Essential guide to moving to Norway: Everything you need to know

Relocating from Hong Kong to Norway offers exciting opportunities and new experiences. You can look forward to Norway's stunning natural scenery, including deep fjords, impressive mountains, and the mesmerising Northern Lights. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, skiing, fishing, kayaking and more. The concept of friluftsliv, or “open-air-life” is integral to Norwegian culture and way of life, promoting physical and mental well-being. It involves engaging in outdoor activities - from hiking and skiing to camping, picking berries or sitting in a forest, regardless of the weather. 

Norway provides a high standard of living with excellent healthcare, education, and a robust social welfare system. Its strong economy, rich cultural heritage, and clean environment further enhance its appeal. Celebrations like National Day and traditions like utepils, drinking beer outside on the first sunny day of the year, are only two examples of Norway’s cultural richness. Norway’s safety, inclusiveness, and low crime rates also make it an attractive place to live. However, adjusting to the higher cost of living, colder climate, and potential language barriers are important considerations.

Hong Kongers moving to Norway should be aware of several significant differences. The cost of living in Norway is notably higher, particularly for groceries, dining out, and transportation. The climate in Norway is much colder, with long, dark winters and short, bright summers, a stark contrast to Hong Kong's milder weather. 

Cultural differences, such as Norwegians' reserved nature and different work-life balance, may also require adjustment. While English is used widely in Norway, learning Norwegian is crucial for full integration. Understanding Norway's healthcare system, navigating its efficient public transportation, and adapting to its high tax rates and strong environmental focus are essential for a smooth transition.

Our team at Crown Relocations Hong Kong has extensive experience in international relocations. We can make your move to Norway smooth and seamless. We offer tailored services to meet your specific needs, from expert packing and shipping to customs clearance and visa guidance. Our support services ensure that all logistical challenges are managed efficiently, allowing you to focus on settling into your new Norwegian home with ease.

 

 

Crown Relocations Hong Kong makes moving to Norway smooth and easy with a range of services that can be tailored to your needs. With nearly 60 years of experience, Crown understands every part of international relocations. 

Whether you need a sole-use container for large items, a shared container for a more cost-effective option, or individually crated shipments for smaller loads, Crown has you covered. We even offer air transport for selected items that need to arrive quickly.

Crown handles all necessary clearances and entry documentation at the destination port, assisting with customs regulations and paperwork. We ensure compliance with Norway's requirements and help you with customs declaration forms, advising on any prohibited or restricted items like certain medications or high-alcohol beverages.

Our comprehensive moving service includes transit protection, a free relocation checklist, and additional services such as the relocation of vehicles and pets; making the moving process as stress-free as possible. We also offer storage if needed. With Crown, you can trust that every aspect of your move to Norway is managed with care and professionalism.

Relocating your team from Hong Kong to Norway? Crown Relocations have got you covered! 

Handling over 5,000 company-funded relocations each year, Crown ensures a seamless transition for your employees and their families, whether it's for short-term assignments or permanent relocations. We manage all aspects of each employee relocation, from start to finish, ensuring a successful relocation every time. Our consulting services are designed to create effective mobility programs tailored to your organisation's unique needs.

We collaborate globally but offer personalised, on-the-ground assistance in Norway. Our local Mobility Specialists will help your employees and families adjust to the Norwegian way of life, offering everything from finding a home and learning about services in the area, to searching for schools, enabling your employees to settle in quickly. 

Navigating Norwegian immigration can be complex, but our licenced Immigration Advisory team provides comprehensive support for visas, work permits, and residence permits ensures compliance with all regulations. 

When moving to Norway, understanding and adapting to Norwegian culture is crucial. Our intercultural support programs provide the necessary training and resources. At Crown Relocations, we emphasise the needs of the entire family with our family-centric approach, offering tailored settling-in programs, temporary housing, and partner career support to ensure everyone feels at home.

 

What’s the education system like in Norway? Moving to Norway from Hong Kong offers some great changes, especially when it comes to education. Unlike back home, where tertiary education can be a significant expense, Norway prides itself on providing free education at all levels. This not only includes primary and secondary schooling but extends right through to higher education. For families, this could mean substantial savings and a more accessible path to university for your children.

Kindergarten, or 'Barnehage' as it's known in Norway, plays a crucial role in early education. Kindergartens are heavily subsidised and considered vital in preparing kids for their schooling journey. It's also worth noting that the primary language of instruction is Norwegian. So, if you or your children aren’t fluent, it might be wise to start brushing up on your Norwegian or looking into additional language support available.

For those considering international schools, it’s important to plan ahead. These schools are relatively few and can have long waiting lists. However, they are excellent for those looking to continue with curricula like the International Baccalaureate. 

Norwegian education places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and equity, ensuring every child has access to education and resources. Digital competence is highly valued and taught alongside traditional subjects, while environmental awareness and lifelong learning are integral parts of the curriculum, offering continuous educational opportunities for all.

Relocating to Norway from Hong Kong brings some welcome changes in healthcare. Norway's National Insurance Scheme (NIS) provides universal health coverage to all residents, including expats. Healthcare is free for children under 16 and for pregnant or nursing women, which can be a significant relief for families. Emergency healthcare is also fully covered by the NIS. 

Public healthcare in Norway is comprehensive but not completely free. While it is funded by taxes and payroll contributions, patients are still required to pay some of the costs of treatment. These costs are capped annually though, meaning once the limit is reached you receive an exemption card (frikort), which entitles you to free healthcare for the rest of the calendar year. Norway’s primary healthcare is managed by municipalities, and each resident is assigned a General Practitioner (GP). Similar to Hong Kong, you’ll need a referral from your GP to see a specialist, which might mean waiting a bit longer for those appointments.

Private healthcare is available to help avoid long waiting times and to cover additional services. Expats from non-EU countries should consider private health insurance for extra coverage and quicker access to care. In contrast to Hong Kong, Norway's healthcare system is more centralised, has higher public expenditure, and provides more comprehensive coverage, including better localised long-term care.

Moving to Norway from Hong Kong is a significant change, especially when it comes to housing. Whether you're looking to rent or buy, understanding the local market is key. Many real estate agencies in Norway have English-speaking staff and will assist you in finding a home.

Renting in Norway, particularly in cities like Oslo, can be pricey but offers a range of options from typical apartments and houses to more unique choices like treehouses and lighthouses. Despite the high costs, the robust legal protections for tenants make renting a secure option, though be prepared for a competitive market, especially in sought-after areas or during tourist peaks in places like Tromsø.

If you're considering buying, be prepared for high property prices, especially in urban centres where the market sees a steady increase. The upfront costs of buying a home here include a significant down payment along with taxes and fees, which can add up to a considerable amount. Norway's strict regulations on foreign ownership mean that navigating the purchase process as an expat can be complex, often requiring the expertise of a local legal advisor to manage legalities and tax implications effectively.

Overall, the cost of living in Norway is higher than in Hong Kong, encompassing housing, food, and transportation. The country's climate also influences building standards, potentially affecting construction and renovation costs. Nonetheless, Norway's stable economy and high standard of living make it an appealing, albeit competitive, place for property investment.

Hong Kong citizens can move to Norway. It is possible to visit Norway without a visa for a short stay of up to 90 days. However, if you are planning to move to Norway, a residence permit is required if you want to work. Which visa do you need to work in Norway? Resident permits include skilled worker permits for those with job offers in Norway and working holiday visas for 18-30-year-olds wishing to work and travel for 12 months. Students must apply for a study permit if staying longer than three months, while family immigration permits are available for those with family members in Norway. All applicants must register and complete an application through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, submit necessary documents, and ensure they have adequate health insurance for their stay. 

The cost of moving to Norway from Hong Kong is significant. Costs can include high shipping fees, expensive housing, and a high cost of living. However, Crown is best placed to help you navigate a seamless relocation at a competitive price. Let us help you plan your overseas relocation. Call our friendly team today on: +852 2636 8399 or request a free quote so you can easily find out how much it will cost.

Moving from Hong Kong to Norway involves adjusting to a higher cost of living, a colder climate, and cultural differences including language and social norms. However, there are also many positive aspects to living in Norway. These include a high standard of living, the concept of friluftsliv which promotes physical and mental well-being in nature, excellent healthcare, and free education. Crown Relocations provides comprehensive services to ease the transition, offering assistance with packing, shipping, customs clearance, and visa guidance, ensuring a smooth and successful relocation process.

Crown Relocations offers a range of international shipping options tailored to your needs when moving from Hong Kong to Norway. Whether you’re sending a few items or an entire household, Crown provides sole-use and shared containers, as well as air transport for urgent deliveries. With almost 60 years of experience, we ensure a seamless and reliable relocation process, assisting you every step of the way. Contact us today.

Choosing the best place to live in Norway depends on individual preferences and priorities. Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger are excellent choices for those seeking a balance of job opportunities, cultural activities, and quality of life. Smaller cities like Tromsø and Kristiansand offer unique environments and strong community vibes, making them attractive options for different lifestyles.

Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK) rather than the Euro. The Krone is divided into 100 øre, though øre coins are no longer in circulation. Familiar denominations include 1, 5, 10, 20 kroner coins and 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 kroner notes. Opening a bank account in Norway is straightforward. However it’s not easy to open a Norwegian bank account remotely from overseas. Once in Norway, major banks can assist you in the account setup process. For moving NZD overseas to Norway, Crown recommends the use OFX when relocating as they have competitive rates with lower fees than traditional banks. 

When moving to Norway from Hong Kong, you’ll find a transportation network that caters to diverse travel preferences. If you enjoy driving, rental cars are readily available and allow you to explore freely, even across borders to neighbouring Nordic countries. For those who prefer not to drive, Norway's trains offer some of the world’s most scenic journeys, like the famous Bergen and Flåm Railways. Buses connect even the most remote areas, and domestic flights link over 50 airports. For city travel, places like Oslo have an integrated public transit system, making it easy to get around without a car.

For Hong Kongers relocating to Norway, learning Norwegian can be a rewarding venture. Beyond the usual apps, you can dive into a rich array of resources backed by the Norwegian education system. Consider starting with free online courses from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology or the University of Oslo, which offer comprehensive lessons from beginner to advanced levels. Additionally, interactive platforms like NorwegianClass101 and local courses from Oslo Adult Education provide tailored learning experiences. These tools, combined with grammar and pronunciation resources, will help you integrate smoothly into Norwegian society.

For Hong Kongers moving to Norway, building a local network is essential. You can start with Meetup groups tailored for newcomers. Additionally, platforms like InterNations cater specifically to expats, offering regular events to help you integrate smoothly. For professional networking, events and seminars hosted by the Norwegian Business Association and industry-specific groups like the Norwegian Computer Society offer great opportunities to connect and grow professionally in your new environment.

In conclusion, Norway offers a high quality of life, excellent education and healthcare systems, and a welcoming environment for expatriates. Whether you choose to live in the vibrant cities or the smaller towns surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, Norway has something to offer for everyone. By embracing the local culture, learning the language, and building a strong network, you can truly make Norway your new home.

Moving to Norway from Hong Kong is a significant decision that requires careful planning and consideration. While the process may seem daunting, with the right information and support, relocating to Norway can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Crown has the experience and dedication to help you navigate everything you need and support you in a successful move.

Simplify your international move to Norway. Call us at +852 2636 8399 or visit Crown Relocations to request a quote or learn more about our comprehensive relocation services.