Norway: all programs

Norway in brief

Norway is a kingdom on the western Scandinavian peninsula with a population of about 5.6 million. The capital is Oslo. Norway is not in the European Union but takes part in the European Economic Area and the Schengen area, so European Union citizens live and work here almost without restrictions. The currency is the Norwegian krone, and the language is Norwegian in two written forms, with Sami also spoken in the north. The economy rests on oil and gas, seafood, especially salmon, shipping and hydropower, which provides almost all of the country's electricity. Oil revenue accumulates in a state fund, one of the largest in the world.

Norway suits specialists with a job offer, especially engineers, doctors and nurses, and families who value high salaries, safety and nature. It suits less those seeking low taxes and inexpensive living or wanting to move without a job: Norway has no digital nomad visa or investment programmes.

How to move in 2026

Permanent residence is granted after 3 years with qualifying permits, with Norwegian and sufficient income. Citizenship comes after 8 years of residence within the last 11, with spoken Norwegian at B1 and a civics test. Dual citizenship has been allowed since 2020.

Taxes

Norway taxes general income at 22%, and salaries above a threshold also carry a bracket tax of up to 17.8%. Employees pay 7.6% social contributions, so the top rate on salaries reaches 47.4%. Corporate tax is 22%, VAT 25%, and 15% on food. There is also a net wealth tax of about 1% above a tax-free threshold, but no inheritance tax. More on the page about Norwegian taxes.

Svalbard

Under the international Svalbard treaty, foreigners need no visa or permits to live and work on the archipelago. The main condition is self-sufficiency: there are no social benefits on Svalbard, and the governor can expel those who cannot support themselves. Taxes are lower than on the mainland, but housing is scarce and expensive, and the polar night lasts several months. It can only be reached via mainland Norway, so citizens of visa-required countries need a Schengen visa for transit.

Property

Foreigners buy flats and houses without special permits. On purchase a 2.5% title registration fee is paid, except for flats in housing cooperatives, which carry no such fee. Banks lend to permanent residents with a deposit from 10%. Housing is most expensive in Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger. More on the page about property in Norway.

Cost of living

Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world: groceries, restaurants, cars and services cost noticeably more than in the rest of Europe, and alcohol stronger than 4.7% is sold only in state shops. Salaries are also among the highest. Healthcare is public: every resident is assigned a GP, and visits are paid up to an annual cap, after which treatment is free. Kindergartens are inexpensive thanks to a price cap, and schools and state universities are free.

Where to live

• Oslo. The capital on a fjord, with ministries, companies and the widest choice of jobs and international schools.
• Bergen. The second city on the west coast, maritime and fishing industries, and lots of rain.
• Stavanger. The country's oil capital with high salaries in energy.
• Trondheim. A technical university and tech companies.
• Tromsø. The largest city above the Arctic Circle, with northern lights and polar night.

Practicalities

• Registration. After moving you register your address with the tax administration and receive a personal number, without which you cannot open a bank account or see a doctor.
• Language. Norwegian; almost everyone speaks English, but many jobs and citizenship require Norwegian.
• Climate. The coast is milder than you might expect thanks to a warm current, and the north has polar day and night.
• Nature. The right of public access lets you walk and camp on almost any uncultivated land.
• Transport. Trains, ferries and local airlines link towns along the long coast.

Who Norway suits

Norway is a choice for specialists with a job offer who value high salaries, social guarantees and fjord nature. For remote workers without a Norwegian employer only Svalbard and the self-employed permit are realistic. Write in the chat and we will check which basis suits you and calculate the full cost of moving.