Moving to Norway Checklist: Everything Americans Need to Know

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Affordability

Healthcare

Taxes

Safety

Stability

Relative Ratings versus the United States

TL;DR

Norway appeals to Americans prioritizing climate security and safety with 15% year-over-year interest increase in 2026. Skilled Worker Visa requires job offer and relevant degree or vocational training. Self-Employed Visa available for professionals earning €25,000+ annually. Cost of living is high (meals exceed $100 for two) but net costs similar to New York when including free healthcare and public education. Healthcare system is public and essentially free after ~$300 annual deductible.

Why Are More Americans Moving to Norway in 2026?

Norway has seen a 15% year-over-year spike in interest from Americans prioritizing "Climate Security" and safety in 2026. As heatwaves and extreme weather affect the U.S. South and Southwest, Norway's cooler climate and predictable governance have become major draws. While the cost of living is high and the taxes are significant, many Americans are now viewing these as a fair trade for "cradle-to-grave" social support and some of the world's lowest crime rates.

The Norwegian "Friluftsliv" (open-air living) philosophy means that even in major cities like Oslo, you are never more than 15 minutes away from a forest or a fjord, offering a deep connection to nature.

What Are the Visa Requirements for Americans in Norway?

Norway's immigration system is strictly focused on labor needs.

Skilled Worker Visa: The most common route. You must have a job offer from a Norwegian employer and the position must require your specific degree or vocational training.
Self-Employed Visa: Available for those who can show their business will earn at least €25,000 per year and is focused on a specific, professional service required in Norway.

Available Visa Pathways:

Education
Work
Entrepreneurship
Study

How Expensive Is Living in Norway?

Norway is expensive; a casual meal for two can easily exceed $100, and gasoline prices are among the highest in the world. However, when you factor in the lack of health insurance premiums and the high quality of public education, the "net" cost for a family is often closer to that of a high-cost U.S. city like New York.

What Is Norway's Healthcare System Like?

Norway's healthcare system is public and essentially free after an annual deductible of roughly $300; for Americans, this represents a massive reduction in financial stress, as all major procedures and chronic care are fully covered by the state.

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At Bring Me Abroad, we synthesize official government data, local legal requirements, and real expat experiences to create our relocation guides. Our goal is to simplify the complex process of moving abroad for US citizens.

About Aaron

Aaron is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building digital products for the SaaS and hospitality industries. In 2023, he navigated the complex journey of relocating from the U.S. to the Netherlands—a process that revealed a fragmented landscape of outdated visa blogs and "browser tab overload." After successfully launching a design studio in the Netherlands, Aaron co-founded Bring Me Abroad to solve the "Day 1" information gap. His mission is to democratize relocation by replacing expensive consultants with high-utility, data-driven reports that help early-stage explorers get situated quickly. When he isn't decoding immigration logistics, Aaron can be found cycling through the Dutch rain in search of the perfect apple pie or navigating the nuances of the Dutch language.