Norway

Life as a Queer Immigration

Culturally, Norway is widely and easily accepting of trans people.  In general, Norwegians are progressive and refrain from passing judgement on the lives of others.  However, one should also note that developing social ties in Norway can also be a very long and slow process, and the level of sexual liberation perceived in public may be less than expected.  One can expect expressions of affection to perfectly safe in public.  Queer bars do exist, and there is no stigma around them.  However, the culture is generally quiet.  Norway is also known for a high level of digitalization, and a cashless daily economy.

Immigration

The complete set of information on immigration can be found in https://udi.no/.  Follow the questions within the site and you will receive the relevant and correct requirements as bullet points.

Norwegian immigration is generally comparable to other European nations.  Work visas are available.  Partners can apply to migrate together on the basis of their partner's work visa.  Permanent residence is generally possible after 3 years, plus language level A2.  Citizenship is possible after 6 or 7 years (depending on income) plus language level B1.  Work visas may be issued for up to three years at a time, although receiving them for one year periods is also common; this appears to be at the discretion of the reviewing officer.

Norway has some additional requirements for permanent residence and citizenship which are either not required or unenforced in other similar countries.  In particular, being outside of Norway for more than a certain fraction of the year may result in denial of permanent residence or citizenship applications.  You will be required to report all journeys outside the country during each visa application and during each renewal.

Wait times for applications vary.  The udi.no website will provide approximate estimates.  Recently, work visa applications have taken between 2 and 5 months to resolve.  Permanent residence and citizenship application review timelines may vary considerably depending on your situation (between 4 months and 20 months).

Living There

Taxes in Norway are generally high.  In contrast to most other countries, Norway also has a tax on passively held wealth: if you or your partners are high net wealth individuals, this may be a significant consideration.  Also be advised that it requires that you disclose all accounts, including international accounts, to the tax authority in Norway.

Language in Norway is typically not a barrier for English speakers.  English adoption throughout the country is incredibly high.  Going to restaurants and ordering in English will encounter no problems.  Transit systems generally issue announcements in both English and Norwegian.  Many government services offer English websites that are fully functional and equivalent to the Norwegian versions.  Even taking your interviews for visa applications in English is perfectly acceptable and normal!

Acquiring Norwegian language, on the other hand, may be difficult.  Classes are available.  However, encouraging other Norwegians to speak Norwegian with you may be difficult, because the switch to English is so easy and so normalized.  Expect to have to invest significant efforts here if seeking permanent residence or citizenship, and start early.  Language testing is available (and required for those applications), but be advised that these are only offered approximately four times a year (!), and have limited sign up windows: be aware of this, and schedule them early.  Language testing information can be found at https://prove.hkdir.no/en .