How to Work and Immigrate to Norway as a Doctor?

Step 1. Medical Qualification Recognition

To start working as a doctor in Norway, you usually have to apply to the Norwegian Directorate of Health. Here’s how it works:

1. You must contact the Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet) to recognize your medical qualifications.
2. You must gather the requirements to immigrate to Norway as a doctor.
   1. You’ve got to send your diploma and transcripts.
   2. Translate your documents if they’re not in English or Nordic.
   3. You’ll need a copy of your passport.
3. The Directorate will evaluate your qualifications for Norwegian standards. This assessment evaluates your medical education, clinical training, and length.
4. You may need to take additional exams depending on your country of education and medical degree to check your medical knowledge or practical skills.
5. Your country’s medical regulatory authority may require proof of good standing.
6. Although not directly related to your medical degree, Norwegian language proficiency is essential for practicing medicine in Norway.

Note:

The Norway doctor immigration process can take months, so plan ahead and submit your application well before moving to Norway. Also, be aware that application and assessment fees may apply.

Step 2. Learn the Language

To immigrate to Norway as a doctor, You’ll have to prove your fluency in the language by taking and passing an exam. The minimum required CEFR level is generally B2. The language tests are:

• Bergenstesten (Test i norsk – høyere nivå). It evaluates your understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Norwegian.
• Norskprøven (The Norwegian Language Test). It measures listening, reading, oral, and written presentation skills.

Step 3. Apply for Authorization and License

When your credentials are recognized, you need to apply to the Norwegian Directorate of Health for authorization and a license. But how to get a medical license in Norway? Here’s how it works:

1. Submission of Application. Apply for authorization and a license to practice as a doctor in Norway. This application includes personal information, education, and relevant professional experience.
2. Documentation Requirements. Medical degrees, specialist training, work experience certificates, and other qualifications, medical board or equivalent good standing certificates are all required.
3. Assessment of Professional Competence. The Directorate verifies that your qualifications (education, training, and professional experience) meet Norwegian standards and that you can practice medicine in Norway.
4. Review and Decision. The Directorate reviews each submission before a decision is made. Depending on the application, it can take a while.
5. Issuance of Authorization and License. When issued, get your license and immigrate to Norway as a doctor and practice medicine.

Note:

Authorization and license issuance may cost money. Certain licenses require renewal and proof of professional development.

Step 4. Job Search

How to work as a doctor in Norway? You will first need to find one of the jobs for foreign doctors in Norway. Here are some different ways to find doctor jobs in Norway:

• Find healthcare jobs on Finn.no, NAV.no, and Jobbnorge.no.
• Healthcare recruitment agencies like Dignus Medical and Medrecruit are good places to start.
• Visit the websites of hospitals and healthcare institutions and apply directly.
• Join Norwegian healthcare professional groups on platforms like LinkedIn.

Step 5. Secure a Work Permit

If you are from outside the EU/EEA, you’ll need a work permit to immigrate to Norway as a doctor. Your Norwegian employer often needs to provide documentation verifying the job offer and outlining the specifics of the position, salary, and working conditions.

Here’s how you can get a work permit:

1. You can apply for a work visa once you have a job offer in hand. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) is the usual place to apply. In most cases, you can submit the application online. It will require your personal information, the specifics of the job offer, and your credentials.
2. Include your passport, the letter of job offer, evidence of your qualifications, and any other paperwork required by UDI with your application.
3. The work permit is typically granted for the duration of your employment contract.
4. If you keep meeting the requirements, you can renew your work permit. You can apply for permanent residency depending on how long you’ve lived and worked in Norway.

Step 6. Apply for a Residence Permit

To immigrate to Norway as a doctor, you’ll need a residence permit, especially for non-EU/EEA nationals. You can get it along with your work permit.

Apply, along with your work permit, to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). You can do it online through the UDI website. Then, you need to Submit your documents, including your passport and ID, your application form, Your job offer and terms of employment, your professional qualifications (medical degree and license), and other possible documents as specified by UDI.

Biometric information like a photo, fingerprints, and a signature are needed. This can be done at either the police station in your area or the Norwegian embassy or consulate.

If your application is accepted, you can obtain a residence permit in Norway. In most cases, the validity of the permit will be extended for the duration of your employment.

Step 7. Integrate into the Norwegian Healthcare System

Here are some tips to help you settle in and integrate:

• Learn about the Norwegian healthcare system, patient rights, healthcare services, and administrative procedures.
• You may need additional training or orientation to adapt to Norwegian medical practices and regulations.
• Norway requires a local bank account for financial management. Popular banks include DNB, Nordea, and SpareBank 1. Opening an account requires your Norwegian ID and proof of employment.
• Housing websites like Finn.no, Hybel.no, and Zillow are popular in Norway. These platforms offer many rental options and can help you find somewhere to stay.
• Successful integration requires embracing Norwegian culture, customs, public behavior, and lifestyle.
• Participating in local and professional networks and joining local clubs, groups, or associations related to your interests or career can help you meet new people and build a support network.
• Norway has a large bus, train, and ferry network, so learn your local system.
• Know nearby hospitals and clinics’ emergency numbers and locations.

Step 8. Consider Continuous Education

Staying up-to-date with healthcare developments is essential for medical professionals in Norway. Join local medical associations, take relevant educational programs, and sign up for online courses and webinars to do this. Participate in hospital training programs and research and collaborate with peers to stay informed and proficient.