Oslo: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Oslo has about 720,000 residents, and more than a million with its suburbs. It is the capital of one of the world's richest countries: home to the government, the management of the state oil fund, shipping and energy companies, banks and a growing tech sector. The city is compact, green and very safe, with forest and fjord within walking distance or a metro ride.

Who it suits: well-paid professionals, families with children, lovers of nature and sport. Who it does not suit: people looking for a cheap life, a warm climate or a fast route to a passport without working in the country.

Districts: where newcomers settle

• Frogner and Majorstuen - the west, expensive streets, embassies, parks and good schools.
• Grünerløkka and Sagene - former working-class areas with cafés and young people, convenient for singles and couples.
• Gamle Oslo and Grønland - central and eastern, multicultural and noticeably cheaper.
• Nordstrand and the outer districts - quieter and closer to nature, chosen by families.
• Bærum - the neighbouring municipality to the west, home to many international company staff.

Cost of living

Rate - about 9.6 kroner to the dollar, rounded up.

• One-bedroom flat in the centre - roughly NOK 14,000-18,000 a month, about $1,500-1,900.
• Groceries - among the most expensive in Europe, especially meat, cheese and alcohol, which is sold only in state shops.
• Cafés and restaurants - a weekday lunch costs noticeably more than in neighbouring Sweden.
• Transport - one pass covers the metro, trams, buses and ferries within the city.

Salaries are high, and kindergartens and schools are available to residents at low rates. We will work out a budget for your family in the chat.

Practicalities: transport, climate, language, money

• Transport. Metro, trams and buses run often, and an express train serves the airport. Many people cycle or use e-scooters.
• Climate. Winters usually run from -5 to -10, with early darkness; summers around +20 with white nights.
• Language. Norwegian, but almost everyone understands English. You will need the language for permanent status and citizenship.
• Money. Norwegian krone; cash is hardly needed. Bank accounts and local services are tied to a resident number.

Moving and legal status

Norway has no digital nomad visa. The main routes:

• Employment - for qualified professionals with a job offer.
• Self-employed residence - for qualified professionals running their own sole proprietorship with income from NOK 341,372 a year; more in remote work in Norway.
• Svalbard - no visa or permits if self-sufficient, but it is not the mainland.
• Family and study - separate grounds.

Taxes reach 47.4% on salary, plus a 1% wealth tax above NOK 1.9 million; more in Norwegian taxes. Tourist entry for Russian citizens has been restricted since 2023, so the basis for moving must be chosen in advance.

Work and business

• Where foreigners work - energy and shipping, maritime technology, software, healthcare, research and universities.
• Salaries - among the highest in Europe, but tax on them reaches 47.4% at the top bracket.
• Your own business - a sole proprietorship is registered online, and self-employed residence requires income from NOK 341,372 a year.
• Job search - through the public employment service, specialist sites and referrals; Norwegian widens the choice considerably.

Family: schools and healthcare

• Schools - state schools are free and teach in Norwegian; there are fee-paying international schools with English curricula.
• Kindergartens - a place is guaranteed from age one, and fees for residents are capped by the state.
• Healthcare - once registered as a resident you are assigned a GP, and visits are partly paid up to an annual cap.
• Leisure - forests, lakes and ski trails start within city limits, and children learn to ski at school in winter.

First steps after moving

1. Resident registration - if staying more than 6 months, you complete an ID check at the Tax Administration and receive a Norwegian national identity number.
2. Bank account and electronic ID - with the number you open an account and get BankID, without which almost no online service works.
3. Tax card - issued online; your employer withholds tax according to it.
4. GP - chosen through the national health portal.
5. Housing - rentals are found on large classified sites, with a deposit of up to three months' rent.

Safety and everyday details

• Safety - crime is low, and children travel around the city alone from an early age. The main risks are pickpocketing in the centre and bike theft.
• Winter - ice and snow falling from roofs; you need studded footwear and winter tyres.
• Shops - most are closed on Sundays, and strong alcohol is sold only in the state chain.
• Waste and recycling - sorting is mandatory, and bottles go into deposit-return machines.

Is it worth living here

Oslo is one of Europe's most comfortable cities for family life: clean air, safety, nature close by and a strong welfare system. But it is expensive, with dark winters and high taxes. Moving makes sense if you have a job on a Norwegian salary or a stable business. For remote work for a foreign employer, countries with a nomad visa are a better deal.