21 Secrets About Living In Norway To Know Before Moving

Picture the Northern lights, diverse natural landscapes, and polar bears on your doorstep.

Okay, not literally, but you get the idea.

Norway is home to some of the most beautiful sights this world offers. If you’re thinking of moving to the land of the midnight sun, then here’s all you need to know and more!

Sections

1. The vast majority of Norwegians speak English

Most Norwegians can speak English which is great if you’re traveling. But if you’re planning on moving there, it’s highly recommended that you start learning Norwegian. This will help you find work and make it easier to communicate and get along with others.

If you’re planning on becoming a permanent citizen, you will need to know and understand the Norwegian language to obtain status. Luckily there are tons of online sites and classes to visit to learn how to speak Norwegian!

2. The cost of living in Norway

You should note that Scandanavia is one of the most expensive regions.

Wages are high in Norway, and the cost of living there is high. Accommodation is generally very costly, and almost everything costs money in Norway. For example, you pay tax every year for owning a TV.

You may be earning a higher salary, but your way of life will change as you can’t afford the same luxuries you had back in the states. But everything else about Norway makes it worth it. You’ll soon realize that you don’t need that much anyway!

3. Norway is the fifth happiest country in the world

Nothing seems to bring the people of Norway down. According to the UNs World Happiness Report, Norway has made the top five for several years now. This is because of their exceptional work-life balance, and their mental health is taken care of in their work environment. They are treated so well and love their work, so they don’t experience the same stress as others.

They spend a lot of time in nature, as their natural environment is one of the most beautiful in the world. This makes them feel relaxed, and they fully dedicate themselves to the outdoors.

They have great social support systems, and access to them is equal and free. This gives them a sense of independence and comfort in knowing that they will be cared for if anything goes wrong.

Norway has hardly any corruption, and people are honest and trustworthy. Their crime rates are also meager, so the community feels very safe. Tons of factors in the Norwegian lifestyle influence their happiness!

4. Norway’s healthcare system is universal

Taxes fund their healthcare, and everyone is automatically enrolled. It covers mental health, ambulatory, primary, hospital care, and outpatient prescription medication.

You pay a certain amount each year on medical bills, and once you have reached that amount, all other treatments and doctor visits are covered for the rest of the year.

5. The law known as ‘Allemannsretten’

The people in Norway have a lot of freedom, and this law allows travelers or anyone to pitch up their tent and hike anywhere around Norway. (Obviously not in the city center).

This gives people the chance to make themselves at home anywhere in the mountains or the outdoors. This also helps you save some cash on accommodation when traveling!

6. Taxes in Norway

The tax in Norway is automated as it is already included in the price of goods, which saves you a lot of time when doing your annual taxes. Norwegian taxpayers are liable for wealth and income tax. Their tax rates are relatively high since the revenue is spent on health services and other public services, so you’re sure to benefit from your tax in the long run!

7. Gender equality in Norway

Norway has been a world leader in gender equality, and it spreads into all sectors of the country, from the Norwegian government to jobs. They have ensured that women are getting the same opportunities as men. There is also a tremendous female representation in politics. About 36% of them are women, much higher than in other countries.

8. They are the world’s most democratic country

Norwegian people are automatically registered to place a vote, and they know that their voices will be heard in doing so. The relationship between the lawmakers and the people is excellent, and their political parties collaborate rather than compete and have a rivalry. Politicians engage the people, and there is no sense of them being elite or superior either.

9. The country is a haven for LGBT people

Scandinavian countries are very progressive, and they have a high tolerance and societal acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.

They were one of the first countries to implement an anti-discrimination law regarding sexual orientation.

Adoption, same-sex marriage, and change of gender have been legal for years in Norway.

10. Coffee is really popular

If you move to Norway, you’ll realize that coffee is big.

They drink it with breakfast, after dinner, with dessert, and during the day. There are coffee shops on nearly every street corner – so people can quickly get their next fix, and due to their cold climate, people also enjoy a nice warm cuppa. They also have Turkaffe; this is hiking coffee and has been a tradition for years.

11. A great place to raise children

This beautiful country is rated as one of the best countries to raise kids. They care a lot about the well-being of children and the future generation, so they ensure that their education, nutrition, and health are cared for.

Parents are also given a monthly allowance for their children, daycares are open for long hours, and parental leave is at full pay for the first 44 weeks. So parents and children are supported from the start and throughout their lives. It sounds like an absolute dream!

12. Norway is really safe

Crime rates are low in all of their significant cities. The Nordic country has great confidence in its police force. It’s safe to walk alone at night. Their police don’t carry guns with them.

Most crimes occur in offices or home burglaries, but they are rare. The worst that may happen is witnessing or quarreling with someone after a night out in the big city.

Overall, it’s a very safe country.

13. Respect personal space

Many Norwegians value their personal space.

Standing an arms-length apart is very common even when around family and friends. It is not pleasant to stand too close to someone when talking to them, and it may be best to avoid putting your arm around them or giving them a friendly touch.

14. Taco Friday

Believe it or not, tacos are a favorite dish in Norway.

Norwegians LOVE their tacos, so much so that eating them has become a tradition and branded as Tacofredag. Family members like to enjoy a lavish meal together, and they’ve started indulging in sharing dishes, making tacos the perfect pick.

Stores even rearrange their layout to find all taco ingredients in the front on Fridays. Who doesn’t love a Norwegian-Mexican fiesta?

15. It’s a skiers’ paradise

Norwegians love the outdoors, so naturally, they love the snow-covered mountains during the winter months.

The ski resorts are incredible, the views are breathtaking, and the season is a long one – so skiers live for it! There are also high-altitude resorts, meaning that the skiing season can go through summer.

If you’re moving to Norway, you can happily cruise down the slopes no matter the month!

16. Norwegians aren’t overly emotional or affectionate

Norwegians tend to bury their feelings and don’t express them too much.

They are emotional; they just don’t show it. Norwegians have their way of expressing themselves, and it differs from other cultures who hug or kiss every time they greet someone. They emphasize more minor signs of affection like a wave or an invite – it is just learning to recognize them.

17. Tipping isn’t customary in Norway

In Norway, it’s standard to round up the cheque to the nearest 10 or 100.

People don’t generally leave anything above that, and they will be surprised if you add an extra 10% or so on to the cheque – although they would appreciate it.

But tipping isn’t as necessary as it is in the states, so there’s no need to feel rude if you don’t do it!

18. They love football

From watching to playing, football is prevalent.

It’s the number one women’s sport globally, and they have 325,000 players registered. The English Premier League is extremely popular, and a love for football will undoubtedly make you friends in Norway.

Just make sure that you’re familiar with the name Erling Braut Haaland.

You’ll thank me later!

19. Job opportunities for expats in Norway

If you are moving to Norway, you will need to find a job. Luckily, some sectors have a skills shortage due to the country’s size.

But I cannot tell you how important it is to learn Norwegian; finding a job will be slightly easier. Look at industries like finance, IT, teaching, research, and engineering.

20. Norwegian food and drink

Fish is a staple in Norway, and many suggest trying the salmon – we have Norway to thank for salmon sushi as they convinced various Japanese companies to buy their salmon. Many dishes also incorporate fish into them, and they love indulging in traditional dishes too!

Norway regulates its alcohol sales. You can’t buy alcohol at supermarkets over the weekend and don’t expect anything higher than 4.7% ABV. Most liquor needs to be purchased from a state-run alcohol shop. But they do love a good beer and some wine.

21. The Winter Olympics are a significant event for them

Norway has more medals than any other country in the whole history of the Winter Olympics.

The skiing culture and winter sports are big in Norway. The average Norwegian may start engaging in these activities from a young age. If you move to Norway, expect to support its teams in the Olympic games. The culture around it is based entirely on camaraderie.

FAQs

How can I get Norwegian citizenship?

You would have lived in Norway for seven years out of the last ten years to get citizenship. You will also need a valid Permanent Residence Permit, and it should be valid until the end of the application process.

You’ll need to know Norway’s customs, language, history, and society. If you fulfill all of their requirements, you shouldn’t have any trouble.

Who is eligible for a Norwegian passport?

Only those who are Norwegian citizens are eligible for a passport. However, you will still need to apply and submit specific documentation. Parents could pass down their Norwegian citizenship to their children if born in Norway or abroad.

Does Norway welcome international students?

They certainly do.

It is a top-rated destination for students as public universities are tuition-free. But it is very competitive as space is limited. You will need to meet their language requirements.

What is Norwegian society like?

If you move to Norway, expect equality, openness, and informality. Their values are based on egalitarianism, and they are very progressive. They are one of the happiest nations in the world, and that says a lot about their society in itself.

What is Northern Norway known for?

It’s famous for the Northern Lights and the aurora borealis you’ll see dancing in the sky, an absolute must-see if you move to Norway. The sun doesn’t set during the summer, so they have 24 hours of daylight.

But their winters are pretty harsh. You will undoubtedly see some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, from the sea to the fjords and mountains.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Norway is a great decision, certainly if you can afford it and can find a suitable job. You can also get tons of help to make a move easier; MoverDB.com has excellent tips and resources.

Everything is possible, and who wouldn’t want to live in one of the happiest places in the world?

You and the whole family are sure to live a good life there.

So if you’re thinking about moving to Norway, I highly recommend taking the plunge!