Preparing your move to Norway

"Preparing to move abroad can seem overwhelming, but with good organisation, everything gets simpler. I'll guide you through each step, the way I wish someone had done for me 7 years ago."
— Ingrid

Essential

Opening a bank account

Essential for receiving your salary and managing everyday life. Bank comparison and detailed procedures.

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Essential

Getting your Fødselsnummer

The Norwegian identification number is essential for almost all your administrative procedures. I explain how to get it quickly.

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Practical

Finding housing

The Norwegian property market has its quirks. Websites, tips and mistakes to avoid when finding your new home.

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Employment

Working in Norway

The job market, job hunting, the Norwegian CV and workplace culture. Everything you need to land your first job.

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Logistics

Relocation to Norway

Moving options, costs, customs formalities and a complete checklist to organise your departure with peace of mind.

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Entrepreneurship

Starting a business

Legal forms, registration, tax obligations and the support available for setting up a business in Norway.

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My complete checklist of procedures

Download this list so you don't forget anything in your preparation

✅ Pre-departure checklist

Check my passport is valid (+ 6 months after planned departure date)
Get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Gather official documents (birth certificates, diplomas, etc.)
Have important documents translated into English or Norwegian
Open a Norwegian bank account (if possible in advance)
Organise the move (quotes, dates, inventory)
Cancel home-country contracts (energy, internet, phone...)
Notify your tax office that you are leaving the country

Ideal preparation timeline

Organise your procedures month by month

6 months before

Research phase

Assess the budget you need, identify your target city, start learning Norwegian, look for a job.

3 months before

Administrative phase

Gather documents, get translations done, contact removal companies, look for temporary housing.

1 month before

Transition phase

Cancel home-country contracts, organise the journey, pack the boxes, say your goodbyes.

Week 1 in Norway

Settling in

Register with the police, apply for your Fødselsnummer, open your bank account, activate your phone.

💡 Ingrid's advice

Don't underestimate how long it takes to find housing from abroad. I recommend planning an Airbnb or a temporary furnished apartment for the first 1-2 months. That will let you view properties in person and get a better feel for the neighbourhoods.

— Ingrid

Frequently asked questions

I recommend starting preparations 6 months before departure. That leaves time to handle the administrative procedures, find a job if necessary, and organise the move without stress. If you already have a job waiting for you, 3 months may be enough.

Not necessarily at the beginning. Norwegians speak very good English. However, speaking Norwegian makes social and professional integration much easier in the long term. I advise you to start classes as soon as you arrive (often free for new residents).

Yes, if you are an EU/EEA citizen. You can stay for 3 months without formalities, after which you must prove that you have the means to support yourself. That said, I strongly recommend having a job or sufficient income before you leave, because the cost of living is high.

It's difficult because landlords prefer to meet tenants. I recommend booking temporary accommodation (Airbnb, hostel) for 1-2 months, then searching on the spot via Finn.no. Expat Facebook groups are also very useful for sublets.

Opening a bank account

Getting your Fødselsnummer

Finding housing

Working in Norway

Relocation to Norway

Starting a business

My complete checklist of procedures

Ideal preparation timeline

Research phase

Administrative phase

Transition phase

Settling in

Frequently asked questions

Prepare your move with peace of mind