Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Norway Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Bergen's property market is included in our pack
Bergen offers an unusual mix of city amenities and immediate access to fjords, mountains, and hiking trails, making it one of the most nature-connected cities in Western Europe.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest data and insights to make sure you have the most current information when planning your move to Bergen.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Bergen.
Is Bergen a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Bergen remains stable and high by international standards, with the city continuing to rank among Norway's most livable destinations thanks to its strong public services, safety, and nature access.
The factor that has improved the most in Bergen over the past two to three years is the expansion of sustainable transport options, including better cycling infrastructure and updated light rail connections that make car-free living more practical in central neighborhoods like Nordnes and Kronstad.
However, housing affordability in Bergen has remained a persistent challenge, with rental prices continuing to climb and purchase competition staying tight in desirable boroughs like Bergenhus and Fana, putting pressure on newcomers who arrive without established local income.
Are hospitals good in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Bergen are considered excellent by Western European standards, with the city hosting one of Norway's major university hospital systems that serves as a referral hub for the entire western region of the country.
The hospitals expats most commonly rely on in Bergen are Haukeland University Hospital, which handles complex specialist care and emergencies, and Haraldsplass Diakonale Sykehus, a contracted public hospital often used for certain treatments and procedures.
A standard GP consultation in Bergen in 2026 costs around NOK 179 (approximately $18 USD or 15 EUR) during daytime hours, with evening consultations costing NOK 301 (around $30 USD or 26 EUR), and there is an annual cap of NOK 3,278 (about $328 USD or 283 EUR) after which approved services become free.
Private health insurance is generally not necessary for expats properly registered in the Norwegian system, but it can be useful if you want faster access to specialists, prefer English-speaking private clinics, or your employer offers it as a benefit.
Are there any good international schools in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, Bergen has a limited but quality selection of international schools, with the flagship option being the IB-curriculum school that serves expat families from around the world.
The most reputable international school among expat families in Bergen is the International School of Bergen (ISB), which offers the International Baccalaureate program from early years through to diploma level.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Bergen for the 2025-2026 school year typically range from NOK 80,000 to NOK 150,000 (approximately $8,000 to $15,000 USD or 6,900 to 12,900 EUR), depending on grade level, with additional costs for transport, meals, and activities.
Waitlists at ISB can be significant depending on timing and grade availability, so applying early is strongly recommended; meanwhile, public schools in Bergen are generally high quality by Norwegian standards and many expat families choose them when planning a longer stay that allows for Norwegian language integration.
Is Bergen a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Bergen is considered a safe city by international standards, consistently ranking among the safest urban areas in Europe for both residents and expats, with low rates of violent crime.
The most common safety concerns expats should be aware of in Bergen are petty theft in crowded tourist areas around Bryggen and Torgallmenningen, occasional disorder near nightlife spots on weekend evenings, and the need for caution during dark and rainy winter months when visibility is poor.
The neighborhoods generally considered safest for expats to live in Bergen include Nordnes, Nygard, and Landas in the central boroughs, as well as family-friendly areas like Nesttun in Fana and parts of Fyllingsdalen that offer good value and community feel.
Women can generally live alone safely in Bergen, and no special precautions beyond normal urban awareness are typically needed, though reflective clothing and good lighting awareness matter more here than in sunnier cities due to the dark and wet winter conditions.
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How much does everyday life cost in Bergen in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person needs around NOK 32,000 to 38,000 per month (approximately $3,200 to $3,800 USD or 2,760 to 3,280 EUR) in net take-home pay to live comfortably in Bergen with central housing, regular dining out, and weekend trips.
For a modest but decent lifestyle in Bergen, a realistic monthly budget is around NOK 26,000 to 30,000 (approximately $2,600 to $3,000 USD or 2,240 to 2,590 EUR), covering a 1-bedroom rental, home cooking, public transport, and basic leisure activities.
For a more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Bergen with a larger apartment, regular restaurant meals, gym membership, and frequent travel within Norway, expect to spend NOK 38,000 to 48,000 per month (approximately $3,800 to $4,800 USD or 3,280 to 4,140 EUR) for a single person or couple.
In Bergen, housing typically takes the largest share of a monthly budget at around 35 to 45 percent, with average rent for a 2-room apartment running about NOK 11,870 per month (approximately $1,190 USD or 1,020 EUR) and utilities adding NOK 1,800 to 2,600 depending on the season.
What is the average income tax rate in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Bergen with a gross annual salary of around NOK 600,000 (approximately $60,000 USD or 51,700 EUR) can expect an effective tax rate of about 30 to 33 percent, including social security contributions.
Norway's income tax in 2026 is progressive: there is no bracket tax on income below NOK 226,100, then rates rise in steps from 1.7 percent up to 17.6 percent on income above NOK 1,573,500, combined with a flat 22 percent general income tax and employee social contributions of around 7.9 percent.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Norway versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Bergen in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest expat communities in Bergen come from EU and EEA countries such as Poland, Lithuania, and Germany, followed by significant numbers from the UK, the US, and various Asian countries including the Philippines and India.
Bergen's foreign-born population makes up approximately 18 to 20 percent of the city's residents, with around 55,000 to 60,000 people born outside Norway living in the Bergen metropolitan area.
The main reasons expats from these countries are drawn to Bergen include employment opportunities in the maritime, offshore energy, and seafood industries, as well as study opportunities at the University of Bergen and family reunification pathways.
Bergen's expat population is predominantly a mix of working professionals in technical and specialist roles, university students and researchers, and family migration cases, rather than retirees or digital nomads who tend to favor warmer destinations.
Where do most expats live in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Bergen tend to concentrate in the central Bergenhus borough neighborhoods of Nordnes, Nygard, and Mohlenpris, as well as in Arstad areas like Landas and Kronstad that offer good transit links to Haukeland University Hospital and the city center.
What makes these Bergen neighborhoods attractive to expats is the combination of walkability, proximity to English-friendly services and international community hubs, easy access to public transport, and the ability to live without a car while still reaching hiking trails on Floyen and Ulriken within minutes.
Emerging neighborhoods in Bergen that are starting to attract more expats include Fyllingsdalen, which offers better value per square meter and larger housing stock, and Laksevag areas like Damsgard that combine affordability with outdoor access and improving amenities.
Are expats moving in or leaving Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, Bergen continues to see a net inflow of foreign residents, with the city remaining structurally attractive due to its university ecosystem, major employers in energy and maritime sectors, and high quality of public services.
The main factor driving expats to move to Bergen right now is the availability of specialist jobs in the energy transition, maritime technology, and seafood export industries, combined with Norway's strong social safety net and family-friendly policies.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Bergen recently is the high cost of living relative to salaries, especially for those in non-technical roles, combined with the challenging dark and wet winter climate that some find difficult to adjust to long-term.
Compared to similar destinations in the Nordic region, Bergen's expat inflow is steadier but smaller in absolute numbers than Oslo or Stockholm, though Bergen offers a more compact and nature-accessible lifestyle that appeals to a specific type of professional or family.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Bergen in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa pathways for expats moving to Bergen are the skilled worker residence permit for those with a job offer, family immigration permits for those joining a spouse or partner in Norway, and EU/EEA registration for European citizens exercising free movement rights.
The most commonly used skilled worker permit requires a job offer from a Norwegian employer, relevant qualifications such as a degree or three years of vocational training, and a salary meeting minimum thresholds set by Norwegian immigration authorities.
Norway does not have a traditional digital nomad visa, but self-employed individuals with at least one Norwegian client can apply for an Independent Contractor visa that allows up to two years of residence with renewal options, though this requires meeting minimum income thresholds of around NOK 360,000 per year (approximately $36,000 USD or 31,000 EUR).
The skilled worker permit in Bergen is typically valid for one to three years initially and can be renewed as long as employment continues, with a pathway to permanent residency after three years of continuous legal residence.
How long does it take to get residency in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time for a skilled worker residence permit is around two to four months from application submission, but Bergen-specific bottlenecks at the local Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA) can add up to six weeks of waiting time just to get an appointment for identity verification.
Factors that can delay the residency process in Bergen include incomplete documentation, missing translations or apostilles, and high demand periods at the police and SUA offices; having all documents prepared in advance and applying during lower-traffic periods can speed things up significantly.
To become eligible for permanent residency in Norway, an expat must live continuously in the country for at least three years with valid residence permits, meet income requirements of at least NOK 310,070 per year, and pass Norwegian language and social studies tests at the B1 level; citizenship eligibility comes after seven to eight years of total residence.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Norway. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Bergen in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the industries hiring the most in Bergen are maritime and offshore energy services, including green energy transition roles, the seafood and aquaculture export sector, and healthcare, with growing demand in technology and engineering positions tied to these core industries.
Getting hired in Bergen without speaking Norwegian is realistic for specialist roles in tech, engineering, research, and international business, but your options expand significantly with Norwegian language skills for customer-facing positions, public sector jobs, and many service industry roles.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Bergen include subsea engineering, marine technology, software development for maritime or energy applications, research positions at the University of Bergen, and specialist healthcare roles where international qualifications are recognized.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical salary ranges for expats working in Bergen fall between NOK 550,000 and NOK 900,000 gross per year (approximately $55,000 to $90,000 USD or 47,400 to 77,600 EUR), depending on industry, experience level, and whether the role is technical or managerial.
Entry-level and mid-level expat positions in Bergen typically pay between NOK 450,000 and NOK 650,000 gross per year (approximately $45,000 to $65,000 USD or 38,800 to 56,000 EUR), which translates to roughly NOK 28,000 to 36,000 net monthly take-home pay after taxes.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Bergen, particularly in subsea engineering, maritime technology, or healthcare leadership, can command salaries of NOK 800,000 to NOK 1,200,000 gross per year (approximately $80,000 to $120,000 USD or 69,000 to 103,400 EUR).
Employers in Bergen commonly sponsor work visas for true skill-shortage roles in engineering, technology, and healthcare, but Norway's paperwork requirements are extensive and employers expect candidates to have their qualifications documented and degree recognition sorted before the hiring process begins.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Bergen right now?
What do expats love most about living in Bergen right now?
The things expats love most about living in Bergen are the extraordinary access to nature, with mountains and fjords reachable within minutes from the city center, the compact and walkable urban layout, and the high baseline of trust, safety, and public services that Norway provides.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Bergen is the work-life balance, with Norwegian work culture emphasizing reasonable hours, generous parental leave, and a genuine expectation that weekends and vacations are for rest and outdoor activities rather than work.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Bergen is the ability to live car-free in central neighborhoods while still having easy access to hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation through public transport and short walks to trailheads on Floyen and Ulriken mountains.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Bergen particularly enjoyable for expats is the city's strong identity as Norway's second city, with a rich maritime heritage, active music and arts scene, and a community that takes pride in its distinct character compared to Oslo.
What do expats dislike most about life in Bergen right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Bergen are the persistent rain and grey skies that can last for weeks, the dark winters with limited daylight from November through February, and the high cost of housing that makes settling in financially stressful for newcomers.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Bergen is the weather-driven clothing management, where rain gear, waterproof boots, and layering become constant considerations, and the need to check forecasts before any outdoor plans can feel exhausting after a while.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Bergen is the D-number and national ID registration process, which creates a catch-22 where you need an ID number to open a bank account and receive salary, but getting the number requires appointments and documentation that can take weeks to arrange.
These frustrations are generally manageable rather than deal-breakers for most expats in Bergen, as the city's strong positives tend to outweigh the challenges once you adjust to the climate, build a local network, and get through the initial settling-in paperwork phase.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Bergen right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Bergen are the reserved social style where people can seem distant until a genuine connection is established, the intense outdoor culture where hiking in any weather is normal rather than exceptional, and the high prices for everyday items like groceries, restaurants, and alcohol.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in Bergen is the expectation of planning ahead for social activities, even casual meetups, as Norwegians tend to schedule weeks in advance rather than making spontaneous plans, and showing up unannounced is considered impolite.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Bergen is the seasonal rhythm of life, where summer brings endless daylight and a rush of outdoor activity, while winter requires embracing the darkness with cozy indoor rituals, candles, and the Norwegian concept of "kos" to stay mentally healthy.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Norway compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Bergen in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally buy and own property in Bergen without major restrictions, as Norway generally allows foreign property ownership for residential purposes in urban areas.
The main restriction that applies to foreigners buying property in Bergen is for certain rural properties, agricultural land, or traditional cabins in regulated areas, where concession approval may be required and can add weeks to the purchase process with conditions like residency commitments.
Foreigners in Bergen can buy apartments, houses, and most urban residential property freely; the bigger practical challenge is not legality but financing and registration, since you need a Norwegian ID number to sign contracts, open bank accounts, and register ownership with the authorities.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Bergen.
What is the average price per m² in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Bergen is around NOK 60,000 to 62,000 (approximately $6,000 to $6,200 USD or 5,170 to 5,345 EUR), with central Bergenhus areas often commanding higher prices and outer boroughs like Fyllingsdalen offering better value.
Property prices in Bergen have shown moderate growth over the past two to three years, with demand remaining steady due to the city's economic stability, limited new construction in central areas, and continued attraction of workers in the maritime and energy sectors.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Bergen here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners are available in Bergen but come with stricter requirements than for Norwegian residents, including larger down payments typically ranging from 25 to 40 percent and more extensive documentation of income and assets.
The banks in Bergen with the strongest track record for serving foreign mortgage applicants include DNB, Nordea, and SpareBank 1, all of which have experience evaluating foreign income documentation and providing English-language service.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Bergen include down payments of 25 to 40 percent, variable interest rates around 4.6 to 5.3 percent as of early 2026, and maximum loan terms of 25 to 30 years, with fixed-rate options available for shorter periods at slightly higher rates.
To qualify for a mortgage as a foreigner in Bergen, you typically need a Norwegian personal identification number, documented stable income preferably from a Norwegian employer, proof of funds for the down payment with clear source documentation, and a clean credit history from your home country.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Norway.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Bergen, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can, and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics Norway (SSB) Rental Market Survey | SSB is Norway's official statistics agency with standardized methodology. | We used Bergen-specific rent levels as the anchor for realistic monthly budgets. We cross-checked consumer spending estimates using this official data. |
| Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) | This is the primary source for Norway's official tax rates by year. | We used the 2026 bracket tax steps to model how income tax affects different salary levels. We combined this with social contribution rates to estimate effective tax burdens. |
| Helsenorge | Norway's official public health portal for residents and patients. | We used exact 2026 co-pay amounts for GP and out-of-hours care. We also explained the annual exemption card cap so healthcare costs are not overstated. |
| UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) | UDI is the national authority for immigration rules and permit categories. | We used UDI to describe the skilled worker and family immigration pathways. We cross-checked timelines with police appointment realities for Bergen-specific guidance. |
| Politiet (Police) Western District | The police handle identity checks and residence steps with published queue times. | We used this for Bergen-specific appointment wait times rather than national averages. We incorporated this into realistic move timelines for early 2026. |
| OsloMet SIFO Reference Budget | SIFO budgets are a standard Norwegian benchmark for reasonable spending. | We used this to estimate non-rent living costs with a Norway-calibrated baseline. We combined it with SSB rent to produce confident monthly budget ranges. |
| International School of Bergen | The school's official published fee schedule for the relevant school year. | We used ISB tuition figures to give concrete international schooling costs. We advised budgeting buffers for extras based on this official data. |
| Nordvik Bolig Bergen Price Statistics | A broker index that clearly states its methodology and data collaboration. | We used this for a concrete Bergen price per square meter estimate. We triangulated it with Eiendom Norge trend commentary for market direction. |
| OECD Better Life Index | The international standard for comparing quality of life across countries. | We used Norway's OECD rankings for safety, work-life balance, and well-being context. We applied this framework to understand Bergen's livability relative to global standards. |
| Bergen Municipality | The city government is the authoritative source for municipal services. | We used this for newcomer pathways, borough structure, and practical local links. We kept neighborhood and services advice Bergen-specific using official guidance. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Norway. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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