Who Can Move to a
Norwegian Village?
Immigration rules, residence permits, and your path to Norway
In theory, anyone can move to Norway. But in practice, how easy or challenging the process is depends primarily on your country of citizenship.
There are also special opportunities for artists, musicians, performers — and of course, the option of falling in love and marrying a Norwegian.
Where are you from?
Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Faroe Islands, Greenland & Åland
As a Nordic citizen, you are entitled to move to Norway to live, work, and study. You do not need to apply for a residence permit.
If you plan to reside in Norway for more than six months, you must report your relocation to Norwegian authorities. You notify the move by visiting a tax office (National Registry) in person. Remember to make an appointment in advance, as drop-ins aren't accepted.
If you are moving to Norway with your family, it is important that all family members attend the registration at the tax office.
If you are registered as living in Norway, you are generally a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden). The Nordic agreement stipulates that you may only be registered in one Nordic country at a time.
You can find out more details about moving to Norway from a Nordic country from the Nordic Co-operation (which by the way is the world's oldest regional partnership).
What You'll Need
- Valid passport or national ID card
- Tax office appointment (within 6 months of arrival)
- All family members present at registration
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain & Switzerland
As an EU/EEA national, you may have the right of residence in Norway beyond three months.
To have this right, you must have a valid identity card or passport and be either employed, self-employed, a posted worker, a student — or have sufficient funds to support yourself.
Family members of an EU/EEA national have rights of residence in Norway for more than three months if the EU/EEA national is eligible as described above. The condition is that the family members move to Norway with the EU/EEA national or are reunited with them in Norway.
If you have a job, you can move to Norway and start working right away, but you must register no later than three months after your arrival. Registration is free.
You can stay in Norway for up to six months while searching for a job. Note that you have to register with the police as a job seeker within three months after arrival.
You can find more information about moving to Norway from EU/EEA at udi.no.
What You'll Need
- Valid passport or national ID card
- Employment contract, student proof, or proof of funds
- Register within 3 months of arrival (free)
- Documentation of right of residence if requested
Skilled Workers & Specialists
It gets a bit trickier, though not impossible. The primary option is being a skilled worker with a specific job offer, or being self-employed in a company to be established in Norway.
The Norwegian government defines a skilled worker as someone with:
Depending on the nature and level of your education, you can get a residence permit from one to three years. After three years you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
You can read more about work immigration to Norway at udi.no.
What You'll Need
- Valid passport
- Specific job offer from a Norwegian employer
- Documented qualifications (vocational, university, or 6+ years experience)
- Work visa and residence permit application
- Employer may assist with the permit process