Norway is a peaceful Scandinavian country that offers expats a great lifestyle and high quality of life, so there is little to be concerned about when planning a move there. Nevertheless, expats may still have questions about what to expect. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about living in Norway.

What’s the weather like in Norway?

Norway is a northern country, which means it has long, bitterly cold and dark winters and short summers with long, sunlit days. In addition to this, some parts of Norway are also rainy almost year round. Many expats find it difficult to adjust to the lack of sunlight during Norwegian winters.

Is healthcare in Norway free?

For citizens and residents of Norway, healthcare is heavily subsidised by the government and is almost free but for a small fee payable after any visit to the doctor. After a certain limit, which changes each year, one's visits will be completely free.

Temporary residents and tourists are not entitled to this service (unless one's home country has a reciprocal agreement with Norway). Non-residents should note that medical care in Norway is expensive and won’t necessarily be covered by medical insurance. Expats should check with their insurance company before they travel, and take out additional insurance if necessary.

Do I need to buy a car in Norway?

It depends. Cities such as Oslo have excellent and affordable public transport and owning a car may be unnecessary. However, if a person has children or plans to travel often in Norway it might be a good idea to get a car. Norway has some of the strictest road traffic laws in the world and penalties can be severe, so it is recommended that a driver becomes familiar with these when renting a car. Getting a Norwegian driving licence may be the biggest obstacle.

Further reading

►Expat Experiences in Norway features exclusive interviews with expats living in the country

Are you an expat living in Norway?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Norway. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

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