Immigration to Norway

It might be surprising to learn that 14% of the total population of Norway are immigrants.

The largest immigrant group in the country is from Poland (13%), followed by Lithuania (5%), Sweden (4.8%), Somalia (3.8%) and Syria (3.7%). The total number of immigrants in January 2018 was 746,700. In addition there were 170,000 Norwegians born to immigrant parents.

Somalí woman in Norway

Norway makes an effort to welcome immigrants. When we arrived there were signs all over the buses and t-bane, each with a photo of an immigrant and details of the bus or train route they use. The signs all said “Velkommen!” (Welcome!).

We also happened on a “Welcome to Norway” day at Sognsvann Lake with free food, music and activities for new immigrants.

Yesterday we were interviewed by the Norwegian police for our residency permits and we were amazed by their welcoming and friendly attitude. We are now official residents of Norway!

We’d like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! It’s not a holiday here, but we will be celebrating at the home of some new friends in Oslo.