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🇳🇴 Norway

Moving Guide

Moving to Norway requires careful preparation — the permit and registration process involves multiple government bodies (UDI, Tax Administration, National Population Register, police). The process is well-organised and largely digital, but sequential steps must be completed in the right order.

2–12 weeks

Permit Processing

UDI; employer-sponsored typically fastest

1–4 weeks

National ID Registration

After arrival; Tax Administration appointment required

NOK 30,000–70,000

Container Ship (UK to Oslo)

20-foot container; 4–8 week transit

NOK 100–250/kg

Air Freight (per kg)

For smaller shipments under 200 kg

NOK 20,000–50,000

Removal Company (European road)

Full-service door-to-door from Western Europe

Generally 0%

Import Duty

Personal effects duty-free if owned 12+ months

Overview🏙️Oslo⛵Bergen
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Overview

Moving to Norway requires careful preparation — the permit and registration process involves multiple government bodies (UDI, Tax Administration, National Population Register, police). The process is well-organised and largely digital, but sequential steps must be completed in the right order. Budget 4–12 weeks for the full process from permit application to complete registration.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply for your residence permit (Skilled Worker or Self-Employed) via UDI.no — start at least 8–12 weeks before planned arrival
  • Week 1: Register your residence permit at your local police station (if not already done abroad) or UDI service centre
  • EU/Schengen origin: road freight is most common — door-to-door from Western Europe in 3–7 days
  • Public schools: free for all resident children aged 6–16; enrol at your local school (neighbourhood-based allocation)
1

Before You Arrive — Pre-Departure Checklist

Most of the important work happens before you get on the plane. The Norwegian permit and registration system is sequential — each step requires the previous one to be completed. Starting early saves significant stress.

  • Apply for your residence permit (Skilled Worker or Self-Employed) via UDI.no — start at least 8–12 weeks before planned arrival
  • Gather required documents: passport, employment contract, educational certificates (authenticated/apostilled), proof of housing
  • Have educational certificates authenticated by the issuing institution and, if required, apostilled for use in Norway
  • Obtain a police certificate of good conduct from every country lived in for 2+ years in the past 10 years
  • Arrange comprehensive travel/health insurance to cover the period before Norwegian Folketrygden registration
  • Line up temporary accommodation in Norway (Airbnb, corporate housing, serviced apartment) for the first 4–8 weeks
  • Notify your home country's tax authority of your move to avoid double taxation complications
2

First Weeks in Norway — Registration Steps

On arrival in Norway, a series of registrations must be completed in rough order. The fødselsnummer (national identity number) is the key that unlocks everything else — bank account, healthcare, tax, and more.

  • Week 1: Register your residence permit at your local police station (if not already done abroad) or UDI service centre
  • Week 1–2: Book an appointment with the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) to obtain a national identity number (fødselsnummer) or D-number
  • Week 2: Register with the National Population Register (folkeregisteret) at your local tax office — required within 8 days of establishing permanent residence
  • Week 2–3: Open a Norwegian bank account using your fødselsnummer or D-number (DNB and Nordea are most expat-friendly)
  • Week 2–3: Set up BankID via your bank — essential for accessing all digital government services
  • Week 3: Register with a GP (fastlege) via helsenorge.no using your fødselsnummer
  • Week 3–4: Register your employer with NAV for social insurance purposes (if self-employed, register your enterprise via altinn.no)
  • Ongoing: Learn to use Altinn.no (business/tax portal), Helsenorge.no (health portal), and Digipost (digital post box for government mail)
3

Shipping Your Belongings to Norway

Norway has efficient port facilities at Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger. Most European moves use road freight (cheaper, faster). Transatlantic and intercontinental shipments typically go by sea container. Personal effects imported into Norway are duty-free if owned for at least 12 months before the move.

  • EU/Schengen origin: road freight is most common — door-to-door from Western Europe in 3–7 days
  • UK to Norway: sea freight Oslo port or road via Eurotunnel + ferry — typically 5–10 days
  • North America to Norway: sea container, 4–6 weeks; 20-ft container NOK 45,000–80,000
  • Personal effects duty exemption: items owned for 12+ months before the move are duty-free (retain purchase receipts)
  • Customs declaration: submit Form RD-0064 (imports of removal goods) to Norwegian Customs (Tollvesenet)
  • Prohibited items: plant material, certain foods, firearms (permit required), and restricted animals
  • Major international removals companies active in Norway: Crown Relocations, Santa Fe Relocation, AGS
4

Schools and Childcare on Arrival

If moving with children, school enrolment and barnehage (kindergarten) registration are high priorities. Norwegian public schools are free and excellent; international schools in Oslo and Bergen cater to expat families needing English-medium education.

  • Public schools: free for all resident children aged 6–16; enrol at your local school (neighbourhood-based allocation)
  • Norwegian public school instruction is in Norwegian — children adapt quickly, typically within 6–12 months
  • International schools Oslo: Oslo International School (IBO), Bjørnsletta International School, British International School Oslo
  • International schools Bergen: Bergen International School, offering IBO curriculum in English
  • International school fees: NOK 120,000–200,000/year — often covered by employer relocation packages for corporate transferees
  • Barnehage (kindergarten): for children 1–6 years; subsidised maximum price NOK 3,315/month (2026); apply at kommunen (municipality) portal
  • After-school care (SFO/AKS): subsidised for children aged 6–9; apply at school upon enrolment
FAQs

Common Questions — Moving Guide in Norway

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🏙️ Oslo⛵ BergenBack to Norway Overview