwegians aren't easily offended. They have great food here as well. I also appreciate their lower crime rates. You can tell people really aren't expecting anything but the best in people they encounter," explained one foreigner living in Stavanger, Norway.

"So many things. The nature, the peace and tranquility, the community-mindedness, the pride Norwegians have in their home, their families, their communities, their nation; the fantastic quality of life here, the hospitality, the civility most people have, and lots of incredibly handsome, rugged men. :)," said one in Gjøvik.

"Not knowing how to speak the language. It's not easy learning a new language from scratch. I tried speaking Norwegian when I first started taking the course but my spouse was very critical of my pronunciation to the point that I became fixated on making sure the words sounded correctly instead of actually speaking the language itself. Living with a husband and adjusting with life in his country isn't easy either. And the prices here are extortionately expensive. It's difficult for me because back home, I have gotten accustomed to the fact that having fun always involves spending money," said one person in Bergen.

"Expats in Norway often find it challenging to adjust to the reserved nature of the local culture, as well as their expectation of punctuality and organization. Additionally, many expats find it difficult to learn and understand Norwegian, which is the primary language spoken in Norway. Additionally, the isolated nature of many of the Norwegian rural areas can make it difficult to establish a social circle outside of the workplace. Finally, due to the high cost of living, it can be difficult for expats to manage their finances and budget accordingly," said one expat who made the move to Norway.

"If you plan to stay in Norway for a while, you will likely need both a residence permit and a visa. Depending on the length and purpose of your stay, you may need to apply for a specific type of permit or visa, such as a temporary residence permit, student residence permit, work permit, or study visa. You may also need to provide proof of sufficient funds, valid health insurance, and other supporting documents when applying for a visa or residence permit," said one expat in Norway.

"I always love it when I speak English to someone and get that blank stare, which means they don't know English. Poor things," said one person in Stavanger.

"Asked waiters for the government instead of the bill for a couple years before learning that regeringen and regningen are different words," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Oslo.

"It is important to remember that Norwegians are typically very focused on politeness and respect. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the level of personal space that is expected and to be sure not to interrupt someone while they are speaking. Additionally, it is important to respect the various Norwegian holidays, as well as not making inappropriate comments regarding religion or politics. Eating with your hands is also frowned upon and it is expected that utensils will be used. Lastly, it is important to dress appropriately and to be on time for meetings and other engagements," explained one person living in Norway.

"Not a lot, other than using incorrect Norwegian at times. I have noticed that it generally takes Norwegians almost 20 minutes or so to say goodbye to each other when leaving social situations. I often just want to say goodbye and leave right afterwards without a lot of this last minute small talk. Perhaps I might have been a bit abrupt a few times and it rubbed some Norwegians the wrong way. No one has said anything, but a Norwegian would generally never confront a foreigner about it anyway. Seriously. :)," said one expat in Gjøvik.

"Don't. Pay for private. The laid-back laissez faire attitude that seems appealing when talking to Norwegians in coffee shops is quite the opposite when you are ill and need healthcare. There is no accountability and often gross errors," explained one expat living in Oslo, Norway.

"Norway has a comprehensive public healthcare system that provides a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, mental health services, and preventive health services. The quality of public healthcare in Norway is generally high, with a focus on preventive care and patient-centered care. Foreign residents in Norway have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Norway can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local doctor and obtaining a health insurance card. This card allows them to access the same services as Norwegian citizens, including free or discounted doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications," said one digital nomad in Norway.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Norway, with its stunning natural beauty, excellent infrastructure, and strong social safety net. They also enjoy the country's progressive social policies, such as its generous parental leave and gender equality initiatives. On the other hand, the high cost of living and the long, dark winters can be a challenge for some. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Norwegian," explained one person living in Norway.