Relocating To Norway Full Guide (2024)
Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Preserved 9th-century Viking ships are displayed at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum.
Bergen, with colorful wooden houses, is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort.
Thinking about moving to Norway? If a happier life is what you’re seeking, then you may want to consider making this Scandinavian country your new home. The Nordic country is consistently named one of the happiest places in the world to live.
Professionals, families and retirees will find plenty to love about living in Norway. From the excellent work benefits and high wages to the gorgeous fjords and stunning scenery, Norway is one of the best places for anyone in search of both a high quality of life and a large number of outdoor pursuits.
With over 5 million residents, Norway is also one of the least dense countries in the world. In fact, according to World Atlas, it is the 29th least dense country in the world, which means there’s plenty of wide open spaces to explore here. For more information about moving to Norway, read our guide below.
A quick guide to moving to Norway
Cost of living
Those moving to Norway should be prepared for a high cost of living. According to Expatistan.com, the cost of living in Norway is more expensive than in 93 percent of countries in the world. The Nordic country is also the third most expensive country in Western Europe.
The estimated monthly costs for a family of four is equivalent to $5,775. The estimated monthly costs for a single person living in Norway is $2,814. Numbeo reports that the cost of living in Norway is 47.89 percent higher than in the United States.
Of course, keep in mind that your cost of living will depend on where you live and your lifestyle choices. The most expensive cities in the country are Stavanger, Tromso, Trondheim, Oslo and Bergen. In addition, most Norwegians earn a decent living.
In fact, per the OECD Better Life Index, “the average household net adjusted disposable income per capita is USD 35,725 a year, higher than the OECD average of USD 33,604.”
Housing
Housing conditions are top-notch in Norway. According to Scandification.com, Norwegian housing is known for the care landlords and owners take with regard to the needs of the humans living within.” The site also claims that most rental units come fully furnished.
The OECD states that “in Norway, households on average spend 17 percent of their gross adjusted disposable income on keeping a roof over their heads,” which is below the OECD average of 20 percent. Rent isn’t particularly expensive either.
Numbeo notes that rent, on average, is 12.5 percent lower than in the United States. Of course, housing costs vary depending on the city, so be sure to research real estate prices prior to moving.
Safety
Norway is considered to be a very safe country to live. The OECD notes that 90 percent of people in Norway say they feel safe walking alone at night, which is much more than the average of 68 percent.
In addition, the country’s homicide rate is 0.4, “one of the lowest rates in the OECD, where the average is 3.7.” In general, crime is low in Norway, so new residents should feel plenty safe when wandering around this fantastic country.
Weather
While Norway isn’t the warmest country in the world, it varies considerably depending on where you are located. Northern areas and inland areas tend to be the coldest.
Visit Norway, states that “due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Norway has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska, Greenland, and Siberia.”
Coastal areas tend to have mild winters and the southern part of the country is often “considered a summer island paradise.” Norway is also the place to experience several weather and atmospheric phenomenons, including the northern lights and the midnight sun.
Quality of life
Visit Norway, and you’ll quickly see and feel a sense of general contentment among residents. The reason? The country has an exceptionally high quality of life. In fact, Norway ranks as the sixth happiest country in the world, making the high cost of living well worth it.
According to the OECD Better Life Index, Norway performed exceptionally well in measures of well-being. The country earned high marks for Safety (10/10), Work Life Balance (8.5/10), Life Satisfaction (9.9/10), Health (8.7/10), Environment (9.6/10), Community (8.2/10), Jobs (8.3/10), and Housing (8.3/10). With such a high quality of life, it’s no wonder moving to Norway is an easy decision for many.
Healthcare
Norway’s universal public healthcare is available to all residents and expats, however, it is only free for those 16 years of age and younger. Those over 16 years old need to pay an annual deductible for access to healthcare services.
Internations.org notes that “private health insurance is virtually nonexistent as there is a very small market for it. Mostly everyone is covered under the public system with people only opting for private healthcare insurance to shorten wait times.”
In terms of the overall health of Norway residents, it’s safe to say residents enjoy a healthy lifestyle. The OECD states that life expectancy is almost 83 years old, which is three years above the OECD average.
Immigration requirements
Looking to immigrate to Norway? Nigerian citizens will need to obtain a residence permit in order to work or live in Norway for more than 90 days. According to Internations.org, you can begin the Norway visa application process online on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration website.
“Requirements for a Norway visa vary depending on the visa you are applying for. Skilled workers will need a job, and if you are self-employed, you and your business will need to meet certain income criteria.”
5 fantastic cities to consider when moving to Norway
We recommend considering one of these picturesque cities when choosing a new home in Norway.
Oslo
The capital of Norway also happens to be one of the best places in the world to live. While expensive, residents will tell you that the high quality of life here is well worth the extra expense. Newcomers will find numerous museums, including the Viking Ship Museum, unique architecture and plenty of job opportunities.
Bergen
Known as “the city of the Seven Mountains,” this picture-perfect city is surrounded by gorgeous mountains and is considered to be the gateway to Norway’s beautiful fjords.
The city itself is also a cultural hub filled with plenty of galleries, museums and delectable eateries. It’s a favorite spot for tourists and residents alike to visit because of its many outdoor opportunities and cultural hotspots.
Stavanger
Located on Norway’s southwest coast, Stavanger is known as the oil capital of Norway – thanks to the region’s key role in the country’s booming oil industry.
Given its healthy economy, it’s no surprise that the city also happens to be a great place to find a good paying job.
For those looking for economic opportunities as well as plenty of vibrant cultural opportunities, Stavanger may be the perfect place for you.
Svolvaer
Made up of just 5,000 residents, this tiny Norwegian town is also the largest on the archipelago and is often considered to be the gateway to Lofoten (which is famous for its midnight sun and northern lights).
The fishing village provides one of the most beautiful backdrops in the country, with its stunning mountains and coastal surroundings. In addition, the town happens to have plenty of high-end restaurants, top-notch shopping and art galleries.
Tonsberg
For those who love living in a place with rich history, Tonsberg is the city for you. Located just south of Oslo, Tonsberg is the oldest city in Norway.
From Viking burial grounds and Viking ships to medieval festivals and ancient ruins, the city’s rich history is evident throughout the many buildings, museums and amenities. Newcomers will also find a sophisticated urban oasis with plenty of good restaurants and jobs.
How much is flight ticket from Nigeria to Norway in Naira?
Flights from Nigeria to Norway is at NGN1,771,428. Additional baggage fees and charges for optional products and services may apply.
How long does it take to fly from Nigeria to Norway?
The average flight time from Nigeria to Norway is 6 hours 58 minutes.
Does Norway accept Nigerians?
Citizens of Nigeria need to apply for a visitor’s visa to enter Norway. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a residence permit to enter Norway.
All applications for both visas and residence permits must be handed in at one of our VFS Global application centers in any of the listed locations.