Do you really want to live in Norway?

Some people think that they can just pack their things and move to Norway. They think that as soon as they have cozy apartment, they will find Good work, will earn a lot of money, make a lot of friends and live happily ever after. All I can say about this is "hmmm".

Over the past couple of years I have seen on several blogs people who have suddenly decided to make Norway their new home. But alas, it didn't take them long after moving to Norway to realize their mistake - their dream of a new, interesting life in Norway did not quite come true. Not only do they often return to their old beaten homeland, they are unemployed and have a ton of debt.

Since I'm a Norwegian "survivor", I think I have some real insight into how and who would want to move to Norway. I hope this clears up some of the misconceptions for "newcomers" so they can do the best choice. This is not a pessimistic view, but rather “prepare for the worst, hope for the best” as a point of view. But remember, there are always two sides: so, after reading this, check out the other side of the coin: Why Norway?

Why people choose Norway:

Below are some of the seemingly positive benefits of living in Norway and the factors that help people decide in favor of Norway. However, be very, very careful in your decision to move based on them. They are not always what they seem:

Moving to Norway for social benefits:

Some people want to come to Norway because they believe that the government will support them with social benefits. However, in Norway the reality is that each worker pulls his own load. Even if this is a “socialist” country, the organizer of “equality” has gone far beyond the limits of “right”, and many factors prevent making everyone “equal”. Why should a Norwegian work for his food, plus support you as well?

Social Security/National Insurance:

Some are impressed by Norway's social security system. They think that they will be provided with benefits freely, especially if they want to have children here. However, there are some conditions regarding social security and, unfortunately, this information is usually only in Norwegian.

Unemployment benefits

To secure a job/unemployment benefits (i.e. you have lost your job and want to qualify for financial support), you must be a resident (i.e. at least have a residence permit), have worked for a certain period of time (usually year/full-time) by earning a certain amount of money and paying taxes before you can qualify. Unemployment benefits only entitle you to a percentage of your previous earnings, and after a year you will be cut off from the system unless there are good reasons, such as injury. After a certain period of "on dole" you are required to attend NAV job search courses; The national employment center can even choose jobs for you - cleaner, garbage man, waiter - and you will also have to travel anywhere in the country for any job, otherwise you may be disqualified from unemployment benefits. Now all these "benefits" are dependent on your residency status being approved in Norway, and many "new settlers" are not eligible.

The benefits of childhood

Maternity/paternity

To take maternity leave, you must have work experience (at least a year), i.e. You must earn a certain amount of money before the baby is born before you can claim maternity benefits. This also applies to paternity benefits. This benefit will be a percentage of your normal taxable income paid by your employer. However, in general, paternity benefits are based on the mother's income, which is typically less than the father's. "New settlers" who have not worked for at least a year are not eligible for such benefits. Additionally, "new settlers" may be in the process of waiting for some permits (because they stopped working) and will have to return to their home country If you have not worked in Norway for at least a year, then you cannot claim maternity or paternity benefits.In addition, this benefit depends on your status in Norway, so many "new settlers" are not eligible for benefits .

Having a child to obtain permits and social security

I have observed how some “new migrants” (especially students) believe that having a child can help them stay in the country. They think that their newborn will be a Norwegian citizen. However, this is not the case. Children born in Norway do not automatically become Norwegian citizens. They inherit the citizenship of their country where their parents are from. Only when one of the parents is a Norwegian citizen does the born child also become a Norwegian citizen. So it is not possible to stay in the country with benefits through the birth of a child.

Birth and child benefits

All children born in Norway receive at least 30,000 kr., which can only be claimed in the first year, and only when the mother is unemployed and did not have a job in the previous year. All children receive only 1000 kr. per month. If you are a stay-at-home parent, 3000 kr is paid. or so, from 1 year to 3 years - this option is provided for home care. But that all stops at age 3 because you are expected to enroll your child in daycare and return full-time. This is an advantage for all children with parents who have at least permanent residence status. Note: Child benefits are not nearly enough to live on this money alone. The child's other parent must work and support the family, and if you are divorced, the other party must pay child support. The Social Security system will support the family if the other parent does not work, but this is at a minimum.

Medical benefits

Medical care is provided to all residents of Norway, but for the “new immigrant” this rule is conditional. Each person pays up to 2000 kr per year for medical purposes to “free” medical benefits (freecourt). If you don't have a Social Security number, you will have to pay for your own medical expenses. To receive full health benefits, you must be a contributing member of the National Insurance Scheme, meaning you earn enough money and pay tax for 12 months. Children and pregnant women receive medical prescriptions free of charge. Dental treatment is not covered by the national insurance system and usually ranges from 600-1000 kr., - for general consultations. NOTE: a large number of people have depression during the dark season and insomnia during daylight hours. This issue is not really addressed in Norway. Mental problems are only recognized if the person has serious illness, such as autism. The rule is no services for those who consult a therapist for emotional or life problems.

Pension provision

The main benefits, such as a state pension (retirement right), are provided to those who have a residence permit/permanent residence, that is, if you are permanently residing in Norway. (For getting permanent type For residency you must have lived in Norway for three years, and attended at least a 300-hour Norwegian course.). Norway will only provide a basic pension based on the time you have lived in the country. The rest of your pension must come from other countries where you worked/lived. If you worked in Norway you will receive more depending on your average wages. The basic pension is similar to student income. This is one of the reasons that many Norwegians take their pension to Spain to try to stretch their money out longer. There are many Norwegian pensioners in Spain, and even politicians come there to gain votes in elections. If you want to have things like a car, buy good products food and own your own home, you need to work to supplement your basic pension.

Moving to Norway - Salary and working conditions:

Some people believe that if Norway has high wages, then everything will be great. Net wages in Norway are about 240,000 kr per year. For most countries it seems high, but in Norway with such a salary you just have to make ends meet. The poverty level is considered below 215,000 kr. The normal salary per person is about 300,000 kr. The salary of a beginning teacher is about 320,000 - 350,000 kr. If higher, then you must be someone in management, business, work in computer technology, in the oil industry, or at least have a master's degree. But something that “newcomers” often overlook is the cost of living in Norway:

Tax system in Norway

Taxes in Norway are very high. They must be like this in order to provide all the growing social benefits. You will pay low taxes of 36% if you earn 250,000 kr per year. That is, more than a third of your salary will go to the tax treasury.

Living in Norway

Rent two-room apartment in Oslo it will cost 72,000 kr per year. But finding housing, even if you're willing to shell out the money, can be very difficult (even students live in university dorms for months until they find somewhere to live). Another caveat to renting is that you must pay three to six months' rent in advance and, when you intend to leave, you must give three months' notice. This can make moving expensive and sometimes life-frustrating if you take a job in another city. Rent, if we are talking about a separate apartment, as a rule, does not include public utilities. Heating costs, especially in winter, are expensive and can amount to 20% of the rent.

Food in Norway

Norway has to import a lot of food, and the import taxes are outrageous. In order to save money, you must learn to eat like the Norwegians, otherwise you will spend a fortune on food. Simple everyday products are very expensive - capsicum/sweet peppers are about 50-70 CZK per kilogram in winter period. The food is certainly a luxury. A large pizza in a restaurant will cost an average of 250 CZK. "Big Mac" at McDonald's - about 120 crowns. Food costs will be one of the most devastating expenses for new immigrants.

Transport in Norway

To get anywhere in Norway, you need to spend a lot of money. A bus ride can cost you 50 CZK. It is easier to walk if the weather permits; in winter you can use skis/sleighs. To travel around the country you need to fly frequently from city to city. Buying a car in Norway (approximately 250,000 kroner) is not a cheap pleasure and is subject to high taxes. Don't even think about buying from a country where prices are lower, you will still have to pay vehicle import tax when entering Norway.

Working conditions

Working conditions in Norway are very favorable. Working hours are from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Overtime is extremely rare. You may join a union and will usually be given time off during the summer. If you don't speak Norwegian, you are usually contractually obligated to learn the language by a certain time, which is very difficult to achieve since everyone will just speak English to you at first. I know several university teachers who see this as a problem and are worried about their future employment.

Moving to Norway as an unemployed person

Many "newcomers" think that they can get a job after they move to Norway. This is a very bad idea. If you do not have a residence permit, you are unable to work. Usually, if you don't speak Norwegian, free level, you will have little chance, especially if you are not an expert in your field. Being a "specialist" means that there is no one in Norway who can do what you do. However, if you have not found an employer willing to hire you, you will most likely have to leave Norway without permission, and in order to get a full-time job, the employer carries out all the necessary legal actions for your immigration, which means that you cannot enter Norway before starting work, which must be approved by the Directorate of Immigrant Affairs. However, the Directorate is trying to make this process faster, but there are some exceptions. If employers do not comply established rules, then they will pay large fines for the “illegal” use of your labor. Finding a job in Norway is not easy and troublesome.

So, as you see, “new immigrants” need to achieve financial stability in order to wait out the problems; for this they need to have some savings, at least for the first six months. Even if you've been working since you arrived in the country, you'll likely wait a month to receive your first full paycheck since most salaries are paid monthly. You can't get money if you don't have a bank account, and you can't open a bank account if you don't have a social security number. To obtain a social number, you must obtain permission from the Directorate. Often this domino effect ties people hand and foot and also prolongs the period of lack of money. Few employers provide financial support for migrants and temporary residence, but this is only possible for certain employees in whom the employer is particularly interested. If you want to have the Internet, telephone, cable TV, you must learn to wait, endure and save money.

Moving to Norway - free education:

Education is definitely a big draw for moving to Norway, as schools and universities are public and free. There are schools, usually “international” or “cultural” schools, where you can study by paying for your studies in advance. Although university is free, undergraduate degrees almost always require you to pass the Norwegian level high school. There are subjects that do not require knowledge of Norwegian, but 99.9% of the undergraduate core courses are taught in Norwegian and exams are taken in Norwegian. However, for master's and postgraduate students, Norwegian is not required, although this limits the choice for some areas of study.

Although education is free, the rest, of course, is not included in the free list. Most Norwegian students must take out a loan from the government to pay for living expenses if they do not live with their parents. Credit equivalent to cost higher education in any case - and in Norway it is a big debt! At least no less than 80,000 CZK per year. It is obvious that families have to struggle with difficulties when one of the spouses is studying. However, many “new migrants” do not qualify for such support. Unless, of course, some of the loans turn into subsidies. People who can apply for student loans: political refugees, people married to a Norwegian citizen, family members on reunification, children under 19 years of age, those who have had full-time employment for at least 24 months, and those who have already studied at Norway with its own funding for at least three years. Do not forget that the loan is repaid with interest. If you're planning on moving to a cheaper country someday (like Australia), you can almost guarantee that you'll have to pay off the loan until you die.

Moving to Norway - Statistics:

Some “new migrants” decided to live in Norway, seduced by international statistics found on Wiki. Although "statistics" are given to give a good idea of ​​a country, they can also be misleading in terms of real life.

Human Development Index - standard of living

Many people don't understand what the Human Development Index actually means. Because Norway has one of the highest scores in the world, people often believe that life there is more luxurious than other places. But what the Human Development Index actually consists of several factors, such as how many people per capita are educated, how many people per capita are mature, the quality of income and health services.This indicator has nothing to do with the "standard of living" indicator, which is actually perceived as quality of life and is derived from lifestyle, convenience, wealth and happiness.In fact, the US, UK, France, Australia and Canada have virtually the same "Quality Index" as Norway.

However, the "quality of life" in Norway is different from other countries with the same "standard of living" term.

In general, most conventionally produced products must be imported, and therefore fresh produce is generally second grade. Of course, there is fresh meat available, but most of it is frozen and canned. Almost complete absence of organic matter, and this is a great difficulty for a diabetic diet. In many cities and regions, for example, there are long queues of children who would like to study in various sections (Lilu stood in line for Gym during two years). A fair number of unqualified teachers, as there is a shortage of them in Norway. (And I know what you're thinking: "Work Work Work" but to work as unqualified teachers you must speak advanced level Norwegian.) Norway is by no means a leader in "service": shops are closed on Sundays , there is no such thing as 24-hour shopping, many businesses operate at half capacity during the summer (don't even think about getting a job during this time), and regular transportation schedules are severely curtailed, food options are limited, specialty stores and groceries are limited (eg maternity clothes, books, shoes etc), very limited customer service, limited activities (no rugby, baseball, cricket or netball - not even seen on TV), extremely limited employment opportunities (no fashion gurus, mobile dog washers, landscape gardeners, wrestlers - people who make life more fun), no real ethnic restaurants or food - just a Norwegianized version, no ethnic holidays or festivals, and the list goes on. Now of course there are exceptions, one-offs here and there, and I'm not talking about Oslo, of course, but most of the country. Consider Norway in comparison with English or American provincial town with a population of 50,000 people, you will get an idea of ​​all the amenities, services and offers.

Social Health Index

Social health has nothing to do with physical or mental health. It is related to the health of the country, in terms of: the rule of law, equality in the distribution of wealth, accessibility to the community of decision-making and the level of social capital. These standards are the pinnacle in most Western countries, but secondly, something is controversial in Norway on the international stage:

1. Norway is a social democratic society. Norwegians constantly say that they are rich, and therefore this is a non-negotiable.

2. Feminism is at its peak to the point where it is frowned upon even by women who would like to take on traditional responsibilities such as "housekeeping".

Environmental Performance Index

This indicator relates to the quality of drinking water, sanitation, pollution environment, illnesses, etc. Norway is one of the western countries and has all the normal performance characteristics like others Western countries, but what is the reason why it performs particularly well in this population metric? Norway has a population of less than five million, most of whom live on the land. The largest settlement is in Oslo, a city with a population of about 500,000. The majority live among unspoiled nature. The country of fjords is closest to one of the cleanest places on the planet - the Arctic. This has a relatively large impact on the index statistics, how can this be indexed in accordance with the norms of other countries such as the US and UK, which do not have such a low population figure?

Moving to Norway - according to lifestyle:

"New settlers" too zealously believe rumors about Norwegian life. Norway is certainly a breathtaking country to live in when it comes to scenery. She is also known for healthy active recreation in summer and winter season. But one thing “new settlers” always overlook is when we're talking about about "life" in Norway when it comes to "social life". Norway can seem like a lonely country: if you are used to big cities, lots of people and the habit of speaking... English language. When moving to Norway, you won't be able to rely on Norwegians to become your friends. Norway is very difficult for "newcomers", but couples and families may find it a little easier. All activities are in Norwegian, all courses are in Norwegian, all national broadcasts are in Norwegian, all theatres, all newspapers, all websites, all information is in Norwegian. There are no generally accepted celebrations, with the exception of Norwegian tradition and holidays. If you don't speak Norwegian, you may find yourself isolated from society.

Many "newcomers" who are used to the sun will suffer from the long, dark winter, and even Norwegians are depressed about it. During the dark season in Norway it is life indoors. Very often muddy, slippery and very wet pedestrian paths and streets, occasionally a meter of snow and deserted roads, rare cars, because the majority of residents are staying at home. Many recommendations should be followed to survive the winter, such as drinking fish oil and leaving the house every day. Even in Oslo, the long, strange spring takes some getting used to. If you do not like nature, are an inactive person who cannot stand cold and damp, then Norway is certainly not the place for you.

What you need to move to Norway:

The first thing you need is a backup. If you want to move to Norway, you must have at least two things (a good job or money):

Good job

A job will give you much-needed money and social contact. This is the only way to survive in Norway.

Nice Norwegian family

Family support in Norway is vital. A Norwegian family can teach you how to live, how to eat and how to be happy. Having a Norwegian family will make life so much easier.

Knowing the language will give you much best options employment. You will be more socially acceptable and will be able to communicate with everyone. It will create a status for you in your new life, and you won’t hear the sometimes unpleasant “immigrant.”

Education

Having at least a bachelor's degree will be very helpful. Employers are looking for people with a master's degree. Your education is vital to living well in Norway. If you don't have a degree, you can only expect to get jobs in childcare or cleaning. Even people with a bachelor's degree are found in such jobs because their degree does not qualify for Norwegian jobs and they do not know the language.

If you have good savings that you are willing to use, then it is much easier to move to Norway. Do not come to Norway unless you are financially stable and can support the family you will bring with you. If you don’t have a job, enough years of living, for example 2, everything will be of great help. Life can be very difficult for new migrants if they do not have a job. In addition, living on one income is very difficult. Renting a three-room house/apartment will take about 50% of your salary. Add 36% tax and there's not much left to live on.

Climate Adaptation

If you love the dark and don't like the sun or don't like the heat of the sun for 6 months of the year, then Norway is the place for you!

Still interested in moving to Norway?

If you still want to live in Norway after reading all of the above, then there are some other factors that you will need to have in place to live in Norway. You must be resilient. Physical life in Norway is much more difficult than in other countries. Just walking to the shops here will be twice as difficult - through snow, ice, grass, hills, etc. You have to discount all the nuances of discrimination and racism. Norwegians don't care about immigrants who complain, in fact immigrants have given them a bad reputation as complainers. You should enjoy your own company, especially if you moved to Norway on your own. You must know how to take care of physical health, as medical services are very minimal. You have to learn a language whether you want to or not, whether you have the ability to do so or not. You must adapt to the way things are done in Norway. Differences in mentality, complaints about different thinking on your path will only frustrate you. You must not get angry or "smart" or overbearingly declare, "I know it all," otherwise you will alienate yourself. If you are willing to be pleasant, modest, carefree, you will be loved in Norway.

An example of a new migrant survivor in Norway: Me!

(First time.) I moved to Norway as a graduate student to a place where there were no specialists of this level. Among my colleagues, I was considered very educated and hardworking. It also helped that I was there when it started. new project. I had a strong Norwegian base - a family with a Norwegian husband. I didn't know the language, but my Norwegian colleagues and family helped me learn the language and culture. Although I did not have a job when I arrived in Norway, my husband worked full time and had a good income to support me financially. As soon as my residence was confirmed by the Directorate, I found a job. I worked much longer than the other immigrants in the Norwegian language class. Most of them packed up and went home. I was very active in the community, used my time and talents and created good network partners and friends.

Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The people, the culture and the landscape are all attractive. If you are willing to sacrifice a lot, you will be rewarded. Norway, of course, is for those who love change, solve problems, and are hungry for change. Anyone can fall in love with Norway. The trick is to make Norway fall in love with you.

At one time, many posts were written about the life of Russians in different countries Oh. Now this topic flashes less often, or maybe it’s simply fading away, but Norway has somehow been bypassed. Here, so to speak, is my 2 cents.

I have lived in Norway for 6 years, 4 of which in Bergen, now in a small town near Stavanger. After 7 years you can apply for Norwegian citizenship, but then you will have to give up Russian, and I don’t want to. I’ll remain Russian for now, since a Norwegian residence permit is quite enough for me. My occupation is: research scientist, so all the facts will, of course, be from my point of view.

1. Norway is a small country with a population of 5 million. It is considered one of the best, if not the best, in the world in terms of living standards. Who knows what this standard of living is considered to be, but living here is quite comfortable.

2. I would agree that the standard of living here is the highest, if not for the climate. He's disgusting. Almost all the time here on the west coast there is one season - autumn. In summer it is cool, on average 15 degrees, in winter it is not cold, about 5. Of course, there are frosts, but not lower than -15. It is rainy. In Oslo the climate is similar to St. Petersburg - more contrasting. In the mountains and in the north it is cold both in summer and winter. There were even frosts there in July of this year.

3. In Norway live... Norwegians. They are very friendly to foreigners, but they won’t let you get close. Such a character - closed, Nordic.

4. There are many foreigners in Norway because there are not enough workers. Even after the crisis. There are all sorts of Arabs there, but they are all from different countries, so their ethnic groups are not as visible as in central Europe. There are a lot of Poles, but they are their own kind, Caucasians.

5. There is a wary attitude towards Muslims, they are not liked, but they carefully hide it. The attitude towards the Slavs is much more friendly.

6. It is very rare for Norwegians to treat foreigners poorly or disdainfully. Vice versa. When you try to speak broken Norwegian, they praise and encourage you. Even children try to speak more simply and clearly if they understand that they are dealing with a foreigner.

7. Officially, there are two languages ​​in Norway: Bokmål and Nynorsk. Bokmål is a variant of Danish adopted during the Danish dependency, while Nynorsk is an artificial language created from local dialects. In fact, everyone speaks in their own dialect, sometimes completely incomprehensible.

8. Perhaps due to the abundance of dialects, Norwegians speak English well. Tourists who know English find it very comfortable here.

9. The average salary is 5,000 euros, of which about a third is eaten up by taxes.

10. Taxes are high and progressive. If an individual’s income exceeds 10,000 euros, then he will have to pay 55% of taxes. The maximum tax for a legal entity is 80%. Depardieu will not go to Norway :)

11. The Tax Directorate knows everything about everyone. Taxes are taken from any luxury: a cool car, a villa, a yacht. Officials can own anything, they can transfer the property even to their cousin’s wife, but they still have to pay tax.

12. Official working day - 7.5 hours. Anything above the norm is paid at a completely different rate. Labor Code highly respected.

13. In Norway, it’s not a pity to pay so much taxes, since they come back in the form of medicine, education, and roads. Norwegians sometimes timidly complain that for that kind of money they could have gotten a little better medicine, education and roads, but they just haven’t been to Russia :)

14. A family doctor (general practitioner) costs a little money, a dentist is expensive, everything else (specialists, hospital) is free! At the same time, the attitude of the doctors is excellent, there is no talk of gifts or rewards! The quality is up to par.

15. There is no corruption in Norway, at least at the level of the average person. I don’t know what’s higher there. I can’t even imagine what it’s like to bribe a doctor or a policeman. For what?

16. This is the country of victorious socialism. There is almost no stratification here, there are no rich and poor, only the middle class. Any Norwegian family (if both spouses work) has the opportunity to have a house, a car, and two children. Many people have a small yacht or boat. Or a cottage somewhere in the mountains or near a fjord.

17. By retirement (67 years old), when the children are already independent, you can buy yourself an apartment in Spain and go there when the constant autumn is completely boring.

18. After reaching adulthood (18 years), young homo sapiens has every opportunity to live independently. If a child wants to study, the state allocates a special loan, on which one can live quite tolerably for the entire period of study.

19. In Norway, you can be proud of any profession, since they are all decently paid and in demand. The secretary enthusiastically tells how her son is studying at a vocational school to become a tractor driver. Well, not everyone can be an effective manager; someone has to work. Although the oil industry is making its own adjustments.

20. Since 2009, same-sex marriage has been fully recognized in the country. Although I don’t see crowds of gays, there are no gay pride parades. Norwegians treat deviant individuals with obvious coolness.

21. Unlike central Europe, the family institution is very developed in Norway. The state encourages this by reducing taxes and paying child benefits.

22. Many Norwegians are religious, but they rarely talk about it. You can work with a colleague for a year and then find out that he sings in a church choir.

23. The number of children in a family is a sign of prosperity here. A person with a family of three children is considered successful and rich. Religion also encourages this. Most people don't care about your car.

24. Contrary to a common misconception in Russia, in Norway you cannot live on child benefit, since it is only 120 euros.

25. I don’t know how you can live on unemployment benefits. I don’t have such friends, I have no one to ask.

26. The Norwegian currency is the krone, but I wrote all prices in euros to make it clearer.

For several years now, life in northern Norway has been recognized by experts as the most comfortable compared to other countries in the world. IN last years The kingdom is often given the status of the state with the highest standard of living.

Speaking about the political and economic situation, we can say that the government managed to build the socialism that the Soviet Union only dreamed of. There are neither very rich people nor beggars here. The majority of the population is middle class. It is believed that the more people with middle incomes, the more prosperous the country is. There is cheap medicine, preferential loans for education for students, and social support for the population is developed.

However, Norwegian socialism cannot be called a paradise for everyone. Such a system has its pros and cons. Private entrepreneurs have a hard time, since pensions and benefits are paid at the expense of high taxes.

Another source of money for the state treasury is the extraction of mineral resources: oil and gas. Along with the Russian Federation, the kingdom is the largest supplier natural gas to the European Union, with about 95% coming through pipelines and only 5% in liquefied form. The North Sea contains the largest oil fields.

The government of the kingdom did a very wise thing: back in 1963, a law was passed according to which absolutely all underwater resources are the property of the state. Thus, to receive income from mining continental shelf Only government organizations are eligible. Several onshore fields are being developed by large international companies. However, the state seeks to maintain a monopoly there too, imposing a triple tax on their profits. Up to 75% of the amount you manage to earn private company in the field of oil production, still returns to the state treasury.

Another secret is effective management resources. It would be quite possible for Russians to live in an equally prosperous power, given the reserves of oil and gas. However, in Russia the lion's share of profits ends up in the pockets of officials, while there is no corruption in this kingdom.

When prices per barrel reached $80-$100, a fund was established for future generations. Currently, it is possible to save up to 20 billion US dollars per year annually. Obviously, they have not heard about the budget deficit here. In addition, the cost of production is quite low due to advanced technologies.

In addition to the material advantages that make moving to this Scandinavian region so attractive, the nature here is simply very beautiful: the unique fjords are rocks that rise straight out of the water, the sea is bright blue thanks to a special chemical composition. Despite the developed industry, the authorities pay attention to the environment, so plants and factories do not harm the health of citizens.

Tax system

Since the answer to the question why Norway has the most high level life lies in taxes, special attention should be paid to this. tax code states that the more a person earns, the more he must return back to the state treasury. This is how a balance is achieved between the number of rich and poor people: those who earn decently are forced to share with their less fortunate fellow citizens.

In addition, the duty will have to be paid to the owners of items that can be regarded as luxury: cars, real estate, yachts, antiques, and so on. When earning up to 250 thousand crowns a year, a Norwegian contributes 36% to the budget, that is, a third of his income. If annual salary exceeds this number, taxes increase to 50%.

When a foreigner comes to the country intending to find a job, he must register with the tax service within two weeks and receive an identification number. There are several videos on the Internet in Russian in which migrants talk about own experience communication with the tax office.

average salary

Average salary statistics in Norway according to Statistics Norway, NOK per month

Teachers earn about 300,000 - 350,000, and doctors earn the same. Wages for workers are considered to be the highest when compared to other countries, but managers and managers receive less than elsewhere. Thus, there are no prestigious or non-prestigious professions here. Through the eyes of Russians, the typical situation looks strange when mothers are proud of their sons who have entered a vocational school to major in mechanics, electricians or machinists. Any work is valued here.

Overtime is paid at a special rate; overtime is considered to be any activity that lasts longer than 7.5 hours a day.

Social programs and benefits from the state

Special preferential loan terms are provided for those who need housing, and students subsequently repay government student loans with very little interest.

Unemployment benefits in Norway are only paid when the applicant meets the following requirements:

1. Before he was fired, the unemployed man worked at the enterprise for at least 2 months (8 weeks).
2. The foreigner was in the country legally and worked under a contract.
3. The migrant was able to find a job within three months after moving.
4. Students are not eligible to receive unemployment benefits, even if they were previously employed.
5. The most important requirement is that the applicant should not be a “parasite”. Required condition- registration at the employment center, visiting this institution every two weeks, actively searching for a new job (interviews, advanced training courses, and so on).

The amount of money an unemployed person receives depends primarily on his level of income in his previous position. The period during which assistance is paid ranges from 52 to 104 weeks.

In addition, unlike the European Union, the institution of family and fertility are supported here. Although several years ago the legislature approved the right of gays to same-sex marriage, families here are predominantly traditional. It is characteristic that many are not limited to one child; usually one parent has two or three children. For such families, taxes are reduced; children and their mothers and fathers can enjoy a variety of benefits. The maternity benefit in terms of European currency is about 120 euros, but this amount is not enough for a comfortable existence. The second parent must work.

Prices for food, clothing, transport

Food is expensive local residents they try to save on it, not to mention food in restaurants, which the average citizen can hardly afford. A large pizza in a pizzeria costs about 250 crowns, and a hamburger in a fast food restaurant chain costs 80-120. Grocery prices in Norway in 2019 look approximately like this (numbers are in kroner):

• potato, bakery products, cereals - from 5 to 9;
• vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper- up to 50 in winter;
• chicken - 40;
• fish products: trout, shrimp - 30-40;
• sunflower oil - 40.

Prices for everyday goods - clothes, household chemicals, office and other little things - do not exceed the numbers familiar to Russians. For unknown reasons, children's clothing is cheaper. But transport is expensive. This probably has to do with how much gas costs. Despite the fact that this country does not need to purchase raw materials for fuel from abroad, the cost of 1 liter is even higher than that of the UK, Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Belgium, Portugal, which import oil. 1 liter of gasoline costs 3 times more than in Russian Federation.

If a Norwegian needs to get to a neighboring city, a bus trip will cost 50-60 kroner. Buying a car will not help you save money because the car will be taxed. If you purchase your own transport abroad, you will still have to fork out money when crossing the border by paying a fee. Public transport is also expensive, so life in Norway is impossible without bicycles in summer and skis or sleds in winter.

Medical care and education

Only a foreigner who has spent at least 1 year in the kingdom can apply for a preferential medical program. In addition, such a person must contribute a certain amount monthly to insurance company. Only minors and pregnant women can receive free treatment. Everyone else can get free medical care within the amount provided by the insurance program, if costs exceed, you will have to pay extra from your own pocket.

Every Norwegian has the right to choose a doctor of his own choosing. The downside is the quality of treatment for mental illness. Due to the northern climate, living in Norway is accompanied by frequent depression, especially among visitors. However, treatment for depression is not covered by insurance; only treatment for severe mental disorders is provided on preferential terms. These include autism, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy. Dental procedures will also have to be paid out of pocket.

Norwegian education, both school and university, is considered significantly weaker than the European average. But this does not prevent residents of the northern state from enjoying life and well-being.

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Norway is one of the most prosperous European countries. Due to the discovery of gas and oil fields in the sixties, life in Norway became almost fabulous.

Street in the center of Oslo

According to many people who want to leave Russia or Ukraine for “fairy-tale” Norway, they “fell in love” with this country as children, looking at the magnificent illustrations of the great Kittelsen. Today, the “country of trolls” attracts not only connoisseurs of magnificent fjords and colorful folklore, which is so similar to Slavic, but also those who dream of settling in a prosperous state. Life in Norway in 2017, indeed, compares favorably with life even in other European powers.

Most Russians, firmly convinced that it is truly good only where they are not, fall in love with Norway in absentia, through numerous films, books and virtual guides. Indeed, the standard of living here is enviable, and the quality of medicine and education is more than decent.

View of the Norwegian fjords

It is believed that in the “troll country” the most low level inflation and unemployment, and most importantly, almost communism reigns here: there are no poor people, and no very rich people either. In addition, Norway can boast of life expectancy. Women live on average to eighty-three years, men - to almost eighty.

Also impresses most Russians and Ukrainians social politics, which includes:

1. Special “apartment” programs.
2. Special medical programs.
3. Free foreign language courses.
4. Payments for the birth of children.
5. to the needy.

And yet, you should not hope to find yourself in a real paradise on earth. There are also significant disadvantages to living in the Kingdom.

Working conditions and salary

The wage level in Norway is indeed very high. It is for this reason that most Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians leave for the Kingdom to work.

Comparison table between Norway's salaries and other countries

It should be taken into account that it is quite difficult for a foreign applicant to find a job in the country. Only a highly qualified specialist with a narrow focus can count on good earnings and career prospects. The rest can go to oil wells or in fish factories.

Comparison of the cost of gasoline in Norway compared to other countries

Of course, not everyone can receive unemployment benefits. To do this you need to meet certain criteria.

Who is the benefit paid to?

There are the following requirements for those who wish to receive unemployment benefits in Norway:

• The period of work at the enterprise is at least 8 weeks;
• The person who lost his job was employed during the first three months of his stay in the Kingdom;
• Working hours were reduced by 50 percent;
• A person who has lost his job is actively searching for a new employer;
• A person who has lost his job is able to provide an employment card every two weeks;
• The person wishing to receive unemployment benefits is not a student at a Norwegian university;
• A person who has lost his job and is applying for benefits may submit documents confirming the legality of his presence in the country.

Comparison of various benefits in Norway with other countries

Benefit payment period

How long a person who loses their job will receive unemployment benefits depends on their salary level last year and how much Norwegian kroner they managed to earn. The level of income over the last 3 years is also taken into account.

So, the benefit is paid:

1. Within 104 weeks, if the amount of earnings is about 160 thousand Norwegian kroner and 2 times the amount of national insurance.
2. Within 52 weeks, if the amount of earnings does not exceed 79 thousand Norwegian kroner.

In general, benefits for the unemployed amount to about 63 percent of earnings. If the person who lost his position has minor children, the benefit amount will be slightly higher.

Features of life in the Kingdom

Norway is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world.

Detailed map of Norway showing border states

Prices in Norway really do go up a notch. In general, in terms of price level, large cities such as Oslo are in a kind of “hit parade” not far from Tokyo. This is especially true for food products.

This is because the Kingdom is forced to import a large number of products.

Therefore, in order not to go broke on food, you need to learn to save as much as possible and eat the way the indigenous people do.

The cost of rent is quite high. Rent a two-room apartment in big city is approximately 72.0 thousand Norwegian kroner.

Cost of food

In 2017, prices for food products relevant to average Norwegians are as follows:

Cost of clothes and shoes

Norwegian prices for shoes and clothing in 2017 are almost identical to Russian ones. Children's clothing in the Kingdom costs slightly less than in the Russian Federation. Most Norwegians prefer to shop at sales, where there is every chance to buy high-quality and even branded items at a discount of 50 to 90 percent.

Transport

In order to get from one Norwegian city to another, you will need to spend an impressive amount of money. Traveling around the city is also quite expensive. So, a bus trip in 2017 can cost fifty crowns. If you want to buy a car, you should know that it is subject to a very high tax. The average cost of a car varies between NOK 250.0 thousand. Even if you buy a car in another country, you will have to pay tax.

People who have the opportunity to purchase a car or move to Norway with their “iron horse” cannot but be interested in the price of gasoline in 2017. It is important to know that motorists can refuel their car as diesel fuel, and unleaded gasoline. The average price of gasoline is as follows:

In Norway it is allowed to transport gasoline in a canister.

Gas cost

The average price of Norwegian gas in 2017 was 0.80 euros. It is important to take into account that:

• In 2017, the Kingdom supplied about one hundred billion cubic meters of natural gas to European residents;
• After the Russian Federation, Norway is the 2nd exporter of natural gas in the world;
• About 95 percent of natural gas was supplied to Europe by pipeline;
• Five percent of natural gas was supplied in liquefied form;
• The growth in gas supplies was carried out at the expense of British consumers;
• Recently, the Kingdom has supplied European countries with about 30 percent of its gas.

Today the country continues to exploit natural gas for domestic consumption.

Layout of the gas industry in Norway

The volume of gas consumed is approximately two percent of the total volume. According to some reports, the cost of natural Norwegian gas will be reduced in 2017-2020.

Tax system

The significant disadvantages of living in this European country are associated with truly shocking taxes. Unfortunately, taxes in Norway also hit hard on the pockets of the average resident of the Kingdom. This is understandable, since this is the only way to ensure social benefits, which are steadily growing every year. According to some reports, more than a third of wages goes into the tax treasury.

Residents of the Kingdom carefully pay direct, property and income taxes. The state also levies a fee on a significant number of current services and goods. A foreign person who manages to get a job in the territory of this state is obliged to pay tax.

Identity card in Norway

In addition, within eight days of arrival, a foreign applicant is required to contact the tax office at his place of residence. This is necessary in order to obtain a taxpayer card. Currently, income tax is fifty-five percent for amounts exceeding NOK 81.0 thousand.

Medical services

The availability and highest quality of medical services on the territory of this state have become a real talk of the town. The core principle of the Kingdom's healthcare is to provide medical care to everyone who needs it. Status and financial situation do not matter.

Today, in terms of the level of spending on the health of everyone who lives in the Kingdom, Norway is in honorable third place after a small state.

Hospital building in Norway

Structure of the medical system

The kingdom is divided into 5 medical territorial zones. Thanks to this, the state has the opportunity to exercise control over medicine. The quality of medical services is the responsibility of local officials.
There are 3 levels of medical care in total. It is represented by 4 types of medical institutions:

1. General medical institutions.
2. Outpatient institutes.
3. Psychiatric clinics.
4. Medical university clinics (this is where you can get the highest quality care).

Help for foreigners

Medicine in Norway assumes that any foreigner living in the state for more than twelve months is entitled to insurance. Also, a foreign person, regardless of his purpose for staying in the country, has the right to choose both a doctor and a clinic.

In 2017, even illegal immigrants have the right to qualified medical care.
Minor children and pregnant women have the right to free medical prescriptions. Unfortunately, this does not apply to dental treatment. The cost of treatment at a dental clinic averages about six hundred Norwegian kroner.

Psychological help

Many people, especially those who come to Norway from the southern regions, find themselves psychologically unprepared for the peculiarities of the winter season in this country. Against this background, many emigrants develop a fairly severe form of depression. During daylight hours, a person may have serious problems falling asleep. Often this transforms into serious sleep disturbances.

In this regard, an emigrant theoretically has the right to receive psychological help. But achieving this is quite difficult, since the presence of a psychological problem is recognized only when a person is diagnosed with such a problem. serious problem like autism.

Conclusion

A well-known Russian proverb says that a fish chooses a deeper place, but a person chooses a better place. People usually go to Norway to receive quality education and treatment. It’s quite difficult to get comfortable, if only because high taxes will eat up the lion’s share of profits.

Considering that on career a person who is not a highly qualified specialist in some narrow industry cannot count on it; there is only one way out: to open his own business.

This is also associated with certain difficulties, but at least the foreigner will not be doomed to a semi-beggarly state.

Restaurant by the sea

Family reunification is also a good option. If a Russian man or woman is lucky enough to tie the knot with a resident of Norway, then moving there forever will be much easier.

“It’s quite difficult to get comfortable, if only because high taxes will eat up the lion’s share of profits.”
The statement is false.
In the Russian Federation, a Russian pays not 13% taxes on salary, but 43% (+18% VAT in the price of each product)! If you don't believe me, Google it.
Further - very important question, which you are missing - where do these same taxes go?
I think that the lion's share of these taxes returns to the people - in the form social support etc. (as is done in any civilized country).
In the Russian Federation, taxes go to:
- to war;
- in the custody of the police;
- for special structures, etc.
And after that the smaller part goes to the slave-vatans-goyim. Read about the closure of hospitals in the Russian Federation, the inability to call an ambulance and other nightmares.
So I don't agree with your statement.

• I was in the hospital twice a year with acute pancreatitis. The ambulance arrived within 20 minutes after the call. Three weeks of hospitalization - more than 70 thousand for medicines (I looked at the price tags at the pharmacy). The doctors are great, the food is good, there is Wi-Fi. What did I do wrong? Stop telling each other your fears about closed hospitals, and everything will be fine! Well, a stupid person, talking something about vatans and goyim, most likely, is another offended person and lives in the Baltic states or in Ukraine, where social. There is no sign of support even at the Russian level.

  • I was in the hospital with appendicitis... (at this point you might think, well, they will feed you little without fried foods, etc., but no, they fed everyone like that) honestly, they fed me shit, the best thing that was in the hospital was apple juice, and the food, how can I say, was SHIT ... Normal porridge? No, no, it’s better to give us porridge made from waste with a taste (I can’t describe it, but the taste is simply terrible) When they were carrying rice with meat, I prayed to God to live another day without food... And then get normal food (from friends and relatives, of course) well, there’s plenty more it was shit. Well, let's move on to the main thing: apples, pears, etc. It was scary to touch Karl to touch!!! Well, I had to (I think there is no need to explain what they were, and it’s so clear “It was scary to touch”):(... Well, this is not the worst thing, the worst thing is when a child is in the room with you, crying day and night for 2 weeks. I I was ready to cry myself... You can write about the beds in the hospital forever, but the horror lurked in the blanket, if you want to warm up, just go n****, you'll die faster than wait for the doctors to understand that patients are also living people and they get cold. The pillows, well, the pillows were comfortable Well, the end, oh, I almost forgot there is also coffee and tea without sugar only, and coffee with 2-3 millipidric beans, the tea has some strange aftertaste in the room there is nothing except a chest of drawers and 3 more beds

    Mom was admitted to the hospital to prepare for surgery; her hemoglobin had to be raised. They found out that they didn’t have medications and needed to buy their own when after a few days there was no improvement - they asked what pills they gave. It turned out - only vitamins, because... there is nothing. Of course, we bought the medicines and systems ourselves. But the question is - why didn’t they say it right away?
    We live in the Russian Federation, Ulyanovsk. We were lucky with doctors - we ended up with good specialists. But the level of supply of medicines is poor.

    Alexeyushka, my husband had a complex technological operation in St. Petersburg a month ago. The operation was expensive. My husband was given a quota. The food was good. The attitude towards patients was superb. Vivat to our medicine! Only one thing. Before the trip to St. Petersburg, I spent a year visiting doctors. I saw different specialists. The diagnosis was made for six months. Sick leave was not given for three months. Although the husband, having arrived on his feet at the beginning of treatment, later took up a cane, and even later was forced to use crutches. But sick leave was not given. And the surgeon stated that with the pathology that the husband had, he should experience slight discomfort. Later, I demanded that the orthopedist stop treating my husband, because three months of treatment was useless, and to begin further examination of my husband. It was clear to me, a person who had not studied medicine for a day, that the diagnosis was not correct. And the head of the orthopedic department accused me of ignorance and exposed me to from the office. And as a result, I turned out to be right. Only, as I already wrote, my husband, by that time, could barely walk on crutches. And tens of thousands of money were spent on useless treatment. Taking into account the fact that my husband is now on disability, this money was would not be superfluous for us. And I can also tell you about my colleague, whose son had a problem with his leg. They put him in for surgery. And... they operated on a HEALTHY leg. Yes, it was so “successful” that the child became disabled. And I almost had a friend died, who, as it later turned out, had appendicitis, and she was treated for two weeks for acute respiratory infections, although in addition to the temperature, she clearly complained of abdominal pain and pain when visiting the toilet. And I can also talk for a long time about how they provide help to my bedridden dad. For example, a therapist will come, take a look, promise that they will come to take a blood test and a neurologist will come. The therapist will leave and happily forget about it. And there are very, very many of these “and”s. So, in our hospitals there is no fear. In our hospitals ( in many) HORROR,

    100% + tax on real estate and cars on an annual basis, no matter how many times you buy and sell your property, purchased with money on which income tax has already been paid. You are required to pay sales tax over and over again.

I was in Norway this fall. I was amazed: on weekends for children under 12 years old (even foreigners) free travel everywhere (Oslo-Bergen train), metro, tram, bus, etc., attractions and entertainment - 30% of the cost of an adult (while an adult is cheaper on weekends, than on weekdays). Saturday through Monday morning is a day off for everyone, even in stores. Shortened working day on weekdays (4-6 hours), maternity leave- 3 years - 1/2 mother and baby and 1/2 father (the state pays 1,750 CZK monthly). The products are expensive, but they are edible (non-GMO), fresh, tasty, etc. The clothes are the same as ours, but a different quality of material and tailoring is felt (even in those brands that are in the Russian Federation). The police are always nearby, but not visible, everywhere is beautiful and clean. You can live there, you just have to learn it (we met Russians often - no one complained).

• I have been living in Norway for more than 5 years, working in the medical field. Norway is a wonderful country, but like other countries, it has its own nuances. Bread prices average 39 CZK per loaf. In such an average store in Norway as Kiwi and Rema1000, Trout is sold filleted in 2-4 pieces and the price is 30-50 crowns, respectively (each fillet weighs 125 grams).
  Next, about the third place in the world in terms of quality of medicine. Every person living in Norway knows that medicine in Norway is one of the most expensive and at the same time poor in Europe. For each appointment with a doctor you pay 300 CZK (this is just an appointment). Besides this, you never know which doctor you will end up with. I personally had to change doctor because he couldn’t distinguish a sore throat from a common cold, it’s good that I thought of going to the legevakt (emergency room) myself, where I came across a doctor from Poland and really helped (any medical worker knows what serious complications a common sore throat can cause on the heart).
  In addition, in Norway there are “dental tours” to Poland, since medicine there is better and cheaper. By the way, yes, the author writes about the cost of dental treatment at 600 CZK - this is true if there is no canal filling, because then the amount comes out to about 1200 CZK. The author also forgot to add that when you go to the dentist, you also pay about 800 CZK for an examination plus treatment.
  I don’t complain at all about life in Norway, I can afford good life, but let's not think that everything is smooth there. There are absolutely wonderful things there ( cultural life in Oslo, for example, there are various exhibitions, concerts, etc.), but there is also bad medicine, and food prices are also not the lowest.

• Do they have a better education? Well, you've had too much. My child studied at private school in America, no exams, just an essay, entered 3 universities without problems. It's difficult for Americans to enter there. I finished my bachelor’s degree, came back, retrained, it was very difficult, there was no training. The only thing - good language(this was my goal), and that is American. Any of our certified specialists is many times better than an American one.

  Norway produces per capita: 1) gas 15 times, 2) oil 8 times.
  And, probably, Norwegians work better than others from “cook” to “president”.
  Don’t forget that in pre-revolutionary Russia, poorly done work was characterized as “theft,” if I’m not mistaken.
  So, my dear compatriots, I think that our well-being depends only on ourselves.
  Well, for those who want to live for free, good riddance... And as Kozma Prutkov said: “An extra mouth is worse than a pistol.”

1. High taxes and here too "levelling", which is carried out at the expense of these very taxes. The standard of living of the poor and the rich, of course, differs, but not as much as in many other countries. For politicians, for example, it is considered bad manners to have an expensive car, or God forbid, a personal driver. Better a bike. Both for health and for image.

If you have a high salary by Norwegian standards, then you will pay 40 to 50% tax. If you have a good, average salary, then, for example, 36%. We need to clarify, but if you earn no more than 20,000 crowns a year (from a hobby, for example), then you do not pay tax.

2. Small selection of products in stores. Dairy company Tine has a monopoly here. Therefore, until recently, we only had one type of cottage cheese (now, it seems, there is a subtype with fruits and herbs), not very big choice yoghurts and other dairy products. But very tasty lightly salted butter! The quality of fruits and vegetables is so-so. Cucumbers and tomatoes are often tasteless. But mangoes, coconuts, pineapples, avocados and all other “exotics” are very cheap. When I left Tomsk in 2008, I saw pineapples for 1000 rubles! Despite the deplorable selection of products in regular stores, there are quite a lot of immigrant shops in Oslo where you can buy fresh feta cheese in bulk, excellent olives, various meats and even pork feet (I saw it recently in an Asian store). There you'll also find a much more incendiary selection of vegetables and fruits, with prices often significantly lower. You can find all kinds of spices, pastes, rice, tea, fish. After the semi-spartan Menu and Ica, the choice may boggle your mind if you have an unstable psyche.

3. Low level of service(a controversial point for me personally, I’m probably not very demanding) combined with high prices. In general, the services market is not very developed. Although, again, who is used to what.

4. Actually, high prices.

5. Cold winters. Eh. As a Siberian, they are very warm for me. But I often hear this very complaint from friends who come from warmer climes. This also includes complaints about the cold summer and lack of vitamin D, which is widely discussed here.

6. Few cultural events. In general, there is not enough of everything. Historically there are few writers, artists, poets. On the other hand, the country is small, so everything is fair. There are few clubs where you can dance, all the places are known and listed with 3 fingers of one hand. You can't really get drunk in bars, and especially in the trash - it's expensive. Before going to a bar or club, Norwegians often drink at home (from stocks carefully brought from Duty Free), and then go somewhere. It's still a saving. This also includes high prices for alcohol and cigarettes. What? also part of the culture!

7. Everything why the hell is it closed on sundays. For historical and religious reasons. And also because “everyone has the right to rest on Sunday.” Only small immigrant shops and stalls like 7-11 are open, where you can buy a travel ticket or, for example, condoms for 30 crowns more expensive than in stores. If you really feel like it.

8. There are often complaints about medicine, as a rule, from compatriots who are accustomed to a different system. The doctors here are calm, do not escalate the situation, and are in no hurry to make diagnoses. They often advise you to walk around, think about life, and maybe everything will go away on its own (you still need to pay for such advice, if that happens). Sometimes the truth passes, that’s where the miracle is! There is a very long wait for x-rays and scanning - such devices are only available in some special places.

If you come complaining of a “cold,” the first thing they do is take your blood. Maybe they do this in Russia too, I’m not sure. As I remember, if you come to the doctor with a “cold”, you are prescribed a bunch of vitamins, echinacea tincture, some newfangled “antiviruses” and so on. They don’t do anything like that here, they just take blood from a finger (brrr, I’d rather drink 2 bottles of echinacea, in one gulp!) - if it’s a virus, then you go home and wait until everything goes away on its own. In general, the first impression gives the impression that no one cares and everything is lazy, but at the same time, life expectancy is very high, so, probably, this is really some other system. With less running around the patient and minimal prescribing of medications.

Regarding pregnancy management - I have personal experience no, but friends have them. Everything is still very calm. If there are no special complaints and everything goes well, you will have one or two blood tests and an ultrasound and that’s it.