"When I moved from Lyon to Oslo 7 years ago, I spent weeks comparing options, stressing about customs and wondering whether my sofa would survive the journey. Today, I'm sharing everything I learned so that your move goes as smoothly as possible."
— Ingrid, expat in Oslo since 2018
The different moving options
From the UK, the road journey from London to Oslo is around 1,700 km, with ferry crossings (for example via the Hook of Holland or Denmark); a flight takes about 2 hours. From the US or Canada, your belongings will cross the Atlantic by sea container while you fly (New York–Oslo is roughly 7.5 to 8 hours). Several options are open to you, each with its pros and cons.
Option 1: International removal company (door-to-door)
This is the most comfortable solution. A specialist company takes care of the entire process: packing, loading, transport, customs clearance and delivery to your new home.
- Pros: zero effort, full insurance, customs formalities handled, real-time tracking
- Cons: high cost (the most expensive of all the options), 7 to 14 days' delivery time
- Ideal for: families, large moves (over 15 m³), people short on time
Option 2: Shared freight (sea or road groupage)
Your move shares a container or a truck with other customers. Cheaper than an exclusive door-to-door service, but delivery takes longer because the carrier waits until the container is full.
- Pros: rates 30 to 40% lower than door-to-door, insurance available
- Cons: 2 to 4 weeks' delivery time, flexible delivery dates (no exact day), risk of delay
- Ideal for: those who aren't in a hurry and want to save money
Option 3: Hiring a van (self-move)
You rent a truck or van and make the journey yourself. This option demands the most personal effort, but it can be economical for small volumes.
- Pros: full control, flexible dates, economical for small volumes (under 10 m³)
- Cons: tiring journey (around 20 to 25 hours on the road from the UK, plus ferries), fuel costs, tolls and ferry, no specialised insurance; only realistic from the UK or continental Europe
- Ideal for: young expats, small moves, adventurers
I chose a mix of the two: I sent my furniture by road groupage and drove my car loaded with suitcases and essential boxes. That meant I had my basic necessities as soon as I arrived while still saving on the bulk of the move.
— IngridOption 4: Sending parcels and pallets
For small moves, or to complement another option, you can send boxes and pallets via a carrier (such as UPS, DHL or specialists like Eurosender).
- Pros: very flexible, cheap for small volumes, simple online booking
- Cons: limited in weight and dimensions, unsuitable for bulky furniture, fragile
- Ideal for: complementing a main move, sending books, clothes, personal items
Estimated costs of a move to Norway from the UK or the US
Prices vary considerably depending on volume, exact distance, time of year and the type of service chosen. The figures below are indicative ranges only, to help you sanity-check the quotes you receive — always get several written quotes for your own move:
| Option | Volume / details | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| UK to Norway: shared load / part-load (road + ferry) | Small move, a few furniture items and boxes | ~£1,500–3,000 |
| UK to Norway: full removal (road + ferry) | 2-3-bedroom house | ~£4,000–8,000 |
| UK to Norway: van hire (self-move) | 12-20 m³ + fuel + ferry | ~$895–2,010 / £665–1,500 |
| US/Canada to Norway: sea container, door to door | 20ft container (approx. 2-3-bedroom home), 6-10 weeks | ~$6,000–12,000 |
| US/Canada to Norway: sea container, door to door | 40ft container (large house), 6-10 weeks | ~$9,000–16,000 |
| Parcel/pallet shipping | 10-20 boxes (approx. 300 kg) | ~$335–895 / £250–665 |
Removal company quotes don't always include: Norwegian road tolls (bompengeringen), the Denmark-Norway ferry (~$170–335 / £125–250 for a truck), additional insurance, difficult-access fees (floors without a lift, narrow street) and temporary storage. Ask for an all-inclusive quote and read the terms carefully.
How to cut costs
- Move off-season: rates are 20 to 30% cheaper between October and March
- Compare at least 3 quotes: prices vary enormously from one company to another
- Reduce the volume: sell or give away whatever would cost more to move than to replace
- Pack yourself: the packing service accounts for 15 to 25% of the total cost
- Take advantage of groupage: if your dates are flexible, road groupage is an excellent compromise
Do this calculation for each piece of furniture: the cost of moving it vs the cost of buying it again on FINN.no (the Norwegian equivalent of a classifieds site) or at IKEA. In Norway, FINN.no is full of second-hand furniture in excellent condition, because Norwegians move often and resell easily. I bought half of my furniture again locally for less than the cost of transport.
— IngridPreparation timeline: month by month
An international move needs to be prepared well in advance. Here is the ideal schedule for a stress-free move abroad:
Research and planning
- Request quotes from 3 to 5 international removal companies
- Sort through your belongings: sell, give away or throw out whatever isn't essential
- Start the administrative procedures (visa if needed, UDI registration)
- Check the validity of your passports and official documents
- Look for housing in Norway (even temporary)
Booking and preparation
- Confirm your removal company and sign the contract
- Order packing materials if you are packing yourself
- Notify your landlord (notice of departure)
- Cancel your existing subscriptions (electricity, internet, phone, gym, etc.)
- Prepare the documents for Norwegian customs
- Plan your pet's transport if applicable
Packing and logistics
- Start packing room by room (rarely used items first)
- Make a detailed inventory of everything you are shipping (mandatory for customs)
- Redirect your mail (through your postal service)
- Tell your bank back home about your move abroad
- Book an appointment at your embassy or consulate if necessary
- Book your plane tickets or plan your road route
Final preparations
- Finish packing and label all the boxes
- Pack a "first days" suitcase with the essentials
- Scan all your important documents and store them in the cloud
- Confirm the loading date with the removal company
- Take meter readings (water, electricity, gas)
The big departure
- Supervise the loading of the truck
- Carry out the exit inspection of your old home
- Keep with you: passports, customs documents, medication, valuables
- Take photos of the loading for insurance purposes
Settling in
- Check the contents of your shipment on delivery (note any damage)
- Register with Skatteetaten within the first few days
- Apply for your Fødselsnummer
- Open a Norwegian bank account
- Sign up for local services (electricity, internet, phone)
Customs formalities
Customs formalities for a move to Norway depend on your nationality and situation. Norway is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), but is not part of the European Union. This has important implications for your customs clearance.
Whatever your passport — British, American, EU or other — your personal belongings must still go through Norwegian customs (Tollvesenet / Tolletaten). This is not like a move within the EU. Don't neglect this step!
Duty-free import of removal goods (flyttegods)
Whatever your nationality, if you are transferring your main residence to Norway, you can generally import your used personal belongings free of customs duty and VAT as removal goods (flyttegods), provided you meet these criteria:
- You have lived outside Norway for at least 12 consecutive months
- The goods imported belong to you and have been used for at least 6 months
- The goods are for personal use (no resale)
- You submit a detailed inventory of all imported goods (form RD-0030, the removal goods declaration to Tolletaten)
- The import takes place within 12 months of your settling in Norway
Documents required for customs
- Removal goods declaration form (RD-0030) completed in Norwegian or English
- Valid passport or ID card
- Proof of previous residence in your home country (rent receipts, bills, etc.)
- Proof of new residence in Norway (rental contract, employer's certificate)
- Detailed, valued inventory of all goods (with estimated value)
- Certificate of deregistration from your previous municipality or local authority
Non-EU/EEA citizens (UK, US, Canada, Australia...)
The same flyttegods exemption applies: you do not pay duty or VAT on your used household goods just because you are not an EU/EEA citizen. The differences are mostly practical (check the current rules on toll.no before you ship):
- A valid residence permit for Norway is mandatory
- Processing times may be longer
- Some goods may require additional certification
- It is strongly recommended to use a customs broker (speditør)
Restricted products
Certain goods are prohibited or regulated for import into Norway:
Prohibited
- Drugs and illicit substances
- Weapons without authorisation
- Counterfeit goods
- Certain protected animal and plant species
Regulated / limited
- Alcohol: max 4 litres of wine + 2 litres of beer + 1 litre of spirits
- Tobacco: max 200 cigarettes
- Medication: prescription required + max 3 months' supply
- Foodstuffs: restrictions on meat, dairy products and certain plants
With alcohol, the temptation to bring lots is strong given Norwegian prices. But the quotas are strict and checks are frequent. Respect the limits; it really isn't worth the risk of a hefty fine. On the other hand, no one stops you bringing back a few good bottles within your quota when you return from trips home!
— IngridWhat to take vs buy locally
One of the most strategic decisions of your move: what is worth transporting, and what is better bought again in Norway? Here is my analysis after 7 years of experience.
Definitely take
- Quality winter clothing: if you already have good parkas, down jackets and boots, bring them. Technical clothing is expensive in Norway
- Sentimental items: photos, keepsakes, family heirlooms, irreplaceable things
- Books in your own language: almost impossible to find in Norway and expensive to have delivered
- Electronic devices: computers, tablets, game consoles (Norway uses 230V/50Hz with type C/F sockets: UK devices just need an adapter; from the US or Canada, check they are dual-voltage 100–240V)
- Specific kitchen equipment: favourite pans, baking tins and gadgets you can't easily replace
- Favourite beauty and hygiene products: brands from home are rare or very expensive in Norway
- Common medication: paracetamol, ibuprofen (much more expensive in Norway)
Buy locally
- Bulky furniture: sofa, bed, wardrobe. IKEA is easy to find in Norway, and FINN.no offers excellent second-hand deals
- Household appliances: UK and European appliances work (with a plug adapter for UK ones) and US 120V appliances generally don't, but in any case the transport cost often exceeds the price of buying new
- Mattresses: very costly to transport, and Norwegians often use different beds (separate beds with individual duvets)
- Cleaning products: no point transporting heavy items
- Norwegian outdoor clothing: Helly Hansen, Norrøna, Bergans, much cheaper in Norway
The debate: you be the judge
| Item | Estimated transport cost | New price in Norway | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-seater sofa | ~$335–560 / £250–415 | ~$445–2,230 / £335–1,670 | Depends on sentimental value |
| Washing machine | ~$170–280 / £125–210 | ~$335–895 / £250–665 | Take it if it's recent |
| Desk + chair | ~$110–225 / £83–165 | ~$225–670 / £165–500 | Take them if you're attached to them |
| Bicycle | ~$89–170 / £67–125 | ~$335–1,680 / £250–1,250 | Take it |
| Full set of tableware | ~$110–225 / £83–165 | ~$110–335 / £83–250 | Buy locally (risk of breakage) |
| Bookcase (books) | ~$56–170 / £42–125 | Irreplaceable | Take it (books in your own language) |
My golden rule: if the transport cost exceeds 50% of the replacement price and the item has no sentimental value, I sell it and buy again locally. I sold my IKEA sofa in Lyon for about $225 (£165) and bought an almost identical one on FINN.no in Oslo for about $280 (£210). Transport would have cost me about $445 (£335). Do the maths!
— IngridRecommended removal companies
Here is a selection of companies specialising in international moves to Norway, tested or recommended by the community:
International removal companies
International removal firms
Large international movers with Scandinavian experience offer door-to-door service with full customs handling. Look for FIDI-accredited movers, and BAR (British Association of Removers) members if you are moving from the UK.
Strength: one contact from packing to delivery, customs handled
Groupage and part-load specialists
Smaller firms that run regular shared-load departures to Scandinavia (Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger). Ask for 3 quotes and check how often they actually travel to Norway.
Strength: competitive groupage rates, frequent departures
Demeco / Interdean
European network with a strong presence in Norway. Full relocation service (removal + settling-in assistance).
Strength: additional relocation services
Movinga / Sirelo
Online quote comparison platforms. Handy for quickly getting several proposals and comparing offers.
Strength: easy comparison, fast online quotes
For self-moves
- Europcar Vans: van and truck hire with the option of returning the vehicle in another country (check the conditions)
- Sixt: wide range of commercial vehicles, one-way option to Scandinavia
- LKW Walter: full or part truckload chartering for freight transport
For sending parcels and pallets
- Eurosender: comparison platform for sending parcels and pallets in Europe
- Your national postal service (Royal Mail/Parcelforce, USPS, Canada Post...): for small parcels sent from home (watch the delivery times and customs paperwork for Norway)
- PostNord: the Scandinavian postal service, efficient for intra-Nordic shipments
NEVER choose a removal company on price alone. Check online reviews, ask for references from customers who moved to Scandinavia, and make sure the company is a member of FIDI (Federation of International Movers) or IAM. A cheap mover who breaks your belongings or delivers them 3 weeks late will cost you far more in the end.
Complete moving checklist
Tick things off as you go so you forget nothing:
- Passport/ID card valid (check the expiry date)
- Residence permit/visa obtained (if needed)
- Notice of departure sent to your landlord
- Employment contract or admission letter signed in Norway
- Housing in Norway booked (even temporary)
- Deregistration from your local town hall or authority back home
- Medical records transfer requested from your family doctor
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) ordered
- Registration with your country's consular register for citizens abroad (optional but recommended)
- Electricity/gas cancelled
- Internet/landline cancelled
- Mobile plan adapted (keep your home number or switch to an international plan)
- Insurance cancelled (home, car, etc.)
- Subscriptions cancelled (gym, local streaming, press, etc.)
- Mail redirection activated (through your postal service, 6-12 months)
- Your bank back home informed of your move abroad (keep the account or close it)
- Quotes compared (at least 3 removal companies)
- Removal company booked and contract signed
- Removal insurance taken out
- Detailed inventory completed (mandatory for customs)
- Removal goods form RD-0030 completed
- Boxes packed and labelled (numbering + contents)
- "First days" suitcase prepared separately
- Important documents scanned and saved in the cloud
- Registration with Skatteetaten (tax administration)
- Fødselsnummer application started
- Norwegian bank account opened
- Local phone plan taken out
- Electricity contract taken out (supplier + grid)
- Internet installed
- Family doctor (fastlege) assigned
- Delivery of your shipment received and checked
Moving with a pet
Taking your four-legged companion to Norway is entirely possible, but it requires careful preparation. Norwegian health rules are strict.
Mandatory requirements for dogs and cats
- Microchip: your pet must be identified by a microchip complying with the ISO 11784/11785 standard
- Rabies vaccination: up to date and given after the microchip was implanted. The vaccine must have been administered at least 21 days before entering Norway
- European pet passport: issued by an authorised vet, containing the vaccination and identification details
- Worming treatment: mandatory for dogs. Treatment against tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before entering Norway
Norway is very strict about worming treatment for dogs. The treatment must be recorded in the pet's passport with the date, time and the vet's stamp. If the treatment is not within the time window (24-120h before arrival), your dog may be turned back at the border or placed in quarantine at your expense.
Dog breeds banned in Norway
Norway prohibits the import of certain dog breeds considered dangerous:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Fila Brasileiro
- Tosa Inu
- Dogo Argentino
- Any crossbreed of these breeds
Transporting your pet
By car: the least stressful option for your pet. Plan regular breaks and make sure the border crossing takes place during the opening hours of the veterinary checkpoints.
By plane: pets under 8 kg may travel in the cabin depending on the airline (SAS, Norwegian). Above that, they travel in the pressurised hold. Allow ~$56–225 / £42–165 depending on the airline and the size of the animal.
I made the journey by car with my cat Freya. It was long, but far less stressful for her than flying. Bring a travel litter tray, fresh water and stop every 3 hours. At the Norwegian border, the veterinary check took 10 minutes and everything went very smoothly because I had all the documents ready.
— IngridCosts to expect
- Vet consultation + vaccines + worming treatment: ~$89–170 / £67–125
- European pet passport: ~$17–34 / £13–25
- Transport in the aircraft hold: ~$56–225 / £42–165
- Approved transport crate (if needed): ~$34–110 / £25–83
Bringing your vehicle to Norway
Importing your car into Norway is possible, but it's a decision that deserves some thought. Import taxes can be very high, and the rules are complex.
Duty-free import (relocation)
If you are transferring your main residence to Norway, you can import your vehicle free of duty if:
- You have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months before the move
- The vehicle is for your personal use
- You import the vehicle within 12 months of settling in
- You do not resell the vehicle within 12 months of importing it (otherwise you will have to pay the taxes retroactively)
If your vehicle does not meet the exemption conditions, the taxes can be astronomical. Norway applies a registration tax (engangsavgift) based on weight, CO2 emissions and engine power. For an average petrol or diesel vehicle, allow between ~$5,580 and $16,760 (£4,170–12,510), sometimes more. Electric vehicles are exempt from this tax.
Registration steps
- Norwegian roadworthiness test (EU-kontroll): your vehicle must pass a Norwegian technical inspection at an approved centre
- Customs declaration: complete the vehicle import form with Tollvesenet (customs)
- Registration: apply for new plates from Statens vegvesen (the Norwegian Public Roads Administration)
- Insurance: take out Norwegian car insurance (mandatory before registration)
Should you bring your car? Our analysis
| Criterion | Bring your car | Buy locally |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Transport + registration; import taxes can be very high if you don't qualify for the exemption, and US cars need EU type approval | Varies by vehicle |
| Winter adaptation | Winter tyres required, to be bought | Vehicle already equipped |
| Maintenance | Parts sometimes hard to find for brands and models less common in Norway (especially US-market vehicles) | Local repair network |
| Resale | UK right-hand-drive cars (which also need headlight adjustment) and US-spec cars resell poorly in Norway | Better local resale value |
Importing a car into Norway is heavily taxed, and a right-hand-drive car from the UK or a US-spec car is hard to resell here. In most cases, I recommend selling it back home and buying a car in Norway, ideally an electric one. Electric cars enjoy huge advantages in Norway: no import tax, no tolls, free parking in some cities, access to bus lanes. Norway is the electric-car paradise!
— IngridFrequently asked questions
Ideally, 2 to 3 months in advance. In peak season (May-September), international removal companies are in high demand and prices go up. The earlier you book, the more choice you will have and the more room to negotiate on rates.
It depends where you come from. Norway uses 230V/50Hz with type C/F sockets (two round pins). From the UK (230V, type G plugs), your appliances work fine: you just need a G-to-F plug adapter. From the US or Canada (120V/60Hz), only dual-voltage electronics marked 100–240V (most laptop and phone chargers) will work with a simple plug adapter; other appliances need a voltage transformer or, more often, replacing in Norway.
It is limited. You can bring non-perishable food products in reasonable quantities for personal use (tins, pasta, spices, etc.). Meat, fresh dairy products and certain plants, however, are subject to strict restrictions. Packaged and sealed industrial products generally cause fewer problems than artisanal or homemade ones.
This is where removal insurance is crucial. On delivery, check every box and piece of furniture, and immediately note any damage on the delivery note. Take photos. You generally have 14 to 30 days to report damage to the insurer. Without a detailed inventory and without insurance, it will be very difficult to obtain compensation.
Yes, most international removal companies offer temporary storage in Norway. You can also rent a minilager (storage unit) independently. The main providers are Shurgard, City Self-Storage and OK Minilager. Allow around 800 to 2,000 NOK per month (~$85–210 / £63–160) for a 5 to 10 m² unit depending on the city.
This is a common situation. There are several solutions: ask your removal company to store your belongings in their warehouse in Norway (often a few free days, then charged weekly), rent a temporary minilager, or push back the delivery date in advance if you see the problem coming. In any case, pack a self-sufficient suitcase for 2-3 weeks.
No, it is possible to go through Sweden and enter Norway by road. However, the Hirtshals-Kristiansand or Hirtshals-Larvik ferry (operated by Color Line and Fjord Line) is often the most practical and restful choice. The crossing takes 3 to 4 hours and spares you long detours through northern Denmark and Sweden. Book in advance, especially in summer.
It depends on your situation. If your Norwegian employer covers your move, those costs are generally not taxable for you (within certain limits). If you pay yourself, moving costs are unfortunately not deductible from Norwegian taxes for individuals. However, some employers offer a relocation package that covers all or part of the costs. Negotiate it before signing your contract!
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