So you’ve just landed a job in Norway. Congratulations! Norway is a country that has a strong tradition of social welfare, with its citizens enjoying high standards of living. It is also one of the happiest countries in the world. And if you’re open to taking in a new culture, there are lots of things you will come to love about this northern land.
When it comes to the overall situation for workers, Norway is a country that has for long been ahead of its time. It was the first country to have a female prime minister and the first to offer equal pay to men and women. It was also the first country in the world to introduce a 40 hour work week.
The Norwegian government has taken steps towards reducing work hours and making it easier for parents to spend time with their children by introducing parental leave benefits in 1993, which includes one year of paid leave for both mothers and fathers as well as maternity leave benefits.
What this means for you, is that not only will you have ample opportunities to climb the career ladder, regardless of your background or whether you’re a man or a woman; you can also expect a comfortable work-life balance, as well as good allowances if you and your partner decide to get a child.
To make it easier for you to get established as a worker in Norway, we have made this simple guide that touches on a few of the most important things you’ll need to know and get right.
How to Set Up a Bank Account in Norway
One of the most essential things you need to have in place when you come to the country is to set up a bank account.
The first step is to find a suitable bank. This can be done by reading reviews online or asking friends for recommendations. You can also find a bank that is suited to your situation and needs at Finansportalen, a service from the Consumer Council in Norway – see their page ”sjekk dagligbanken“ for more.
Once you have found a bank, you need to fill out an application form and submit it with your photo and ID card. You should also bring your passport. After submitting the form, the bank will contact you with further instructions on how to open an account and provide your banking details. Once this has been completed, you will be able to withdraw and deposit money into the account.
Where Are You Going to Live, and What Should You Bring?
It is not easy to decide where to live when you are moving abroad. There are many factors that you need to take into account, such as the cost of living, the distance from work and your personal preferences. Here is some advice on how to find your own place in Norway.
The first thing you should do is try and find out what salary bracket you belong in. The cost of living in Norway is high, so if your salary is not high enough then it might be impossible for you to live right next door to work or afford a place that meets all your desires. If your salary is high enough, then the next step is to find a house that meets all your desires.
Renting a home is also expensive here, so before signing any contracts you should do the math. In Norway, the average monthly rent for an apartment is around $1,390. The cost of living in Norway can be seen as high in comparison to other countries. Groceries in Norway are typically priced at around $14 per person per day, according to Numbeo Cost of Living Index, which includes a number of goods and services such as food, clothing and alcohol. All of this needs to be taken into account when deciding where to live.
What Should You Bring?
There is also the issue of what to bring. How much you can take with you from your old home will depend on the size of the place you can afford in your new home.
If you have the finances to move into a large home with ample storage space, then you’re all good. If you can only afford a small place to begin with, you can consider putting some of your belongings into a self-storage. Flexistore may be recommended, as they use an app for all their services. They have storages in big cities such as Oslo and Stavanger, and now new ones in Bergen – see their page “flexistore har åpnet minilager i bergen“ for more.
Here are some of the things you would want to have, no matter what city you are moving to:
- Norway can be quite cold during the winter, so you should bring clothes that will keep you warm, like sweaters and jackets.
- Working equipment such as your laptop.
- Other favorite belongings and accessories.
That’s a quick look at some of the most important things you need to know and get right when moving to Norway to work.