Living in Norway: the short version
Norway offers high wages, spectacular nature and one of the world’s strongest welfare states, funded partly by its oil wealth. Living costs and taxes are high, and non-EU workers usually need a skilled worker permit with a qualifying job offer and salary.
Best for: Engineers, healthcare workers and skilled professionals who love the outdoors.
Why people move here
- High salaries and strong worker protections
- Spectacular nature and right to roam
- Very safe, egalitarian society
What to watch out for
- Among the highest living costs in Europe
- Long, dark winters, especially in the north
- Norwegian is needed for many jobs and social integration
How to move to Norway: main visa and residency routes
Summaries only — requirements and income thresholds change. Always check the official sources below.
- Skilled worker residence permit
- For people with a job offer requiring vocational or higher education; from May 2026 salaries without a collective agreement must meet updated minimums.
- Job seeker permit
- Lets qualified skilled workers stay up to six months to look for a job.
- Family immigration
- For spouses, partners and children of Norwegian citizens and residents.
- EEA free movement
- EU and EEA citizens can live and work in Norway and register with the police.
Healthcare for newcomers
Residents are covered by the National Insurance Scheme. GP visits and specialist care have modest co-payments up to an annual cap, after which care is free.
Cost of Living
Cost of living index: 85 (NYC = 100)
Rent (1BR)
$1300
Rent (3BR)
$2200
Groceries
$420
Transport
$80
Utilities
$180
Internet
$55
Dining Out
$260
Tax System
Corporate Tax
22%
VAT / Sales Tax
25%
Social Security
7.6%
Capital Gains
37.8%
Income Tax Brackets
| Income Range (USD) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $10,300 | 0% |
| $10,301 - $21,500 | 22% |
| $21,501 - $30,200 | 23.7% |
| $30,201 - $68,900 | 26% |
| $68,901 - $93,100 | 35.7% |
| $93,101 - $139,400 | 38.8% |
| $139,401 - Above | 39.8% |
Culture
Norway pairs one of the world’s highest standards of living with dramatic nature, from fjords and mountains to the Arctic north. Outdoor life (friluftsliv) is central, and society is egalitarian and informal.
Traditions
- 17 May Constitution Day parades
- Cabin (hytte) weekends
- Cross-country skiing
- Midsummer bonfires
Cultural Values
- Equality
- Love of nature
- Modesty
- Trust
Common Greeting: Hei! / God dag!
Cultural Tips
- • Friluftsliv: Norwegians spend free time outdoors in all weather
- • Right to roam lets you hike and camp on most uncultivated land
- • Small talk is minimal; directness is normal
- • Alcohol is expensive and sold only in Vinmonopolet shops above 4.7%
🍽 Food & Cuisine
Norwegian cuisine is simple and seasonal, built on seafood, game, dairy and preserved foods that once carried families through long winters.
Fårikål
Lamb and cabbage stewed with whole black peppercorns, the national dish
Salmon and gravlaks
Fresh or cured Norwegian salmon with mustard-dill sauce
Brunost
Sweet brown caramelised whey cheese, sliced thin on bread or waffles
Kjøttkaker
Beef patties in brown gravy with potatoes and lingonberries
Sources and methodology
Figures on this page are estimates in US dollars, compiled from the international datasets below and converted at recent exchange rates. The cost of living index uses New York City as 100. Guidance was last reviewed on . Found something out of date? Tell us.
Official Norway sources
Data sources
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — individual income tax
- Numbeo — cost of living (crowdsourced prices)
- World Bank Open Data — economic and population indicators
- OECD Tax Database — tax rates and social contributions
- ILOSTAT — employment and unemployment
- UNDP Human Development Reports — health and education
- UN World Population Prospects — population
Quality of Life
Job Market
Average Annual Salary
$70,000
Job Difficulty
Moderate
Unemployment Rate
4%
Work Permit Required
Yes
Top Industries
Languages
Official Languages
Other Languages Spoken