Q1: We plan to move to Singapore. We have lots of questions about life in Singapore. Who might we contact about this?
A1: We recommend the following atricle (in Norwegian) by the Embassy regarding moving to Singapore. You are also encouraged to learn more about living in Singapore at the following Singaporean website: www.ecitizen.gov.sg
Q2: We are Norwegians living in Singapore and are expecting a baby. How does our newborn child obtain a Norwegian passport?
A2: As soon as you (the parents) have obtained the birth certificate from the hospital, you need to bring this document to the Embassy along with both parents' passports. Please bear in mind that, according to Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, you only have 42 days to complete the passport application and obtain a residence permit for your newborn child.
The Embassy will then on behalf of the child 1: Apply for a Norwegian Personal Identification Number, 2: Apply for a passport. However, a passport cannot be issued until the Personal Identification Number has been issued. Normally this process takes 5 weeks. Please read about the requirements here.
Q3: We wish to employ an au pair from Asia in Norway. How is this done?
A3: Please visit the website of the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (Utlendingsdirektoratet - UDI): UDI.
Q4: We plan to bring our domestic helper to Norway. How does he/she obtain the correct paperwork?
A4: Applications for work permits and visa to Norway are handled by the Danish Embassy in Singapore and must therefore be submitted and collected there. Contact details are: Royal Danish Embassy, 101 Thomson Road, #13-01/02 United Square, S- 307591, Tel: 6355 5010, E-mail: sinamb@um.dk, Homepage: www.ambsingapore.um.dk/en
Q5: Do Norwegians in Singapore have to register at the Embassy?
A5: Registration at the Embassy is voluntary. However, such a registration is welcome as it aids the Embassy's contingency planning and consular assistance in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, registered Norwegians are included in the mailing list of the Embassy's biannual newsletter and invitations to certain events organised for the Norwegian community in Singapore. Register here.
Q6: Is there a Norwegian school in Singapore?
A6: No, there is no ordinary Norwegian school in Singapore. There is, however, a Norwegian supplementary school which teaches Norwegian students a mix of Norwegian language and Norwegian social sciences every Friday afternoon from 4pm to 6 pm. It takes place on the Overseas Family School (OFS) campus. More information can be found under Norskskolen.
In addition Globalskolen offers free education in the following subjects; Norwegian, Social studies and Religion & Ethics for pupils in primary and secondary school age living abroad. The teaching is online and is weekly based. More information can be found under www.globalskolen.no
Q7: I need a new Norwegian passport. What do I do?
A7: You need to show up in person at the Embassy to apply for a new passport. Please bring your current passport with you. If you have lost your passport or your passport has been stolen, you need to file a police report before coming to the Embassy. Please bring the police report with you. More information is available here.
Q8: Can we get married at the Embassy in Singapore?
A8: Yes, provided that both bride and groom are Norwegian citizens. Please send a request to the Embassy (emb.singapore@mfa.no) well ahead of your preferred wedding date. Read more in: Civil Marriage at the Embassy.
Q9: Can I bring tobacco and chewing tobacco (snus) into Singapore?
A9: All tobacco products, including chewing tobacco (snus), must be declared at Singapore Customs upon arrival. You are strongly encouraged to visit the website of Singapore Customs for updated information.
Q10: What happens if I get arrested in Singapore?
A10: All Norwegians are strongly encouraged to respect and obey Singaporean law while in Singapore.
If you are arrested, you are entitled to consular assistance from the Embassy. More information is available here: www.landsider.no/tips/bistand/bistand.htm
Q11: I live in Singapore and travel frequently in the region. Where can I get information about different destinations and travel advisories from the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
A11: Please consult the website of the The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foregin Affairs: www.landsider.no
Where applicable, you can also visit the website of the Norwegian Embassy in the country you plan to travel to.
Please note that most countries in the region require your passport to be valid more than 6 months upon arrival. Therefore please ensure that your passport is valid for more then 6 months, or your travel plans may be delayed.
Q12: I need visas for my destinations outside Singapore. Where can I learn about visa-requirements in the region / world?
A12: Please consult the website of the Embassy of the country you plan to travel to or other relevant government websites of the country in question. Alternatively you can visit projectvisa.com.
Q13: I want to go to Norway for work / pleasure. How do I obtain my work permit / visa?
A13: The processing of work permits and visas to Norway is handled by the Danish Embassy in Singapore. Contact details are: Royal Danish Embassy, 101 Thomson Road, #13-01/02 United Square, S- 307591, Tel: 6355 5010, E-mail: sinamb@um.dk, Homepage: www.ambsingapore.um.dk/en
Q14: Where can we find tourist information about Norway?
A14: Please visit the following website: www.visitnorway.com
Q15: I plan to study in Norway. How can I best prepare myself for this?
A15: Please read through information available elsewhere on the Embassy’s website. You are also encouraged to contact the receiving university or college in Norway for information about Norway and Norwegian university life. Useful information can also be found on the following website: studyinnorway.no
Q16: Where can I find information regarding Norwegian business and the Norwegian business community in Singapore?
A16: Please familiarise yourself with the website of the Norwegian Business Association in Singapore (NBAS): www.nbas.org.sg
Additional information from Innovation Norway’s Singapore branch is located here: www.innovasjonnorge.no/Internasjonale-markeder/Kontorer-i-utlandet/Singapore/In-English