European Removals to Norway | Relocate to Norway
What’s it Like Working in Norway?
If you love the adventure of working overseas and you’re looking for new opportunities, working in Norway should definitely be on your radar. Whilst oil and gas have traditionally been the Norwegian industries attracting overseas professionals, their hugely successful tech sector is currently recruiting globally. Quite apart from the exciting job opportunities available, working in Norway achieves top ranking when it comes to a healthy work-life balance. Employees in Oslo take an average of 25 days’ vacation each year, and parents enjoy 23.5 months of paid parental care, which is currently the most generous allowance in the world.
Why the Technology Sector is Thriving in Norway
The Norwegian tech sector is incredibly attractive to foreign professionals. Its success is driven by a number of key factors that contribute to the appeal of working in Norway:
- Norway Attracts The Best. The Nordic countries enjoy a high standard of living that attracts international applicants to jobs. As a result, IT businesses in Norway have a distinct advantage when it comes to recruiting the best talent available for their workforce.
- Commitment to Gender Equality. Norway is recognised for its historic commitment to gender equality. This commitment to equality fosters a diverse and inclusive business environment, further fuelling the growth of the technology sector.
- Strong Technological Infrastructure. Norway’s ongoing investment in its technological infrastructure plays a crucial role in its emergence as a prominent technology hub. Working in Norway provides access to advanced telecommunications networks, reliable internet connectivity, and a supportive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Government Support and Incentives. The Norwegian government proactively supports the tech sector through their initiatives and incentives. These measures provide funding, favourable business regulations, and tax incentives, which encourages the growth of tech startups and attracts foreign investment.
- Thriving Tech Ecosystem. Norway demonstrates a clear understanding of the ecosystem required to support a growing industry. Numerous incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces provides aspiring entrepreneurs and tech professionals with the resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship they need to succeed.
APPLYING FOR A VISA TO WORK IN NORWAY
Citizens from the UK need a residence permit in order to work in Norway. There are different types of permit you can apply for, dependent on whether you’re entering the country as a skilled worker, a seasonal worker, or a job seeker. If you are looking for work in the tech sector, you would need to apply for a skilled work permit.
Skilled Work Permit/Residence Permit
The criteria for a skilled residence permit are as follows:
- Completion of a relevant HE degree or vocational training.
- Relevant experience for your chosen occupation, including education and vocational training.
- A confirmed job offer from an employer in Norway, offering a salary which exceeds the average Norwegian wage.
Skilled work permit holders can apply for permanent residence in Norway once they have lived and worked in the country for three years. This permit also allows international employees to work in their company’s branch in Norway.
What’s It Like Working In Norway?
For over a century now, Schepens has been providing removals to Norway for movers who are starting jobs in Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim. A number of them subsequently decide to make Norway their permanent home. We asked them what it’s like working in Norway, on a day-to-day basis?
WORKING IN NORWAY IS BETTER IF YOU KNOW THE LANGUAGE
“Most Norwegians I know are fluent in English outside the workplace, but they’re sticklers for speaking Norwegian once the working day begins. There are some exceptions, and English is now being spoken in more workplaces but don’t expect it. I could get by with just English, but I couldn’t express my personality properly until I knew some Norwegian and began to develop friendships.”
YOU’LL HAVE MORE FREEDOM OVER YOUR WORKING HOURS
“I’ve only worked in a couple of Norwegian workplaces but it’s noticeable that employees are listened to, and their needs are respected. For instance, since the pandemic, there’s more demand for flexible working. Where I work now there are core hours when you need to be at work, but then there are flexible hours at the beginning and end of the day that you can use to organise school runs etc.”
OFFICE DESIGN IS AMAZING
“Fresh air, great views, and a calm environment are all things that are expected in a Norwegian workspace and I’d happily live in my current workspace, it’s so beautiful! I’ve always worked in environments where people chat and eat and work around the distractions, whereas here, focus is all. The office can feel a bit too quiet at times, I admit, but it’s just a case of getting used to different ways of working.”
OSLO IS INCREDIBLY DIVERSE
“When I came to work in Oslo, I was expecting an international team to work with (which I have), but what I didn’t expect was the diversity of the city population. Around a third of people living here come from elsewhere, so I immediately felt ‘at home’. I’ve met great people both from Norway and around the globe, and I love living and working in Norway”
RELOCATING TO NORWAY? SCHEPENS CAN HELP
We’re a UK-based, family-run business – now in our 4th generation of removals – and we know Norway well. Over the decades we have become a leading provider of European removals to Norway, with a reputation for providing stress-free relocations. Schepens makes weekly runs to a range of Norwegian location which means we can offer movers who are going to be working in Norway, affordable prices, flexible scheduling and drivers who know the country well.
TAILORED MOVES TO NORWAY FROM THE UK
Every move is unique, and we respect our movers by treating them accordingly. Each client is allocated a move co-ordinator who will personally manage your move for you. You’ll work with them to develop a tailored removals plan which, when complete, forms the basis of your free, no obligation removals quote.
Schepens removals services include:
- Customs Paperwork. Our long association with Norway means that we are very familiar with the customs regulations and would be happy to fill in your customs paperwork.
- Professional Packing Service. We lead busy lives, so if you need a professional team to pack up your home and label your boxes, we can provide it.
- Insurance. Schepens covers your goods whilst in transit. If you require additional Accidental Damage or Extended Liability cover, your move co-ordinator will arrange it for you.
- Specialist Removals. If working in Norway means that you need to take a piano (it does happen!), artwork, or fragile antiques as part of your move, we have a specialist team who will manage it for you.
- Self Storage. Should you need storage in the UK, we have a number of local self storage facilities. They provide a clean, dry and secure environment for your items.
- Transport. Your goods will be transported in one of our state-of-the-art removals vehicles which run on air ride suspension and boast an adjustable bearing system, ensuring little or no movement of vehicle content.
Second-to-None Customer Service From Schepens
“I moved from England to Norway, and Schepens provided the most competitive quote as well as an excellent service from start to finish. Very good communication, a friendly team, efficient and very good packing service (everything arrived intact), all the customs paperwork was sorted very professionally, and the delivery was on the date expected, without any delays. Highly recommend, would definitely use them again for an international move.”