Living and Working in Norway – Key Insights from Velkommen – Statsborger i Norge (2024)

Link to the guide (PDF): Velkommen - Statsborger i Norge

The Core of Norwegian Society

Norway is built on democracy, equality, and trust. Everyone has the right to take part in public discussion and to be heard. While the state provides a strong welfare system, caring for the common good is also a shared individual responsibility. Honesty, openness, and equality are values that are reflected both in everyday life and in working life.

Adapting to Norway – Six Key Points 

1. Learning the Norwegian language opens many doors. Language proficiency supports performance at work, everyday matters, and social interaction. 
2. Becoming familiar with the local community, colleagues, and surroundings can make daily life smoother. Active participation helps adaptation. 
3. Norwegians value equality, honesty, and trust. Understanding these values supports fair and respectful interaction with others. 
4. Initiative and openness are qualities often appreciated in workplaces. Taking part in discussions and sharing opinions can strengthen cooperation within the team. 
5. Trust is often built through punctuality, keeping promises, and acting consistently. These are the foundations of reliable and lasting professional relationships. 
6. Taking care of personal wellbeing, especially maintaining a balance between work and free time, is an essential part of resilience. Norwegian lifestyle strongly embraces nature and “friluftsliv” – outdoor life and physical activity. 

Community and Participation 

Belonging to a community is highly valued in Norwegian society. Participation, kindness, and openness towards others help create a sense of belonging in a new environment. Norwegians regard cooperation, reliability, and active involvement in everyday matters as important values.

Well-being and Quality of Life 

In Norway, wellbeing is seen as a balance between different areas of life. Nature is accessible to everyone, and leisure time is valued as much as work. In healthcare work, this also means that personal recovery and self-care are considered part of professional competence and workplace wellbeing.