Moving from UAE to Norway (2026 Guide): Costs, Visas & Customs Rules
MoveConnector Team
Relocation Expert
Key Takeaways (Too Long; Didn't Read)
- Customs: Household goods enter duty-free via Tolletaten if you have owned them for 12+ months.
- Logistics: Sea freight to Oslo Havn or Bergen takes 5–7 weeks. Winter moves require moisture-proof packing.
- Cost: Budget AED 19,000 – 28,000 for a full 2-bedroom home move.
- Car Warning: Do not ship your car unless it is a rare classic. Taxes often exceed the vehicle's value.
- Crucial ID: You cannot open a bank account without a D-Number (Temporary ID) or National ID number.
Introduction: The UAE-to-Nordic Corridor
Relocating from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Norway is not a standard European move. Norway is outside the EU, part of the Schengen zone, and operates one of the most structured customs systems in the world.
Whether you are moving to the finance hub of Oslo, the energy capital of Stavanger, or the maritime center of Bergen, precision is key.
This guide covers realistic 2026 shipping costs, the specific customs duty-free rules, and the residence permit process you need to navigate before your container leaves Jebel Ali.
Quick Answers (For Fast Research)
How much does it cost to move from UAE to Norway?
A full 20ft container from Dubai to Oslo typically costs AED 19,000 – 28,000 door-to-door. Smaller shared shipments (LCL) start from AED 9,000.
Are household goods duty-free in Norway?
Yes—if you meet these three conditions:
- You lived outside Norway for at least 12 continuous months.
- You owned and used the items for at least 12 months.
- You are transferring your residency to Norway.
How long does shipping take?
- Sea freight: 5–7 weeks door-to-door.
- Air freight: 5–10 days.
- Note: Routes typically transship via Rotterdam or Hamburg before onward sailing to Oslo Port (Oslo Havn) or Port of Bergen.
1. 2026 Shipping Costs: Detailed Breakdown
Shipping to Scandinavia involves North Sea routing and often a European transshipment hub. Below are estimated rates for the UAE–Norway route.
Estimated Door-to-Door Costs (UAE → Norway)
| Service Type | Suitable For | Cost (AED) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCL (Groupage) | Studio / 1-bed (5–10 CBM) | 9,000 – 14,000 | 7 – 9 weeks |
| 20ft Container | 2–3 bed home | 19,000 – 28,000 | 5 – 7 weeks |
| 40ft Container | 4+ bed villa | 30,000 – 45,000 | 5 – 7 weeks |
| Air Freight | Urgent essentials (200kg) | 15,000 – 22,000 | 5 – 10 days |
What Increases the Cost?
Understanding pricing helps you budget accurately:
- Winter Sailings: Higher North Sea insurance premiums and potential weather delays.
- Inland Delivery: Delivering to Bergen or Trondheim involves expensive inland haulage compared to Oslo.
- Access Issues: Many Norwegian streets are narrow; if a container truck can't park, a "shuttle service" van is required (extra cost).
- Packing: Fragile items require export-grade wrapping to withstand North Sea humidity.
💡 Need an exact price? Use our International Moving Cost Calculator to get a tailored quote based on your specific inventory.
2. Residence Permits & Immigration (UDI Process)
Norway is not in the EU. Immigration is handled by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
Skilled Worker Residence Permit
Most professionals relocating from UAE require:
- A confirmed job offer.
- A salary that meets Norwegian sector standards.
- Biometrics submitted via VFS Global (Dubai or Abu Dhabi).
- Timing: Start this process 3–4 months before your intended move date.
The D-Number: Your First Critical Step
You cannot function in Norway without an ID number.
- What is it? A temporary identification number issued to foreign nationals staying less than 6 months or those awaiting their permanent National Identity Number.
- Why it matters: You need it to open a bank account, receive a salary, get a SIM card, or sign a rental agreement.
- Action: Your employer typically assists in applying through the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) immediately upon arrival.
3. Customs Clearance in Norway
The customs authority is Tolletaten (Norwegian Customs Service). Because Norway operates outside the EU customs union, documentation must be precise.
Duty-Free Rules
To import your goods tax-free, you must submit Form RD 0030 E. Required Documentation:
- Passport copy.
- Residence permit approval or employment contract.
- Detailed Packing List (Inventory).
- Proof of living abroad (UAE utility bills or deregistration).
Restricted & Controlled Items
- Potatoes: Strictly prohibited (due to agricultural disease risks).
- Medication: Only small personal quantities allowed with a prescription.
- Alcohol: Heavily taxed. Shipping a wine collection is rarely financially viable.
4. Shipping Routes: How Your Goods Travel
On the UAE-to-Nordic corridor, direct sailings are rare.
- Origin: Jebel Ali Port (Dubai).
- Hub: Transshipment in Rotterdam (Netherlands) or Hamburg (Germany).
- Feeder Vessel: North Sea crossing to Oslo or Bergen.
- Delivery: Customs clearance and truck delivery to your new home.
⚠️ Winter Warning: The North Sea is rough and humid. We ensure all International Moving Services include moisture-absorbent poles (desiccants) in the container to protect furniture from mold.
5. The Car Import Reality (Read Before You Decide)
Technically possible. Financially impractical.
What You Will Pay:
- 25% VAT on the vehicle value + freight cost.
- One-Off Registration Tax: Calculated based on weight, NOx, and CO₂ emissions.
- Total Cost: For many UAE-spec SUVs, total taxes can exceed AED 50,000 – 100,000.
Additional Challenges:
- Rust: UAE cars lack the undercoating needed for Norway's salted winter roads.
- Heating: No engine block heater or seat warmers (essential in Norway).
- Resale: Non-Nordic spec cars have poor resale value.
Recommendation: Sell in the UAE. Buy an EV in Norway (where incentives are high).
6. Housing & Financial Transition Tips
- Rental Deposits: Typically 3 months' rent upfront.
- Banking Gap: You may struggle to transfer funds before your Norwegian bank account is set up (which requires a D-Number). Ask your employer for a guarantee letter.
- Temporary Storage: If your Norwegian home isn't ready, we provide Secure Storage Services in Dubai to hold your goods safely until you are ready to receive them.
Why Norway Moves Require Precision
This is not a casual European relocation. Norway has strict customs reviews, high port storage costs, and complex registration requirements.
On the UAE-to-Nordic corridor, experience with Tolletaten procedures significantly reduces clearance delays.
What we provide:
- ✅ UAE Export Packing (Humidity-proof standards)
- ✅ Sea Freight to Oslo & Bergen
- ✅ Customs Documentation Guidance (Form RD 0030 E)
- ✅ Full-Risk Insurance Options