First steps in Oslo

If you are new in Oslo, it is easy to feel that everything must be solved at once. It usually helps more to start with the first practical things that make daily life easier.

Start with these basics

Many people who move to Norway need some version of the same checklist:

Make sure you understand what documents or registration you need.
Get the right tax information in place if you will be working.
Find out how health care works where you live.
Get a temporary or stable place to stay.
Figure out your next step for work, school or language learning.

Exactly what applies depends on why you are in Norway and how long you will stay.

If you will be working

If you are going to work, it is smart to sort out tax information early. Ny i Norge has a practical checklist for new arrivals and explains where to start with registration and tax.

Do not wait until the first salary if you already know you will need this.

If you need housing first

Housing often decides everything else. If you are still looking for a place to stay, start with Accommodation and the Norwegian housing guide at Bolig i Oslo.

It is often easier to handle school, work and paperwork once you know where you are going to sleep and how you will get around.

If you need health care

If you are unsure where to go when you need help, start with Health care. If you are under 25 and need simple, free help, Oslo also has youth health services.

If you need work or education

You do not have to solve everything in one day. Pick the most urgent track first:

If Norwegian information is difficult to understand, use these English pages first and move into the Norwegian guides later.

A good rule for the first week

Try to solve one practical thing per day instead of ten at once. New city, new systems and new language already take a lot of energy. A small clear checklist usually works better than a perfect plan.