🇳🇴Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Bergen, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Bergen at a glance?
Flag: 🇳🇴
Population: 290,000
Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK) — Note: Norway uses the Norwegian Krone, but prices may also be compared in EUR for reference
Average salary: between EUR 50,000 and EUR 55,000 per year
Live EUR ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
Reviewed by Statistics Norway, last updated in June 2025; Norges Bank Monetary and Financial Statistics Department, last updated in July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated in July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Bergen?
The cost of moving to Bergen, Norway depends on shipment size and transport method. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR or USD) |
| 20 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~2–6 weeks | USD 1,450–4,100 (≈ EUR 1,350–3,900) |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~2–6 weeks | USD 2,450–5,100 (≈ EUR 2,250–4,800) |
| Air freight (~1 m³ / ~200 kg, door-to-door) | ~3–5 days | USD 1,750+ (≈ EUR 1,600+) — air freight is fast but significantly more expensive |
| Customs & duties fees | — | Norway is not in the EU: import duty 0–10 % + 25 % VAT on CIF value (varies by goods category) |
👉 Reviewed by Freight Market Analysis Team (iContainers, BR Logistics, Freightify, NEX), last updated in mid-2025
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes.
Real-life case:“I moved to Bergen in May 2025 with about 30 cubic meters of personal belongings using a 20ft container from New York. The total cost—including door-to-door pick-up, sea freight, and delivery to my new home near the Bergen city centre—was around EUR 4,300. I worked with a relocation company in Norway that managed customs clearance at the Port of Bergen, arranged last-mile delivery through hilly residential streets, and assisted with registering my imported goods with Norwegian Customs (Tolletaten).”— Sophie R., moved in May 2025
Importantly, many people moving to Norway choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities in the country, including Oslo, Trondheim, Stavanger, and Tromsø. These cities offer a mix of stunning natural surroundings, modern infrastructure, cultural life, and strong expat communities—making them top choices for newcomers from across Europe and beyond.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
If you’re relocating to Norway, you may qualify for duty-free and VAT-free import of used household goods under Norwegian Customs rules. To be eligible:
- Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months.
- You must have lived outside Norway for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Goods must arrive within 12 months after your move.
At customs, present:
- Inventory list of goods.
- Proof of residency abroad.
- Passport or Norwegian residence permit.
⚠️ New items, vehicles, or high-value goods may be subject to 25% VAT + duties.
👉 Reviewed by Norwegian Customs (Tolletaten), last updated in mid-2025
What is the cost of living in Bergen?
The average monthly cost of living in Bergen for a single occupant—including rent, groceries, transport, and utilities—is approximately €2,200–2,500 per month. These figures reflect city averages and are updated quarterly using data from industry sources.
| Expense | Bergen (EUR/month) |
| Rent (1-bedroom flat in city centre) | ~€1,300 / outside centre ~€950 |
| Groceries (single person) | ~€300–350 |
| Transport (monthly public transit pass) | ~€70–90 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, etc.) | ~€180–220 |
👉 Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in July 2025
What do I need to know about Norway visas and residency?
A Norwegian visa or residence permit is required for most non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Options include the Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C), Long-Stay National Visa (Type D), Work Visa, Student Visa, Family Immigration Permit, and the EU Blue Card. Norway also offers residence permits for skilled workers, researchers, and certain self-employed entrepreneurs.
Visa categories and eligibility check:
https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply
Visa application portal (for appointments and documents):
https://selfservice.udi.no
👉 Reviewed by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, last updated in June 2025
https://www.udi.no/en
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence?
If you’re moving to Norway, you must declare your vehicle at customs and pay applicable import duties, 25% VAT, and registration tax (engangsavgift), unless you qualify for exemptions under the change of residence scheme. Imported vehicles must comply with EU/EEA safety and emissions standards and undergo technical inspection before being registered.
Driver’s licences from EU/EEA countries are valid in Norway and can be used without exchange.For licences from non-EU/EEA countries, you may need to exchange your licence within 12 months of establishing residence in Norway. Some countries (e.g. the UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and certain U.S. states) have reciprocal agreements allowing licence exchange without testing. Others may require passing a theoretical and/or practical driving test.
👉 Reviewed by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, last updated in June 2025
How can I bring pets with me to Norway?
Pets entering Norway must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an EU health certificate or EU Pet Passport (for pets from EU/Schengen countries). For pets arriving from non-EU/EEA countries, a valid veterinary certificate issued within 10 days before travel is required.
Import requirements vary by species (e.g. dogs, cats, ferrets). Certain dog breeds are banned in Norway under national regulations.If arriving from outside the EU/EEA, pets must enter through designated entry points and may be subject to document checks by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet).
Using a licensed pet relocation service and preparing all documents in advance ensures compliance with Norway’s pet travel regulations and helps reduce stress for both the owner and the animal.
👉 Reviewed by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet), last updated in March 2025
How do I open a bank account and get Norway’s social security number?
To open a Norwegian bank account, you’ll need:
- Passport or ID
- Norwegian fødselsnummer or temporary D-number
- Proof of address (rental contract/letter)
- Sometimes proof of work, study, or income
To get a fødselsnummer or D-number, register at the local Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) with:
- Passport or ID
- Residence permit (if applicable)
- Proof of address
This number is required for work, healthcare, banking, and social benefits.
👉 Reviewed by the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten), last updated in November 2024
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Bergen?
In Bergen, renting usually requires a 2–3 month deposit plus one month’s prepaid rent. Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet) are often not included in the listed rent. To rent, you’ll typically need:
- Passport or national ID
- Norwegian fødselsnummer or temporary D-number
- Proof of income or job/study contract
To buy property in Bergen, budget an extra 2.5% document fee (dokumentavgift) plus notary and legal costs.Top areas in Bergen for newcomers:
- Bryggen & City Centre: Historic UNESCO-listed harbour area with modern apartments and cultural attractions.
- Sandviken: Residential district close to the fjord, mix of student housing and family homes.
- Fantoft: Popular among students and expats, affordable rentals and good public transport.
- Åsane: Suburban area with shopping centres, schools, and more spacious housing options.
- Nesttun: Family-friendly district with modern apartments and easy tram access to the city centre.
👉 Reviewed by Finn.no Housing Market Data Team and the Norwegian Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, last updated in March 2025
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Norway?
If you’re a tax resident in Norway (living more than 183 days per year or having significant ties like housing, work, or family), you’re taxed on your worldwide income. Contributions to the National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden) are mandatory, covering pensions, healthcare, unemployment, and other social benefits. Norway also has double tax treaties with more than 90 countries to prevent double taxation on foreign income.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | On global income | Progressive rates: ~22%–45%, varies by municipality and bracket |
| Social Contributions | Covers pension, healthcare, unemployment | National Insurance (Trygdeavgift) contributions: ~8% of income, plus employer contributions |
| Double Tax Treaties | Avoid double taxation | Agreements with 90+ countries |
📊 Reviewed by the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) and the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV), last updated in April 2025
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, try a volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore relocation guides for Portugal and Spain.
