Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway, known for its green spaces and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1,546,706 in the metropolitan area. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 NOK ≈ 0.097 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telenor, Telia, and Ice. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include DNB and Nordea. Revolut is also widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hotels, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, even for small transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rental services are popular. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable lodging options include Anker Hostel and Citybox Oslo. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Aker Brygge, known for its waterfront, restaurants, and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Grünerløkka, offering a vibrant scene with cafes, coworking spaces, and community events. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nerdwork, located in Grünerløkka, known for its creative vibe. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kaffefuglen, a cozy spot with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com hosts various professional and tech-related events regularly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Oslo International Meetup Group on Facebook connects expats for social activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber operate in Oslo. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Oslo Bysykkel for bike rentals; electric scooters available via Voi and Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Langøyene Beach, a popular spot in the Oslofjord, around 30 minutes by ferry. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) services regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Norwegian Air Shuttle, connecting to various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E6 and E18 highways provide access to surrounding areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) is the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Ruter offers travel passes for buses, trams, and metros. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Frequent trains and buses connect Oslo to nearby cities like Bergen and Trondheim. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Oslo University Hospital, the largest healthcare institution in Norway. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | YogaOslo offers various classes for different levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | SATS and Fresh Fitness provide accessible gym options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Room offers self-service laundromats around the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodora and Wolt are popular food delivery services in Oslo. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Raspeballer, a traditional dish made from potato dumplings. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Resturant, located in Grünerløkka, is highly rated. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Baker Hansen for delicious pastries and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mathallen Oslo, a food hall with various local vendors. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Elkjøp and Komplett for electronic shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Oda.no is a popular grocery delivery service. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Grünerløkka district is known for its vibrant nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Mikrobryggeriet, known for craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinmonopolet offers a wide selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Oslo Street Food at Vulkan is a popular spot for diverse street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Naked Truth serves delicious tacos and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Oslo Opera House and the Royal Palace. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design and Munch Museum. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Akershus Fortress is a historic site in Oslo. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Oslo Cathedral (Oslo Domkirke) is a notable church in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Oslo Jazz Festival held annually in August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Grünerløkka for its artistic and cultural vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Nationaltheatret is one of Norway's leading theaters. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The farmers market at Youngstorget for local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Oslo has a vibrant music scene with venues like Vulkan Arena. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Grünerløkka is famous for its street art and murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at Lær å lage mat for traditional Norwegian cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Astrup Fearnley Museum for contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Oslo City Hall, known for its distinctive architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Viking Ship Museum showcases Norway's maritime history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nordmarka forest offers trails and outdoor activities, easily reachable from the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Oslomarka, a vast recreational area, is nearby for hiking and biking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Akerselva River path is a popular route for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Frognerseteren offers panoramic views of Oslo and the fjord. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Røros Nature Reserve is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Sognsvann lake area allows bonfires in specified locations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Bring and Posten serve reliable delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Fixit Oslo for electronics repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis at various community centers like Vulkan Arena. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Babel Academy offers Norwegian language classes for newcomers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Deichman Bjørvika is Oslo's main public library. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Rådhuset hosts various cultural events and community functions. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On located in the city center for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Oslo is the main casino offering various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €5,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €150,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €120,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €288,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €228,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €336,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €280,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 27%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Norwegian tax system is based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Effective tax rate can go up to about 55% depending on income. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 25%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annually based on a calculated value, rates vary by municipality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is 2.5% of the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Residency in Norway may lead to an attractive tax system for stays under certain conditions. |