Norway is increasingly becoming a popular destination for expats. Recently the Human Development Index from the United Nations ranked Norway as the happiest place on earth. This was based on three criteria – having a good standard of living, having a long and healthy life and being knowledgeable.

So what is it about Norway that makes it the happiest and most liveable country in the world?

Reasons why you’ll love Norway

The Norwegians love the outdoors

The Norwegians love their beautiful country and most people take part in an active outdoor lifestyle – from hiking to water sports, there is something for everyone and if you love skiing, you can do it for six months of the year! There are also the spectacular Northern Lights – something that’s on everyone’s ‘bucket list’, which you’ll see on a regular basis.

Norway is committed to equality (and longevity)

Everyone in Norway, no matter where they live, is entitled to the same quality of infrastructure, social support and opportunity. Norway looks after its citizens and with excellent state services, citizens don’t have to face the stresses of paying for private education and healthcare. Combine the lack of financial stress with fresh air, outdoor living, excellent water and plenty of salmon and it’s not surprising that the latest WHO data published in 2015 places the average Norwegian life expectancy is 81.8 years!

Norway is a family-friendly country

Norway is renowned for its family-friendly policies. Mothers get a fully paid year of maternity leave. Fathers can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave during the first three years after a new baby’s arrival. Elderly pensioners over 67 receive a pension of $1000 a month. If you’re working, you’ll enjoy a shorter working week of 37,5 hours and longer paid holidays of 25 working days.

Once you and your family are legally resident, you and your family members can apply for the free public health service, which is ranked by the World Health Organisation at number 11 in the top 15 in the world (the USA is at number 38)

Education is excellent and free

The Norwegian public education system is one of Europe’s best and ranks higher than the European average. All public education is free in Norway and children are taught a wide variety of subjects from maths to gymnastics. Generally, Norwegian public universities and state university colleges don’t charge any tuition fees because the government finances the education. As a result, it’s a popular destination for international students.

Efficiency is prized

Norway prides itself on its efficiency. Many government procedures are automated and Norway is quickly becoming a cashless society with banking and credit cards fully integrated for bill payments. Norway’s public transport system is also extremely efficient with trains, buses and ferries often timed to link with each other. Nearly every town has an extensive network of local busses, which regularly circulate the town centre and connect it with outlying areas.

The economy is booming

Thanks to the oil from the North Sea, Norway is lucky enough to be one of the wealthiest countries in the world and if you’re unable to work, you receive welfare support from the government. The Norwegian currency is strong and London, Italy, Germany and Sweden are just a short plane ride away – so many Norwegians like to pop off and spend their krone where they benefit from the exchange rate.

Opera House in the capital city of Norway

On average the salaries in Norway are higher than the rest of Europe, but it’s important to note, the standard of living for both expats and locals is correspondingly high. Like many “socialist-orientated” countries, the salary margin between blue-collar and white-collar workers is narrow and Norwegians pride themselves on their egalitarian policies and welfare state.

If you are thinking of immigrating to Norway or any other country and need any advice about your financial migration, simply leave your details and we’ll help you on the path to financial freedom in your new home.
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