What do I need to know before moving to Norway?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Norway, they said...
"It is important for expats to be aware of Norway's cold climate before making the move. Expats should also make sure to familiarise themselves with the official language, Norwegian, as most locals will not be able to communicate in English. Additionally, the cost of living in Norway is higher than in many other countries, so expats should plan their budget accordingly. Expats should also consider the impact of Norway's strict immigration laws, which require all foreign nationals to possess work and residence permits to legally stay in the country. Finally, Norway is a welfare state, meaning that expats should prepare to pay high taxes in exchange for access to social services," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Norway.
"Extremely pretty, very little work, basic infrastructure, no crime, in my case, the best neighbour in the world, probably. Move here if independently wealthy but it's impossible to predict how you will be "digested" by the Norwegian state until you get here and it's too late. There is a woman who works at the local tax office who is a demon! She has achieved things on her own for me that have defeated the rest of the Norwegian system," commented one expat who made the move to Skei i Jolster, Norway.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Norway?
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- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Norway?
- What is the average cost of housing in Norway?
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What do I need to know before moving to Norway?
If you live in Norway, newcomers to Norway would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.