LIVING & WORKING IN NORWAY
Breathtaking landscapes, open-air activities and great quality of life. That’s Norway!
- Family-friendly: Norway is a country where family friendly is a rule rather than an exception. There are many activities for children from wildlife safaris to the northern lights
- Happiest country: Norway has jumped from 4th place in 2016 to 1st place this year, followed by Denmark. All of the top countries rank highly on all the main factors found to support happiness: Caring, freedom, generosity, honesty, health, income and good governance
- Education: The education system is considered one of the world’s best as they spend more than any other country on it
- Economy: Norway has the 8th world’s highest per capita income in 2016 according to the World Bank. The country maintains a Nordic welfare model with universal healthcare, subsidised higher education, and a comprehensive social security system. From 2001 to 2006, and then again from 2009 through 2017, Norway has had the highest human development index ranking in the world. In 2016, Norway also ranked the highest on the Democracy Index
Facts, figures & information
CLIMATE
Norway is much more temperate than one would expect for such high latitudes In high summer, temperatures in Norway can reach stifling levels, no matter how far north you go. For the most part though, Norwegian summer days and nights stay bright and pleasantly balmy. In the winter, much of Norway is covered in snow, though in the south and along the west coast, snow is much rarer than in the mountains and Northern Norway. Similarly, temperatures may vary quite a lot, from well above freezing in the middle of winter, to quite cold.
ECONOMY
The Norwegian economy is an example of a mixed economy, a prosperous capitalist welfare state featuring a combination of free-market activity and large state ownership. Norway ranks as the second wealthiest country in the world in monetary value, with the largest capital reserve per capita of any nation, also a low unemployment rate, currently at 4.6%. Norway is known for high equality in income, inclusive economies and long-term economic planning.
EDUCATION
Education in Norway is mandatory for all children aged 6–16. The school year in Norway runs from mid-August to late June of the following year. Higher education is anything beyond upper secondary school. To be accepted to most higher education schools, you must have attained a general university admission certificate (generell studiekompetanse).
SPORTS
CULTURE
CUISINE
FOOD
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 17.89€
- A three-course meal for two at a mid-ranged restaurant: 84.21€
- 1 litre of milk: 1.72€
- Fresh white bread: 2.42€
- 1 kilogram of chicken breasts: 11.78€
- 1 kilogram of oranges: 2.39€
- 1 kilogram of potatoes: 1.85€
TRANSPORT
- A monthly pass for the local transport system: 73.69€
- 1 km by taxi with a normal fare: 1.47€
- 1 litre of gasoline: 1.53€
UTILITIES
- Monthly utilities: 157.20€
- 1 minute of pre-paid mobile tariff: 0.09€
- Internet access (6Mbps, Flat Rate, Cable/ADSL): 37.03€
LEISURE
- Monthly fee for an adult at a fitness centre: 43.29€
- 1 hour tennis court rent at the weekend: 29.52€
- 1 seat at the cinema for an international release: 12.63€
RENT
- The rent for a 1-bedroom apartment ranges from 700 to 1200€
- The rent for a 3-bedroom apartment ranges from 1200 to 2100€
(This does not mean that you cannot find a cheaper apartment!)
Norwegian Tax System
The Norwegian tax system is based on the principle that everybody should pay tax according to their means and receive services according to their needs. The public sector in Norway is charged with major tasks to serve the interest of the population, including a public health system under which everyone is entitled to treatment, the right to education, and major tasks in several other areas.
Taxation in this Nordic country is levied by the central government, the county municipality (fylkeskommune) and the municipality (kommune). There are many direct and indirect taxes. Most direct taxes are collected by the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten), and most indirect taxes are collected by the Norwegian Customs and Excise Authorities (Toll- og avgiftsetaten). The most important taxes – in terms of revenue – are income tax and VAT.
Income & Value Added Taxes
Income Tax: Ordinary income (alminnelig inntekt), which consists of all taxable income (wages, pensions, business income, taxable share income and other income) minus deductions (losses, debt interest, etc.), is taxed at a flat rate of 28%.
Value Added Tax: The general rate is 25%. A reduced rate of 14% applies to food and drinks, while an even lower rate applies to hotel accommodation, cinema shows, public transportation services and broadcasting charges. The 14% rate does not apply to eating out at a restaurant.