Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Norway Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Norway Property Pack
Norway ranks among the best countries in the world for quality of life, safety, and public services, which makes it a top destination for expats in 2026.
This guide covers everything you need to know before moving to Norway, from monthly budgets and taxes to neighborhoods, visas, jobs, and buying property as a foreigner.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest changes in costs, regulations, and expat experiences in Norway.
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 Norway.
Is Norway a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Norway remains stable but households feel more pressure from elevated costs for housing, groceries, and interest rates compared to a few years ago.
The factor that has improved the most in Norway over the past two to three years is the healthcare exemption card system, which now caps annual out-of-pocket medical expenses at 3,278 NOK, protecting residents from unexpected healthcare costs.
However, housing affordability in major cities like Oslo continues to be a persistent challenge, as property prices rose by about 5% in 2025 and are expected to increase another 5-6% in 2026, making it harder for newcomers to get on the property ladder.
Despite these cost pressures, Norway still delivers exceptional public services, safety, and access to nature, which is why most expats consider it worthwhile once their income adjusts to local levels.
Are hospitals good in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Norway meet or exceed Western European and North American standards for clinical quality, though some expats find waiting times for non-urgent specialist care frustrating.
The hospitals expats most commonly recommend in Norway include Oslo University Hospital (which includes the renowned Rikshospitalet), Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, and St. Olavs Hospital in Trondheim.
A standard GP consultation in Norway in 2026 costs about 179 NOK (approximately 17 USD or 15 EUR) during daytime hours and 301 NOK (approximately 30 USD or 25 EUR) for evening appointments, with costs capped once you reach the annual exemption limit of 3,278 NOK.
Private health insurance is not strictly necessary if you are covered by the National Insurance Scheme through employment or residence, but many expats choose it anyway to access faster specialist appointments and English-speaking private clinics.
Are there any good international schools in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, Norway has a solid selection of international schools in its major cities, with quality ranging from good to excellent depending on the school and location.
The most reputable international schools for expat families in Norway include Oslo International School, International School of Bergen, and Trondheim International School, each offering IB or English-language curricula.
Annual tuition fees in Norway in 2026 vary dramatically: Oslo International School charges about 277,000 NOK per year (approximately 27,000 USD or 23,000 EUR), while state-supported schools like Trondheim International School cost only 35,000-38,000 NOK per year (approximately 3,500 USD or 3,000 EUR).
Waitlists at popular schools in Oslo can be significant, so families should apply 6-12 months in advance; Norwegian public schools are generally high quality but require language integration, which works better for younger children.
Is Norway a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Norway remains one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates and high trust in public institutions.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Norway are minor issues like bicycle theft in urban areas and occasional pickpocketing in tourist zones such as Oslo Central Station during peak season, rather than violent crime.
The safest neighborhoods for expats to live in Norway include Frogner, Majorstuen, and Ullern in Oslo; Nordnes and Sandviken in Bergen; and Eiganes and Gamle Stavanger in Stavanger, all of which are well-lit, well-connected, and family-friendly.
Women can generally live alone safely throughout Norway, including walking at night in central areas, though standard city precautions apply around nightlife districts and late-night public transport as in any European capital.
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How much does everyday life cost in Norway in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person needs approximately 32,000-42,000 NOK per month (about 3,100-4,100 USD or 2,700-3,500 EUR) to live comfortably in Oslo, including rent, food, transport, and social activities.
For a modest but decent lifestyle in Norway, a single person can manage on about 25,000-30,000 NOK per month (approximately 2,400-2,900 USD or 2,100-2,500 EUR) by choosing a smaller apartment outside the city center and cooking at home regularly.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Norway requires 45,000-60,000 NOK per month (approximately 4,400-5,900 USD or 3,800-5,000 EUR), which covers a nicer apartment in a central neighborhood, regular dining out, and weekend activities.
Housing consistently takes the largest share of a monthly budget in Norway, typically 40-50% of total expenses, with Oslo rents for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from 12,000-20,000 NOK per month depending on location and quality.
What is the average income tax rate in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Norway pays an effective income tax rate of approximately 28-35% on their gross salary, including income tax and employee social security contributions.
Norway's income tax system combines a flat "ordinary income" tax component with a progressive "bracket tax" (trinnskatt) that steps up through five brackets, with marginal rates ranging from 1.7% on income above 208,050 NOK to 17.6% on income above 1,350,000 NOK in 2026.
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 Norway in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest expat and immigrant groups in Norway come from Poland (about 110,000 people), Ukraine (about 66,000), Lithuania (about 43,000), Syria (about 39,000), and Sweden (about 37,000), reflecting both labor migration and humanitarian arrivals.
Norway's total immigrant population reached approximately 931,000 in 2024, representing about 17% of the country's 5.6 million residents, with an additional 4% being children of two immigrant parents.
European labor migrants, particularly from Poland and the Baltic states, are drawn to Norway by high wages in construction, energy, and services, while refugees from Syria, Eritrea, and Somalia arrived through Norway's humanitarian protection programs.
The expat population in Norway is predominantly working professionals, with labor migration and family reunification being the main immigration pathways, rather than retirees or digital nomads, since Norway does not offer a specific digital nomad visa.
Where do most expats live in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Norway concentrate primarily in central neighborhoods of Oslo (Frogner, Majorstuen, St. Hanshaugen, Grunerløkka), Bergen (Nordnes, Sandviken), Stavanger (Eiganes, Våland), and Trondheim (Bakklandet, Ila).
These neighborhoods attract expats because they combine walkability, good public transport connections, proximity to international schools, and a mix of cafes, restaurants, and cultural amenities where English is commonly spoken.
Emerging areas gaining expat interest include Gamle Oslo in Oslo's east (offering better value while still connected), Møhlenpris in Bergen (popular with young professionals), and Byåsen in Trondheim (attractive for families wanting more space).
Are expats moving in or leaving Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, Norway shows a modest net inflow of expats, though migration levels decreased about 14% in 2024 compared to 2023, partly due to stricter visa policies and reduced Ukrainian arrivals as temporary protection eligibility narrowed.
The main factors drawing expats to Norway right now include strong job markets in technology, energy, and healthcare, excellent public services, and a safe environment for raising families.
The main factors causing some expats to leave Norway include the high cost of living (especially housing in Oslo), the challenge of building social connections with Norwegians, and dark winters that affect mental wellbeing.
Compared to neighboring Sweden and Denmark, Norway maintains a more stable expat population with less dramatic inflow fluctuations, though it is also seen as harder to integrate into socially than other Nordic countries.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Norway in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Norway are the Skilled Worker permit (for those with a job offer), the Family Immigration permit (to join a spouse or partner), and the Student permit (for university enrollment).
The Skilled Worker visa requires a concrete job offer from a Norwegian employer, qualifications that match the position (typically a university degree or vocational training), and a salary meeting minimum thresholds, which in 2025-2026 sit around 473,000 NOK per year for most skilled roles.
Norway does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, and remote work for a foreign employer is generally not permitted, so expats typically need Norwegian employment or student status to obtain legal residence.
Most residence permits in Norway are initially granted for 1-3 years and can be renewed as long as the qualifying conditions remain met, with permanent residency becoming available after 3 years of continuous legal residence.
How long does it take to get residency in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical processing times for residence permits in Norway range from 2-3 months for straightforward skilled worker applications to 4-6 months or longer for family immigration cases requiring additional background checks.
Factors that can delay the residency process include missing documents, difficulty verifying foreign qualifications, income requirements for family sponsors (currently around 400,000 NOK per year), and high application volumes at UDI.
Expats must live legally in Norway for at least 3 years (for most permit types) before becoming eligible for permanent residency, which also requires passing Norwegian language tests at B1 level and completing a social studies course.
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 Norway in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, the industries hiring most actively in Norway are information technology (especially software development, data engineering, and cybersecurity), energy and engineering (oil, gas, and renewables, particularly around Stavanger and Bergen), and healthcare (nurses, doctors, and specialists nationwide).
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Norway without speaking Norwegian in certain sectors, particularly international tech companies, engineering firms with global projects, and some corporate functions in multinational companies, though Norwegian language skills significantly improve long-term career prospects.
The roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Norway include software developers, data scientists, offshore engineers, energy transition specialists, and healthcare professionals with recognized qualifications, as Norway faces ongoing skill shortages in these areas with over 82,000 job vacancies recorded in late 2025.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical expat salaries in Norway range from 500,000 to 800,000 NOK per year gross (approximately 49,000-79,000 USD or 42,000-67,000 EUR) for mid-level professional roles in technology, engineering, and finance.
Entry-level to mid-level expat positions in Norway typically pay 450,000-600,000 NOK per year (approximately 44,000-59,000 USD or 38,000-50,000 EUR), with the median full-time salary across all workers reaching about 59,250 NOK per month in late 2025.
Senior or specialized expat roles, particularly in oil and gas, tech leadership, or medicine, can reach 900,000-1,500,000 NOK per year (approximately 88,000-147,000 USD or 76,000-126,000 EUR), though these represent the higher end of the market.
Norwegian employers commonly sponsor work visas for foreign hires in shortage occupations, with the process typically handled by the employer's HR department alongside UDI, making visa sponsorship a standard part of hiring international talent.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Norway right now?
What do expats love most about living in Norway right now?
Expats in Norway consistently praise the exceptional work-life balance (37.5-hour work weeks, five weeks of paid vacation), the feeling that "the system works" (predictable governance, low corruption, reliable services), and the immediate access to stunning nature even within major cities.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats is how easy it is to disconnect from work and enjoy outdoor activities, with hiking, skiing, and cabin weekends being integrated into Norwegian culture year-round.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most is the strong public infrastructure, including efficient public transport, universal healthcare with capped costs, and high-quality free public education from kindergarten through university.
Socially, expats value Norway's egalitarian culture where hierarchies are flat, children are welcome everywhere, and there is genuine respect for personal time and boundaries, which creates a calm and low-stress daily rhythm.
What do expats dislike most about life in Norway right now?
The top complaints from expats living in Norway include the high cost of nearly everything (especially Oslo housing, restaurant meals, and alcohol), the difficulty of forming deep friendships with Norwegians, and the long, dark winters that can feel isolating.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most is the limited opening hours of shops and services (many close by 5-6 PM on weekdays, with Sunday closures being common), which requires more planning than in other European countries.
The bureaucratic issue causing the most headaches is the slow and sometimes confusing process of obtaining a D-number or national ID number, which is required for banking, housing contracts, and many essential services but can take weeks or months.
Most expats find these frustrations manageable rather than deal-breakers, as the trade-off for safety, stability, and quality of life is generally considered worthwhile once initial adjustment period passes.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Norway right now?
The biggest culture shocks for expats arriving in Norway include the "Norwegian bubble" (people keeping to established friend groups and rarely initiating small talk), the extreme weather swings between midnight sun and polar night, and the casual acceptance of very high prices without complaint.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most is how Norwegians value "friluftsliv" (outdoor life) to the point where hiking in bad weather, skiing to the office, and spending weekends in remote cabins without electricity are all considered normal and desirable.
The aspect of daily routines that takes longest to adjust to is the early dinner time (often 4-5 PM), early work start times (many offices begin at 7-8 AM), and the general culture of planning everything far in advance, from dinner invitations to vacation leave.
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 Norway in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally buy residential property in Norway on essentially the same terms as Norwegian citizens, with no blanket prohibition based on nationality or residency status.
The main restrictions apply to specific property types rather than buyer nationality: larger rural properties, agricultural land, and some cabins in certain municipalities may require a concession approval ("konsesjon") from local authorities and sometimes include a residency obligation requiring you to actually live on the property.
For standard urban apartments and houses, including both freehold properties ("selveier") and cooperative apartments ("borettslag"), foreigners can purchase without special permission, though a D-number from the Tax Administration is needed to complete banking and registration.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Norway.
What is the average price per m² in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, residential property in Oslo averages approximately 90,000-110,000 NOK per square meter (about 8,800-10,800 USD or 7,500-9,200 EUR per m²), while Bergen and Stavanger range from 55,000-75,000 NOK per m² and Trondheim sits around 55,000-80,000 NOK per m².
Property prices in Norway have trended upward over the past two to three years, with house prices rising about 5% nationally in 2025 and forecasts predicting another 5-6% increase in 2026, though growth varies significantly by region with Stavanger (+14% in 2025) outperforming Oslo (+5%).
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Norway here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Norway are available but come with stricter requirements than for Norwegian residents, typically requiring stable Norwegian employment, a Norwegian identification number, and income from Norwegian sources.
The banks with the strongest track record for serving foreign mortgage applicants include DNB (Norway's largest bank), Nordea, and SpareBank 1, all of which have established processes for international clients and offer some English-language support.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Norway require a down payment of 25% (compared to 15% for residents at some banks), with current interest rates ranging from 4.6% to 5.3% depending on the loan type, and maximum loan terms of 25-30 years.
To qualify for a mortgage, foreigners typically need to provide proof of at least six months to two years of Norwegian employment, tax statements, documentation of the source of funds for equity, and a debt ratio not exceeding five times annual income.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Norway.
Buying real estate in Norway can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
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 Norway, 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) | Norway's official statistics office providing primary data on wages, prices, and demographics. | We used SSB data to anchor salary ranges, cost of living figures, and immigration statistics. We cross-referenced their earnings tables to ensure our budget estimates matched real wage distributions. |
| Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) | The official authority publishing tax rates, thresholds, and deduction rules. | We sourced 2026 bracket tax rates directly from Skatteetaten. We then calculated effective tax rates for common salary bands to give practical estimates. |
| Helsenorge | Norway's official patient portal with government-verified healthcare fee information. | We extracted exact GP consultation fees and exemption card limits from Helsenorge. We used these figures to show how healthcare costs work in the Norwegian public system. |
| Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) | The authority responsible for all visa and residence permit decisions in Norway. | We verified visa requirements, processing times, and eligibility criteria directly with UDI. We then translated complex immigration rules into practical guidance for expats. |
| NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) | The government agency managing employment services, benefits, and social insurance. | We used NAV data to explain National Insurance Scheme coverage and job market information. We connected their eligibility rules to healthcare and benefit access for expats. |
| Norwegian Government (Regjeringen) | The official source for budget documents, policy changes, and regulatory updates. | We referenced the National Budget 2026 for tax parameters and policy context. We triangulated government releases with other sources to verify 2026 fee and threshold changes. |
| Eiendom Norge | The real estate industry association publishing official housing market statistics. | We used Eiendom Norge's monthly price reports to estimate property values by city. We incorporated their 2026 forecasts to show where prices are heading. |
| OECD | International organization providing standardized cross-country economic comparisons. | We used OECD migration data and tax methodology to frame Norway in international context. We aligned our effective tax burden calculations with their Taxing Wages definitions. |
| Oslo International School | Primary source for the school's own published tuition fees. | We quoted exact 2025-2026 tuition figures directly from the school's fee page. We compared these to other international schools to show the range of education costs in Norway. |
| The Local Norway | English-language news source covering practical expat topics in Norway. | We referenced their mortgage guides and housing market coverage. We validated our practical advice against their reporting on expat banking and property buying. |
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.