New to Norway?

If you have recently moved to Norway, it can take some time to adapt to your new surroundings. We have put together some information to help those of you who already live in or intend to move to Norway. Whilst every care has been taken in preparing this information as accurately as possible, the Embassy cannot accept any liability for the information contained here.

Living and Working in Norway

Irish citizens resident in Norway are largely concentrated in Oslo and in the west Coast towns of Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim.

Before leaving Ireland please consult our current travel advice for Norway and check that you have:

• Valid passport
• European Health Insurance card (EHIC, known before as E111) so as to regularise your entitlement, in the short term, to health services in EU and EEA states (apply to your local Health Board). This card will enable you to access state provided healthcare in Norway at a reduced cost or sometimes free.
• Long Form Birth Certificate (with the Hague Apostille stamped on it by the Consular Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to prove its authenticity)
• Adequate funds to maintain you while you establish yourself
• Private comprehensive medical insurance (EHIC does not cover repatriation to Ireland)

The Embassy recommends that you ensure your passport is up to date and shows next-of-kin details on back of passport. You should also keep your family informed of your address and contact details in Norway at all times.

We recommend that you always carry some proof of identity. Official photographic ID is often required for credit/debit card payments.

We recommend that Irish citizens travelling or living abroad register their contact details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the information will allow us to contact you, and provide assistance, if necessary and possible, if there is an unforeseen crisis such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or if you have a family emergency while you are overseas.

We also suggest that you sign up to the Embassy mailing list for networking and cultural events and news on arrival in Norway. This can be a good way of meeting people and making contacts.

The following are guidelines to help you when living and working in Norway.

Useful links

Official guide for new arrivals in Norway

A guide to public laws, regulations and rights in Norway

A guide to working in Norway by NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration), which is responsible for employment services and rights in Norway

Norway's police service

Official travel guide to Norway