Do You Move to Norway?
Norwegians love their fireplaces!
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Social Services: Familiarize yourself with the social services available in Norway, including public transport, libraries, and local amenities. Some tips:
The travel app Entur shows all the public transportation in the whole country, regardless of whatever company who owns the bus or train.
The libraries in Norway are often used as meeting places, with lectures, children theatre, workshops, cafes and so on. And it’s all for free!
Cultural and Social Adaptation: Be open to adapting to Norwegian culture and social norms. Norwegians value equality, punctuality, and respecting personal space.
And hygge, lots of it! Hygge is the feeling of warm cocoa in front of the crackling fireplace, with candles, soft music and perhaps involving crafty hobby. Outside it’s snowing, raining or just really cold. Hygge is best during the season when the night is long, and the sun is nowhere to be seen. Sommerhygge, on the other hand, is social; with long, light evenings outside with friends and family – and not so soft music playing in the background.
STEP 4: SETTLE INN
Cultural Differences: Norway has its own cultural norms and practices. Familiarize yourself with these, so you can adjust and avoid misunderstandings.
Packing and Shipping: Decide what to take with you and what to leave behind. Also consider the cost and logistics of shipping your belongings.
Weather: Norway is up north, so have those wool tights ready when winter hits. Especially in the northern regions, invest in suitable clothing and gear. And for the west coast, prepare for rain.
Networking: Try to connect with expat communities or local residents through social media or expat groups. Networking can be very helpful in getting settled.
Taxes: Understand the tax system in Norway, including the deadlines for filing tax returns.
Pets: If you have pets, check the regulations for bringing them to Norway. Vaccinations and quarantine requirements may apply.
Travel distance: In some cases, students in very remote areas may need to travel longer distances to attend school. This could involve bus rides or ferry trips. The Norwegian government supports these students with arrangements for their transportation.
Inclusion: The Norwegian education system prioritizes inclusive education. Students with special needs receive support and are integrated into regular classrooms as much as possible.
Educational Quality: Norway places a strong emphasis on the quality of education, regardless of location. Rural and urban schools are subject to the same curriculum and educational standards.
Language: While most Norwegians speak English, learning some basic Norwegian will of course help you integrate better and navigate daily life.
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Education is compulsory for children in Norway from the age of 6 to 16.
Primary and Lower Secondary Education: Primary and lower secondary education is typically provided in local schools within rural communities. These schools cater to students from the 1st to the 10th grade.
Small Class Sizes: Rural schools often have smaller class sizes compared to urban schools. This can create a more personalized learning environment and closer teacher-student relationships.
Multigrade Classes: In some rural areas with fewer students, it is common to have multigrade classes. This means students of different ages and grade levels may share a classroom.
Moving to a new country can be a significant change, but with preparation and a positive mindset, the transition will be smoother. Make the most of the experience!
Getting familiar with the Norwegian school system is an important and early step for a lot of people. Here are some things to keep in mind.
STEP 3: PREPERATIONS
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Job Offer: If you pass the interview and reference checks, you may receive a job offer. Review the terms and conditions carefully, including your salary, benefits, and other employment terms.
Work Visa and Residency: If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will need to secure a work visa and residence permit to legally work in Norway. Your employer may assist you with this process.
Starting Work: Once you've signed the employment contract and obtained the necessary permits, you can start your job in Norway.
Keep in mind that the job market and application processes can vary depending on your field of work. Be patient, persistent, and thorough in your job search and application process.
Interview: If your application is successful, you may be invited for an interview. Interviews are often conducted in person but can also be done via phone or video call, depending on the circumstances. Prepare for the interview by researching the company, understanding the job role, and practicing common interview questions.
Reference Checks: Many employers may request references from your previous employers or colleagues to verify your qualifications and work history.
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CV (Curriculum Vitae): Your CV should be detailed but concise. It should include your personal information, education, work experience, skills, and any other relevant information.
Language: Unless the job posting specify that another language is acceptable, it's important to prepare your application documents in Norwegian. Fluency in Norwegian is often a requirement for many positions, although some jobs in international companies accept English.
Submitting Your Application: Most companies in Norway prefer online applications through their websites or via e-mail. Consult the job posting instructions on how to submit your application.
If you're moving for work, ensure that you have a job lined up. If not, research the job market and make sure you understand the employment process in Norway. Here are some key elements:
Job Search: Start by searching for job opportunities in Norway. You can use online job portals, company websites, and professional networks to find job listings. Some popular job search websites in Norway include Finn.no, Nav.no, Jobbnorge.no and EURES (for EU/EEA citizens).
Application: Once you find a job that interests you, prepare your application. This typically includes a cover letter, a CV (résumé), and any other relevant documents like diplomas or certificates. Your application should be tailored to the specific job and employer. Don’t bother to include every little thing, like old high school diplomas or some course that isn’t relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Cover Letter (søknadsbrev): The cover letter is a crucial part of your application. It should be well-written and highlight your qualifications, skills, and why you're a good fit for the position. It's also important to explain why you want to work in Norway.
STEP 2: FIND A JOB
Illustration: Canva
Where in Norway? Find out where in Norway you want to live. Did you know that from the southern tip of Norway to the northern tip it is 1748 km? That's almost as far as from southern Norway to Rome in Italy. In comparison, the distance from England to Russia is shorter. This means that life, climate and culture can be very different depending on where in Norway you reside. Our matchmaking can help you find just what you are looking for. Give it a try if you haven't already!
Accomondations: This can be somewhat challenging in some villages, so start your search early. Consider factors like location, rent, and proximity to work or schools. Most places for purchase, and many rentals can be found at Finn.no.
Also, contact the municipality; they often have information about available housing in the area. If the municipality you are hoping to move to is a member of Freysta, you can contact them via us. Look for the contact form at the bottom of the village presentation.
Visa and Residency: Ensure you have the correct visa and residency permits. The requirements vary depending on your nationality, so check with the Norwegian embassy or consulate in your home country. At our “Who”-site you can have a quick overwiew.
STEP 1: FIND OUT WHERE IN NORWAY YOU WANT TO LIVE
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Moving to Norway is an exciting step, but it does require some practical considerations and preparations. Here are some key “how’s”: