So, you want to come home to Vang?
Under
development
We are thrilled that you heard our call.
But moving to Norway isn't just about packing a bag. It’s a journey.
Let’s see if you are ready for it.
Start the Reality Check
Norway has strict immigration rules for citizens outside the EU/EEA (like the US). Your path depends entirely on your profession.
Disclaimer: The rest of this site is made by noobs*, but we are doing our best to get you a general oversight.
*a person who is inexperienced in a particular sphere or activity, especially immigration.
Lets explore three scenarios
"I am a Health Professional" (Nurse, Doctor, Dentist)
High Complexity / Long Timeline.
"I am a Skilled Worker" (Engineer, IT, Specialist)
Medium Complexity
"I am already a Norwegian"
Low Complexity
Norway needs you, but the path is strict. You need Authorization + B2 Language proficiency before you can work fully.
If you find a job that requires your Master's/Bachelor's degree, and the pay meets standards, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Permit. See under where you can find jobs in Norway.
You should not be here. Please go out and enjoy the beautifuuul nature.
A good place to start: Helsedirektoratet
But you are able to get a job in the health sector, but as an unscilled worker while you get your skills authorized. This could take years and the system can be frustrating :(
To live in Vang, you must unlock three doors.
You cannot just "move" here. You need to satisfy three specific Norwegian systems. Often, you must unlock them in a specific order.
Barrier 1:
THE LANGUAGE JOURNEY: From "Hello" to B2
Learning Norwegian is your single most important investment. You don't need to be fluent before you pack your bags, but you must start now. Here is how you go from zero to hero:
Phase 1: The "Hobby" Phase (Start Today!)
Goal: Get used to the sounds and learn basic vocabulary.
Tools:
Duolingo: Great for building a daily habit and learning your first 500 words. (Free).
NoW (Norwegian on the Web): An excellent, free entry-level course made by NTNU university.
Klar Tale: A Norwegian newspaper/podcast written in simple language. Listen to this every week!
Reality Check: This is fun, but it will not get you a nursing license. For that, you need Phase 2.
Phase 2: The "Serious" Phase (The Investment)
Goal: Learn proper grammar and pass the official exams.
Requirement: To become a licensed nurse (Sykepleier), you must pass the Norskprøven at Level B2 (Upper Intermediate).
Action: You need to enroll in a structured course. Look for online schools approved by HK-dir (The Directorate for Higher Education and Skills).
Providers: Schools like Lingu, Alfaskolen, or Rosenhof offer approved online courses for overseas students.
Cost: Budget for this. These are professional courses and typically cost between NOK 5,000–12,000 per level (A1, A2, B1, B2).
Phase 3: The "Local" Phase (Welcome to Valdres)
Goal: Understanding your neighbors.
The Surprise: In Vang, we speak a dialect called Valdresmål. It sounds different from the "textbook Norwegian" you learned online.
Don't Panic: Everyone understands standard Norwegian. Once you live here, you can join the Vang Læringssenter or the local "Language Café" (Språkkafé) to practice speaking with locals over a cup of coffee.
💡 Pro-Tip: Watch NRK.no (Norwegian TV) with subtitles. It’s free and helps your brain decode the language faster.
Barrier 2: The License (For Health Workers)
Reality: A US Nursing Degree (RN) does not automatically equal a Norwegian Nurse (Sykepleier).
The Process:
Submit diploma to Helsedirektoratet.
Pass the "Nasjonalfag" course (Norwegian Health Law).
Pass the "Legemiddelhåndtering" (Medication calculation) exam.
Pass the "Fagprøve" (Practical exam).
Warning: You cannot work as a nurse until this is done. You might have to work as an unskilled assistant first.
Barrier 3: The Residence Permit (UDI)
Reality: You need a job offer to get a permit. But you can't get the specific health job offer without the License (Barrier 2). And you can't get the License without the Language (Barrier 1).
The Catch-22: This is the tricky part. You need a "Skilled Worker Permit".
How to get a job in Norway
Norway’s largest job portal
The Public Employment Service
Local Network
"75% of all job offers never get announced"
This is the main marketplace for professional jobs in Norway. Since it is expensive for employers to advertise here, you will mostly find listings from larger companies and the public sector.
The official government database for vacancies. You can find all kinds of jobs here, from healthcare positions in the municipality to seasonal work at local farms and small businesses.
This guy looks really connected. Ask him if he knows anything. At all... Look at that jacket.