Sage-Tips

Is English spoken in Svalbard?

The official language is Norwegian. However, nearly everyone speaks English. In Barentsburg Russian and Ukrainian are spoken.

Can anyone move to Svalbard?

Everybody may live and work in Svalbard indefinitely regardless of country of citizenship. The Svalbard Treaty grants treaty nationals equal right of abode as Norwegian nationals. Non-treaty nationals may live and work indefinitely visa-free as well.

Is Svalbard a rich country?

The economy of Svalbard is dominated by coal mining, tourism and research. The same year, mining gave a revenue of 2.008 billion kr, tourism NOK 317 million and research 142 million. In 2006, the average income for economically active people was NOK 494,700, or 23\% higher than on the mainland.

Does Svalbard have Internet?

Svalbard is among the first places in Norway with a functioning 5G mobile network. The cables made it possible to reach average internet connections of 50 megabits per second in and around Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s main settlement.

Why are cats banned in Svalbard?

The island is populated by many polar bears. Scientists at Norwegian Polar Institute have carried out a counting of polar bears in the Norwegian region. As the eco system is so isolated, cats are banned to protect the rich bird life on the island.

Is Svalbard tax free?

Svalbard is a tax-free area which means that many commodities are cheaper here than on the Norwegian mainland. Norwegian Kroner (NOK) is used all over Svalbard, also in the Russian settlement of Barentsburg. Credit cards are accepted in Longyearbyen.

Can I buy property in Svalbard?

The Norwegian state owns practically all land in Svalbard and in practice it is not possible to buy a plot for building your own home. Some private housing has been built on rented land. This housing has been sold or rented out to private individuals in Longyearbyen. Housing prices are very high.

What is minimum wage in Svalbard?

The salary range for people working in Svalbard and Jan Mayen is typically from 12,035.00 NOK (minimum salary) to 38,101.00 NOK (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).

Does Svalbard have a hospital?

Longyearbyen Hospital is a public hospital. Since the EEA rules do not apply to Svalbard, the European Health Insurance Card does not apply here. Everyone has to pay deductible for consultation at the hospital.