Immigrate to Norway from America (USA)

Your guide to what it takes to relocate to Norway from America, from an American who has done it.

Before you get started

Before you pack your bags there are a few things you should know. To immigrate to Norway from any non-EU country such as the USA is an uphill battle. In other words, it’s not so easy.

The only easy ways to relocate

When it comes down to it there are really only two easy ways to relocate to Norway from America.

1. You fall in love with a Norwegian citizen and marry them.
2. You have a written job offer in hand from a Norwegian company.

To be honest I’m not sure which is a bigger challenge. Both have their advantages and both their own challenges. Since you’re reading this I’ll assume you don’t have either. So keep reading for more tips.

Does having Norwegian heritage help?

There are some 8,000,000 Americans with Norwegian heritage. During the early 1900s life in Norway was not so great. The country was extremely poor and both good jobs and food were scarce. As a result, many brave Norwegians relocated to America, specifically to Washington, Minnesota, and Wyoming. Parts of my own Norwegian family ended up spending time in all of the above, with my great-grandparents settling in the Seattle, Washington area. That shared history runs deep on both sides, and it’s a big part of why Norwegians tend to like Americans to this day.

Unfortunately having this family connection will not be enough to immigrate to Norway. Norwegians will be impressed with these connections and ask you what area they are from, but it won’t get you into the country.

Can you claim asylum as an American?

Regardless of how bad or dangerous things get in America, asylum is unfortunately not really an option. While the Norwegian government does a commendable job allowing asylum cases, they focus on countries with much worse conditions or those ravaged by war. Even so, Norway is a very attractive country for asylum seekers, so the process can be difficult regardless of your country of origin.

How long can Americans stay in Norway without a residence permit?

Having an American passport does have some advantages. With it, you can come to Norway visa-free and stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. It’s recommended you take a few trips before relocating to be sure you’re ready to make the leap. While Norway seems exotic and beautiful from what you see online, just like any new country it may not be for everyone.

It’s important that while visiting Norway you don’t overstay your welcome or your visa. Read the latest visa rules and follow them closely. If you do spend too much time in Norway without a residence permit you can be banned from entering the country in the future.

Getting a Norwegian residence permit

The most straightforward way to obtain a Norwegian residence permit is with a full-time and permanent job offer. Norway has a shortage of what they call skilled workers, such as IT and other specialists. If you have these qualifications it will be much easier to be accepted for a permit. However, getting a company to hire you has its own challenges — see the Norway work visa guide and finding a job in Norway.

Other ways to get a residence permit

Self-employed: This is how I was first able to obtain Norwegian residency. While it does not require a full-time job offer in Norway, it still requires work (and the contracts to prove it) in Norway. If you are already a consultant or have a highly specialized skill you can sell consulting hours, this might be the best way to start. Due to the high cost of employing people in Norway, and the difficulty of letting them go, Norwegian business uses a lot of consulting services. This permit is usually good for just one year, but that will give you ample time to learn about the country and find longer-term employment.

Job seeker: If you are a skilled worker and need more time to land a job you might be able to get a job seeker permit, which allows you to stay in the country for six months.

Marrying into Norway

Most Norwegian men and women are not especially driven to get married. Thanks to a fair and egalitarian society there really is not much need to. Partners get largely the same benefits even if not married, unlike America, where marriage is often what lets partners share things such as health insurance. Many of my Norwegian friends have been together for 10+ years, have children together, and own real estate together without ever officially tying the knot.

So it will be a challenge to marry into the country and get a quick ticket inside. But in love and war anything is possible, so perhaps you’ll find a way. Best of luck.

What do Norwegians think about Americans these days?

To be honest, Americans used to be much more highly regarded in Norway. I recall some years ago when this was exciting to Norwegians who met me. However, times have changed and the political sideshow in America has tarnished our image, unfortunately.

Previously you could have said that America led the world, and that was certainly true in Norway. Like many countries, they consumed our media, film, and other aspects of American life with much delight. Over the last few years that has changed, and it’s noticeable here in Norway.

You’re better off owning your own American-ness and making a little fun of yourself. I’ve found this to be the best route and I’ve come to enjoy their little jabs at America. If you want the practical version, read how not to seem too American in Norway.

Resources for relocating to Norway from America

Here are a few resources to help you with your research.

• UDI: The official Norwegian immigration authority. They have a great deal of information, most of it available in English. See also our guide to the UDI.
• Americans in Norway Facebook Group: A useful group for connecting with and learning from other Americans living in Norway.
• Finn Job Board: The leading job board in Norway.
• American Embassy: The official website of the American Embassy in Oslo.
• Once you are here, the SUA service centres handle the arrival paperwork, and dual citizenship is the long game.