migration of doctors to Norway

The need for doctors to learn the Norwegian language

It is important to pay attention to the fact that doctors in order to work in Norway must be able to communicate with native people in Norway. Although many people in this country are fluent in English, but this does not mean that doctors can work in this country only by knowing English. In fact, being fluent in Norwegian is the first step in degree equivalency process for doctors who are migrating to Norway and after this they can go through other steps to get a work permit in Norway. Of course, Norway has made it possible for doctors to go to this country and learn Norwegian there.

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Topics reviewed in this article:

• The requirements for getting a companion visa in Norway
• The required documents and qualifications for doctors to immigrate to Norway
• The process of degree equivalency for doctors in Norway
• The amount of income of doctors in Norway
• The costs of living in Norway
• The advantages and disadvantages for doctors who are migrating to Norway
• Obtaining a residence permit and citizenship in Norway for doctors

The requirements for getting a companion visa in Norway

Norway allows doctors to take their family members with them, including their spouses and children under the age of 18. The very important point about this is that the main applicant and his/her family members can apply for visa simultaneously and all of them can immigrate to this country all together. Among the advantages for companions in this country are free education in the schools of this country for children and the spouse can also look for a full-time job in this country from the beginning and earn a good salary.

The required documents and qualifications for doctors to immigrate to Norway

Knowing the requirements and preparing the right documents is one of the most important steps for doctors to immigrate to Norway, and the preparation of documents and its correct arrangement can play an important role in the success of their cases. One of the main requirements for degree equivalency and validating medical degree in Norway is that the applicant must have completed his/her education and must have sufficient financial means to pay for his/her study and living expenses during the degree equivalency course. It should be noted that it is required to have valid identity documents, educational qualifications, work experience, a letter of financial ability, the approval of health department and etc., and all of these documents must be translated. These documents are among the most important documents that the applicant must submit to the Embassy of Norway.

The process of degree equivalency for doctors in Norway

After preparing the required documents, the applicant can enter the process of degree equivalency and after going through it, he/she works as a doctor in Norway. Now the question is, what are the steps of the process of degree equivalency in Norway? The government has considered a 2-year visa for doctors to immigrate to Norway, which will be granted to a doctor if his/her qualifications are approved and evaluated by the ministry of health and care services in Norway, and this process is done in two stages. The next step is to take the Norwegian language course, which one can learn at various universities in this country and at least can learn it up to B2 level of Norwegian. After that, the person must participate in a series of courses in which he/she will lean about the rules/regulations of the medical system in Norway, the Norwegian medical society and the principles of medicine and treatment in this country, and then he/she should pass the related tests. After going through these steps, the applicant’s degree will be equivalent and he/she will get a work permit in Norway.

The amount of income of doctors in Norway

Although Norway is a more expensive country than many other European countries, on the other hand, we should keep it in mind that the amount of incomes for the workforce, especially doctors in this country is very desirable and high. Of course, it is necessary to mention that the income of doctors in Norway, like in many other countries, varies according to the specialization of the person and one cannot consider a specific amount for doctors, but according to the statistics from reputable sites in this country, doctors’ salaries starts at € 112,000 a year and some legal practitioners receive the equivalent of € 215,000, which is a great amount of money to have a prosperous life in Europe. However, according to these statistics, the average income of doctors in Norway is around 160,000 euros.

The costs of living in Norway

Although the costs of living in different cities vary and people’s lifestyle has a great impact on a person’s living expenses, the average cost of living in Norway can be between 1,200 to 1,500 euros. Of course, this amount seems more than other European countries, but it should be noted that the level of income in this country is also at a higher level.

The advantages and disadvantages for doctors who are migrating to Norway

If we want to mention the most important conditions for evaluating medical degrees in Norway (degree equivalency), we can mention the followings as some of the most important reasons for choosing this country as a destination for doctors to migrate to.

• Learning Norwegian at a very low cost
• The possibility to work part-time for the main person
• The possibility to obtain companion visa at the same time and simultaneously
• The possibility of free education for children
• Possibility of getting a permanent residence permit after 5 years
• Urgent need for workforce and high chances of finding a job
• The possibility to work full time for companions over 18 years

Obtaining a residence permit and citizenship in Norway for doctors

like many European countries, after people have entered this country and started working, Norway has made it possible for immigrants to get a residence permit which is known as working residence permit. This residence permit can be extended as long as the person is working and pays taxes to the government, and after 5 years of paying for insurance and taxes, the person and his/her family members can get a permanent residence permit. So working in Norway as a doctor can be the beginning and start of getting a permanent residence permit. After getting a residence permit, a person can apply for a Norwegian citizenship.