Moving to Oslo: Your Complete Relocation Guide
Moving to Oslo, Norway is an exciting opportunity - you'll enjoy one of the world's highest standards of living, excellent work-life balance, stunning natural surroundings, and a safe, clean environment. However, relocating to Norway involves specific bureaucratic steps, from securing proper visas to registering with authorities and navigating the housing market.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of moving to Oslo, whether you're coming from the EU/EEA, the US, or elsewhere. We cover visa requirements, finding housing, mandatory registrations, opening bank accounts, healthcare enrollment, and practical tips for settling into Norwegian life.
Step 1: Visa & Work Permits
Do You Need a Visa?
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
No visa required. You have the right to live and work in Norway freely. However, you must register with local authorities (Folkeregisteret) if staying longer than 3 months.
- • Stay up to 3 months: No registration needed
- • Stay 3+ months: Register within first 3 months
- • Bring: Valid passport/ID, proof of employment or funds
Non-EU/EEA Citizens (US, Canada, Australia, etc.)
Residence permit required. You must apply for and receive approval BEFORE entering Norway. Application process takes 2-6 months.
Common Permit Types:
- Skilled Worker Permit: Requires job offer with minimum salary (~€45,000/year). Most common for professionals.
- Job Seeker Visa: 6-month permit to search for work (requires university degree + sufficient funds).
- Student Permit: Requires university admission + proof of funds (€13,000/year minimum).
- Family Immigration: Join Norwegian resident/citizen family member.
Important: Apply through UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) at udi.no. NEVER move to Norway before permit approval. Processing: 2-6 months typically. Application fee: ~€600.
Step 2: Finding Housing
Oslo's housing market is competitive and expensive. Start searching 2-3 months before your move date.
Where to Search
- Finn.no - Primary rental platform (90% of listings)
- Hybel.no - Rooms and small apartments
- Facebook Groups - "Oslo Housing", "Leilighet til leie Oslo"
- Tinde.io - Premium apartment platform
- Your employer - Some companies assist with housing
What You'll Need
- Employment contract or proof of income
- Valid ID/passport
- References from previous landlords
- Norwegian D-number or fødselsnummer (if available)
- Deposit: 2-3 months' rent upfront
Rental Costs (2025)
- • Studio apartment (city center): €1,200-1,600/month
- • 1-bedroom (city center): €1,400-2,000/month
- • 2-bedroom (city center): €2,000-2,800/month
- • Deposit: 2-3 months' rent (refundable)
- • Utilities: €100-200/month additional
Step 3: Register with Authorities
Mandatory within first weeks of arrival. Registration is crucial for accessing healthcare, banking, and employment.
1. Register at Folkeregisteret (Population Register)
Register your address and get either a D-number (temporary) or fødselsnummer (permanent ID number). Required for everything in Norway.
- • When: Within first week of arrival
- • Where: Local Skatteetaten (Tax Office) or Service Center
- • Bring: Passport, proof of address, employment contract/residence permit
- • Result: D-number immediately, fødselsnummer after 6 months
2. Register with Tax Authorities (Skatteetaten)
Get tax card (skattekort) so your employer can withhold correct tax amount.
- • Usually combined with Folkeregisteret registration
- • Tax card issued immediately or via post
- • Necessary before receiving first salary
3. Register for National ID (BankID)
BankID is Norway's digital identification system. Essential for online banking, government services, and most digital transactions.
- • Get from your Norwegian bank when opening account
- • Mobile BankID app for smartphone
- • Used for: banking, tax returns, healthcare, contracts
Step 4: Open a Norwegian Bank Account
Norwegian bank account is essential for receiving salary, paying rent, and daily transactions. Most places don't accept foreign cards.
Popular Banks
- DNB - Largest bank, best online services
- Nordea - International presence
- Sparebank 1 - Local branches
- Sbanken - Online-only, lowest fees
Requirements
- Valid passport/ID
- D-number or fødselsnummer
- Proof of address (rental contract)
- Residence permit (non-EU/EEA)
- In-person visit usually required
Pro Tip: Open account within first 2 weeks. Without Norwegian account, receiving salary and paying rent is difficult. Some banks (DNB, Nordea) have English-speaking staff. Monthly fees: €5-15 typically.
Step 5: Healthcare Registration
Norway has universal healthcare. Once registered in population register, you're entitled to Norwegian healthcare services.
Get a General Practitioner (Fastlege)
Everyone in Norway must have a designated GP. This is your primary healthcare contact.
- • Register at helsenorge.no (requires BankID)
- • Choose GP near your address
- • Free to register and change GP
- • GP visit: €20-30 (co-pay), subsidized
Health Insurance & Costs
- • Annual cap: ~€260 out-of-pocket, then free
- • Emergency care: Always free
- • Prescriptions: Subsidized, track toward annual cap
- • Dental: NOT covered (expensive, consider insurance)
- • European Health Card: Keep for first 6 months
Step 6: Essential Services & Setup
Mobile Phone
Get Norwegian SIM immediately
- • Telenor, Telia, Ice.net main providers
- • Prepaid: €20-30/month
- • Contract requires Norwegian ID
Internet
Often included in rent, otherwise:
- • Fiber: €30-50/month
- • Setup: 2-4 weeks typically
- • Altibox, Telenor, Telia providers
Transport Pass
Essential for daily commute
- • Ruter app for Oslo region
- • 30-day pass: €85
- • Annual: €900 (best value)
TV License (NRK)
Mandatory if owning TV/streaming
- • Included in tax for residents
- • No separate payment needed
Complete Moving Checklist
Before Moving (2-6 months prior)
First Week in Oslo
First Month
️ Learning Norwegian
While most Norwegians speak excellent English, learning Norwegian significantly improves integration, career opportunities, and daily life quality.
Free Norwegian Courses
- • Free for immigrants: 600 hours Norwegian + social studies
- • Requirements: Residence permit holders
- • Where: Voksenopplæringen (adult education centers)
- • Levels: A1 to B2
Other Options
- • University courses: UiO, OsloMet offer Norwegian
- • Language cafes: Free practice groups
- • Apps: Duolingo, Babbel (Norwegian)
- • NRK: Norwegian TV/radio (great practice)
Initial Costs Estimate
Budget for Moving to Oslo
| Residence permit application | €600 |
| Flight/relocation | €500-2,000 |
| Temporary accommodation (2 weeks) | €800-1,200 |
| Apartment deposit (2-3 months) | €3,000-6,000 |
| First month's rent | €1,500-2,500 |
| Initial setup (furniture, kitchen) | €1,000-3,000 |
| Living expenses (first month) | €1,000-1,500 |
| Total Initial Budget | €8,400-17,300 |