Moving Berlin Norway – Your Specialist for Smooth International Transport

Moving Berlin–Norway: customs, ferries and long distances

Norway belongs to the European Economic Area, but not to the EU and not to the customs union. Your household goods must therefore be declared to Norwegian customs. If you move your residence to Norway, you can usually import used household goods free of duties. This requires a customs declaration with an inventory list and proof of the move. Separate rules apply to certain goods such as alcohol, tobacco or vehicles – check with Norwegian customs in advance.

The route

There are two ways to Oslo: overland through Denmark and Sweden, around 1,100 kilometres with bridges or ferry, or by ferry directly from Kiel to Oslo. To Bergen, Trondheim or the north, many hundreds of kilometres are added on partly winding roads. A move to Norway is therefore always a multi-day project, and in winter with additional buffer time for snow and ice.

Documents

• Inventory list with box numbers and descriptions of contents
• Proof of work, study or right of residence in Norway
• Tenancy agreement or purchase contract for the new home
• Deregistration at the Bürgeramt (citizens’ office) in Berlin

Living in Norway

Many Norwegians live in wooden houses, often on slopes and with access roads that are difficult for large lorries. Oslo and Bergen have densely built-up districts with older apartment buildings. Send us photos of the access so that we can assess whether reloading onto a smaller vehicle is necessary.

Costs

For Norway, the ferry, toll stations, fuel, overnight stays and customs clearance are added to staff and vehicle, because the country is not part of the EU. You can read background information on price calculation under Moving company Berlin costs, and further destinations abroad under International moves Berlin. For small quantities, a shared load is often the more economical solution; if you are travelling via Sweden, you will find tips at Moving Berlin–Sweden.

What you had better not take to Norway

Strict rules apply to the import of some goods into Norway, for example alcohol, tobacco, food, plants and weapons. As-new items that you only bought shortly before the move may also be subject to duties. Check the current regulations before packing so that there are no delays at the border.

Living in a wooden house

Many Norwegian houses are built of wood, with wooden floors and narrow stairs to the upper floor. We lay out protective material and carry heavy furniture with enough staff so that nothing is damaged. If the house is on a slope, we clarify in advance how close the lorry can get.

Preparation in Berlin

Number your boxes and list their contents. You need this list for the customs declaration, and it helps with unpacking in your new home.

Moving to Norway: customs, fjords and long distances

Norway is not an EU member, but it is part of the European Economic Area. For German nationals, working and living there is straightforward, but household goods must be declared to customs. On top of this come long distances, ferry connections and a climate that requires good planning.

Ferry and overland route

There are several ways to Oslo. The ferry from Kiel to Oslo takes about 20 hours overnight. Alternatively, the route goes via Denmark to Hirtshals and by ferry to Kristiansand or Larvik, or overland via Sweden. To Bergen, Trondheim or the north, the routes are considerably longer, often over mountain passes that are closed in winter or only passable with snow chains. We plan the route and time according to destination and season.

Customs and flyttegods

If you move to Norway, you can usually import used household goods duty-free as removal goods, known in Norwegian as flyttegods. This requires a customs declaration with a detailed inventory list. Certain goods such as alcohol, tobacco, food or vehicles are subject to special rules and may trigger duties. Find out in advance from the Norwegian customs authority. On the German side, export clearance is required, which we organise with customs agents.

Registration in Norway

In Berlin, you deregister at the Bürgeramt. In Norway, EU and EEA citizens staying longer than three months register with the police or a service centre for foreign workers. In addition, you report your move to the tax authority Skatteetaten to receive a national identity number or D number. Without this number, a bank account, employment contract and doctor’s visits are difficult.

Living in Norway

In Oslo and Bergen, many people live in flats in apartment buildings, often with a lift. In the countryside and along the fjords, wooden houses with large plots dominate. Access roads are sometimes steep and narrow. In winter, paths must be cleared so that we can carry safely.

Winter and climate

A move in the Norwegian winter is possible, but requires experience and suitable equipment. In the north, there are weeks without daylight. We recommend moves to central and northern Norway between spring and autumn.

Costs

The costs depend on distance, ferry, customs clearance, volume and delivery. Norway is an expensive country, and local services also cost more. More on this on our page International moves Berlin.

Settling in Norway

Norwegians love nature. Hiking, cross-country skiing and cabins by the water are part of everyday life. A Norwegian course helps, even though almost everyone speaks very good English.

Living in Oslo, Bergen and the countryside

In Oslo, many people live in apartment buildings, often with a lift. In Bergen, the houses sit on steep slopes, and some streets are too narrow for large lorries. In the countryside, most people live in wooden houses with large plots that are easily accessible. In winter, snow and ice are an issue: access roads must be cleared, and on some mountain passes snow chains are compulsory or roads are closed. If possible, plan a move to the north between spring and autumn.

Special rules apply to dogs and cats in Norway, such as tapeworm treatment for dogs before entry. Find out in good time from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.