Udi-Mi Makes The Complex Simple

To move to Norway with the intent to live, work, or study, you will need a residence permit unless you are a Norwegian citizen. How you get one of these is determined by a complicated set of rules and regulations.

It can be a daunting task trying to locate the information needed to take the initial steps. View the checklists that explain which documents you must hand in with your application.

*Reference website

Moving to Norway from the USA

Having run this website for more than seven years, I’ve received my fair share of questions about relocation! If there’s one nationality that seems keenest to come to Norway, it’s the Americans.

Politics aside, this is most likely because of the huge numbers of US citizens who can claim Norwegian heritage. These Norwegian Americans maintain a strong community and interest in all things Scandinavian.

However, contrary to popular belief, having a distant Norwegian relative does not entitle you to Norwegian citizenship and gives you no kind of advantage in the immigration process. Very few countries in the world operate such a system. Sorry folks!

Norway does have a family category in the immigration rules, but it is intended to be used by someone with the right to live in Norway (for example through a work permit) to bring their partner and children live with them.

As to whether a US citizen can move to Norway, the regular immigration rules detailed elsewhere on this page apply. Applying to study here or looking for a job with one of the many American companies based here is a good place to start.

Can I stay in Norway permanently?

Only people who have lived with legal residence/work permits for a certain period of time (usually between 4-7 years) have the right to apply for permanent residence or Norwegian citizenship.

Having permanent residence means that you no longer have to renew a work permit, and gives you more or less the same rights and benefits as a Norwegian should you lose your job.

At present to claim Norwegian citizenship you need to give up your original passport, although dual citizenship is being talked about by the current government and seems likely to pass, eventually.

How much money do I need to move to Norway?

Hopefully if you’re seriously considering relocating to Scandinavia then you are already well aware that the region is one of the most expensive on earth. Sure, wages tend to be high especially in Norway, but this is more than offset by the higher cost of living.

How much money you’ll need for a successful relocation can be split into two. Firstly, there is your income requirement, which is relevant if you’re moving from a country outside the EU/EEA. This varies depending on the work permit you’re applying for, but many unskilled jobs will not pay enough to qualify.

Secondly, the actual costs of moving and your living expenses until you are set up with your Norwegian bank account and regular salary.

The biggest expense will be your accommodation, and unless your company offers to help arrange this you can expect to pay up to three months rent as a security deposit.