Some key aspects to consider before moving
Before relocating to Norway, it’s important to plan ahead and sort out a few essentials. Whether it’s must haves for living in Norway or practical matters like bringing your family or studying here — we’ve got you covered. Here are some key things to keep in mind before your move:
Before Moving
Must haves:
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Determine the visa or residence permit you’ll need based on your nationality and reason for moving — for example, work, study, or family reunification. The process and requirements vary depending on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen or a non-EU citizen.
EU/EEA citizens can usually move to Norway first and then register with the police within three months of arrival.
Non-EU citizens must apply for the correct residence permit before entering Norway, such as a work, study, or family permit.
You’ll need to prepare documents such as your passport, proof of employment or admission, housing details, and financial means.
All official and updated information is available on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website.
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Finding the right home is an important step when settling in Bodø.
The Bodø region offers a mix of modern apartments, family houses, student housing, and several new residential projects under development. While demand in the city itself can be high, there are also opportunities in nearby municipalities that are only a short commute away.
Most common platform for renting or buying: Finn.no
Housing Support for NATO Personnel
Bodø is home to NATO operations, and many international personnel and their families relocate here on temporary or long-term assignments. Finding suitable housing is made easier with professional assistance.
We recommend contacting:
Tobias Bronder
Real Estate Agent+47 951 66 805
Tobias has extensive experience assisting international staff, including NATO personnel, with housing in Bodø. He can provide:
English-language support throughout the rental or purchase process
Help with identifying homes close to NATO facilities and international schools
Guidance on contracts, deposits, and practical relocation issues
Tailored options for both short-term and long-term stays
Rental Market
Most newcomers start by renting. Options include apartments, townhouses, and houses available through real estate agencies, housing companies, and private landlords.
Rental contracts are usually signed for 12 months, but shorter leases or open-ended agreements exist.
Deposits are required, normally 2–3 months’ rent, placed in a dedicated deposit account (never paid directly to the landlord).
Rent is paid monthly in advance, and utilities (electricity, internet, heating) may or may not be included in the price.
Start searching well in advance, as demand is high—especially before the academic year begins in August.
Buying a Home
Home ownership is common in Norway, and many choose to buy once they settle.
Property transactions are handled through licensed real estate agents and usually involve an open bidding process (auction) after public viewings (visning).
Norwegian banks generally require at least 15% equity/down payment. For non-residents, the requirements may be higher.
Apartments are often part of a housing cooperative (borettslag), where you purchase a share that grants the right to live there. Monthly communal fees apply.
Real Estate Agencies & Online Platforms
Agencies: Local agencies (like Advanti and Partners) often provide English-speaking services to guide newcomers through the rental or purchase process.
Finn.no: The most important website for both rentals and property sales in Norway. Almost all available listings can be found here.
Hybel.no: Especially relevant for students or those looking for shared housing.
Studentsamskipnaden: The Student Welfare Organisation provides affordable housing for students.
Typical Housing in Bodø
Homes are well-insulated and adapted to the Arctic climate.
Range from compact city apartments to detached houses with gardens in suburban areas.
New developments often feature modern, sustainable designs, while older houses may have traditional Scandinavian character.
Neighbourhoods & Nearby Options
City Centre: Walking distance to shops, restaurants, and cultural life. Popular among students and young professionals.
Mørkved: University district with family-friendly housing, schools, and good transport.
Skivika & Hunstad: Suburban areas with green spaces, schools, and sports facilities.
Rønvik & Bodøsjøen: Attractive family areas with easy access to nature and the coast.
Neighbouring municipalities: Housing costs in Bodø are typically higher than in nearby areas such as Fauske, Misvær, or Beiarn. With short commuting distances, it can be worthwhile to explore options just outside the city.
Costs to Expect
Rental prices:
1-bedroom apartment in city centre: 9,000–15,000 NOK/month
Larger apartments or houses: 15,000–25,000 NOK/month depending on size and location
Cheaper options are often available in surrounding municipalities
Utilities: Expect 1,500–3,000 NOK/month for electricity and heating, higher in winter.
Internet & TV: Around 500–1,000 NOK/month.
Buying property: Prices in Bodø are among the highest in Northern Norway, but often lower than Oslo or Bergen.
Practical Tips for Newcomers
Always use a written contract (available in English or Norwegian).
Make sure deposits go into a secure deposit account.
Check whether the property is furnished or unfurnished—many are empty except for white goods.
Insurance: Tenants are expected to have home contents insurance.
Plan ahead: Begin your housing search months in advance to avoid stress.
Useful Resources
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Securing employment or enrolling in education is one of the most important steps before moving to the Bodø region. This will not only ensure financial stability but also make integration into Norwegian society much smoother.
Employment in Norway
If You Are From the EU/EEA:
Citizens of EU/EEA countries do not need a work permit to work in Norway. You can freely seek employment, but you must register with the police within three months of arrival if you plan to stay longer. Registration gives you the right to live and work in Norway.
How to register as an EU/EEA citizenIf You Are From Outside the EU/EEA:
You must apply for a valid work permit (residence permit for work) before arrival. Your permit will be tied to your type of work or employer.
Work permits for non-EU/EEA citizensJob Market: Bodø and Nordland offer opportunities in aviation, defense (NATO), tourism, healthcare, education, maritime industries, and the growing green energy sector.
Language Requirements: English is widely spoken, but Norwegian language skills significantly increase your chances of finding work, especially if you don’t already have a job secured.
Networking: Many jobs are found through professional and social connections. Consider joining local industry groups and expat networks.
Click here to find available jobs in the Bodø region
Education & Skills Development
Higher Education: Nord University in Bodø offers international study programs in English.
Vocational Training: Apprenticeships and practical training are valued pathways in Norway, particularly in technical and skilled trades.
Language Courses: Norwegian language classes are offered by the municipality, universities, and private providers—highly recommended for both study and work.
Why It Matters Before You Move
Securing a job or study placement before moving helps with housing, banking, and residency registration.
It ensures compliance with immigration rules (work permits for non-EU/EEA, police registration for EU/EEA).
It speeds up integration into the community and gives you a stronger start in Norway.
Foto: Karoline O. A Pettersen
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Norway provides a high-quality healthcare system, designed to offer comprehensive medical services nationwide. Each person is assigned a General Practitioner (GP) who acts as the first point of contact for non-emergency medical issues and can refer patients to specialists or hospitals when needed.
Emergency care is available around the clock. Call 113 for life-threatening situations and 116 117 for urgent but non-emergency medical assistance.
Read all about healthcare in Bodø here: Healthcare in Bodø
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Some of the main expenses to consider when calculating the cost of living in Norway include housing (rent or mortgage payments), groceries, transportation (including public transport and car ownership), healthcare, childcare, and leisure activities. Additionally, certain goods and services, such as alcohol, tobacco, and dining out, tend to be more expensive in Norway compared to other countries. Set up a budget!
Costs to Expect
Rental prices:
1-bedroom apartment in city centre: 10,000–13,000 NOK/month
Larger apartments or houses: 14,000–20,000 NOK/month depending on size and location
Cheaper options are often available in surrounding municipalities
Utilities: Expect 1,500–3,000 NOK/month for electricity and heating, higher in winter.
Internet & TV: Around 500–1,000 NOK/month.
Buying property: Prices in Bodø are among the highest in Northern Norway, but often lower than Oslo or Bergen.
Energy prices in Northern Norway are generally lower than in the south, but they still fluctuate with the national electricity market. A typical household in Bodø might spend around 1,500–2,500 NOK per month on electricity, depending on season and usage, while a student living alone might spend 400–800 NOK monthly.
Overall, living costs are balanced by high-quality public services, affordable education, and strong community support.
More infor here: Oslomet.no
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The main language in Norway is Norwegian, and in Bodø, most people speak the northern dialect, a warm, melodic, and full of local character. Nearly everyone also speaks English fluently, so you’ll get by easily while settling in.
Norwegian can be tricky to learn at first, but it’s an important step toward feeling integrated and connected in everyday life, work, and community.
If you’d like to learn Norwegian, there are several local courses and language schools available. Go to the On Arrival section to see where you can learn Norwegian in Bodø.
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Connect with local expat communities or organizations to meet people and get advice on living in Norway. Attend cultural events, join clubs or groups, and take part in community activities to build social connections. Norwegians may seem reserved at first, but friendships grow through shared experiences and once trust is built, they are warm and welcoming.
Volunteering is also a great way to get to know people and practice Norwegian while contributing to the local community. There are many opportunities through cultural groups, sports clubs, festivals, and social organizations.
Check out where to become a volunteer in Bodø under Life in the Bodø Region.
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Prepare for cultural differences and learn about Norwegian customs, social norms, and lifestyle. Embrace the Norwegian way of life, including outdoor activities, cuisine, and traditions.
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Understand your rights and obligations as a resident in Norway. Familiarise yourself with local laws, regulations, and administrative procedures, such as registering your address, obtaining a personal identification number (personnummer), and paying taxes.
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In Norway, the holiday payment scheme for the first year of employment typically involves accruing holiday pay during the first year of work, which is then paid out during the subsequent holiday period. This means that during the first year of employment, an employee may not receive paid time off for holidays, but instead, a portion of their salary is set aside as holiday pay. This accrued holiday pay is then disbursed to the employee when they take their annual holiday leave the following year. Ask your HR department for more information so you know what to expect and don´t get a surprise when there is no salary payment in May/June.
Read all you need to know here: Skatteetaten
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In Bodø, light shapes how the seasons feel and how people live. Being above the Arctic Circle means we get the midnight sun in late spring and throughout the summer, with daylight lasting around the clock. It gives the city a lively atmosphere and makes it easy to spend time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, meeting friends, or simply enjoying the long evenings. Most newcomers discover quickly that good sun-shading in the bedroom is useful when the sun never really sets.
In winter, the light changes but doesn’t disappear. Even during the so-called “dark season,” Bodø still has daylight or bright twilight each day. Many residents plan a short walk or outdoor break during these hours to make sure they get some natural light.
Snow also plays a part in brightening the winter months. When the landscape turns white, it reflects what daylight we have and makes the city lighter than many expect. It helps keep the winter practical and comfortable to move around in.
At the same time, the city adds its own light. Bodø’s city center is decorated with winter lights, and many homes put up seasonal lighting from early December through the darkest weeks. Combined with the natural Arctic light, it gives the winter season a warm and welcoming atmosphere for anyone settling in Bodø.
Practical
Foto: Dan Mariner
Bring your family
Bodø is a great place for families, with safe communities, quality daycare and schools, including Bodø International School (1st–10th grade), and plenty of activities for children of all ages.
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Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is for children under school age (children aged 1-6 years). Municipalities are responsible for the development and supervision of both private and municipal institutions and for ensuring that institutions are run according to the Framework Plan and the Kindergarten act. ECEC institutions are generally referred to as kindergartens. In Norwegian they are called "barnehage". The Framework Plan for the Content and Tasks of Kindergartens states the fundamental principles, goals, contents and activities for all kindergartens, both public and private.
For more information: Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) | udir.no
To apply for a place in “barnehage”/kindergarten/pre-school, you and your child need a Norwegian personal number or D-number. You apply online to both municipal and private “barnehager” in the same application form. The application form is in Norwegian only. You do not have to log in to apply. Link to application form: Min side | Foresattportalen for barnehage, SFO og Skoleinnmelding | Portal for opptak i barnehage og/eller SFO
The operating hours are generally from 07:30 to 16:30. As of August 2025, the cost for a place is NOK 1200, and food costs approximately NOK 400-600. Updated information about the price: Pris og moderasjonsordninger i barnehage - Bodø kommune
For more information about “barnehage”/ kindergarten/pre-school (information in norwegian only): Barnehage - Bodø kommune
Currently, there is no international kindergarten available in Bodø. However, plans are underway to establish an international class in a preschool, aiming to meet the needs of international families in the region.
If you have questions, need help to apply, or if you do not have a Norwegian personal number, you can send an email to: barnehageopptak@bodo.kommune.no
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The Norwegian school system, known as the "grunnskole", is a compulsory 10-year system divided into primary school (barneskole) and lower secondary school (ungdomsskole). Children start primary school at age 6 and progress one grade per year.
After compulsory education, the county offers three-five years of optional upper secondary education for all. Secondary schools offer internationally recognized education programmes. The upper secondary level offers pathways to either a vocational diploma or a higher education entrance qualification, with specialized schools focusing on music, drama, sports, etc.
Education at the primary and secondary levels is universally provided by national, regional, or local governments, adhering to the national curriculum from the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.
The education system in Norway (Udir)
Public reception schools offer introductory classes
Newly arrived pupils in grades 1 and 2 participate in education at their local schools. Pupils from grades 3-10 are offered education at a reception school (initially until assessment shows that they have mastered most of the objectives according to the curriculum in basic Norwegian at level 1) but can also choose to attend their local school. When the assessment shows that the pupil has mastered the objectives at level 3 and thus has sufficient skills in Norwegian to follow ordinary education, they shall be discharged from special language education. At that time, the right to bilingual education in subjects also ceases.
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Bodø International School (BOINT) is a newly established international school in Bodø.
BOINT is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, offering both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in English.
This makes it easier for international families to settle and ensures high-quality, globally recognized education for children of all ages.
Nordland County Council has started a process on establishing an upper secondary International Baccalaureate program in Bodø from autumn 2027.
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In Bodø we have to Upper secondary schools:
Bodø videregående skole
Located close to the city centre, Bodø Upper Secondary School offers a broad selection of academic programmes with practical vocational options in fields such as health, aviation, hospitality, and the arts.
The school also supports adult education and offers a business-focused track for students aiming for careers in commerce and entrepreneurship.
Read more about Bodø upper secondary school (in Norwegian)
Bodin videregående skole
Bodin Upper Secondary School is located in the Mørkved district, and offers a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, with particular strengths in technology, media, design, and sports.
The school also provides specialised tracks for students interested in research and innovation, as well as pathways to university admission.
Read more about Bodin upper secondary school
Nordland County Council has started a process on establishing an upper secondary International Baccalaureate program in Bodø from autumn 2027.
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NTG Bodø: NTG Bodø is part of the Norwegian network of elite sports schools known as Norges Toppidrettsgymnas (NTG). Located in Bodø, the school offers a unique combination of academic education and high-level sports training.
St. Eystein School: St. Eystein School is a private Catholic primary and lower secondary school located in Bodø, Norway. Established in 2004, the school offers education from 1st to 10th grade. It is open to all students regardless of religious background and emphasizes a strong sense of community, academic engagement, and personal development.
Foto: Bodø 2024
Higher Education in Bodø
You’ll find great opportunities to study in Bodø. Nord University and UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, offers a wide range of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs and welcomes international students from around the world. With modern campuses and close links to industry, it’s an excellent place to continue your education in Northern Norway.
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PLANNING TO STUDY IN BODØ?
Here is all you need to know
🎓 Step 1: Choose Your Education Option
Bodø is home to several higher education institutions:
Nord University (Campus Bodø, Mørkved)
Offers bachelor, master, and PhD programs. Strengths in business, teacher education, nursing, aquaculture, and social sciences. Several master’s programs are available in English.
🌍 Nord UniversityUiT The Arctic University of Norway (Campus Bodø, Postgården)
New campus in Bodø city center. Offers IT studies in close collaboration with industry, plus 60 medical study places in partnership with Nordland Hospital.
🌍 UiT Campus BodøNorwegian Police University College (Campus Bodø, Mørkved)
Offers a 3-year bachelor in policing and further education for law enforcement professionals.
🌍 Police University College
📝 Step 2: Apply for Admission
Application deadlines: Vary depending on whether you apply through the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (Samordna opptak) or directly to the university for international programs.
🌍 Samordna opptak (national admissions)Language requirements: Some programs are in English, but many require Norwegian. Be prepared to show English test results (TOEFL/IELTS) or Norwegian proficiency if applicable.
Scholarships: Exchange students (Erasmus+, Nordplus) and some international master’s students may be eligible for financial support.
📄 Step 3: Residence Permits & Registration
EU/EEA students: No visa required, but must register with the police within 3 months of arrival.
🌍 Registration for EU/EEA studentsNon-EU/EEA students: Must apply for a student residence permit before arriving in Norway.
🌍 Residence permits for studies
🏠 Step 4: Arrange Housing
Studentsamskipnaden (Student Welfare Organisation) offers affordable student housing close to campus, as well as healthcare, gyms, counseling, and cultural activities.
🌍 Student housing in BodøPrivate housing is also available via Finn.no and Hybel.no.
💡 Step 5: Prepare for Student Life
Orientation week: Universities arrange welcome activities, city tours, and practical help for internationals.
Norwegian language courses: Highly recommended even if your program is in English.
🌍 Language training infoStudent card: Gives discounts on transport, gyms, and cultural events.
Transport: Bodø is a 10-minute city—everything is close by and easy to reach by bus, bike, or foot.
🌍 Step 6: Enjoy Student Life in Bodø
Active international student community
Cultural events year-round (music, arts, sports, festivals)
Access to stunning Arctic nature for hiking, skiing, and northern lights experiences
Safe, welcoming, and student-friendly atmosphere
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Nord University, headquartered in Bodø, provides education in fields such as business and management, health and social sciences, teacher education, technology, aquaculture, and social sciences.
The university maintains a strong regional commitment while offering internationally relevant study programmes and research initiatives.
Modern facilities and close collaboration with local industries ensure students are well-prepared for both academic and professional success.
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UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Campus Bodø, offers bachelor's and master's degree programmes in information technology.
These programmes are developed in close collaboration with industry and the public sector, providing students with practical experience and strong connections to the job market.
Karoline OA Pettersen