The following is a summery of frequently asked questions at the Embassy and comprises a variety of enqueries and challenges facing Norwegians as well as others whilst in Singapore:
19/06/2008 :: Q1: We plan to move to Singapore. We have lots of questions about life in Singapore. Who might we contact about this?
A1: You are recommended to read the following information with useful links on the Embassy`s website: /norsk/flyttesingapore/movetosingapore.htm
You are also encouraged to learn more about living in Singapore at: www.ecitizen.gov.sg
Q2: We are Norwegians living in Singapore and will soon have a baby. How does the newborn baby obtain a Norwegian passport?
A2: When one of the parents is a Norwegian citizen, the newborn baby is entitled to a Norwegian passport. As soon as you (the parents) have obtained the birth certificate from the hospital, you need to come to the Embassy. Please bring both parents passports.
The Embassy will then on behalf of the child 1: Apply for a Norwegian personal number for the newborn, 2: Apply for a passport for the newborn. However, passport can not be issued until social security number is issued. Normally this process takes 4 weeks. Please read about the updated requirements: /norsk/Personnummer/F%c3%b8dselsnummer.htm
Q3: We plan to employ an au pair from Asia in Norway. Where can we learn more about requirements for this?
A3: Learn more about this at: http://www.udi.no/templates/Tema.aspx?id=2651
Q4: We plan to bring our domestic helper to Norway. How does she obtain the correct paperwork?
A4: Application for permits and visa 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.denmark.com.sg All paperwork, both submittance and collection, is done at the Danish Embassy.
Q5: Do Norwegians in Singapore have to register at the Embassy?
A5: Registration at the Embassy is not mandatory. However, as a registered Norwegian in Singapore you will easily obtain information for Norwegians, invited to events and be a part of the Embassy’s emergencyplanning. Read more at: /norsk/registreredeg/registration.htm
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: /norsk/norskskolen/norskskole.htm
Q7: I need a new Norwegian passport. What do I do?
A7: You need to personally show up at the Embassy and apply for a new passport. If you have lost the passport / passport stolen, you need to file a police report and bring the police report when you come to the Embassy to apply for a new one. More information: /visas/nyttpass/newpassport.htm
Q8: We want to get married at the Embassy in Singapore. Can that be done?
A8: Yes. Both bride and groom need to be Norwegian citizens though. Send a request to the Embassy ahead of time at emb.singapore@mfa.no Read more at: /visas/vielse/marriage.htm
Q9: Can I bring tobacco and chewing tobacco into Singapore?
A9: Tobacco products must be declared in customs. Chewing tobacco (snus) is forbidden in Singapore. More information about Singapore Customs at: http://www.customs.gov.sg/topNav/hom/
Q10: What happens if I get arrested in Singapore?
A10: All Norwegians are strongly encouraged to respect and obey Singaporean law while in Singapore. Singapore has severe punishments for disrespect / negligence / ignorance of the law.
Q11: I live in Singapore and travel frequently in the region. Where can I get information about different destinations and maybe even official Norwegian travel recommendations?
A11: Norwegian Ministry of Foregin Affairs has established the following website for the sole purpose: http://www.landsider.no/
Please note that most countries in the region demands your passport’s validity to be more than 6 months upon arrival. Make sure it is, or your vacation will be delayed.
Q12: I need visas for my destinations outside Singapore. Where can I learn about visa-requirements in the region / world?
A12: Learn more about this at: www.projectvisa.com
Q13: I want to go to Norway for work / pleasure. How do I obtain my work permit / visa?
A13: Processing of all permits and visas to Norway is done at 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.denmark.com.sg
Q14: We need touristinformation about Norway. Where can we find that?
A14: You are recommended to familiarize yourself with the following website: www.visitnorway.com
Q15: I plan to study in Norway. How can I best prepare myself for this?
A15: Pls read through the information at the Embassy’s website: /visas/studynorway/studysingapore.htm
You are also encouraged to contact the receiving university / university college in Norway for useful information about Norway and Norwegian university life.
Q16: I have questions about Norwegian business and the Norwegian business community in Singapore. Where can I read more?
A16: Please familiarize yourself with the website of Norwegian Business Association in Singapore (NBAS): http://www.nbas.org.sg/
Additional information from Innovation Norway’s Singapore branch is located here: http://www.innovasjonnorge.no/Internasjonale-markeder/Kontorer-i-utlandet/Singapore/In-English/
Q17: Who works at the Embassy?
A17: At the Embassy today we are a mixed staff from Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from Innovation Norway and from the Norwegian Seafood Export Council (EFF). The Embassy is headed by HE Ambasador Janne Julsrud who started her service in Singapore in August 2007.