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Relocating to Norway to work at USN

When you have been offered a job in Norway the bureaucracy of moving from one country to another can begin. There are some processes and waiting time you should be prepared for.

Passasjerer på flyplass

Pre-arrival

Before you leave Norway you must do some preparations to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

If you are not an EU citizen, you must apply for a work permit and if needed an entry visa. Due to long processing time for work permits you should do this as soon as possible. Before you have a work permit you cannot work for USN or receive salary. Before you have a Norwegian ID-number you do not have rights to all welfare systems and many practicalities will be difficult. You have to apply and pay for application fees yourself. Please note that if you are relocating with your family, we advise you to all apply at the same time.

If you are an EU-citizen planning to work in Norway you have to register within three months. Due to long waiting time for identification by the police for EU-citizens you should do this as soon as possible. Before you have a Norwegian ID-number you do not have rights to all welfare systems and many practicalities will be difficult. You can still travel to Norway and start working here at any time.

For Nordic citizens own rules apply. Still make sure you read up on social security right to be sure you are registered in at least one country.

As soon as you know which date you will arrive in Norway you must book an appointment at the Police station for an identity confirmation. This is important and vital to get a Norwegian ID number. Before you get your ID-number you will get a temporary D-number. The ID-number is your key to getting a tax card and bank account. Make sure you prioritise this as soon as possible after arrival. If you are an EU citizen some come for a visit before their move if they get an appointment earlier, to start the process.

Housing  

We recommend booking a hotel or other short-term housing for your first few weeks at your location. For long-term housing we do recommend that you personally visit the property before you sign a lease. Although tenants have rights you should make sure you like the place you sign a tenancy agreement on before signing. USN can assist in showing you relevant searches, but you have to contact the landlord and set up a viewing yourself. Please note that most tenants require a three months rent deposit and what is included in the rent can vary a lot.             

If you are looking for housing, these private housing searches may be useful: 

On arrival

Transport

You have to travel to your new hometown and find your housing by yourself or make personal plans for anything else. USN does not offer employee pick-ups and we advise all staff to use public transport. All campuses are close to public transport lines connecting to the airport.

Identification

Make sure you go to your registration appointment with the police. If the appointment is set far from your arrival date you can check for earlier appointments online. Available appointments are regularly posted.

Taxes and pension

All employees working in Norway must pay compulsory taxes from their wages. The employer will automatically deduct this amount from your salary, based on the tax card you will receive from the Norwegian Tax Administration. You have to register for a tax card. If USN has done this for you, they will let you know. Please note that until you have a tax card you will get 50% tax deducted. For most foreigners it takes 2-3 months before the tax cards is in order. You will get the tax you overpaid back in the following year, unless you register for PAYE. PAYE is a fixed tax option you can use the first year you stay in Norway. The tax level is lower than most normally must pay, but you do not get half tax in December or a tax return where you can adjust the amount.  For more information on the Norwegian Tax system, please visit the Norwegian Tax Administration’s website.

As USN fulltime-staff you will become a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Where you will get a favorable pension, life insurance and good offers of housing loans.

Bank account

If you are staying in Norway long term, you need a Norwegian bank account to receive your salary. For opening a Norwegian bank account, you must have a Norwegian D number. The USN mobility coordinator can advise on what banks to use. Until you get a bank account you can get your salary paid to a cash card or a bank account in your home country.  Please note that for international transfers the bank might deduct some money from your salary.

Insurance  

If you lease a place to live in Norway, you are obliged to have a household content insurance. If you travel abroad as part of your job at USN, we also recommend that you have a travel insurance, for your own security. Upon arrival to Norway as a non-EU citizen, you will need to have a travel and health insurance from your home country until you have a D-number in Norway (usually takes around 2 months). As an EU citizen make sure you have your European health card and ID papers with you in case you will need emergency care.  You should also read up on your benefits thru the Norwegian Service Public Pension Fund, when it comes to illness, injury and death.

Electronic ID

The Norwegian society is highly digitized and a lot of public and private services like banks, public transport etc. requires use of digital services and applications for smartphones. Until you have a Norwegian online persona there are several services you will struggle to access.

So as soon as you have received your Norwegian ID, (either Personal Id or D-number) you should apply for an electronic ID.

Finding a doctor

If your stay in Norway exceeds six months and you have reported moving to Norway, you will automatically be assigned a general practitioner (fastlege). Once you have received your electronic ID you can change your GP, if you wish. You can also log in to read digital messages from your doctors and at most doctors offices book appointments. Your GP will refer you to specialists or the hospital if needed. For emergencies, you should know where your local emergency room and hospital is located. The emergency health care number is 113.

Dental treatment

In Norway The Public Dental Care Service provides free services for children up to the age of 20. Dental care for adults is mainly private. You will have access to dental care in your local municipality.

 

 

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