Norway is not an EU member state, but it occupies a unique position in Europe — a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Schengen Area, with strong free movement agreements and one of the world’s highest standards of living, backed by one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. Oslo is consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities. The Norwegian oil and gas sector, maritime industry, technology sector and an increasingly prominent startup scene attract UK professionals in significant numbers. Norway also offers something that no EU city can match: fjords, mountains and Arctic wilderness accessible within an hour or two of the capital.
Why Londoners Move to Norway
- Oil and energy sector — Norway is Europe’s largest oil producer. Stavanger is the oil capital; Oslo and Bergen also have major energy sector presences. UK professionals in petroleum engineering, offshore operations, energy consultancy and environmental science find significant demand for their skills
- Maritime industry — Bergen and the west coast are the centre of one of the world’s major maritime clusters. Shipping, offshore, marine technology and aquaculture (Norway produces 60% of the world’s Atlantic salmon)
- Technology — Oslo’s tech scene has grown significantly, with companies including Kahoot, Aker, Visma and a growing number of funded startups. The city has strong venture capital and is increasingly competitive on the European startup map
- Nature — the Oslofjord, the Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord, the Norwegian mountains, Lofoten and the Arctic represent some of Europe’s most dramatic natural environments. For those who value outdoor life — hiking, skiing, sailing, fishing — Norway is exceptional
- Very high salaries — Norwegian salaries are among the highest in the world, and the tax system, while progressive, funds outstanding public services in return. Net purchasing power for skilled workers is very high
- English language — as in Sweden, English proficiency in Norway is extremely high. Most professional environments operate in English; daily life in Oslo is easily managed without Norwegian
Norway and the EEA: What This Means for UK Nationals
Norway is not an EU member but is part of the EEA (European Economic Area) and the Schengen Area. Post-Brexit, UK nationals are not EEA citizens and do not have automatic free movement rights in Norway.
UK nationals moving to Norway for more than 90 days require a residence permit from Utlendingsdirektoratet (UDI — the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration).
Skilled worker permit — the main route for UK nationals with an employment offer from a Norwegian employer. Requirements: completed higher education and a confirmed job offer, or a trade or craft qualification and confirmed job offer. The employer does not need to demonstrate that no Norwegian candidate was available (unlike some EU work permit systems). Processing: 1–3 months.
Self-employed permit — for freelancers establishing a Norwegian business. Requires a detailed business plan and proof of financial viability.
Family immigration — for partners/spouses of Norwegian citizens or foreign nationals with a Norwegian residence permit.
Apply online at udi.no. Biometrics submitted at the Norwegian embassy in London or an authorised centre.
After arrival:
- Register at the local Folkeregisteret (Population Register — administered through Skatteetaten, the Tax Administration) within 8 weeks of arrival. This generates your Fødselsnummer (birth number / national ID) if you don’t have one — the Norwegian equivalent of Sweden’s Personnummer, equally essential for all daily administrative tasks
- Register with NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) if claiming any benefits or registering for healthcare
Oslo Neighbourhoods: Where to Live
Frogner / Majorstuen — Oslo’s most prestigious residential area. Grand apartment buildings, embassies, Vigeland sculpture park, excellent restaurants. Popular with affluent expats and professionals.
Grünerløkka — Oslo’s coolest neighbourhood. Converted industrial buildings, independent cafés, vintage shops, street art. Young, creative, gentrified. Very popular with younger expats and tech workers.
Grønland — multicultural, affordable, close to the city centre. Strong café culture and excellent food diversity. Popular with international students and younger professionals on tighter budgets.
St. Hanshaugen — central, residential, hilly. Beautiful park (Iladalen), good schools, mixed demographic. Popular with families and professionals who want central living without Frogner prices.
Tjøme / Nesodden — suburban and coastal. For families who want space, nature access and a house rather than an apartment. Good ferry connections to Oslo centre.
Cost of Living in Oslo
Oslo is one of the world’s most expensive cities in absolute terms — but Norwegian salaries are calibrated for these costs, and purchasing power for employed professionals is genuinely high.
| Category | Monthly cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (central Oslo) | NOK 14,000 – 20,000 (~£1,050–£1,500) |
| 1-bedroom apartment (suburban) | NOK 10,000 – 15,000 (~£750–£1,100) |
| Monthly transport pass (Ruter) | NOK 850 (~£65) |
| Groceries (one person) | NOK 3,000 – 5,000 (~£225–£375) |
| Meal out (mid-range) | NOK 200 – 400 per person (~£15–£30) |
Cost of Moving from London to Norway
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £600 – £1,300 | Studios, 1-bed flats, personal effects |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £1,500 – £3,200 | 2-bed+ homes, full households |
| Professional packing add-on | £250 – £700 | Full household packing by our team |
Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and all Norwegian cities and regions covered. Get a free fixed-price quote for your removals to Norway.
London to Norway: Transit Times
| Destination | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|
| Oslo | 3–5 working days |
| Bergen | 4–6 working days |
| Stavanger | 4–6 working days |
Norwegian Customs: Key Information
Norway is not in the EU customs union. Household removals from the UK to Norway undergo Norwegian customs procedures, not EU Transfer of Residence. Norway has its own household goods importation relief (Innbo og løsøre fritak) for permanent relocations, which operates similarly to EU ToR relief — duty-free import of personal household goods owned and used for 6+ months.
Easy Move handles Norwegian customs documentation as part of our removals to Norway service.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to Norway
Do I need a visa or permit to move from London to Norway?
Yes. UK nationals are not EEA citizens and require a Norwegian residence permit from UDI for stays over 90 days. The most common route is the skilled worker permit, requiring a confirmed employment offer. Apply before moving; processing takes 1–3 months.
What is the Fødselsnummer and do I need it?
The Fødselsnummer is Norway’s national identification number — the equivalent of Sweden’s Personnummer. It is required for a bank account, tax registration, BankID, healthcare and virtually all daily services. Register at the local Folkeregisteret within 8 weeks of arrival to obtain it.
Is Norway in the EU or the Schengen Area?
Norway is not an EU member but is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen Area. This means UK nationals can travel to Norway without a visa for up to 90 days, but need a residence permit for longer stays.
How long does a removal from London to Norway take?
Transit from London to Oslo typically takes 3–5 working days; Bergen and Stavanger, 4–6 working days.
Does Easy Move handle Norwegian customs documentation?
Yes. Norway has its own customs process separate from the EU. Easy Move handles Norwegian customs documentation as part of our standard removals to Norway service.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.