What difficulties should we expect as Americans migrating to Oslo?

Hi Hermoine

Hopefully one of our expats in Norway can answer this in detail. But I can give some general guidance.

First, have a look at our Working in Norway section.

Generally speaking you need a firm job offer in order to get a visa for Norway (which you will need even if you come from the US). Your husband would probably qualify for a specialist jobs visa, although I'd recommend speaking to your local embassy for more details. You can also look at our visas and work permits sections.

It is a very good idea to bring over some savings, especially because Norway andOslo in particular have some of the highest living costs in the world. 

I wouldn't recommend starting a business off the bat since it might be a better idea to get to know the country and the people a bit better before trying to earn a living from them. You can have a look at our culture shock page to see what I mean. We do, however, have some information on starting a business in our doing business in Norway section.

You shouldn't struggle too much with Norwegian if you have a knack for languages since, like English its a Germanic language, and with your husband speaking two languages, you're at a bit of an advantage (it will still be challenging though). It is recommended that you learn the language if you intend on staying in Norway. 

Our Norway pages are quite comprehensive and give a good general overview of what you can expect and they're some of my favourites.

Hope this helps a bit,

Xavier

Thank you for your input Xavier, I guess migrating to Norway will be more difficult than I suspected. So, employment comes first, indeed. How difficult would it be for me to go back to school in Norway, thus learning the language simultaneously? We also speak fluent Greek. Not that it helps much but... Yes, it would be wise to wait to learn the Norwegian people better before opening our own business. My husband is currently working full time as a concierge in a prestigious hotel but his salary is only 1.700$ monthly and our rent is 1.140 a month. I am unable to find work. If i were able to at least find a simple job, minimum hourly wage being at 8 per hour, it will only give me the ability to bring an extra 800.00 monthly into my home if I'm lucky. But where i am right now there is not even a simple job as a cashier at a local supermarket. This alone makes our survival status below the middle class, more like poverty level. Would my husband, with a very impressive résumé as an audio tech be compensated decently if he were to pursue a career in his field of study? I definitely will look more into the articles regarding work permits, visas, culture shock etc. Overall, could this be an opportunity to upgrade our living standards and offer a better future for our daughter? Thank you again for all your help, Hermione

Hi Hermoine

I did some googling (and recommend you do a lot more of the same) and, in short, I think it might be pretty difficult moving to Norway in your present situation or, at least, it's going to take a fair amount of time, saving and careful planning.

One blog I read, which remarks on how many people who move there actually end up worse off than when they got there because of being unprepared, recommends that you save a few months' worth of savings- the average salary in Norway is NOK 240 000 ( USD 39 503.04). The poverty level wage is considered to be around NOK 215 000. Living expenses are really high.

In terms of jobs, the only way you're going to know is if your husband starts applying. The minimum requirement is probably going to be fluency in Norweigan, however. Unless he's a specialist which, plainly speaking, means that there is a shortage of skills in the given field (most of those jobs are in the oil and gas industries). In the event that he does find a job before being able to speak Norwegian, the good news is that he would be given Norwegian lessons for free by the company's local municpality- but would be given a specific time in which to learn it in. 

As for education, it's more complicated than studying for free for recent migrants (and people still have to pay sky high rent prices anyway). Because of high living costs, families where one spouse studies can have a really hard time. Often, for foreigners, some kind of government loan is involved which can be really difficult to pay back, especially if you move somewhere cheaper (which is a lot of places).

I'm sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear. My girlfriend and I are interested in moving over too, so researching this was very eye opening. I think if your priority is saving money, as well as having a good quality of life, there might be other places in the world you could look at.

Don't give up hope though. The only way you're really going to know is doing a lot of research for yourself. Have a look at blogs by people who have moved to Norway and Google until you can't Google anymore. 

This article was very useful: http://mylittlenorway.com/2010/04/do-you-really-want-to-live-in-norway/

Best of luck

Xavier
 

Hello from sunny hot Florida! I can't thank you enough Xavier.Your advice has been very enlightening and I appreciate you warning me to be pre cautious to not blindly make any hasty decisions. I wish you and your girlfriend all the best and hope to keep in touch throughout this whole process, maybe we can help each other. I will not give up my dream so easily. I will continue googling and post to you if anything of great importance springs up. Thank you again for all your time! Hermione

No problem Hermione, thank you. You've really made my day.

Do let me know if you find anything or if you have any questions. I may just bother you for a couch when we finally get there :)

Keep in touch, and all the best of luck

Xavier

Hello Hermione, I have been married to a Norwegian for 8 years and we've lived in 5 countries. Asia has been good to us but we miss Europe, changing seasons and efficiency. We have been offered an interesting job in Oslo but even as a Norwegian, my husband is seriously considering the move because the costs there are overwhelming. I do not count on finding work within the first 6 months because I have travelled enough around Norway to know that English only gets you so far. I speak German too so here's hoping I pick up Oslo Norsk quickly! Have you looked into housing yet? Try finn.no - the rental prices are astronomical and you will easily pay in excess of us$2000 a month for a 2 bedroom place in Oslo. Every summer I am shocked at how much groceries cost when we visit my husband's family. Best of luck to you Ren

Thank you Ren, for taking the time to answer.I apologize for the delayed response, we have been very busy. Our plan is still on for Oslo this spring! I have heard that you can find a cheaper apartment if you look into something older and not remodeled. I am aware of how expensive the groceries are because we used to live in Greece where the euro has gone completely out of hand, and there the pay is so low now due to austerity measures. I understand you missing Europe. The nostalgia is overwhelming. We feel the same that is why we want to leave the States. We seek a better quality life as far as a cultured society goes especially when raising a young daughter of 5 who is already getting bullied at school! I wish all the best for you and your hubby. I hope you both make the best decision. Although the cost of living is astronomical, pay is much better than other countries and I believe the people are much more cultured, civilized and ethical. that is of my main concern! Thank you for the link! I am grateful for your advice and I will take into consideration all you have told me. Keep in touch! I will keep you posted too! Thank you again! Take care Hermione