What to Know Before Moving
- Residence & Work Permits If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can stay and work in Norway freely; for longer than three months you’ll need to register. If you’re from outside EU/EEA, you’ll need to apply for a relevant residence permit before moving.
- Registration & Identity Number Once you plan to stay more than six months, you must register in the National Population Register, obtain a Norwegian identity number (or temporary “D-number”). This is needed for many services: opening a bank account, paying taxes, getting health services, etc.
- Housing & Living Location Decide whether you will rent or buy. Big cities like Oslo, Bergen are more expensive; rent tends to be high and security deposits can be large. Also note whether utilities/public services are included or separate.
- Cost of Living & Budgeting Overall cost of goods & services is high in Norway. Food, transport, utilities, housing are all more expensive than many countries. You’ll need a solid budget to cover upfront costs (deposit, first rent, moving expenses) and ongoing costs.
- Language, Culture & Integration Knowing some Norwegian helps significantly—though many people speak English especially in larger cities. Understanding local rules (registration, tax obligations, public services) will make settling smoother.
How Dogpay Helps with Moving & Settling Costs
Here are ways Dogpay can reduce friction or hidden cost when you move to Norway or settle:
- Upfront Document & Permit Fees Moving involves costs like visa / permit application fees, translations or certifications, proof of identity documents, sometimes more costly or involving payment from abroad. Dogpay helps make these payments transparent in terms of foreign exchange and fees, lessening surprises.
- International Shipping / Moving Costs If you’re bringing personal goods, household items, or furniture from abroad, shipping, import duties / customs, and cross-border payments can get expensive. Using Dogpay for large cross-border transfers or payments helps you track cost, reduce conversion losses, and handle the transfers more reliably.
- Rent, Deposits & Utility Setup First month’s rent + security deposit + connection fees (electricity, internet, heating etc.) are usual big early payments. If funds are coming from overseas or need currency conversion, Dogpay can help ensure that what you pay is what the landlord / service provider receives, with minimal extra cost.
- Recurring Bills & Local Services Once settled, you’ll face utilities, insurance, phone/internet subscriptions, insurance etc. Dogpay assists with managing recurring payments, especially if part of your funds are held in foreign currency or foreign bank accounts— helps reduce FX/transfer fees, ensures payments arrive on time.
- Large One-Off / Unexpected Costs Moving may lead to unplanned costs: repairs, furniture, vehicle import, deposit renewal, administrative surprises. Having Dogpay ensures you have a reliable way to pay or transfer funds when needed, with good record keeping (important for refunds, disputes, or tax purposes).
Key Takeaways
- Apply for permits and register identity numbers ASAP—these unlock many services.
- Build a moving budget that includes not only rent & deposit, but upfront fees, shipping/import costs, utilities, and community / lifestyle costs.
- Language and understanding local systems go a long way.
- Using Dogpay or similar tools from the beginning helps reduce hidden payment costs, improves clarity & ensures smoother financial transitions.
