What to know as new resident in Norway: Register with National Registry. Obtain a personal ID number. Understand Norwegian healthcare system. Learn basic Norwegian phrases. Open a local bank account. Familiarize with public transportation. Explore Norwegian tax system. Be aware of the weather. Follow recycling regulations. Respect local customs and culture.
Register with National Registry.
If you plan to reside in Norway for over six months, it's essential to register with the National Registry. This process involves providing proof of permanent residence and legal stay, completing the registration form, and submitting it alongside necessary documents at a tax office or, if eligible, online. By fulfilling these requirements, you will be issued a Norwegian national identity number, known as a personnummer. For further guidance on this process, visit the page on Registering Your Address As An Expat In Norway, which offers detailed insights into each step.
Obtain a personal ID number.
To obtain a personal ID number in Norway, you must meet specific criteria, such as being born in Norway, moving to Norway for at least six months, or being a Norwegian citizen abroad. The ID number consists of 11 digits, with the first six indicating your date of birth, and is issued by the National Population Register.
Understand Norwegian healthcare system.
The Norwegian healthcare system is publicly funded, offering universal access and comprehensive services to all residents. To access healthcare, individuals must register with the National Registry, obtain a personal identification number, and select a general practitioner. Notably, public healthcare is free for those under 16 and for pregnant or nursing women. Others are required to pay an annual deductible of approximately 2,040 NOK for full-year coverage. For more detailed guidance, consider exploring this Expat Guide to the Norwegian Healthcare System to understand the intricacies of navigating healthcare services as a newcomer to Norway.
Learn basic Norwegian phrases.
To navigate everyday life in Norway, it is essential to learn basic Norwegian phrases such as greetings (e.g., *Hei!* for "hello", *God morgen!* for "good morning"), polite expressions (e.g., *Takk* for "thank you", *Vaer sa snill* for "please"), and basic questions (e.g., *Hvordan har du det?* for "how are you?", *Hvor er toalettet?* for "where is the toilet?"). Phrases like *Hyggelig a mote deg* ("nice to meet you") and *Takk for maten!* ("thank you for the food") are also culturally significant and will help you interact more effectively with locals. For more information, visit StoryLearning and discover additional invaluable expressions that can enhance your communication skills.
Open a local bank account.
To open a bank account in Norway as a new resident, it's essential to have a Norwegian National Identity Number for stays over six months or a D-Number for shorter stays. Additionally, you'll need a valid passport, proof of address, and possibly a BankID for online banking. Major banks, such as DNB and Nordea, provide services specifically catered to foreigners, offering English support and the necessary banking tools. For more detailed information, you can refer to Opening A Bank Account In Norway, ensuring a smoother experience in setting up your financial presence in the country.
Familiarize with public transportation.
As a new resident in Norway, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the public transportation system, which includes trains, buses, trams (trikk), metro (T-bane), and ferries. In Oslo, the Ruter app is essential for planning journeys, buying tickets, and navigating the integrated public transport network. You can find detailed guidance on how to effectively use these services on the Norway Travel Blog. The app offers options like pre-purchasing tickets for trams and metro, and buying tickets onboard buses and ferries, although at a higher cost.
Explore Norwegian tax system.
As a new resident in Norway, you need to understand the dual tax base system, which includes a 22% general income tax on all taxable income and a progressive bracket tax on personal income, ranging from 1.7% to 17.6% depending on the income level. Residents are taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents are subject to tax only on Norwegian-sourced income, with a simplified PAYE scheme available for certain non-resident workers. For more comprehensive information, you can visit the Taxes on Personal Income page.
Be aware of the weather.
As a new resident in Norway, be aware that the country has a temperate climate influenced by the Gulf Stream, but weather conditions vary significantly by season and region. Coastal areas are generally milder and wetter, while inland and northern regions experience more extreme temperatures and snowfall. It is essential to dress accordingly with water-resistant and insulated clothing. For comprehensive insights on what to expect and how to prepare for these conditions, explore the Norway Travel Guide, which offers detailed information about the climate across different areas of the country.
Follow recycling regulations.
As a new resident in Norway, you need to be aware that starting January 1, 2025, you will be required to sort and collect various types of waste, including cardboard, paper, glass and metal packaging, textiles, and other materials to meet EU environmental targets and promote a circular economy. Municipalities will ensure that residents sort these materials, and businesses must also comply with these new regulations. For more information about these changes and their impact, visit the Interior Daily website where detailed insights about the implementation of these waste-sorting regulations in Norway can be found.
Respect local customs and culture.
To respect local customs and culture in Norway, it is important to understand and participate in traditions such as the 'right to roam' (allemannsretten), wearing bunads on National Day, observing community volunteer days (dugnad), and respecting the social codes of Janteloven, which emphasize community over individual achievements. Additionally, appreciating outdoor activities, traditional foods like pickled herring, and cultural events like Sami National Day can help you integrate into Norwegian Society.