How to Rent an Apartment in Norway as a Foreigner: Requirements, Prices, and Tips

Finding a place to live is one of the first things you need to sort out when moving to Norway. For foreigners, the process can feel confusing at first. You may not have a Norwegian bank account yet, you may not have rental references from Norway, and you may not be familiar with how deposits and rental contracts work.

The good news is that renting in Norway as a foreigner is completely possible. You do not need to be a Norwegian citizen to rent an apartment, but landlords may want documentation showing that you can pay the rent and will be a reliable tenant.

Can Foreigners Rent an Apartment in Norway?

Yes. Foreigners can rent apartments and houses in Norway.

There is no general requirement to be a Norwegian citizen before renting a home. However, individual landlords may ask for documents that demonstrate your identity, income and ability to pay.

Depending on your situation, a landlord may ask for:

• Passport or other valid identification

• Norwegian national identity number or D-number

• Employment contract

• Recent payslips

• Proof of income or savings

• Previous landlord references

• Norwegian bank account details

• Information about who will live in the property

• Deposit or other agreed security

Not every landlord will require all of these documents.

If you have just arrived in Norway and do not have a Norwegian employment history or rental references yet, explain your situation clearly and provide other evidence that you can afford the apartment.

Renting in Norway as a Foreigner: What Do You Need?

The Norwegian rental process is largely about demonstrating that you are a reliable tenant.

A landlord generally wants to know three things:

Can you pay the rent?

Will you take care of the property?

Will you follow the rental agreement?

If you already have a job in Norway, an employment contract can be particularly useful. If you are still looking for work, you may be able to provide evidence of savings or other financial resources.

You can also prepare a short introduction about yourself, your work or studies, how long you expect to stay in Norway, and who will live in the apartment.

What If You Don't Have a Norwegian Bank Account?

This is common among newly arrived foreigners.

You may find an apartment before you have completed all your registration and banking arrangements. In that situation, explain this to the landlord rather than assuming that you cannot rent.

The landlord may accept other documentation showing that you can pay the rent.

However, be especially careful if someone asks you to transfer a large amount of money before you have seen the property and signed a proper rental agreement.

If you are still preparing your move, Lingu's guide to [Life in Norway as a Foreigner: What to Expect During Your First Year] covers many of the administrative steps newcomers typically need to complete after arriving.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent an Apartment in Norway?

Rental prices vary considerably depending on the city, apartment size, location and standard.

According to Statistics Norway's 2025 Rental Market Survey, the average monthly rent for a two-room dwelling was NOK 11,790 across Norway. The corresponding figure was NOK 15,260 in Oslo and Bærum, NOK 11,870 in Bergen, NOK 11,850 in Trondheim and NOK 11,400 in Stavanger.

For larger homes, prices are considerably higher. In Oslo and Bærum, the 2025 average was NOK 19,030 for a three-room dwelling and NOK 23,200 for a four-room dwelling.

These figures come from Statistics Norway's official Rental Market Survey, which measures rental prices across different parts of the Norwegian market.

Typical Rental Costs by City

As a general pattern:

City	Rental market
Oslo	Usually the most expensive
Bergen	High rental demand
Trondheim	High, especially around central areas
Stavanger	High, with significant variation
Smaller cities and towns	Generally more affordable

Your location within a city can make a major difference.

An apartment close to the city centre, public transportation, universities or major employment areas will often cost more than a similar apartment further away.

If you are still deciding where to live, Lingu's guide to the Best Cities in Norway for Expats compares Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger and Tromsø.

You can also use Lingu's Cost of Living in Norway for Immigrants guide to estimate your total monthly expenses beyond rent.

How Much Money Do You Need to Move Into an Apartment?

Rent is only one part of your initial housing costs.

When moving into a rental property, you may need money for:

• First month's rent

• Security deposit

• Electricity

• Internet

• Furniture

• Moving costs

• Insurance

• Transportation

The deposit can be particularly expensive.

Under Norway's Tenancy Act, a deposit can be up to six months' rent. The deposit must be placed in a separate deposit account in the tenant's name rather than simply being transferred to the landlord's personal account.

For example, if your monthly rent is NOK 15,000 and your contract requires a three-month deposit, you would need NOK 45,000 for the deposit alone.

This is one reason why it is important to plan your housing budget before moving to Norway.

What Is a Deposit Account in Norway?

Norwegian rental deposits work differently from simply paying money directly to a landlord.

A depositumskonto, or deposit account, is a separate bank account where the deposit is held during the tenancy.

The deposit must be placed in a locked account in the tenant's name. The landlord is responsible for paying the cost of opening the deposit account.

The Husleietvistutvalget guide to deposits and guarantees explains how these arrangements work.

Never Send a Normal Deposit Directly to the Landlord

This is particularly important when renting in Norway as a foreigner.

A landlord should not simply ask you to transfer the deposit into their personal bank account.

The Husleietvistutvalget explains that a legal deposit must be placed in a locked deposit account in the tenant's name. The deposit cannot be more than six months' rent, and the landlord must pay the cost of opening the account.

If someone insists on receiving a large cash payment or an ordinary bank transfer as a deposit, treat this as a warning sign.

Where Can You Find Apartments for Rent in Norway?

There are several ways to search for rental housing in Norway.

FINN.no

FINN.no is one of the main places to search for rental properties in Norway.

You can filter properties by:

• Location

• Monthly rent

• Number of rooms

• Size

• Furnished or unfurnished

• Pets

• Available date

• Parking

• Outdoor space

You can also save searches and receive notifications when new properties are listed.

Hybel.no

Hybel.no is another popular housing platform, particularly useful for rooms, shared accommodation and smaller rental units.

It can be especially useful for students, young professionals and newcomers who want to keep their initial housing costs lower.

Facebook Groups and Local Communities

Local Facebook groups can also contain rental listings.

You can search for groups using phrases such as:

• Apartments for rent in Oslo

• Housing in Bergen

• Expats in Oslo

• International community in Norway

• Housing for students in Trondheim

However, be more careful with private social-media listings. Never send money simply because someone has sent you photographs of an apartment.

Should You Rent Before Moving to Norway?

If possible, arranging temporary accommodation first can make the process safer and less stressful.

You could stay in a hotel, serviced apartment, hostel or short-term rental while looking for a long-term home.

This gives you time to:

• Visit apartments in person

• Compare different neighbourhoods

• Meet landlords

• Check public transport

• Visit local shops and services

• Understand typical rental prices

• Avoid potential scams

This can be particularly useful if you have never lived in Norway before.

Lingu's Life in Norway as a Foreigner guide also recommends considering temporary accommodation while you complete the first administrative steps and search for a longer-term home.

What Should You Check During an Apartment Viewing?

When viewing an apartment, don't only focus on whether it looks attractive.

Check practical things that could affect your everyday life.

Check the apartment

Look at:

• Walls and ceilings for moisture or mould

• Windows and insulation

• Heating

• Water pressure

• Kitchen appliances

• Bathroom condition

• Storage

• Natural light

• Locks and doors

• Laundry facilities

• Internet availability

Take photographs of any existing damage.

This can help avoid disagreements when you eventually move out.

Check the location

Consider:

• Distance to work or school

• Public transport

• Grocery stores

• Healthcare

• Parking

• Noise

• Construction

• Local services

An apartment that is NOK 2,000 cheaper per month may not actually save you money if you have to pay significantly more for commuting.

If you are moving with children, also check schools, kindergartens, playgrounds and family services before signing a long-term contract.

Understanding a Norwegian Rental Agreement

Always read the rental agreement carefully before signing.

It should clearly explain important terms such as:

• Monthly rent

• Deposit

• What is included in the rent

• Electricity and heating

• Additional costs

• Rental period

• Notice period

• Pets

• Smoking

• Maintenance responsibilities

The Norwegian Consumer Council, Forbrukerrådet, provides an English-language contract for rental of accommodation that can be useful when reviewing a rental agreement.

What Does "Including Electricity" Mean?

Pay close attention to this when comparing properties.

For example:

NOK 15,000 including electricity

is very different from:

NOK 15,000 + electricity

Always ask exactly what is included.

The same applies to internet, heating, water and other costs.

Under the Norwegian rental rules, the landlord can agree with the tenant that certain consumption-based expenses, such as electricity, fuel, water and drainage, are paid in addition to the rent. Other costs have different rules, so make sure every additional payment is clearly explained in the agreement.

What Are Your Rights as a Tenant in Norway?

Norwegian tenants are protected by the Tenancy Act.

The rules cover areas including:

• Rental agreements

• Deposits

• Rent

• Maintenance

• Notice periods

• Termination

• Landlord responsibilities

• Tenant responsibilities

If you are unsure about a clause in your contract, check the rules before signing.

The Husleietvistutvalget also provides information about common disputes between landlords and tenants and how these disputes can be handled.

What Should Foreigners Be Careful About?

Foreigners can be particularly vulnerable to rental scams because newcomers may not yet understand the Norwegian housing market.

Some warning signs include:

The landlord wants money before you see the apartment

Be cautious if you are asked to transfer money immediately without viewing the property or verifying the landlord.

The price seems unusually cheap

Compare the property with similar apartments in the same area.

An unusually cheap apartment can be a warning sign.

The landlord says they are abroad

This is not automatically a scam, but be careful if the landlord claims they are abroad and says they can only send you the keys after receiving money.

You are asked to pay the deposit into a personal account

A legitimate Norwegian deposit should normally be placed in a proper deposit account in the tenant's name.

There is no proper contract

Do not move into an apartment based only on messages or verbal promises.

Get the rental terms in writing.

Can You Rent Without Speaking Norwegian?

Yes.

Many landlords and rental platforms operate in English, particularly in larger cities.

However, knowing some Norwegian can make the process easier.

You may encounter words such as:

Leie = rent

Til leie = for rent

Leilighet = apartment

Hybel = small rental unit or room

Soverom = bedroom

Møblert = furnished

Umøblert = unfurnished

Depositum = deposit

Leiekontrakt = rental contract

Strøm = electricity

Oppsigelsestid = notice period

Visning = viewing

Even basic Norwegian vocabulary can help you understand rental advertisements and communicate with landlords.

If you plan to stay in Norway long term, learning Norwegian can also make other parts of everyday life easier.

What If You Cannot Afford the Rent?

Some people with low income and high housing expenses may qualify for housing allowance (bostøtte).

Housing allowance is a means-tested government grant administered by Husbanken. Eligibility depends on factors including household income and housing costs.

You can read the official Husbanken guide to housing allowance and use its information to check whether you may qualify.

Husbanken also provides an eligibility guide and housing allowance calculator.

The amount you may receive depends on your household's income and approved housing expenses. The Husbanken explanation of how housing allowance is calculated provides more detail.

For rental housing, rent can be included as an eligible housing expense, subject to the applicable limits.

Renting in Norway as a Foreigner With a Family

If you are moving to Norway with children, your housing requirements will usually be different from those of a single person.

You may need:

• More bedrooms

• More living space

• Access to schools

• Kindergarten availability

• Storage

• Outdoor space

• Public transport

• A family-friendly neighbourhood

You should also consider how far your home will be from schools, childcare and your workplace.

For more information, see Lingu's guide to [Moving to Norway With Children: Schools, Childcare, Healthcare, and Family Benefits].

Renting While Applying for Family Immigration

If you are moving to Norway through family immigration, housing may be one of the practical issues you need to organise after arriving.

Your immigration situation can affect which documents you have available when applying for a rental property, particularly if you have only recently arrived.

If you are planning to bring your family to Norway, Lingu's guide to Family Immigration to Norway: Requirements, Income Rules, and Application Process explains the main stages of the process.

Remember that rental requirements and immigration requirements are separate issues. Being accepted as a tenant does not determine whether you qualify for a Norwegian residence permit.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting an Apartment

Popular rental properties can receive many applications.

You can make the process easier by preparing your documents before you start contacting landlords.

Create a simple rental application package containing:

• Short introduction about yourself

• Employment information

• Employment contract

• Proof of income

• Identification

• Previous landlord reference, if available

• Information about who will live in the apartment

• Expected rental period

You do not need to send sensitive documents to every person who advertises an apartment.

First establish that the property and landlord are legitimate, then provide the documents that are actually necessary.

Be Quick

Good apartments can disappear quickly.

If you find a suitable property, contact the landlord promptly and be ready to attend the viewing.

Be Professional

A short and friendly message is usually better than sending a long personal story.

Introduce yourself, explain why you are moving to the area and mention your employment or study situation.

If you are moving with a partner or children, explain who will live in the apartment.

Should You Choose a Furnished or Unfurnished Apartment?

This depends largely on how long you plan to stay.

Furnished apartments

A furnished apartment can be convenient when you have just arrived in Norway.

You do not immediately need to buy:

• Bed

• Sofa

• Table

• Chairs

• Kitchen equipment

The downside is that furnished apartments can be more expensive and there may be fewer options.

Unfurnished apartments

An unfurnished apartment can make more sense if you plan to stay for several years.

You have more freedom to choose your own furniture and may have a wider selection of properties.

How Long Does It Take to Find an Apartment?

There is no fixed answer.

It depends on:

• City

• Budget

• Time of year

• Apartment size

• Location

• Documentation

• Whether you need furnished accommodation

• Whether you have pets

• Whether you are willing to share accommodation

The rental market can become particularly competitive during periods when many people are searching at the same time.

Start monitoring listings before you move so you understand typical prices and what is available in your preferred area.

A Simple Apartment-Rental Checklist for Foreigners

Before contacting the landlord

☐ Set your maximum monthly housing budget

☐ Decide which areas you are willing to live in

☐ Prepare proof of employment or income

☐ Prepare identification

☐ Prepare references if available

Before viewing

☐ Check the address

☐ Compare the rent with similar properties

☐ Check what is included in the rent

☐ Confirm the availability date

During the viewing

☐ Inspect the apartment carefully

☐ Photograph existing damage

☐ Check heating, windows and appliances

☐ Check transport and local services

Before signing

☐ Read the entire contract

☐ Check the notice period

☐ Confirm the deposit amount

☐ Make sure the deposit will be placed in a proper deposit account

☐ Confirm who pays electricity, internet and other costs

☐ Keep a copy of the signed contract

Final Tips for Renting in Norway as a Foreigner

The Norwegian rental market can seem complicated when you first arrive, but the basic process becomes much easier once you understand the rules.

Start your search early, compare several properties, and prepare your documentation before contacting landlords.

Most importantly, do not rush because you are afraid of losing an apartment. A legitimate landlord should be willing to provide a proper rental agreement and follow the rules for deposits.

If something feels unusual, check the rules before sending money.

It is also worth thinking beyond the apartment itself. Your neighbourhood, commute, access to public transport, schools and everyday services can have a major effect on your experience.

For a broader look at settling into the country, read Lingu's Life in Norway as a Foreigner: What to Expect During Your First Year.

FAQ: Renting in Norway as a Foreigner

Can a foreigner rent an apartment in Norway?

Yes. Foreigners can rent apartments in Norway. Landlords may ask for identification, proof of income, employment information, references and a deposit.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Norway?

Rental prices vary significantly by city and apartment size. In 2025, the average monthly rent for a two-room dwelling was NOK 11,790 across Norway and NOK 15,260 in Oslo and Bærum, according to Statistics Norway.

How much is a rental deposit in Norway?

A deposit can legally be up to six months' rent. The amount should be specified in the rental agreement, and the deposit must be placed in a separate account in the tenant's name.

Can a landlord put the deposit in their personal bank account?

No. A legal rental deposit must be placed in a separate deposit account in the tenant's name.

Where do foreigners find apartments for rent in Norway?

FINN.no is one of the main Norwegian property platforms. Hybel.no is also useful, particularly for rooms, shared accommodation and smaller rental units.

Can I rent an apartment without a Norwegian bank account?

It may be possible, particularly if you can provide other evidence of your financial situation. However, individual landlords and banks may have their own requirements.

Do I need a Norwegian ID number to rent an apartment?

Not necessarily. There is no general rule requiring a foreigner to have a Norwegian national identity number before renting a home. However, a landlord may ask for identification and other documentation.

Can I rent an apartment before moving to Norway?

Yes, but be careful. If possible, verify the property, landlord, and rental contract before transferring money. Temporary accommodation followed by an in-person apartment search can be a safer option for many newcomers.

Can I get housing allowance in Norway?

Some people with low income and high housing costs may qualify for housing allowance through Husbanken. Eligibility depends on household income, housing costs, and other conditions.

Do I need to speak Norwegian to rent an apartment?

No. You can find rental properties and communicate in English, especially in larger cities. However, knowing basic Norwegian rental vocabulary can make the process easier.

Is renting in Norway expensive?

Housing costs can be high, particularly in Oslo and other major cities. Your total housing cost depends on the city, apartment size, location, and whether electricity, heating, and internet are included.