Life in Norway Unveiled: 6 Most Common Questions from Poles and Practical Expert Answers

Moving to Norway is a huge change for many Poles. Work, new regulations, a different approach to benefits – and on top of that, offices that operate in their own way and expect documents in Norwegian. After many years of helping compatriots with formal matters, I can say one thing: the most stress is not caused by the regulations themselves, but by the small details – lack of translation, a wrongly sent application, or confusing institutions.

That's why we've gathered the 6 questions we hear most often during phone conversations with clients. We hope the answers will be practical for you, as they are based on experience and show what everyday life "on paper" in Norway really looks like.

What family benefits can I receive in Norway?

Norway strongly supports families. The most important benefits are:

• Barnetrygd (child benefit) – granted for every child up to 18 years of age. It is paid by NAV, and the money is transferred monthly to your account. The amount is fixed and does not depend on your income.
• Kontantstøtte (cash-for-care benefit) – parents can receive it if their child between 13 and 19 months old does not attend a public kindergarten. It's a kind of compensation for home care.
• Foreldrepenger (parental benefit: maternity/paternity leave) – allows parents to stay at home with their child for many months – with pay.

In practice, the biggest problem for Poles is finding and correctly filling out the applications and gathering the required documentation, which NAV often does not inform about at the start. Applications, although they may seem simple at first glance, actually contain many additional options that you need to be aware of when filling them out.

At MultiNOR, in addition to verifying documents for the application and preparing the application itself, we also try to anticipate which documents NAV will request to speed up the processing procedure. Our clients can also count on our support in translating responses from the office and attaching additional documentation when requested by the authorities.

How can I handle official matters if I don't speak Norwegian?

This is one of the most common problems we hear from Poles in Norway. In such a situation, it's best to entrust the matter to specialists, provided the office does not require your personal presence or a control interview. Offices do not have forms in Polish – you have to fill them out in Norwegian or English. Without language skills, it's easy to make a mistake – and the office does not forgive mistakes.

For example: are you starting work in Norway? Remember to apply for a tax card at Skatteetaten. Registering your stay? This is handled by UDI, but before you even go to the police, you must fill out an online form. They often require attachments in the correct format – a scan of your employment contract, ID document, etc.

That's why most of my clients say: "I'd rather have someone do it for me, I want to be sure everything goes through." And that's exactly our role – we prepare applications, translate letters, and communicate with offices from your account. Thanks to this, instead of stress, you have clarity that your case is handled correctly.

Can I get help with document translations?

Yes – and this is actually an everyday occurrence. Offices, banks, or NAV expect documents in Norwegian. For example: you apply for child benefit, and NAV requires your child's birth certificate in Norwegian. Or you are applying for a mortgage, and the bank wants a translation of your Polish PITs or income certificates. Healthcare workers may also request translated medical documentation if you are being treated in Poland at the same time.

We cooperate with many translators, thanks to which documents are accepted by Norwegian institutions. It's a small thing, but decisive – because a rejected application often means another month of waiting for a decision.

I want to take out a loan in Norway – how does it work?

Norway has a different credit system than Poland. Banks mainly look at income stability and credit history. A cash loan can be obtained without collateral, up to 800,000 NOK. A mortgage requires your own contribution (at least 10%), but the bank also checks if you have other obligations: credit cards or overdue debts. It's worth checking for free at GjeldsMonitor before applying.

Each bank requires different documents and has its own criteria. Going from institution to institution on your own is tedious, which is why many Poles use brokers who allow you to fill out a loan application in Polish, and then the application is sent to several banks in Norway. This is definitely a more convenient solution than contacting each bank individually.

What health benefits am I entitled to?

If you work legally in Norway and pay contributions, you are entitled to healthcare on the same terms as Norwegians. This means you can:

• get an EHIC card to receive treatment in Poland during holidays,
• obtain an S1 document, which confirms the right to treatment in another country, e.g., in Poland,
• receive sykepenger (sick pay), which is paid from the first days of incapacity for work,
• apply for AAP or rehabilitation benefit in case of long-term incapacity for work.

In practice, Poles most often have problems with medical documentation – a doctor in Poland issues documents in Polish, often handwritten, and NAV does not accept this. This can result in refusal of benefit payment. In such situations, we help gather all the necessary certificates and make sure that NAV has no grounds to reject the application.

What is the AI Assistant on the MultiNOR website?

It's a virtual advisor available 24/7. You can ask it basic questions – for example, what documents are needed for child benefit or how the tax card works – and you get an answer right away.

It's perfect when you need quick information in the evening or on the weekend. It's a bit like talking to a friend who has already "been through" these matters at the offices.

Summary

Poles in Norway are entitled to many benefits and opportunities, but most often get lost in the formalities and language. The truth is, the office in Norway does not work "against" us – it simply requires complete documentation and patience. And it's these details that most often block cases.

That's why it's worth having someone by your side who knows the Norwegian system inside out and can translate it into simple language. Thanks to this, instead of struggling with forms, you have time for what really matters – work, family, and a peaceful life in Norway.