Moving to Norway

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the Norwegian immigration system is a critical first step. Your requirements will largely depend on your nationality. Citizens of EU/EEA countries generally benefit from simpler registration processes, often requiring only registration with the police upon arrival, provided they meet certain conditions like having sufficient funds or a job offer. Non-EU/EEA citizens, however, typically need to apply for a residence permit before moving to Norway.

Common routes for obtaining a residence permit include:

• Work Permit: For those with a job offer from a Norwegian employer. Specific requirements vary based on the type of work and your qualifications.
• Family Reunification: For individuals joining a spouse, registered partner, cohabitant, or close family member already residing in Norway.
• Study Permit: For students accepted into a recognized Norwegian educational institution.
• Other Residence Permits: Including those for au pairs, skilled workers, or specific professional categories.

It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date and specific requirements for your situation directly with the official Norwegian immigration authorities. The application process can be complex and may require various documents, so early preparation is key.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Norway, especially in popular urban areas, can be competitive. It's advisable to start your search well in advance, even before your arrival, if possible.

How to Find Housing:

• Online Portals: The most common method. Dedicated Norwegian property websites are the primary resource.
• Real Estate Agents: Some agents specialize in rentals and can assist, particularly for more high-end or specific needs.
• Networking: Word-of-mouth or company relocation services can sometimes yield leads.

Typical Rental Process:

• Viewing: Be prepared to attend viewings, often with multiple prospective tenants.
• Application: You may need to fill out an application form, providing details about your employment, income, and possibly references.
• Lease Agreement: Once accepted, you will sign a formal lease agreement. Read this carefully and ensure you understand all terms and conditions.

Deposits: A security deposit (depositum) is standard, typically equivalent to three months' rent, though sometimes up to six months. This deposit is usually held in a separate, locked bank account in both the landlord's and tenant's names, ensuring its protection until the end of the tenancy. It is returned upon moving out, provided the property is left in good condition and all rental obligations are met.

Temporary vs. Long-term: Many new arrivals opt for temporary accommodation (hotels, short-term rentals, or serviced apartments) for the first few weeks or months. This allows time to explore different neighborhoods, understand local transport, and conduct in-person viewings before committing to a long-term lease. Long-term leases are generally for one year or more, often with an option for renewal.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Norway is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively:

• Volume and Weight of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This includes furniture, personal belongings, and any specialty items.
• Distance: The origin country's distance from Norway directly impacts transportation costs.
• Season of Move: Peak moving seasons (often summer months) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices for certain services.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Ease of access for moving vehicles at both your current home and your new Norwegian residence can affect labor and equipment costs. Difficult access (e.g., narrow streets, high floors without elevators) may incur additional charges.
• Type of Service: Whether you choose a full-service move (packing, unpacking, transport) or a more basic service where you handle some aspects yourself will significantly affect the price.
• Storage Needs: If you require storage for your belongings before, during, or after your move, this will be an additional cost.
• Insurance: While optional, insuring your belongings during transit is highly recommended and adds to the overall cost.
• Customs and Duties: Depending on the items you are importing and your residency status, you may incur customs duties or taxes.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote from a professional relocation service.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth international move. Here’s a general checklist, typically spanning 4-8 weeks:

8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces moving costs.
• Research & Plan: Confirm visa/residence permit requirements and application deadlines. Begin researching neighborhoods and schools in Norway.
• Obtain Quotes: Contact relocation companies for moving quotes.
• Gather Documents: Start collecting all essential documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, financial statements, job offers, etc.). Ensure they are current and consider getting certified copies or translations if required.

4-6 Weeks Before Moving:

• Book Services: Finalize your relocation company booking and confirm all details.
• Notify Landlord/Sell Property: Give notice to your current landlord or begin the process of selling your home.
• Utilities & Subscriptions: Start notifying utility providers (electricity, gas, internet, water) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions (gym, magazines, streaming services).
• Medical & Dental: Schedule final check-ups for family members and pets. Obtain prescriptions and medical records.
• Banking: Research opening a Norwegian bank account. Inform your current bank of your international move.
• Start Packing (Non-Essentials): Begin packing items you won't need immediately. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to.

2 Weeks Before Moving:

• Change of Address: Notify postal services and important contacts of your new address.
• Confirm Travel: Finalize flights and temporary accommodation in Norway.
• Pack Essentials Box: Prepare a box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, chargers, basic kitchen items). Keep this with you.
• Defrost Freezer: If applicable, defrost and clean your freezer.

1 Week Before Moving:

• Confirm Utilities Disconnection: Reconfirm disconnection dates for utilities.
• Clean: Begin a thorough cleaning of your current residence.
• Final Packing: Pack remaining items.
• Pet Arrangements: Ensure all pet travel arrangements are confirmed.

Moving Day:

• Supervise: Be present to supervise the movers.
• Final Walk-through: Do a final walk-through of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.
• Documents: Keep all essential documents and your essentials box with you.

Ready to start your journey to Norway? Request a free quote on relocation123.com today!

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Your Essential Guide to Importing Goods When Moving to Norway

Moving to Norway is an exciting adventure, and understanding the customs and import regulations for your belongings is key to a smooth transition. This guide will help you navigate the process, ensuring your move is as stress-free as possible.

If you're relocating as a new resident

If you've been living abroad continuously for at least one year, you can generally bring your used household goods and personal effects into Norway free of duties and taxes. The items must have been owned and used by you during your time abroad, and you must intend to continue using them in Norway as part of your move.

What you'll need

• Inventory list in duplicate (Norwegian or English).
• Copy of your passport (photo page only).
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB) – Express B/L or Sea Waybill is acceptable.
• Completed and signed Norwegian customs form RD-0030E (Customs Declaration).
• Your Norwegian ID number (11 characters).

Good to know

• This exemption applies to normal household goods and personal effects.
• Ensure all documentation is prepared before your shipment's estimated arrival time (ETA).

For diplomatic moves

Diplomats holding a valid Norwegian diplomatic ID card have specific import privileges. An A-2 form, attested by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is required.

What you'll need

• A-2 form duly attested by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Good to know

• Annual quotas for alcohol and tobacco may be set by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for respective embassies. It is the diplomat's responsibility to verify and comply with these regulations.

Inherited belongings

Inherited household items can be imported duty and VAT free, provided the necessary documentation is in place. For inherited motor vehicles, specific rules apply as detailed in the "Bringing special items" section.

What you'll need

• Notarized letter from a solicitor stating you are the rightful owner.
• Inventory list in duplicate (Norwegian or English).
• Copy of your passport (photo page only).
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB).
• Your Norwegian ID number (11 characters).

Good to know

• A standard Customs Declaration form is not used for inherited goods; you must send a direct application to customs.
• Ensure all shipping advice is completed by the origin agent.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Motor vehicles (cars and motorcycles) are not considered part of your regular household goods and have separate import rules. You cannot import a vehicle without paying duties or taxes when moving to Norway from another country. However, you may apply for temporary permission to drive a foreign-registered vehicle for up to 14 days in connection with your move, provided you can present documentation of your relocation (e.g., change of address, employment contract).

What you'll need

• Transit document (e.g., B/L).
• Invoice or purchase contract showing the actual purchase sum.
• Freight invoice and documentation of any other fees accrued before the vehicle crosses the Norwegian border (e.g., insurance).
• Original foreign registration document, possibly a Certificate of Conformity (COC).

Good to know

• New vehicles with a Certificate of Conformity may allow simultaneous payment of motor vehicle tax and VAT.
• An imported vehicle must be registered with Norwegian number plates and is subject to annual road tax.
• Specify the type and size of your vehicle when shipping to avoid delays and extra charges.

Recreational Boats

You may bring a recreational boat into Norway without paying duties if specific conditions are met, though Norwegian VAT (25%) will apply, calculated on the boat's total value plus shipping costs. The boat must also be CE marked if its hull length is between 2.5 and 24 meters, or if it's a water scooter, unless it was used in an EU/EEA country before June 16, 1998.

Good to know

• You must have resided abroad continuously for at least five years immediately prior to arrival.
• The boat cannot be larger than 15 meters in length.
• You must have owned and used the boat abroad for at least 12 months before arrival.
• The boat must be brought to Norway within one year of your arrival.
• You must retain possession of the boat for at least two years after customs clearance before it can be sold or transferred.
• These conditions must be documented, and the application submitted to the customs region you are moving to.
• Occupational equipment is not exempt from duties and taxes.

Pets (Cats & Dogs)

Bringing your furry friends to Norway requires careful planning and adherence to health regulations. These regulations specifically apply to imports from EEC/EFTA countries; animals from non-EEC/EFTA countries may face 4-6 months of quarantine.

What you'll need

• Import Licence.
• Approved ID Marking.
• Health certificate with vaccination certificates.
• Certificate of deworming against echinococcosis.

Good to know

• Rabies vaccination with an approved vaccine and an antibody test are mandatory.
• Dogs must also be vaccinated against leptospirosis and distemper.
• Customs authorities at border crossings will check all required documents.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items have strict import rules or are outright prohibited.

• Weapons: A permit from local police is required, preferably before shipment arrival to avoid storage costs. Without permission, weapons will be confiscated. Importers may need membership or recommendation from a hunting or shooting club.
• Food: Generally prohibited as part of household goods shipments, with some exceptions. Food products are not exempt from duties and taxes and must be declared.
• Wood: Imported wood packaging material and dunnage must be treated and marked according to ISPM No.15.
• Live plants: Restrictions apply. A certificate from the Plant and Wildlife Department from the country of origin, confirming the plants are healthy, is required.
• Prohibited items include: Narcotics, fresh meat, explosives, automatic guns, spirits containing over 60% alcohol by volume, prescription medicines, some vitamins, and certain pets (e.g., reptiles, threatened species).

Alcohol & tobacco

It is strongly advised to avoid including alcoholic beverages or tobacco in your household goods shipment. There is no duty-free allowance for these items when included in a shipment, and extremely high taxes and duties will apply, even for small quantities. Special clearance and a separate import form are required.

What you'll need

• Special clearance.
• A detailed list including brand, volume, alcohol strength, and purchase value.

Good to know

• If you insist on shipping these items, place all boxes at the container door for easy access and provide a detailed list.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import all my used household goods duty-free?
Yes, generally, if you have lived abroad continuously for at least one year and have owned and used the items for that period, and you are importing them in connection with your move to Norway.

What is a Norwegian ID number and why do I need it?
It's an 11-character identification number essential for completing the Norwegian customs form RD-0030E and for customs clearance.

Are motor vehicles considered household goods for import purposes?
No, motor vehicles are treated separately and are subject to duties and taxes upon import into Norway.

Do I need an import license for my cat or dog?
Yes, an import license is required, along with approved ID marking, health certificates, and specific vaccinations.

Can I bring food items with my household goods?
Generally, no. Food is prohibited as part of household goods shipments, with limited exceptions, and is subject to duties and taxes.

What happens if I don't have a police permit for my weapons?
Without a permit from the local police, weapons will be confiscated by customs.

For further assistance with your relocation to Norway, please contact relocation123.com.

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