Emigration to Norway from Russia: how to move to live for permanent residence, apply for a residence permit through business or employment

Norway has always been and still remains one of the difficult countries for immigration. The authorities strictly control the number of foreign citizens who want to stay here, so the procedure for obtaining legal status is not easy and very long. Still, emigration to Norway from Russia is possible, and there are several ways to first obtain a residence permit and then citizenship.

Those who plan to emigrate to Norway from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus or any other country need to obtain a national visa category D at home. Only on its basis can they stay in the Scandinavian state for a long time and find employment.

Upon arrival, the migrant first receives a temporary residence permit valid for one year. Then, if the authorities consider the reason for the stay to be justified, you can apply for a temporary residence permit. This document must be renewed annually.

Three years after moving to Norway, a citizen of another country can apply for a permanent residence permit. The duration of this permit is from three to five years. It all depends on the circumstances. And only after living legally in Norway for seven years can an emigrant count on obtaining citizenship of the northern country. But in some cases this period may be reduced.

After five years of living in Norway, minor foreigners can obtain citizenship. After two years, it can be given to a Dane or Swede. And in case of marriage, you can count on obtaining permanent residence within five years. But each case is considered separately, so it is impossible to say exactly how long a particular applicant will receive permanent residence and citizenship after emigration.

Ways to immigrate to Norway

Immigration to Norway is possible on the following legal grounds:

starting your own business;
apparatus employed;
studying at a Norwegian university;
refugee;
marriage or family reunion.

Citizens of other countries are especially attracted by the high social benefits that are paid in Norway. Therefore, if a foreigner really wants to study, work or marry for love, he must prove this with documents and be prepared to be checked frequently on the spot.

Starting a business

It is easier for a young entrepreneur to move to Norway than for a future student or employee. Here, as elsewhere, they are interested in new firms and enterprises appearing on the territory of the kingdom, whose taxes will replenish the treasury.

A young businessman first receives a work visa, then a residence permit, permanent residence, and then can become a citizen. To open a business, he must register his company in Norway. Registration is possible only if the company's authorized capital is not less than 13 thousand euros. A foreigner does not have the right to manage a company - this can only be done by a citizen of the country.

Employment

Moving to Norway for work is also possible. But in order to immigrate, you either need to be a highly qualified specialist, or not be afraid of simple hard work, which not all subjects of the kingdom are ready to do.

A foreigner will be able to obtain a residence permit if he:

comes to look for work;
has already concluded a contract with a Norwegian employer;
has a profession in demand in the country.

A migrant has a year to find a job. If he does not find a job within 12 months, the residence permit is not renewed, and the foreigner leaves the country. A foreigner who arrived under an employment contract is extended a temporary residence permit and in the future may be issued a permanent one.

Getting an education

People come to Norway to study on a student visa and receive a residence permit here. You can enroll in a Norwegian university either immediately after graduating from school, or after completing the first year of university in your home country. You can study here as part of a social program, as an exchange student, or with your own money. Universities teach in Norwegian, but many courses for foreigners are taught in English.

To obtain a student visa, a standard package of documents is required. In order to be issued a residence permit, you need to provide a certificate from a Norwegian university, a hotel reservation and a document confirming your financial solvency. This could be a bank statement or a student loan certificate. Studying in Norway is very prestigious, and every student has the opportunity to stay here forever in the future and obtain citizenship.

Starting a family

After marriage to a Norwegian citizen, permanent residence can be obtained after five years. After the wedding, the country's authorities check whether the real relationship was the reason for concluding the union. If doubts arise and it is proven that the marriage is fictitious, the foreign bride or groom will be immediately expelled from the country. A child who is born into an international family will automatically become a subject of the kingdom.

Refugee

Like other European countries, Norway accepts refugees, but these people are subject to scrutiny. Each case is considered in detail and at length. To obtain legal status, you must live in refugee camps for some time. Those whose documents are being reviewed are sent here. If a positive decision is made, the refugee will have to renounce his citizenship of his country. A Norwegian citizen cannot have two passports.

Why Norway?

Before you figure out how to go for permanent residence in Norway, you should weigh the pros and cons. Immigrants arriving in Norway will experience not only the advantages of this state, but also its disadvantages. The positive and negative aspects of Norway for immigration are presented in our table:

Advantages of moving to Norway for permanent residence	Disadvantages of moving to Norway for permanent residence
According to the Human Development Index, the country ranks 1st on the planet. High standard of living of the population, high life expectancy	Finding a job in many areas is very difficult - there can be dozens or even hundreds of applicants for one vacancy. Crime rate is one of the highest in Europe
A developed social protection system financed from government funds. The health and education sectors are also financed by the state. Free education is available, including for immigrants	Most medical services are paid. And they cost quite a bit. So, an appointment with a therapist will cost 250–350 CZK
Favorable business climate, ample opportunities for business lending, low level of corruption	High taxation (including for business)
Norway is a multicultural democratic country with equal rights and freedoms for every resident. About 13% of the kingdom's population consists of immigrants (including immigrants from Russia, who settle mainly in the northern provinces)	Expensive food, alcohol, clothing, as well as utilities and transportation
Amazing nature, excellent ecology, concern of authorities and citizens for the safety and well-being of the environment	Cultural life in Norway is not very active
Although immigration to Norway is not the easiest procedure, all immigration stages are transparent and clearly regulated at the legislative level	In a place like Norway, obtaining permanent residence is extremely difficult. Legalization conditions are not available to many who wish to do so

In general, the majority of Russians living in the kingdom (whole families leave to live in Norway) are happy with their new home. And now we will figure out how to go to Norway to live and obtain a residence permit in Norway.

On a note! The Kingdom of Norway is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula and adjacent small islands. It also includes Spitsbergen, two islands in the Arctic Ocean and an island in the Atlantic.

Applying for a work visa to Norway

Citizens of Russia, Belarus and other countries that are not members of the EU can emigrate to Norway for employment only with a work visa. With it you can:

stay in the country for a long period of time;
work;
engage in small business;
work as a volunteer.

Tourists who go to see Oslo and swim among the fjords on a pleasure boat are not issued such a visa. In order for a foreigner to be issued a work visa, he must have a residence permit in the kingdom and an offer from a Norwegian employer. If there is no permission, the visa can only be issued for six months.

To obtain a work visa, the applicant submits the following documents:

completed application form;
2 photos;
2 copies of Russian passport and birth certificate;
2 bank statements;
international passport;
diploma;
agreement with the employer, if any.

A residence permit is issued either at a diplomatic mission or in Norway at the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. If a foreigner does not reside in the kingdom for more than two years, the document is canceled.

Moving algorithm

First of all, a Russian must legally enter Norway. The best way is to apply for a long-term visa.

Then they receive a temporary residence permit, and after 3 years you can request a permanent one. After a few more years, the opportunity to apply for citizenship opens up. The latter, however, does not give the owner any special privileges, except that they will be allowed to vote and participate in parliamentary elections as a candidate.

Many who move to Norway are quite satisfied with permanent residence - this status allows them to find a job and enjoy all social benefits.

How and where to apply for a residence permit

If a migrant stays in the country for more than three months, he must obtain a residence permit. It is a plastic card. A photograph of the owner is pasted into it and fingerprint information is entered. The document contains a sample signature of the owner and information about whether he has the right to work. The duration of the residence permit is the same as that of the employment contract. They obtain a residence permit in Norway at a police station or at diplomatic missions outside the country.

Advantages of a Norwegian residence permit

Foreigners want to emigrate to Norway and obtain a residence permit, because this document provides a number of advantages. The holder of this document can freely visit the states of the Schengen zone and study for free at Norwegian and other European universities. The knowledge gained here is highly valued in many countries. With a residence permit, you can work in a good organization and have a decent income, as well as open your own business. This is an opportunity to start a different life in a European country and stay there forever.

City of Ålesund, Norway

Types of residence permits

To emigrate and stay in the northern country legally, you need to obtain a residence permit of one of the following types:

for getting a job;
for marriage or family reunion;
for training;
for refugees;
for AuPair program participants.

The validity period of these documents is 1-2 years. If there are grounds, the residence permit can be extended.

Conditions of registration

Obtaining temporary and permanent residence permits is possible under certain conditions. To do this, the applicant must document that he married a citizen of the kingdom, entered into a work contract, became a student at a Norwegian university, cannot remain in his homeland, and participates in the AuPair program. If one of these grounds is present, and everything is in order with the rest of the documents, you can count on obtaining legal status.

Registration procedure

At diplomatic missions, applications are accepted only by appointment. You must first register on the website, wait for an email, and only then go to the embassy with the documents.

You must also register with the police in advance. This can be done either via the Internet or by telephone. At the police station, the applicant is fingerprinted and photographed on the card. This document is sent to the applicant by mail, so the address must be entered correctly. Documents for a residence permit are reviewed within ten days. But if necessary, they can be transferred to the country’s Directorate for Foreigners’ Affairs, and then the consideration period will be delayed.

Where to apply for a residence permit

You can leave your home country with a Norwegian residence permit. It is obtained from the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate General. There are diplomatic missions of the kingdom in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Murmansk, Baku, and Bucharest. Ukrainians and Belarusians submit documents in Kyiv. Foreigners staying in Norway go to the police station at their place of residence.

Basic list of documentation

To obtain a residence permit, you need to submit the following documents:

international passport and copies of all its pages;
A completed application form;
two photos;
receipt of payment of the fee;
list of submitted documents.

The form must be filled out either in the official language of the kingdom or in English. All copies of documents must be notarized. If the applicant does not submit the document in person, his representative must have a power of attorney drawn up by a notary.

Residence permit for pensioners and minors

If a minor is moving, the papers are drawn up and signed either by the parents or legal representatives. If a child goes to study in Norway, either the father and mother, or guardians sign and notarize consent to travel abroad. Pensioners enclose a copy of their pension certificate and a certificate from the Pension Fund on accruals to the main package of documents.

Obtaining a residence permit when purchasing real estate

In some countries, the purchase of real estate is the basis for obtaining a residence permit, but Norway is an exception. Purchasing a house, apartment or non-residential premises will not affect obtaining legal status in any way. Property owners are issued only a multiple-entry visa.

Reasons for moving

The country's government adheres to a strict migration policy, limiting the ability of those wishing to move to visit the country.

Starting a business

This is a labor-intensive process that requires collecting a number of documents.
An aspiring entrepreneur must prove that he has skills in running his business and provide a certificate of income for the last few years. Another requirement for opening a business in the country is the presence of authorized capital in the company’s account in an amount of at least 13,000 euros. The manager of the organization must be a citizen of the country.

Starting a family or reuniting it

Migration to Norway from Russia is possible if relatives are there.
Spouses, as well as their minor children and their parents, have the right to legalize their stay in the country. To obtain the relevant documents, an adult citizen must prove his financial solvency. It is possible to move to the kingdom if you marry a native.

Important! Signing a marriage contract is possible both in Russia and Norway. Marriage in the country is considered to be a wedding in a church.

When entering into a fictitious alliance, there is a high risk of being under constant control by government officials. They must ensure that the marriage is voluntary and for love. Obtaining documents for permanent residence is possible only 3 years after living together with a spouse.

Studies

Students receive official permission to stay in Norway.
To move to the country, a standard package of documents is drawn up and a contract is signed, which specifies the educational institution where the citizen plans to study. After arriving in Norway, the student is issued a student visa and residence permit. As the student progresses, he has the opportunity to meet his future employer, who will facilitate his further official stay in the country.

Important! Most universities in Norway have little competition, foreign students are provided with academic scholarships, and they retain the right to work part-time in their free time. Any student receives assistance in mastering Norwegian and English.

Refugee

Refugees from war zones can enter the kingdom. The opportunity also remains for persons who have been persecuted in their homeland by the authorities.

Obtaining status is a long process that depends on many factors. Each case is subject to separate consideration. Until the end of the inspection, the person will live in a special settlement.

Important! To receive government support, you must renounce your previous citizenship.

Moving for work

To obtain citizenship through labor relations, you must first find a job in the country.
A contract requiring relocation is concluded through an intermediary using Internet resources. After completing the preliminary agreement, the employer obtains a residence permit in Norway from the authorities. One of the requirements to receive it is to pay the employee at least 14.5 euros per hour.

It is possible to obtain a residence permit after arriving in a foreign territory. The document is issued for 12 months. During this period of time, a person must find a job.

Important! Since it takes time to find a job, you need to have enough money in your bank account to support yourself (for 2021, this amount is 20,000 euros).

Highly specialized specialists can emigrate to Norway under a special program: the country needs professionals, so it posts vacancies for various positions (doctors, engineers or oil workers).

Moving to permanent residence in Norway

You can go to Norway for permanent residence only if several conditions are met. To do this, the applicant must document that he has resided continuously in the country for three years. He must also have no criminal record in this country and have a residence permit. To obtain permanent residence, you need to take Norwegian language and social studies courses and pass tests in these subjects. As part of the social studies block, the history of the country is also studied.

The sequence of stages of immigration to Norway: from first tourism to citizenship

For all migration programs in the Kingdom, the procedure is the same.

Submit papers to the visa department of the Norwegian diplomatic mission to obtain permission to stay in the country.
Fly or drive to Norway.
Register with the police (no later than 7 days after arrival) to receive a card.
Submit an application for permanent residence (possible after three years after entry).
Request permission for citizenship status from the Kingdom (after seven years).

Procedure for obtaining permanent residence

To obtain permanent residence, a foreigner must submit the following documents:

international passport and copies of all pages;
questionnaire;
a letter indicating the period of stay in the kingdom;
certificate of completion of courses;
certificate of name change, if it has been changed;
list of documents to be submitted.

The papers are submitted to the local police department. They must be in English or Norwegian. The decision on extradition is made by the Directorate for Foreigners.

Sequence of stages of immigration

All government immigration programs have the same application process.

A permit is issued at the Norwegian consulate.
After arrival, you must register at the police station within 24 hours and receive a “White Card”.
After three years, you can apply for a residence permit.
After 8 years of legal residence in the country, you can apply for citizenship.

Obtaining a residence permit

It is possible to obtain a residence permit if you have lived continuously in the country for 3 years. Applying for and obtaining a residence permit is a fairly simple procedure. The documents required to obtain a residence permit are submitted to the country's embassy. The standard list of documents includes:

Original and copies of the international passport.
Color photographs of the established standard.
Statement.
Additional documents that depend on the basis of your immigration. You can find out more about the required documents at the Norwegian Embassy.
All documents must be translated into English or Norwegian, certified by a notary and stamped with an apostille.

Registration of permanent residence

The procedure for obtaining permanent residence is longer and more complex. A number of conditions must be met, such as:

Continuous residence in the country for the last 3 years, which must be documented.
Valid residence permit.
For those applicants who fall within the age range of 16 to 65 years, you need to take Norwegian language courses and pass a test.
No criminal record or being under investigation.

In addition you will need:

A completed application form.
Copy and original passport (translated and certified by a notary).

Documents are submitted to the police station at the place of residence.

Applying for an immigrant visa

To live and work without restrictions, you need to obtain an immigrant visa. It is also given if a foreigner plans to study, asks for asylum, travels to close relatives, or marries a citizen of the country.

To migrate to Norway, you need to obtain a category D visa. To obtain it, you need to collect a complete package of documents and be sure to attach a letter from the inviting party, a marriage certificate, an agreement with the employer, a certificate from the university - all these documents are the basis for obtaining an immigration visa. The papers are submitted to the embassy or consulate, where they are processed within three to seven days.

Immigration directions

There are 4 ways to move to Norway for permanent residence and live there permanently:

Get asylum (in special circumstances). In order to request refugee status, you must be on Norwegian territory or near its borders. Applicants who submit an application to the diplomatic mission will almost certainly be denied. It is worth considering that positive responses to asylum applications are accepted in approximately 5% of cases.
Reunite with family. This method means:

entry to close relatives;
marriage with a subject or permanent resident of the kingdom.

Find a job. A work permit is issued:

those who have entered into an agreement with the employer;
applicants for a nanny position in a Norwegian family;
trainees invited to undergo an internship.

Enter an educational institution.

Is it possible to obtain permanent residence through property - real estate and business?

As for the purchase of property in a monarchical country, this does not in any way affect the provision of a residence permit in Norway. Having real estate in the kingdom is not a sufficient basis for obtaining a residence and citizenship card. There is also no business immigration in this European state.

At the same time, foreigners have the right to acquire property in the Scandinavian country (both real estate and business) on an equal basis with Norwegians. Relevant transactions are a matter of agreement between buyer and seller. Once the terms of the agreement have been met, a deed of transfer of property can be drawn up.

Norwegian citizenship for Russians

Foreigners are attracted by the opportunity to get a job with a decent salary and live in the country with high social guarantees. The procedure for obtaining Norwegian citizenship for Russians is the same as for migrants from other countries. First, the applicant receives a residence permit, then permanent residence, and only then can he officially become a subject of the kingdom.

Conditions for receiving: how to move to live in Norway

To obtain citizenship, the applicant must have lived legally in Norway for seven years. Russians who are officially married to a citizen of the country must live here for five years. An important condition is that he must be officially employed, have a high salary, have no debts and pay taxes.

Receipt procedure

The applicant first fills out a form on the website of the Directorate for Foreigners. Then he receives an invitation to appear and submit documents in person. After consideration, the applicant is invited for an interview. He does not receive an answer immediately. A decision could be made in six months or later.

Required documents

To obtain citizenship, the applicant submits the following documents:

civil passport and its copy;
international passport;
document confirming permanent residence in the country;
certificate of renunciation of first citizenship;
certificate of passing exams in Norwegian language and social studies;
a police certificate confirming no violations;
four photos.

Upon receipt of citizenship, men become liable for military service and can be drafted into the armed forces. The Norwegian passport is awarded in a ceremonial ceremony. The new citizen swears allegiance to the country and people.

Possibility of dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is prohibited in Norway. When a foreigner receives a Norwegian passport, he automatically separates from his family. But there are exceptions. Children whose parents have different nationalities can have dual citizenship. Also for those foreigners who are prohibited by the legislation of their native country from renouncing citizenship. All cases are considered individually.

The beginning of the way

Road in Norway / photo by the author
The trip to Norway could have ended before it began, because I was poorly prepared. Or rather, I was prepared for the trip, but not for the Norwegian border guards.

Oh, guys, always, well, just always be very careful about crossing the border. Never think: oh, this will do. Always know the answers to all the questions they might ask you: where are you going, why, for how long, where will you stay, what to see. All this is very important. If you cannot answer any question, the border service can easily turn you back home. What almost happened to me too.

I take border guards very seriously. And I’m still surprised how I didn’t think everything through on this trip.

The fact is that border guards are stationed in order to prevent spies, smugglers and those who plan to stay in it forever, that is, illegal immigrants, from entering the country. Let's put aside the spies and smugglers and focus on something simpler - potential emigrants.

How to distinguish an ordinary tourist from one who is going to hang there forever as unnecessary ballast?

The tourist is full of bright plans, he has a lot of money that he is ready to spend in the country, he knows what he wants to see and where to go, and books hotels in these places in advance.

When I was going to Norway, I chose the attractions that interested me, found the cities located next to them, and looked at the prices of hotels in them. Expensive. Not just expensive, but very, very expensive. Well, it’s a pity to spend 10,000-15,000 rubles per night. Or rather, not even in a day, but in one night. Because I’ll only come to spend the night, and then continue on my way.

I started looking for options.

I read that there are many campsites in Norway. These are areas specially designated for motorists. You come there in your car, stop and spend the night. If you want, book a house. If you want, put up a tent. Or sleep right in the car. Everything has its price.

Book a simple house, literally a plywood shed, without amenities - from 5,000 rubles.
Parking a car - from 2000 rubles.

Already somehow divine, when compared with hotel prices. That's why I decided to stay at campsites.

Well, since there are many campsites in the country, why would I book them in advance? I’ll go without a reservation, and along the way I’ll look for something and stop by for the night. These were my completely logical reasoning.

But the border guards have a different logic. No hotel reservation means you don’t know where you’re going. And the first problem arose in connection with this.

The cash I had when crossing the border / photo by the author

— Why are you going to Norway? — the customs officer asked me, entering information from my passport into the computer.

- Look.

- What to see? - She looked up at me with amazed eyes.

— I want to see the sights of Norway.

- For what?

I got lost. Why do you go sightseeing? Don't know. Just wondering.

— I’m a tourist, I travel to different countries, I’m interested in what they have. — I tried to explain to the lady in English.

Apparently, it sounded kind of strange, so she called another lady who spoke Russian. Hoping that the problem is not in the content of what I am stating, but in the language.

- Why are you going? - she repeated the question.

“I’m traveling, I’ve already traveled almost all of Europe, I wanted to visit Norway...” I tried to explain again.

The ladies chattered in their own language. Confusion was visible on their faces. I, too, was perplexed - why are they confused? Have they never seen tourists?

- Where do you work? — followed by a new question.

- In a travel company.

- Oh, do you need this for the company? — in the voice of the Russian-speaking border guard there was relief that she finally understood everything.

“Well, yes,” I decided not to aggravate the situation. Let it be for the company.

- Fine. Where did you book the hotel?

Oops. But I don’t have a hotel.

— I read that you have a lot of campsites, I will stay in them.

—Have you booked a campsite?

- No. - I realized that I was in trouble.

The ladies again chattered alarmedly in their own way and asked a new question:

- How much money do you have with you?

This is a core issue of customs and border guards.

According to the rules, a traveler entering Europe must have at least 60 € for each day of stay in the country.

“500 €,” I said. - And credit carat.

— Only 500 €??? — the border guard was shocked. - Do you know that everything is very expensive here?

- Yes I know. I read. “What can you do?” I said with a sad face.

I thought that she sympathized with me so much and apologized for the fact that everything is expensive for them. And only then did it dawn on me that she thought that my money would not be enough for the trip.

The ladies conferred some more and turned to me again:

—Where do you plan to visit?

I suddenly felt a stupor, all the names of attractions flew out of my head. I stand and look at the stern ladies like a ram at a new gate, and realize that I cannot pronounce a single Norwegian name and cannot remember a single planned attraction. And it slowly but surely dawns on me that I’m about to be turned back from the border: there are no hotels, there’s little money, and he doesn’t know where he’s going.

Fortunately, the name of the islands that I planned to get to somehow surfaced and I triumphantly said:

— Lofoten Islands.

Wrong, by the way. We must say Lofoten. But somehow they forgave me for it.

However, a new problem arose - my visa was lost.

The fact is that having received a visa to one of the countries of the Schengen agreement, you can travel to any countries included in it. A year ago I received an Italian visa, but the country of first entry, through whose border I entered the Schengen zone, was Poland. We were traveling by car then, to get to Italy, we had to pass through several countries. Poland was the first on the way.

And now the Norwegian border guards are looking for information about my obtaining a visa in Poland, since there is a Polish mark, but we need to look in Italy. And they don’t tell me anything. They just rummage through the computer, talk about something to each other in worried voices, look at each other, and rummage through the computer again. And I stand and understand more and more clearly that I have problems and my luxurious journey is being covered with a copper basin.

Fortunately, they still thought of asking me whose visa I had and how I entered the country, and then I quickly figured out what was going on and gave the correct answers. And they let me into Norway.

But still remembering all this, I mentally shake my head and realize that I was very lucky. And everything could not end so rosy. So, when you are planning to cross the border, prepare for this as best as possible.

Pros and cons of moving to Norway

There are pros and cons to moving to Norway. On the one hand, a foreigner finds himself in a safe country with a good environment, free higher education, a powerful economy, high-quality medicine, high salaries and high social guarantees. But this life also has its drawbacks: high taxes, expensive food and utilities, and a cold climate. It is difficult for foreigners to find work here and it is not as easy as it seems to open your own business. According to reviews, Norwegians are very closed people and are not ready to make contact.

Moved: how to live in Norway?

In the “Moved” section, we publish stories about how and why young people leave to live in other countries. Last year, art director and stand-up comedian Natasha Alekseevna started the process of moving to Norway, but she had already gained impressions and experience, which she shared with 34travel. How to get housing and work in Norway and experience the signature Norwegian tranquility - read below.

NATASHA'S STORY

I was born in Lida, and lived in Lithuania for several years, but at some point I realized that I wanted to leave. Several of my attempts to go to Germany failed. And when I finally had to decide something, I thought about Norway, where my parents live near Oslo. I also put out a call on Facebook, and one guy from Russia responded. In general, I went to break the ground.

I’m basically there, although I’m physically in Lithuania, because I need to resolve issues with documents and residence permits, so now it’s such a transitory moment when you live between countries.

Initially, I was going to submit a CV to advertising agencies, although I only knew basic phrases in Norwegian. At first it was a little difficult, especially emotionally. Mom is married to a Lithuanian, they have been living there for five years, they have their own life. I have no one else there - no friends, no usual hangouts. And all you do is look for a job.

There is a lot of physical work there for which emigrants are hired. But I needed agency experience. If you just send a cv, they may not respond. You have to come with a CV, knock on the door, and say “I want to work for you.” My first month in Norway began with the fact that I arrived and the very next day I went to a radio interview. I came to this interview by chance - the University of Oslo called out that they needed radio presenters with English. But my English was not enough for them.

You drink coffee with every employer, he asks you questions - why are you, how are you, you probably feel so bad in Belarus. What do you think, why are you asking me these questions? And throughout the first month, I actually attended several interviews a day. They don’t want to hire you because you are not familiar with the Norwegian advertising industry, you don’t know exactly how it works there. But at the same time they offer unpaid internships. If they tell you that they are keeping your CV in the database, then they do so, and in a couple of months they may call you for some vacancy or internship. At the same time, it’s possible to get a job without knowing Norwegian.

If you are not afraid of menial work, or you just need money while you are looking for a normal job in your field, then there is a lot of work. Wash houses, babysit, unload wagons, cut down forests. There is plenty of such work for emigrants, and the Norwegians are happy to hire Slavs for it, because they consider them more responsible. The Norwegians themselves work like brakes, everyone is relaxed - why bother if they already get normal money.

If people are willing to take on menial work, then they can earn fairly normal money. And, in principle, cleaning houses, as I did, is a dust-free job. Because Norwegians themselves are clean. If you are hired to clean a house once or twice a week, then they will clean it themselves minimally first, you will come and you will clean it even better, and you will get your € 60 for two or three hours of work. And the coolest thing is the attitude towards you. You come to clean, they go to work, and leave you breakfast - coffee, pie. Then they will call you many times, ask how you are doing, wish you Christmas and New Year’s wishes, and leave gifts. It's like you're talking to friends.

“If you are hired to clean a house once or twice a week, then they will first clean it themselves minimally, you will come and you will clean it even better.”

They are very interested in visitors from Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, and Belarus. They need labor. The Norwegians themselves will not go to work for hard physical work, moreover, few of them will work for some guy. They work for themselves, many have their own small businesses. Even Norwegian students do not take such jobs. Therefore, they are interested in labor. At the same time, they have a very normal attitude. They receive you very friendly, they are interested in talking with a person from another country and learning about your experience.

As for earnings in all sorts of advertising agencies, I was shocked. Because the average salary in Lithuania in such a place is around € 600 (if you are lucky and get into a top agency). In Norway, even if you have little experience and do not speak the language at the best level, the average salary after taxes is € 2000.

Hiring isn't as difficult as it might seem. At least with the type of documents like mine. I now have a Lithuanian residence permit, not a student one, which is important, and I can come to work there with these documents. If I am accepted, then I need to get an ID number in Norway, this is done through the UDI and Politi services. With this ID number, without which you cannot take a single step legally, you get a job, you sign a contract and work in peace. Of course, you will have to tinker a little with the design, but overall the procedure is quick.

But an ID number is required in Norway. If you have a student visa (I have a friend who lives there), then you can only work part-time, in principle, this is a common story. In Norway the rules are as follows: first you get a work visa, you work for 3 years and you can apply for a permanent residence permit, and after another 4 years - for citizenship. But if you have a permanent residence permit in Lithuania (or another EU country), then you have the right to live in Norway for 90 days without work or find a job with 70% employment and receive a permanent residence permit in Norway.

“In Oslo you meet a lot of different expats and few Norwegians themselves.”

The most expensive thing in Norway is housing, especially in Oslo. But if this is an area where only emigrants live, then at Norwegian prices it will be more or less normal. Rent a room in a three-room apartment with a good renovation will cost € 600-750. I probably wouldn’t be able to live in Oslo, because even though it’s small, it’s too noisy and very expensive. It’s much cooler to live in Norway, which is located in the suburbs. Because Oslo is the same Norway as Moscow is Russia. When you live in the suburbs, you see how they live, you can communicate with them. In Oslo you meet a lot of different expats and few Norwegians themselves. In connection with all sorts of political things, they are gradually moving away.

Utilities are also high, about €100-200 for everything. A deposit is usually required for three months. In Norway, in order to save time, everyone connects to their Internet banking and pays through it. There is one trick for people like me who come and don’t make a decision right away. You can take individual subjects at the University of Oslo, this is called “enkeltemne”. It’s very easy to take, they are always there. You take 10 points and become a student. This gives the right to housing. The main thing is to do this as early as possible, two to three months before the start of school (before the end of August).

In general, Norwegians are very, very frugal people; they do not spend money on what they don’t need or on what is impractical. They are simple and invest in valuable things. Of course, everyone's values are different. But what I noticed among the Norwegians and what I really love (as one of the most important things in life) is comfort and home. They are ready and will invest a lot in comfort and home.

Connect to the Internet, open a bank account, see a doctor - if you have an ID - go ahead. You come to the bank and calmly make an account, connect to the Internet at Telia, visit the doctor for a fee, of course, in any clinic according to your registration. But Norwegians don't get sick. Elderly people do not have the cult of the hospital and hanging around there every morning, as in Belarus or Lithuania. Because in Norway people still run at 70 - I know, such old men overtook me when I ran in the morning.

It’s better to move around on foot - firstly, you’ll save money, secondly, it’s for your health, and thirdly, Oslo, for example, is very small, you can get around it on foot. It's the same story in Drammen. In Oslo, people love bikes and the subway. You only need a car if you work outside the city, it’s difficult to park and it’s expensive to pay for crossing zones. To save time you need a bicycle. There are no problems at all with a city bike. It's cool and convenient. Other transport in Oslo costs about € 10 per trip, a pass costs about € 70 if you are not a student. If you go from Oslo to Drammen, the ticket will cost about € 20. Therefore, a bicycle on your own!

“In general, Norwegians are very, very frugal people; they do not spend money on what they don’t need or on what is impractical.”

There, suckers like me gather in libraries and talk to each other two or three times a week. Conversation club. It’s easier for me to perceive language by ear, all I did was walk and listen to people, turn on the TV. For those who know English, Norwegian is easy to learn. Very similar in terms of formation of tenses and all that. You learn this basics in a week, and then it’s a matter of practice, you just know what you should say, order. If you communicate, it’s easy to learn. The language is very funny and interesting.

Just going out to drink coffee will cost the same as, for example, in Lithuania – € 3, no more. They have coffee shops or just coffee machine shops, with a bunch of names of coffee drinks, and you can just stand there and try them. If you came just as a tourist, and you have a budget of € 50 for three days, then you will not die of hunger there.

If you go to chain stores like Rema 1000, you will pay €2-3 more for vegetables and fruits than in stores usually opened by Arab emigrants. They bring products from their country, from Belarus, condensed milk, for example. Therefore, vegetables and fruits in such non-chain stores are much cheaper and of better quality, because they are brought from warm countries.

“Norwegians seem to follow a healthy lifestyle, but they like everything overcooked, but they make this overcooked food at home.”

As for other products, they have a monopoly on everything. There is one manufacturer that makes all dairy products. On the one hand, this is, of course, good, because it is the development of the domestic market, but on the other hand, there is not enough variety, my family does not have enough “our own products.” And for me, for example, this is ideal, because everything they have there is “eco”, gluten-free, super-healthy. You won’t see a bunch of meat or salted and over-salted sausages in the store - it simply doesn’t exist. Much more shelves with cereals, muesli, beans. Norwegians seem to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, but they like everything overcooked, but they make this overcooked food at home.

The shops there look like a warehouse. People just buy and leave. It’s the same with mid-level cafes and restaurants – everything is simple in them, no atmosphere. I drank coffee, ate and left. They miss the comfort and our kitchen. They love shish kebab shops, Belarusian and Ukrainian cuisine. Everyone I asked said that when they come to our countries, the first thing they do is eat. Therefore, this could be a gold mine for anyone who would like to do something similar there.

“Every Friday you can fill your evening with such cultural parties, although in fact everyone goes there not because of art, but to socialize and chat”

I'm used to hanging out, going to techno parties, rap parties. There is no such thing there. They have a different leisure culture. For them, rest means going to a neighboring city, climbing mountains, walking around. In the summer they end the work week on Thursday. They go to the fjords on their boats and are gone all weekend. There is one club, “Rockefeller,” where they bring great artists and create techno parties. But to get there, you either need to know someone or pay €20-30 for entry. And at the same time be in their subject, go through face control and dress code. And this is a little difficult, because you come from another country and in any case are different from the Norwegians.

But there is one salvation for those who want to party on Friday. The theme of art is rapidly developing there, and exhibitions of contemporary artists are held. If you monitor this, then you can go there, communicate, they give you a drink there, you get to know everyone, because they all move in a crowd from party to party. And every Friday you can fill your evening with such cultural parties, although in fact everyone goes there not because of art, but to socialize and chat. By the way, in Oslo, if you are a beginning artist and want to make an exhibition or installation, you are welcome. There are certain institutions that you can write to and they will give you accommodation.

Bars are open until 3, after which they cannot serve drinks according to the license. Everyone mostly drinks at home and comes to the club just to dance. There are no wild dances here. They come, sit at the table, talk, and that’s all their hangouts.

Norwegians will always help you, in any situation. I had a fight with my parents and decided that I would leave. I packed my suitcase and went to the airport. And it’s 100 kilometers from Oslo. I think I'll hitchhike. While walking to the highway, they approached me a hundred times and offered to help me and bring my suitcase. In the end, they took me to the airport and sat there with me.

I have seen similar cases many times. In the store, my grandmother felt bad, she twisted her leg and fell. All the sellers ran to her, gave her water, called an ambulance, which arrived no more than 5 minutes later. Even in Lithuania, people often pass by.

They always smile at you, they always say hello to you, they can talk to you in the store. You think it’s cool how friendly they are. But over time it becomes annoying because they are always smiling and you can’t understand what their actual emotion is. Either they are angry with you, or they didn’t like you. Therefore, during interviews, for example, it was sometimes difficult to navigate.

In the first month I was very bored, I wanted to go back home, it was boring. But after a month you get used to these quiet weekends, you go somewhere outdoors, you can just walk in the mountains. You get tired (I once walked 30 kilometers up and back and then lay in bed for two days), but it’s worth it. It’s a completely different feeling, you even calm down inside yourself. Those who are looking for peace should go there, live like this and communicate with the Norwegians - they are the calmest people possible. While I lived in Lithuania, I was wildly twitchy, constantly in a hurry somewhere, running, everyone was kind of sad, sad, although in Lithuania everything is not so bad.

“They can turn to the state in any situation and the state will help them. They don’t understand how the state can screw you over.”

In Norway you relax. Any problem can happen to you, but you know that you will solve it. I think this is due to the fact that they have never experienced the stories that our countries have experienced. In any situation they can turn to the state and the state will help them. They don’t understand how the state can screw you over. How can you ask for help, but they will send you away. There is no such thing there, and therefore they are always calm, because they know that there is support from the state, that they will not remain on the street. And you also calm down, make your life measured. You work, even if it’s dirty work, even if it’s hard for you, but you know that you’ll get normal money for it and you’ll be able to live. Most people who go there from Belarus, Ukraine, Russia know that they will work hard. It may not be their dream job, but they know that with this money they can travel, help relatives, whatever.

Norwegians are polite. It's probably more politeness than friendliness. They are stingy with emotions. If people are friends with us, then you are in touch with this person 24/7, emotional conversations, get-togethers, weekends. With them, everyone lives on their own, and at the same time, they are very open. How I met a Norwegian. I sent my CV to all these offices, and a guy from one office found me on Facebook and wrote, let’s meet, at least get to know each other, we’ll know who you are and what you are. It was strange for me, because they couldn’t offer me anything at that time, but they met just to talk about fashion and the weather. In this regard, they accept you, there are no problems. But it's more of a stereotype that they are so cold-blooded. They have become very interested in what is happening in our countries, they are interested in knowing what is happening here and how we live.

Older people, of course, are not ready to transform into a different mentality, so they live in their own diaspora. And young people are able to integrate. Only through mentality can one understand why their system is structured this way.

You won’t find any super thrills in Norway (unless it’s the north), as you could, for example, in Indonesia, but here you will find peace. People like me, who are always on the move, whose thoughts are ahead of words and who always have a lot of ideas, in Norway stop a little, put everything in order in their heads, calm down, and then move on according to their plan. And no matter how paradoxical it may sound, this finding of calm excites you for some new movements and deeds. And this is what I really love about Norway.

Photo – Natasha Alekseevna

List of in-demand professions

There is huge competition for jobs here, but the unemployment rate in Norway does not exceed 4%. Migrants who come for seasonal work work in fish factories or oil production stations, and they also harvest seasonal berries and vegetables.

In Norway, programmers, doctors, builders, economists, financiers, bankers, and oil workers are welcome for official work from abroad. They are provided with good working conditions and high wages.

Average salary in Norway

The income of the country's citizens increases every year.
In 2021, the amount of payment increased by 1.9% compared to the previous year, and in 2019 this figure increased by 2.3%, which in monetary terms amounted to about 4.75 thousand euros for a 37.5-hour working week. On a note! A salary of 5 thousand euros is considered above average.

The minimum wage in Norway is 2 thousand euros. This salary is typical for part-time students. In large cities, pay is higher than in villages, but this difference is not significant.

Oil producing companies occupy the leading positions in terms of wages: 7 thousand euros. Insurance employees, lawyers, and architects receive a similar amount in the country.

In the industrial sector, the average level of earnings is 4.5 thousand euros, in healthcare - 3.9 thousand euros, in agriculture and fishing - from 3.6 thousand euros. Earnings are the least in the restaurant and hotel business: from 3 thousand euros.

Read also: Rules for registration of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation

When starting a business, citizens are faced with the concept of a “progressive tax rate,” which varies depending on income and ranges from 27 to 80%. Such a taxation system in the country makes it possible to reduce the difference between rich and poor members of the population. Owners of their business can afford an annual vacation and the purchase of technical innovations.

Pension provision

The Norwegian pension consists of three parts: entitlement benefits, basic benefits and special benefits. You only need to work for three years to receive a portion of your basic benefits. But to receive all payments, the length of service must be 40 years. When forming, the marital status of the pensioner is taken into account. Single people here earn more than married people. The minimum annual pension is 17 thousand euros. Norwegians have the right to demand it because they pay high taxes throughout their working lives, including into the pension fund.

Sights of Norway

The main natural attraction is the fjords. These are mountain bays that appeared hundreds of thousands of years ago. People come here to see amazing waterfalls, icy ridges and harsh northern nature. The largest fjord is Sognefjord. Tourists are sure to be brought to it.

It is worth looking at the beautiful Catholic Cathedral of St. Olaf, located in Trondheim. Thrill-seekers go to Tusenfried Amusement Park, which is located near Oslo. In addition to the capital, it is worth seeing the wooden churches of Norway, visiting the city of Bergen, which is more than a thousand years old, and driving along the legendary Atlantic Road, which ends on the ocean.

Troll Tongue, Norway

Advice for those who decide to leave the Russian Federation for Norway for permanent residence

If you want to leave the Russian Federation for Norway for permanent residence, but do not plan to marry a citizen of the kingdom, try to find a job remotely. There are websites where foreign employers post vacancies. If you turn out to be a qualified worker and successfully pass the tests and interview, you may be awarded a contract.

Those who decide to leave for permanent residence must have a good knowledge of English: many people speak it in Norway. If there are difficulties, you need to start learning it in advance. But once you move here, you need to learn Norwegian as quickly as possible.

Even if you earn the minimum wage at work, you will not need to limit yourself in everything. This money will be enough for rent, food and essentials. But in order to save money on large purchases, it is better to go to Sweden - everything is much cheaper there.

Norway is one of the most prosperous and closed countries. Many foreigners dream of moving here, and some manage to obtain a residence permit and then citizenship. The legalization procedure is not easy and lengthy, but in order to stay in a country that is in many ways the best, it is worth going through all the bureaucratic difficulties and learning the Norwegian language.

Is it worth moving to Norway - weighing the pros and cons

Permanent residence in Norway seems very attractive for Russians. But before making such a responsible decision, seriously weigh all the pros and cons. For every advantage, you can find an opposite argument.

Social security - only those who have achieved the status of “residence permit” are entitled to claim unemployment benefits, child care, and child benefits. This means that a person must work in the country for several years, benefit the state, pay taxes, and only then can receive some kind of social assistance and support from it.
Employment requires applicants to have unique, in-demand knowledge and skills, knowledge of English, and preferably Norwegian. Only in this case can you apply for a good position with decent pay.
Norway is a country with a high standard of living and high incomes. However, the costs here are not small. Almost half of your salary will be eaten up by rent, and one third by taxes. The rest will be left for food. Food prices here are among the most expensive in Europe. To save money, it is recommended to rent housing in the suburbs. If you have your own car, which you brought with you, you can get to the city in half an hour; gasoline prices here are reasonable.
Measured pace of life. If you are a calm person, like to contemplate nature, admire landscapes, and spend evenings reading a book, then you will like it in Norway. The main entertainment here is active recreation - traveling along mountain trails, car camping, fishing, skiing and snowboarding. Norwegians are quite reserved people, so be prepared for the fact that you will have to spend a lot of time alone.
Climate is another factor. which may cause concern. Although it is quite mild here, it will not be easy for migrants from the southern regions of our country to get used to the long winter, polar nights, prolonged spring, cold and dampness.

All these reasons were not given in order to somehow scare away possible future residents of this Scandinavian state. The only thing we encourage you to do is to take a thoughtful and balanced approach to making the decision to move to Norway for permanent residence from Russia. If this is truly the country of your dreams, and this is where you see your future life, then feel free to fill out all the necessary documents and go to meet your happiness.