Planning your move
Whether you’re relocating for work, family or a fresh start, we’re happy you’re considering Haugalandet as your new home.
Nestled between mountains and sea on the west coast, this is a region where quality of life, community, and career opportunities go hand in hand.
On this page, you’ll find practical tips and helpful links to guide your move – from permits and paperwork to finding a job and settling in.
Residence and work permits
If you’re moving to Norway for work, chances are you’ll need a residence permit – and in most cases, a job offer first. Exactly what applies to you depends on your citizenship:
- Nordic citizens need only report a move to the National Registry.
- EU/EEA citizens don’t need a residence permit but must register with the police if staying longer than three months.
- Non-EU/EEA citizens must apply for a residence permit before arriving in Norway.
While these are the general rules, there may be exceptions based on your individual circumstances. Check out the following links to learn more!
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) is responsible for processing your application if you wish to live in Norway. Here is some of their information, helping you on the way:
The official Work in Norway Guide provides a tailored guide on getting started in Norway, depending on your citizenship:
The Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA) also offers support for foreign workers in Norway, including your rights when working here:
Places to live
Nine unique municipalities make up Haugalandet. The region is a thriving area known for its strong maritime heritage, innovative industries, and diverse living environments. From the vibrant city of Haugesund to the serene island of Utsira and the picturesque fjords of Vindafjord, this region offers a high quality of life with excellent education, career opportunities, and access to nature. Whether you prefer a bustling urban setting or a peaceful rural lifestyle, the Haugesund region provides a balanced and fulfilling environment to call home.
Haugesund
A dynamic city with a strong international community, known for its cultural scene, universities, and beautiful harbor.
Karmøy
A municipality offering a mix of coastal charm and rural tranquility, with picturesque villages and a rich maritime heritage.
Tysvær
Known for its agricultural landscapes and proximity to the sea, providing a slow paced, peaceful and rural lifestyle.
Bokn
A small municipality with a close-knit community, offering a serene environment and access to outdoor activities.
Vindafjord
Characterized by its fjords and mountains, offering stunning natural scenery and a tranquil lifestyle.
Utsira
Norway’s smallest municipality, an island community offering a unique coastal living experience.
Sauda
A town with a rich industrial history, surrounded by mountains and fjords, offering a blend of urban and natural environments.
Sveio
A coastal municipality with a strong community spirit, ideal for those seeking a balance between rural and urban living.
Etne
Known for its agricultural activities and proximity to the Hardangerfjord, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle.
Find your dream home
If you’re on the hunt for your dream home, it’s quite possible that you’ll find it in the Haugalandet region. The housing prices are favorable, meaning you get more value for your money here than in the larger cities. A garage, garden and your own home office are all within reach.
You can choose between modern new builds, well-maintained pre-owned homes or charming fixer-uppers with history. Did we mention small farms? Whether you prefer urban living or life in the countryside, there’s something here for every taste.
Find a job
Haugalandet is a land of opportunity for anyone looking for an exciting job and a bright career. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or fresh out of school, you can find your dream job here.
We offer leading industries and solid cornerstone companies, groundbreaking startups, strong professional communities, and world-class industrial innovation. The business community in Haugalandet is forward-thinking, and both skilled workers and experts are warmly welcomed. In the years to come, there will be particularly high demand for expertise in green energy, green industry, aquaculture, the ocean industries, and IT. Nurses and teachers will also have plenty of job opportunities for the foreseeable future. Talented people get noticed.
Here, you get to be a big fish in a small pond and climb the career ladder quickly.
Moving to Haugalandet? We’re happy to assist both you and your partner in the search for jobs and career opportunities!
Register as a job seeker
If you have legal residence in Norway, you have the right to register as a job seeker with NAV — the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration. Once registered, NAV will assess your need for guidance and support to help you find employment. You’ll also get access to relevant job listings, career advice, and tools such as CV and application guidance. Registration is free and can be a great way to explore opportunities in the Norwegian job market.
Job openings
Below you’ll find shortcuts to job listings in Haugalandet on FINN.no and NAV. Be sure to also check out the career pages of our partners in Talentsamarbeidet (the Talent Collaboration).
Studies and upskilling
From time to time, it can be nice to top up your knowledge – or take a new direction altogether. Haugalandet offers a wide range of opportunities for further and continuing education. The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) has a campus in Haugesund and offers both classroom-based and online study programmes.
There’s a broad selection to choose from – mental health, pedagogy, offshore wind, and sustainable business development are just a few examples of available courses.
Headquartered in Haugesund, Tirna offers a wide range of courses and educational programmes at upper secondary and tertiary levels, covering a variety of disciplines, from health and social care to economics and administration.
Rogaland Polytechnic College (Fagskolen Rogaland) is a public education institution and a leading provider of practical, career-oriented education and training. Haugesund hosts programmes in maritime studies and mechanics, and several courses are also available online.
Preschools and schools
If you’re moving with children, finding a place in kindergarten or school will likely be a top priority. Fortunately, Norway has a strong public education system with a focus on equal opportunities, high quality, and children’s wellbeing. You can read more and apply through your local municipality’s website.
Kindergarten (barnehage)
Most children attend kindergarten from the age of 1 until they start school 6. Kindergartens are not mandatory, but they are an important part of children’s social and educational development. Municipalities are responsible for offering kindergarten places, though there are also private providers. Fees are partly covered by the state, and a national maximum price ensures that costs stay affordable for families. As of August 2025, the maximum monthly fee for a full-time place in kindergarten is about NOK 1,200.
Primary and lower secondary school (grunnskole)
Compulsory education in Norway lasts for 10 years, starting the year children turn 6.
- Primary school (barneskole): Grades 1–7, ages 6–13
- Lower secondary school (ungdomsskole): Grades 8–10, ages 13–16
Education is free of charge in public schools, including necessary learning materials.
Upper secondary school (videregående skole):
After compulsory schooling, students continue to upper secondary school for three years (Grades 11–13, ages 16–19). They can choose between general studies (which qualify for higher education) or vocational programmes. Public upper secondary schools are also free.
International options
For families seeking international education, Haugalandet offers some alternatives. Haugesund International School provides the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme for Grades 1–10, while Vardafjell Upper Secondary School offers the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–13.