Moving to Norway
Norway is part of the European Economic Area, so Poles can live and work there freely. It is not, however, a member of the European Union or the customs union, which means every load of furniture crosses a customs border. Moving to Norway therefore requires declaring your goods, plus a well-chosen ferry and preparation for the Norwegian winter. 4RELO from Wrocław takes care of all of it.
Household effects – duty-free, but declared
A person moving to Norway permanently or for a longer period can bring in used personal belongings and household contents free of duty and Norwegian VAT. The condition is a correct customs declaration of household effects with an inventory. In practice we prepare:
- A detailed inventory of goods drawn up during packing, matching the contents of the boxes.
- A declaration of removal on the Norwegian Customs form, signed by you.
- A document confirming your residence in Norway – an employment contract, lease or house purchase agreement.
- Separate information on your car, alcohol and new items, which are subject to different rules.
Norway strictly limits imports of alcohol and tobacco products, including as part of a move. We handle the declarations on the EU and Norwegian sides in cooperation with a customs agency – as described under customs clearance.
Routes to Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger
| Destination | Most common route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oslo and surroundings | Świnoujście–Ystad ferry, then via Gothenburg | customs clearance at the Svinesund crossing |
| Kristiansand, the south | through Denmark, ferry from Hirtshals | a short crossing over the Skagerrak |
| Stavanger, Bergen | ferry from Hirtshals to the west coast | avoids long drives through the mountains |
| Trondheim | via Oslo and the Gudbrandsdalen valley | convoy driving possible in winter |
Oslo is around 1,100 kilometres from Wrocław including the sailing. We plan the Svinesund crossing within customs office opening hours so that the lorry does not wait at the border until morning.
Norwegian winter and road tolls
Chains and tyres
In the winter season heavy vehicles must carry snow chains, and on many roads winter tyres are essential. We prepare our vehicles for these conditions.
Closed mountain passes
Some mountain roads close in winter or run convoys behind a snowplough. For addresses inland we allow extra time.
Toll points and electronic tags
Many Norwegian roads, bridges and tunnels are tolled, and lorries must carry a device for automatic toll collection. These costs are included in the quote.
After you arrive in Norway
An EEA citizen staying longer than three months registers with the police or a service centre for foreign workers, and obtains a Norwegian identification number from the Tax Administration, needed for work and banking. Bringing your own car involves registration fees and tax, so it is worth calculating whether it pays off before you go. Items that will not fit in your new home can stay in our storage.
Norway – frequently asked questions
Will I pay duty on moving furniture to Norway?
Usually not, if the items are used household effects and have been correctly declared. Charges may apply to new items, alcohol, tobacco and cars.
When returning from Norway to Poland, do I also go through customs?
Yes. When returning to the EU, people who have lived outside it for at least a year can bring household effects in duty-free, but a declaration is required.
How long does a move to Bergen take?
Usually three to four days from loading, depending on the ferry timetable from Denmark. In winter we add a margin for road conditions.
Can I bring tools for work?
Tools used for professional activity are not always covered by the household effects relief. List them separately and we will check the rules before departure.
Norway for the long term?
We will prepare the inventory for customs clearance and choose the ferry and border crossing date.
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