Cost of Living in Norway – An Introduction
Norwegians always tell me that Norway is an expensive place to live. They say that Norway has become rich from all the oil drilling. They boast about the high wages, free healthcare and education, the strong welfare system and that the government has been putting away a huge nest egg for everyone’s retirement. Norwegians also like the fact that Norway has been ‘the best country to live in’ as voted by the UN every year. But just how ‘rich’ is Norway, and how expensive is the cost of living?
Well, if we take a look at economy stats we can get a good idea of the money Norway has to play with. Norway exports over US$140 bill – chemicals and fish (I hope not together) being two of the largest industries next to oil. Norway imports about US$77 bill. That’s a surplus of US$63 bill. – lets go shopping! Public revenues are about US$230 bill. and expenses are US$160 bill. Not bad. With that Norway donates about US$2.20 bill. to foreign aid. So Norwegians are pretty good at saving, but investing? All that lovely oil money that was being put safely away for everyones pension was unfortunately invested in foreign banks. This was a good idea, to let it sit for years and years collecting interest, before the ‘financial crisis’. Now all the extra earnings is all gone. Nothing left. Nudda. After all that hard work Norway is now at square one. I wonder who got fired for that?
However, the proper way to check out Norway’s ‘richness’ on a world scale is by looking at its gross domestic product (GDP) and purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita. For 2008, both the International Monetry Fund and World Bank considered Norway to be the third richest country in the world behind Luxembourg, Qatar/Macau. Whoo-hoo! But remember, it is “per capita“. With this in mind, it means that Norway isn’t actually the richest country in the world – it is just the richest per person. Since Norway has one of the smallest population in the world with one of the biggest oil industries it’s not hard to see how the stats can obscure perceptions. In fact, the biggest money making country is the US which earns US$2.1 till. a year. When we just look at GDP nominal, taking out the PPP, Norway is 24th on the list behind Spain, Brazil, Mexico and Indonesia. And with just GDP (PPP) 2008 minus the ‘per capita’ Norway is 41st on the list behind Iran, Nigeria, Philippines and Poland. Since Norway only has a population of 4.5 million and only half of them are in the labour force, it makes ‘cents’ to keep Norway rich by making everything expensive.
So PPP is Norway’s beauty secret. Without it Norway becomes the Nordic ugly sister. The best PPP measure for Norway is the Big Mac index. According the the Big Mac index (What, you think I’m joking about the Big Mac? Check it out for yourself!) Olso is the most expensive city in the world when it comes to the cost of buying two beef patties with cheese and special sauce on a sesame seed bun: US$5.79 Just behind are Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and ‘Eurozone’ but lets face it, would you really go to Europe to eat at MacDonalds? The one thing that the PPP doesn’t consider is quality. In Norway Big Macs are smaller, flatter and dryer than the other counties. So The Economist’s Big Mac purchasing power parity might be an amusing way to measure the cost of things but it doesn’t really consider the value of presentation, taste or fill.
Quality is always considered value for money. So how much quality does Norway have compared to its expense? According to the United Nation’s Development Program, quite a lot. For seven out of the last ten years, Norway has been officially recognised by the UN as the best country in the world to live. The UN uses mathematical equations collectively creating the Human Development Index (HDI) to measure ‘human development‘ – however, this measurement by no means represents ‘quality of life’, especially ‘happiness’. The HDI measures life expectancies, education and GDP. It is presumed that ‘standard of living‘ is included in this index, however, it is not included in the literal equation. ’Standard of living’ is seen as the quality of housing, fresh water, transport, government, sewerage, etc. ’Standard of living’ doesn’t necessarily quate to ‘quality of living’. That is because ‘quality of living’ is relative to a persons ideology, or so I thought…
The Mercer Human Resource Consultancy has developed a recognised Quality of Living Survey for companies and governments who wish to station employees around the world. The Quality of Living Survey, ranks cities into the ‘most liveable‘. It compares cities to New York city and evaluates qualities such as personal safety, housing, recreation, education, consumer goods, natural environment, health and sanitation, public services, politics, and social, cultural and economic environments. In 2007, Oslo was ranked 26 out of 215 cities. Ahead was Switzerland with the top two cities: Zürich and Geneva. Germany had six cities above Oslo, Canada had five and Australia had three.
So, in conclusion, we have established that: 1. Norway isn’t the richest country, 2. It can save money but invests badly, 3. GDP mixed with PPP can obscure perceptions, 4. The UN’s ‘best country to live in’ status is not based on quality of living, and 5. Oslo is just one notch above Dublin in safety, convenience, culture and lifestyle according to NYC business. However, do we really think all the external surveys, statistics, equations, indexes and measurements will give us an appropriate idea of the ‘richness’ of Norway or its cost of living? Me thinks not. What ever happened to learning from experience?
This post was just an introduction to the Series: Cost of Living in Norway.
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Such an interesting insight! Thank you!!!
I love reading about the questions I would want to ask someone that lives in Norway.
No Gini coefficients?
(Of course, that’s only meaningful if equality is valued by the inhabitants of a given country.)
Sorry to say it, but all the extra earnings aren’t ‘gone’. They might have been if all the money had been invested in banks, but that was not the case. The investments were wisely spread over many different types of investments. Generally speaking, Norway looks like she’s going to get out of this crisis thingy with flying colours. So noone needed to be fired.
And we’re over 4.7 million, not 4.5.
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from L-Jay:
Well, I must be reading this wrong as I’m only an English speaker
, but:
I’d say a loss of NOK800 billion is ‘gone’.
But later on:
I’ll agree with that, they’re not all gone, but some of the earnings may have been lowered.
I generally view investments as a spring myself. Sometimes a spring will be compacted, but given time it’ll spring back out. The idea is to be lucky or “good” enough to buy new bits of spring during times when it’s “compressed” and sell when it’s “stretched”.
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from L-Jay:
See Kjell Arne’s reply
L-Jay: You’ve read the article correctly, but the article’s not exactly correct.
The media always want to sensationalize, there’s not really a crisis. If the gov had truly gambled away billions of kroner, they would have had to go immediately.
What must also be remembered is that falls in stock prices doesn’t mean that money’s truly ‘lost’, they’ll eventually bounce back. The fund’s also bought heaps and heaps of cheap stocks in the last year or so, which is what is recommended to do if you have the monies in a financial crisis. Buy when prices are low, sell when they’re high. Basically what Dag said.
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from L-Jay:
I can only get my information from the people who provide it – I haven’t yet seen any authority in support of what the government has done with the money (besides the government). Feel free to provide us with some links so we all can have a read.
Oh, and Trygve Hegnar’s (the guy behind hegnar.no) on the opposite scale of politics from the government. He’s a economic liberalist who wants lower taxes, less government ownership in business and more oil money spending. Not exactly a neutral observer…
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from L-Jay:
From what I’ve heard, Tyrgve Hegnar is like Norway’s Larry King. He is an authority (on finances, at least), not afraid to speak his mind even if it’s against the majority. That’s a man I can respect.
Well. You’ve got the chief editor of the economic magazine “Dine Penger”, Tom Staavi. He’s supportive of the Oljefond investments even though its losing money like crazy right now. Its going to pay off when the market turns around again, like it always does, eventually.
The main point is that if you don’t have time to stay in the market, and can’t afford to buy during the downturns, then you shouldn’t invest. The fund has time aplenty and cash to buy more in times like these, it’s elementary economics, just like it’s taught at school.
For example:
http://www.vg.no/dinepenger/artikkel.php?artid=556136
http://www.vg.no/dinepenger/artikkel.php?artid=560864
By the way, Staavi’s the guy that revealed how Norwegian banks were basically scamming their customers with “garanterte spareprodukter” (guaranteed saving products) a while ago. That led to the banks having to let people out of their “savings” deals and repay some of the money that people had lost after first loaning money and then investing them in products which most often earned less than the interests on said loans.
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from L-Jay:
I think investing money in something where you can loose is a big gamble, especially with the money of a country. Stocks do rise and fall but companies also go into bankrupcy and therefore money can be lost forever. Usually the bigger they are the harder they fall. Look at Lehman Brothers – the only way they are just surviving is because the government bailed them out (to the public’s grief) . I think I prefer Tom Staavi’s idea of investing Norway’s money in Norway – (the ‘P.S.’ at the bottom if the first article.)
Yes, you’ve got some good points there. Let’s hope they’ve diversified the investments well enough.
As to investing in Norway, that comes with the danger of inflation, which is why the fund started investing abroad in the first place.
Still, I’ve always been in favour of large-scale railway building, environmental energy production/transportation, etc., and that would cost a lot money. So maybe they should use some oil money on that, on long-term beneficial investments in Norway. I’ve also heard that some time ago they were thinking of buying real estate abroad in addition to stocks.
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from L-Jay:
A rail all the way up North would be good. I have an unfortunate fear of flying – ‘unfortunate’ because (and as you know), flying is the only practical way to get from city to city…lol. But a rail would certainly make the North more accessible and help it to grow. Though, more tourists, more footprints.
Buying land in another country is a funny concept. It always makes me think of a secretary telling the PM that Norway is running out of land and everyone can’t fit, so the PM replys ‘How much is Africa?’ Actually, sometimes the Gold Coast in Australia is called ‘Little Tokyo’ because the Japanese own most of it…lol. It’s one of their biggest tourist destinations.
Yup, a rail would have beeen nice. I always ride the railway when I’m visiting places with that kind of communications. Cheaper than most other forms of travel, and quite comfortable.
The good thing about tourists, in one way, is that they tend to move in packs in isolated areas, creating massive footprints within one are while leaving most untouched. Besides, most of Northern Norway is too inaccessible for tourists to ruin, it’s hard enough for ordinary folks to reach, pretty much impossible for tourists on a time table.
I don’t remember exactly when this whole real estate proposal came up, but at that time the oil fund could buy the island of Manhattan in New York City. That would have been quite something.
Hi L-Jay!
I have commented before and have now gotten married to a norwegian and am permanently living in Norway, from Minnesota.
I had to comment however on this article.
So far the Oil Fund has reclaimed EVERYTHING they have lost and MORE since the financial crisis started. And they are still buying more and have not lost a *cent*.
They also did not JUST invest in foreign banks, BUT, they spread the investments like all financial textbooks said, and they DID. With one difference! They pulled out of companies that violated human rights or local laws where those companies exsisted. Perhaps not all of them, but the Norwegian Government as soon as they find out, they pull out.
You seemed to have inflamed a debate based on media propoganda.
And, I wonder, is anyone at all aware that LIV JENSEN attended secret Bilderberg Meetings with both US and other foreign officials in 2006, and probably is still attending now? Why, is she part of the movement to play secret financial games without the knowlege of norwegians? This process of secrecy is the one that we, here in norway, must be aware of and start asking questions. The Bilderberg Group is on the side of the Federal Reserve Bank, and the notion that we should all have a NEW WORLD ORDER with ONE WORLD BANK! Talk about scarey! Which most people STILL do NOT know that the FEDERAL RESERVE BANK is NOT and NEVER WAS part of the US FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. It is a business, that stands alone as a business, yet financially rules alot of governments!
I think that L-Jay, you better find more facts before posting. All you read is not what you see, it is being played out behind the scenes as everyone in the world sleeps. I thank you for bringing this subject up. Thank you Kjell Arne, for also posting a comment.
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from L-Jay:
I don’t think ‘I better’ do what you say.
The post is a ‘social’ comment, not a political one. I wrote it with ‘tongue-in-cheek’ – I was being facetious. It is very curious your reaction…lol.
I thought the give-away, particularly about oil money, would have been the phrase ‘all that lovely’. It is a very ‘Australian’ thing (I guess) to use it to tell a story in a humorous way.
But it’s interesting about the ‘Siv’ Jensen thing. I wonder how many Norwegians know about it.
By the way it would be nice if you have any links or references on where to read ‘the Oil Fund has reclaimed EVERYTHING they have lost and MORE’ and the Siv Jensen thing.
Well, here is a couple of new articles from economic paper:
http://e24.no/makro-og-politikk/article3215961.ece
http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/okonomi/1.6731139
Basically, the whole brouhaha about the oil fund losing money was whipped up by journalists who didn’t have any understanding of finance. The value of the oil fund went down when the stock markets went down in 2008. As long as no stocks were sold, it was an entirely theoretical loss, and it was all recovered in 2009 as the markets recovered.
It is quite easy to misunderstand the articles that was written on the subject in 2008 though, as the journalists didn’t really understand the subject and really, really wanted a scoop/scandal. So it was a sensationalist version of something the writers didn’t have a good grasp on to begin with.
I find this is often the case when journalists report on finance or science. They tend to be better on culture and social issues.
The Bildberg group is not secret, and in fact has been reported on quite a bit obver the last ten years. You can get a list of Norwegian articles on it as easily as going to the wikipedia entry:
http://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilderberg-gruppen
The federal reserve banks relationship, or lack thereof to the US fedreal goverment doesn’t seem really interesting or important form a Norwegains viewpoint, but I understand that Americans may find in important.
The One World Bank thing isn’t really something that seems like a serious concern. Probably a lot of people would find it convenient, but it is mostly worried about in US circles where people beileve there is a UN army waiting to conquer the USA.
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from L-Jay:
I think the hard thing about following the news is that all news is old news…lol. Also, it seems that because the oil money is the ‘governments’ then everything ‘will work out in the end’ (this intrigues me as it is a very Norwegian attitude – its so cute). But I wonder how many people would think twice about investing if it was their own money. It’s easy to gamble with an institutions money but not personal money. This is one of the reason why companies form – so the bosses won’t be financially liable if the company falls.
I don’t think a world bank is an issue either. It’s like the Google thing – no one wants just one search engine and no one will just let one search engine rule.
Hello all!
I was in a hurry when I commented. Came off perhaps a bit cynical or sarcastic and for that I appologize. I was just trying to say, that humorous or not, this is quite a serious issue. I come from America, and everyone seems to think that it is the land of dreams, and I find the opposite true personally. I think Norway is doing things right and I am so grateful to be welcomed here as an immigrant and new resident.
I have the link to information about ‘Siv’ Jensen, hehehe…….typing too fast hey? lol Liv…geesh!! Anyways, you can just type her name in You Tube and find alot of information. But here is just one link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlAuJp7lO_0
I am just sorry my adult children live back in America and have yet to visit Norway to compare the difference themselves.
I know the cost of living here is high, and the taxes paid are higher, …….but I am glad that it pays for the free health care system here. Even as I arrived in Norway, my health was going bad, and three weeks after, I ended up needing major care. Not once did Norway ask me for anything, other than to state I had in fact moved here permanently and was a resident. For most of the following months, April, May, June, July, August, September, I have been hospitalized. I have had 6 surgeries, and looks like there are still more to come. It was so scarey to not know the language, culture, or medical system, but yet, trust that I would come out ok. And all in all, I am ok. So, thank you to all norwegians, who pay, so all of us, can get great health coverage.
I am tired of people back home, in America, asking me if I live in a *third world country*, or, *where is Norway*, among other ignorant questions. But then again, in America, they keep us ignorant of most things. I am just one who always researches things, and tries to educate those I can along the way.
L-Jay…….. You and Moose are a great couple. Funny, loving, caring, and I delight in every chance I get to come to your website and be *educated* more about Norway and my new homeland. Thank You!! And your children, are so cute and precious. I see you are raising them in a great way and see they will grow up to love the simple things in life. Good job!
I also might add I love the show *norsk attraction* Well, spelled the american way…but I am sure you know of it..lol I am learning so much more from watching that show as well.
Thank you Jan for helping to provide the links for information about what I was saying.
Now back to learning Norsk! Love the podcasts! I am also in Norsk skole to learn it as well. I am beginning to get some basics down.
Thank you again!
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from L-Jay:
I’m very sorry to hear about your health.
I understand how people really like the “free” health care but as you mentioned it is not “free” – because of high taxes. You know, I think the Australian system of health care is better than Norway. Health care is free for those who earn very little. For those people who earn a lot they are required to pay for their own medical through health insurance (which is regulated by the government and isn’t as corrupt as the US). This is what keeps the taxes lower (much lower than Norway – about 25% lower in fact). This also makes people accountable for their own health, which is a good thing as it motivates the people to be healthier. Those who smoke and drink and wreck their bodies on their own accord must take responsibility and not drain the system. I like that my tax money could help a child who is waiting on a liver transplant but an adult who has drunk themselves silly every day of their lives and then expects to be first in line for that liver – ut ut. In Australia if there is only one liver the medical system would choose the child because she is more deserving. In Norway they just say ‘next’.
But in Norway there are many problems with the health system. If your condition is not life threatening sometimes you have to wait years to get important operations. I have a friend that has been waiting on an operation for over two years on her wrists and cannot work (as she has an online translating business – typing). She has had to use all her savings (which was supposed to be for retirement) just to survive.
I think it would be better to pay less tax in Norway so you can afford health insurance so you can choose to have surgery by the doctor you want, in the time you want it.
I guess the Norwegian medical system is only good to those whom it has been good to. My experiences have been good, but I’ve only had pregnancies in Norway.
Cheers
Well, the thing about the Norwegian health care system is that it doesn’t actually cost much more in taxes than Americans pay for their goverment health care systems -Medicare and Medicaid. About 9% of GDP in Norway as opposed to 8% in the US.
And I am not convinced taxes on Norway are _that_ much higher than in the US. We have more deductibles, I think, and when you add up state taxes, federal taxes and sales tax, my American friends tell me that many states in the US approach the Norwegian tax burden.
You do also have the option of going private or paying for medical insurace in Norway. I am sorry to hear about your friend the translator. I think she should have a good long talk with NAV, because you are supposed to be getting a certain amount of money to survive on when you cannot work. I know the rules are not that good for the self-employed, but there is a minimum amount that everyone is entitled to. Also, she should ask her physican for “fritt sykehusvalg”, and maybe if she can have her treatment at a foreign hospital under “Pasientrettinghetsloven”.
“Dersom det regionale helseforetaket ikke har sørget for at en pasient som har en rett til nødvendig helsehjelp fra spesialisthelsetjenesten, får den nødvendige helsehjelpen innen det tidspunktet som er fastsatt i medhold av annet ledd, har pasienten rett til å motta nødvendig helsehjelp uten opphold, om nødvendig fra privat tjenesteyter eller tjenesteyter utenfor riket.”
On the subject of investing the Oil money -there isn’t that much else to do with it. The politicans are too sensible to throw it all into the economy for short-term gain, and what do you do with that much money? You can’t put it in the bank, and it would really have been at risk then. No bank guarantee in the world would cover that amount of money. When invested in stocks, the risk is lower the more you spread out your investment. I have heard it said that the Oil Fund now owns 1% of all “børsnoterte” stocks in the world.
If something where to happen to cause that to be lost, I think it would have to be a disaster of such magnitude that it wouldn’t matter much where the money was.
PS:There are several Unions for translators in Norway. Your friend should get in contact with whichever one is hers and ask for some legal help to kick NAV up the backside. That is one of the things they are there for.
Its and old article, but just wanted to comfirm that the statement about the oil money investments being lost is wrong.
http://www.dn.no/forsiden/borsMarked/article1853790.ece
More about the fund:
Government Pension Fund – Global (Norwegian: Statens pensjonsfond utland, SPU) is a fund into which the surplus wealth produced by Norwegian petroleum income is deposited. The fund changed name in January 2006 from its previous name The Petroleum Fund of Norway. The fund is commonly referred to as The Petroleum Fund (Norwegian: Oljefondet). As of the valuation in June 2007, it was the largest pension fund in Europe and the fourth largest in the world [1], although it is not actually a pension fund as it derives its financial backing from oil profits and not pension contributions. As of 31 December 2009 its total value is NOK 2.640 trillion ($457 billion)[2], holding 1 per cent of global equity markets.[3] With 1.78 per cent of European stocks,[3] it is said to be the largest stock owner in Europe.[4]
The purpose of the petroleum fund is to invest parts of the large surplus generated by the Norwegian petroleum sector, generated mainly from taxes of companies, but also payment for license to explore as well as the State’s Direct Financial Interest and dividends from partly state-owned Statoil. Current revenue from the petroleum sector is estimated to be at its peak period and to decline over the next decades. The Petroleum Fund was established in 1990 after a decision by the legislature assembly Storting to counter the effects of the forthcoming decline in income and to smooth out the disrupting effects of highly fluctuating oil prices.
The fund is managed by Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), a part of the Norwegian Central Bank on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. It is currently the largest pension fund in Europe and similar in size to the California public-employees pension fund (CalPERS), the largest public pension fund in the United States. NBIM forecasts that the fund will reach NOK 2.823 trillion ($502 billion) by the end of 2010[5] and NOK 4.769 trillion ($791 billion) by the end of 2014[6]. Since 1998 the fund has been allowed to invest up to 40% of its portfolio in the international stock market. In 2007 the Ministry decided to raise the stock portion to 60 %. This was achieved in June 2009. The Norwegian Government has planned that up to 5% of the fund should be invested in real estate, starting in 2010.[7] A specific policy for the real estate investments was suggested in a report the Swiss Partners Group wrote for the Norwegian Ministry of Finance.[8]
for even more see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Government_Pension_Fund_of_Norway
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from L-Jay:
It is funny that it is called the ‘pension’ fund. Norwegian’s don’t get a penny of it, especially when they retire. Rather than fooling the public with a ‘pension’ fund, maybe it should be called the ‘oil fund’? I’m sure the elderly Norwegians in Norway will back me up on the fact that they feel they aren’t seeing any benefit to their pensions. I’m sure the government (meaning Oslo) is just harvesting the money while it can for when northern Norway breaks off as a separate country.
Thank you L-Jay. I am new from here, feel this site very fantastic. I have read some article about the life and work in Norway.
Hi, I got an offer from university of bergen to study as a self financed student in cell biology master program which will start from august 2012. as per their student guide they mentioned per month average cost will be 9250 Nok. I wonder if anyone can give me some information regarding part time job facilities in Bergen (although i know it is very hard to get a part time job, still i have to find or manage one!) and if i can manage a part time job what can i expect regarding my salary? Can any one please guide me….
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from L-Jay:
Contact the international student office – they often get employers asking for student workers. You are only allowed to work 50% max as a student which in a low paying job you’d get about kr13,000 before tax (and about kr9000 after tax).
Hi.. Pam.. here from Indonesia
I’d like to know about Labour things in Norway. Wish you help me please.
Here, I have an educational background in Culinary art for 2 years and i drop out in my 11th grade. Then i have a Diploma kualification in Bar, Hotel Management and Catering Technology (i’ve got for a year)> with that qualification, will i be called as Skilled worker. As bartender, is it a high demand jobs.? How many alcohol norwegians drink.? Thanks so much
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from L-Jay:
You have to have a degree to be called a ‘skilled worker’.
Hello,
Firstly, please note that you are doing a great favour for people who are in need of immigration advice. Thank you a million!
I am a master degree student in Oslo starting my education this autumn, 13.08.2012. I am married and would much like my wife to join me as we are newly married. For your information, I come from Azerbaijan. I thoroughly examined UDI website for family reunification. Still need some clarification on financial support issue.
There are demands for previous and future income. As I understand students are exempt from previous income provided they accumulated at least 60 credits (right?). But as for future income, there is no way out, it seems. Unfortunately, bank account is not taken account for future income. So, is there way out to solve this problem? I have got enough in account to support both of us. Besides, I will try to work part-time (my wife too, if granted a visa), but I can not prove it now without contract, I see.
A bit confusing and disappointing situation for me. Could you please, help me? I just want to know if my bank account will work out in a certain way, or should I try other ways which can be more suitable for me? Thank you much for kind consideration in advance!
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from L-Jay:
Being a student you should be able to bring your wife over on your student visa. You need to apply for her as soon as possible – it should have been done when you applied for a student visa. There should be information in your language on udi – see if you can change the language on the webpage. Otherwise call up your local Norwegian embassy for more information. The quicker you work on this the sooner your wife can be with you in Norway.
Hi there,
Just a quick question: I’ve been offered a position in Oslo (administrative role, with university degree), the salary is about 41.000 NOK per month net, I’m single. I’m wondering if that’s an ok salary, I saw the prices of rents and food, but still don’t realize: will it allow me to save something after the day-to-day expenses? I was pretty sure it will be, till somebody told me that this is just a beginner salary and it is very unlike I will save anything. Do you agree?
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from L-Jay:
It is a beginners salary when you look at the average wage but it is very good for an administration job. Because you are only supporting yourself you should do ok is Oslo. Tax will be about 27%. Rent can be about 25% (depending). Living expenses about 25% for average. To save more money you might want to get a room mate and not eat out too much. That would leave you just under 25% spare.
Then it should be all right, I’m not going only for the money, it’s the whole experience I look forward to.
Thanks, L-jay, you’re doing a nice job here!
One more question, L-Jay. I know Health care is included when you pay the Taxes on the salary. That should allow me to attend a hospital if needed. If i understood correct, I will have to pay the doctor/treatment anyway. I was told that I should also make my own Medicare/Medical Insurance cover (including repatriation expenses). It’s not very clear to me why, is this gonna help me get back the money I’m paying at the doctor? Is it a must for an expat to do this? What approximate cost should I expect for such an insurance? Thanks.
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from L-Jay:
If you are a resident here and pay tax you get covered like any other Norwegian. And like any other Norwegian you have to pay the first kr.2000 worth of treatment before the ‘free’ kicks in. It is to stop hypochondriacs. You don’t really get private health insurance in Norway unless you are super rich and want to pay through the nose for a private doctor at a private hospital. If Norway becomes your place of residence your home country will not insure you anyway.
Hi, jeg er fra Færøerne (The Faroe Islands ) som ligger her ude i Atlanterhavet, jeg forstår,og kan snakke norsk/dansk/scandinavisk. Jeg kunne tænke mig at finde et vaske ( cleaning ) job i industrien i Norge. Hvad for muligheder har jeg, og hvad kann man tjene i timen ?
Takk for en fin side
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from L-Jay:
Most cleaning jobs are advertised in the local newspapers. It is the lowest of the low of wages.
is this true? is it that bad?
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1296002–from-oil-boom-to-bust-norway-s-economic-divide
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from L-Jay:
Yes, it is happening to a lot of small towns and cities. Here in Alta they have been closing many schools too because of lack of people. One thing the article doesn’t tell you is just how many people live in those small towns. In Alta they say many schools are closing but a ‘school’ could consist of two or three people. It is not viable for anyone to have a school that small. It is because the government is trying to preserve the Norwegian way of living with scattered communities between fjords and mountains. Society can’t live like that anymore. Society grows by people living together and expanding out – not living dotted over the country and hopefully getting enough people in one area to gather into a city. Glomfjord only has 1000 people living in it and they were all mostly there for the power plant. The same with Hammerfest – it is one of Norway’s biggest natural gas providers and they have less than 10,000 people living there (because of the plant).
Norway better be careful otherwise it will estrange itself from the rest of the world. Already food prices are outrageous, you can imagine how bad it will get when no one wants to trade with Norway because of price differences. What needs to happen is the government has to lower loan rates to drop prices in Norway etc (but loan rates are already only 3.6% on average).
The problem with Norway is that Norwegians believe they are greedy. This means they have no guilt in charging the highest prices. The idea is ‘we will charge as high as people will pay’. Problem is, they have surpassed reasonable judgement because they think everyone is rich (the government keeps telling them so) but it is only the government that is rich not the people.
I think Norway has a scary future – I’m holding onto my Australian citizenship…lol.
Dear L-Jay,
First I am really happy to see your website, as it gives almost all the aspects to migrate to Norway.. really GREAT WORK, Truely a work of Great Mind.. !! .
Now about me.. I m a Pakistani, livning in Karachim Pakistan. Due to recent situation of my country, more specifically of my city, Karachi, I am willing to migrate from Pakistan to Norway along with my Wife.
I have done my Masters in Business Administration with specialization in Supply Chain management, recently submitted my thesis on Outsourcing. I am currently working with biggest Oil refinery of the country as Contracts & Claims Administrator & have 5 years of solid Experience in procurement function along with warehouse management. I have experienced with Automotive, Construction industries (both with TOP Firms in respective industry)
My wife is a recent graduate pharmacist (Pharm. D) by profession and working for local hospital in our area.
Before applying for the visa, I need to know the average Salary ranges, more specifically in procurement/supply chain function, also for my wife as a pharmacist.
How much shall I earn per month to meet the average living costs in Norway/Oslo (As a single earner for a family of 3 – Including Taxes). I would really appreciate if I can get a breakup in percentage for accommodation, normal food & general expanses per month.
If I am applying with my wife, will I need a separate permit for my wife, for her to work or to do business?
If I seek help from you to help me in getting a good job in Norway to secure my life/future along with my family, can you help me to get a job in Norway?
Above mentioned factors/points are in general in my mind to ask before applying to Norway, I would very highly regard if you can advise me any other point which might help me to secure my living in Norway.
Your response will be highly regarded as a great help for me in this regard.
Best Regards
____________________
from L-Jay:
You will likely not get a job in Norway as everyone does administration here – you would need to speak fluent Norwegian, know the Norwegian market and have Norwegian experience. If your wife is accredited in Norway and speaks fluent Norwegian she’d get 500,000.