Key information sources when moving to Oslo

Main and official sources of information about relocating to Norway for study, work, or family immigration.

screens showing official websites
Image: Gabriella Mikiewicz / Oslo kommune

When moving to Oslo, finding reliable information is essential for a smooth transition. Moving to Oslo involves many steps, from immigration and registration to finding housing and understanding local services. This page gathers official resources to help you with immigration, housing, health care, and everyday life so you can find accurate information quickly and avoid common mistakes.

1. Immigration and residency

Before anything else, check the rules for entering and staying in Norway. Immigration requirements vary depending on your citizenship and purpose of stay.

The most important websites for this process are:

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)

UDI handles all applications for permits and visas. UDI is your main source of information in your immigration process, offering step-by-step guides through the whole application and registration, based on citizenship and situation.

The Norwegian Police

The police are responsible for registering your stay and issuing residence cards. The site explains how to book appointments, what documents you need, and how to complete the registration process after arriving in Norway.

The Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten)

Provides information on obtaining a national identity number and applying for a tax deduction card. These steps are essential for employment, health care access, and other services.

Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA)

SUA is a one-stop office where work migrants and EU nationals can meet representatives from several agencies in one place: the Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet), the police (Politiet), the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten), and the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). The website explains the tasks involved in the immigration process and provides links to more detailed information. Their website is available in English, Polish, Lithuanian, Romanian, Russian, and Norwegian.

Embassies and Diplomatic Missions

Norwegian embassies and missions abroad provide country-specific information about requirements and processes for moving to Norway from where you are currently located. This is especially useful if you need guidance before applying for a visa or residence permit.

The information on these websites cover the formal tasks you need to perform in order to immigrate to Norway. Once you have completed your immigration steps, you can explore general information websites that explain everyday life in Norway.

2. Information websites for newcomers

Norge.no for digital public services

Norge.no is the official portal for digital public services in Norway. It offers a topic-based menu and organizes services by life situations, such as “New in Norway” and “Moving home,” which are particularly relevant for newcomers.

New in Norway (Ny i Norge)

This site was created for labor and family migrants. Although it is not regularly updated, it still contains useful information about settling in Norway.

Nordic Co-operation (Norden.org)

Norden.org provides information for Nordic citizens and other relevant groups. The “Info Norden” section includes country-specific relocation advice. Norden.no is owned by the Nordic Co-operation (The Communications Department in the Nordic Council and Nordic Council of Ministers).

List of official public agencies

Unginfo – New in Oslo

Unginfo is an information center in Oslo for young people under 27. It provides advice on job seeking, education, accommodation, and health care. The website also includes a section called “New in Oslo” and offers a downloadable guide with detailed information.

Innbygger leser brev fra kommunen
It's important to know which information sources are official in Oslo. Image: Nikolai Kobets Freund / Oslo kommune

3. For work and studies

If you are moving to Oslo for work or studies, these resources provide practical guidance tailored to your situation.

Work in Norway

This site provides practical guidance for labor migrants, Norwegian employers, and foreign companies offering services in Norway. It covers topics such as work permits, tax registration, and employment rights.

Study in Norway

For international students in higher education, this site explains admission requirements, scholarships, and practical advice for living in Norway. StudyInNorway.no is owned by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HKDir).

More resources:

Please note that some of the websites listed here target specific groups in specific situations. The information on these websites can be very specific, or can overlap to a certain extent.

4. Tourist and cultural information

Beyond work and education, you may want to discover Oslo’s culture and attractions. These sites will help you explore the city.

Visit Oslo

Lists local activities, resturants, accomodation and more. Visit Oslo is owned by shareholders from the city's travel trade and commerce. Also runs Oslo Visitor Centre.

Visit Norway

Lists activities and places to visit in Norway. Visit Norway is run by Innovation Norway, which is owned by The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.

We hope you enjoy getting to know your new city and country!

5. Other sources of information

Relocation services

There are both international and Norwegian relocation services offering help to businesses and private citizens. Some of these companies publish practical advice and guidance on their websites.

Social media

You will find a lot of information in social media channels made by expats and natives, organisations, companies and public agencies.

Check information from unofficial sources

  • There is a lot of unofficial information on the internet. The quality varies, as well as the intentions of the content creators.
  • Be careful not to trust important information without double-checking that the source is trustworthy.