Moving to Norway from USA: Everything you need to know

Norway is a popular destination for US expats, with bustling cosmopolitan city centers, beautiful rural coastal spots, and a great quality of life.

We’ve put together a full guide to moving to Norway from the USA. How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Norway? What are the best cities for US expats? Read everything you need to know!

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Quick facts about Norway

Are you thinking of moving to Norway from the USA? We’ve put together a few basics:

Visa options for Americans in Norway

The best visa for your move will depend on your individual circumstances. Let’s take a look at some popular visa options for American expats.

Skilled worker visa

The skilled worker visa is aimed at professionals who want to work overseas. To qualify, you’ll need a valid job offer in Norway. You’ll also need to earn at least 312,000 NOK per year.

Your visa will typically be valid for up to 3 years. You can renew your visa if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. You can also apply for permanent residence in Norway.³

Family immigration visa

A family immigration visa lets family members join their loved ones in Norway. Spouses, registered partners, and minor children of primary permit holders can apply for a family immigration visa.

You’ll need to provide some key information for your visa, including proof of your relationship with the Norwegian primary permit holder. You can access the same duration of stay as your relation. You can also legally work or study in Norway.³

Student visa

If you’re heading to Norway for college, you’ll need to apply for a student visa. Your visa will cover the duration of your studies – and you can renew it each year.

You may also be able to get a post-study work permit after graduation. This lets you stay in Norway while you gain graduate work experience.⁴

Cost of living in Norway

The cost of living in Norway is typically higher than in the US. Cities like Oslo are likely to be particularly expensive, with high wages and high taxes.

However, you may find a more affordable cost of living in a smaller city like Fredrikstad or Tromsø. Rural areas are often less expensive for expats.

Let’s take a closer look at Norway’s cost of living, including average costs in US dollars of some popular purchases.

Opening a bank account in Norway

If you’re moving abroad, you may want to open a local bank account. You can pay your rent, spend in shops, or set up direct deposits without paying expensive currency conversion costs.

Popular banks in Norway include:

• DNB®
• Nordea®
• Sparebank 1®

You’ll need to provide your Norwegian bank of choice with a few key pieces of identification, such as a valid passport and a valid residence permit.

You’ll typically need to start your application online. Once your application has been processed, you’ll need to visit a branch to provide identification and officially open your account.⁶

If you’re using your US bank account in Norway, look out for currency conversion fees. Many banks add hidden charges to international payments, which can bump up the cost of your transactions.

Use a global platform like Wise to reduce your costs. Wise always uses the standard ‘fair’ mid-market exchange rate, with no markups or hidden fees. You can send money back to the US or spend in Norway just like a local.

Tax implications for Americans in Norway

As an expat, you’ll need to understand your tax liabilities in both Norway and the US. If you’re a resident of Norway, you’ll pay tax on your worldwide income. This includes money earned both inside and outside Norway.

You’re officially considered a tax resident if you’re present in Norway for more than 183 days in a 12-month window.

Norway has a tax treaty with the US. This means you shouldn’t face double taxation if you have tax liabilities in both countries. It covers a few different types of income, with set limits on taxation.⁷

Getting accommodation in Norway

Before moving to Norway from the USA, you’ll need to think about whether you want to rent or buy. Let’s take a look at some of your options.

Renting

Renting is a good choice if you’re not yet sure where you want to settle in Norway. You can try out your new way of life before purchasing a more permanent home.

Browse for listings online or speak to locals for more information about the best places to rent in Norway. Oslo may be ideal if you want to enjoy a vibrant nightlife, whereas Trondheim is known for its rich history, for example.

Here are the estimated monthly costs of renting an apartment in a few popular Norwegian cities.

Buying in Norway

US citizens can buy property in Norway, but this may depend on the type of property you want to buy.

If you want to make the most of Norway’s rural nature spots, for example, you may need approval from the local municipality before going ahead with your purchase.¹²

Here are some rough figures on how much it costs to buy a home in Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, and Trondheim.

Healthcare system in Norway

Norway has an excellent healthcare system, but you’ll need to pay for treatment, including GP consultations and major healthcare services.

You can access the Norwegian National Insurance scheme if you’re a resident taxpayer of Norway. This includes subsidised fees and an annual limit on healthcare expenses.

Best cities to live in Norway as an expat

Norway is known for its glorious landscapes, rich history, and high standards of living, but which are the best cities for American expats? Let’s take a closer look.

Oslo

Oslo is a beautiful and bustling city, perfect for expats who want to live, work, or retire abroad. As Norway’s capital city, you can enjoy a great new pace of life, with excellent career opportunities in a range of industries.

The city is surrounded by natural beauty. Within minutes, you could be exploring Norway’s fjords – long deep sea or lake inlets, usually flanked by large cliffs. They’re an incredible sight!

Popular neighborhoods for expats in Oslo include Frogner and Majorstuen, which offer a good standard of living and easy access to other areas of the city.¹⁴

Bergen

Bergen is a popular Norwegian city for US expats. Known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”, you can try out adventurous forest hiking trails or even visit local ski resorts.

The city welcomes expats from all over the world. Neighborhoods like Sanviken and Nygård are perfect for US citizens relocating to Norway.¹⁵

Tromsø

Tromsø is a good choice for your relocation abroad. As a big little city, there are plenty of things to do, but it doesn’t feel quite as busy as somewhere like Oslo.

You can access an affordable cost of living and enjoy weekends in the mountains. There are also plenty of job opportunities in Tromsø, with a thriving university community and local healthcare facilities.¹⁶

Is it safe to live in Norway?

Norway is generally considered a safe country, with low crime rates in most areas. However, Norway’s weather can be a little temperamental. You’ll need to look out for extreme weather, such as snowstorms or strong winds.¹⁷

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Moving abroad is a big decision. You need to consider where you want to live and how much it will realistically cost to relocate your family overseas.

Norway is a strong option for expats looking for a new way of life. You can explore gorgeous forests or live by the coast, with a fantastic healthcare system for locals and foreigners alike.

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Sources

1. Worldometers - Norway population
2. IRS - United States income tax treaties - A-Z
3. Deel - How to get a visa and work permit in Norway
4. Visa Requirements - Norway student visa requirements 2025
5. Numbeo - Cost of living in Norway
6. Life in Norway - Open a bank account
7. Taxes for Expats - Tax guide for Americans in Norway
8. Numbeo - Cost of living in Oslo
9. Numbeo - Cost of living in Bergen
10. Numbeo - Cost of living in Tromso
11. Numbeo - Cost of living in Trondheim
12. Investopedia - Can American people buy and own property in Norway now?
13. Life in Norway - Healthcare in Norway
14. Expat - Living in Oslo
15. Expat - Living in Bergen
16. Expat Exchange - Tromso, Norway
17. World Nomads - Is Norway safe?

Sources checked 03/23/2026