What do I need to know before retiring in Norway?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Norway, they said...
"1. Expats should be prepared to learn Norwegian to easily navigate life in Norway, as it is the official language. 2. Obtaining a residence permit may be complicated so it is important to understand the requirements carefully. 3. Non-Nordic citizens may need to pass a test of language and cultural understanding in order to obtain a residence permit. 4. There are some tax advantages to retiring in Norway such as not having to pay any tax on pensions and certain allowances. 5. Retiring in Norway can be expensive compared to other countries, with higher costs for groceries, restaurants and housing. 6. Although public healthcare is free for anyone living in Norway, medical treatment can still be costly so expats should consider a private insurance policy," remarked another expat who made the move to Norway.
"I would tell them that they should have to like a closed off culture of people. When you walk down the street people do NOT smile or say hello. A man will push you out of the way to get through the door first. If you are lazy and don't have a good work ethic, then this place will be perfect for you. There are plenty of expats that love this place, however its not for us," explained one expat living in Tromso, Norway.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Norway?
- How do I meet people in Norway?
- What is life like in Norway?
- Is there a lot of crime in Norway?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Norway accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Norway like?
- Is the cost of living in Norway high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Norway?
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- Is the cost of living in Norway high?
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- Are there good restaurants in Norway?
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- What are the visa & residency requirements in Norway?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Norway?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Norway?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Norway?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before retiring in Norway?
If you live in Norway, newcomers to Norway would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.