WELCOME TO ROGALAND
New to Norway?
Everything a Keralite needs to know when settling into life in Stavanger, Sandnes and the wider Rogaland region. You are not alone — ARK is here to help.
ARK is here to help you settle in
Since 2009, ARK has been supporting Keralites arriving in Rogaland. Whether you need advice about schools, healthcare, finding an Indian grocery store, or just want to meet fellow Malayalis — reach out to us. We have been through it all and are happy to help.
Practical information
Essential guides for living in Norway
About Rogaland
Your new home — Stavanger & Sandnes
Stavanger
Norway's energy capital and 4th largest city. Home to most ARK members. Beautiful old town (Gamle Stavanger), great restaurants, international community and excellent public transport.
Getting around
Kolumbus bus and light rail connects Stavanger and Sandnes. App: Kolumbus. Monthly passes available. Cycling is very popular — safe bike lanes throughout both cities.
Sandnes
Just south of Stavanger, Sandnes is the 2nd city of Rogaland. Together with Stavanger it forms the 3rd largest urban area in Norway. Great for families with more affordable housing.
Key services
Register at your local NAV office, get a D-number from Skatteetaten, and register with a fastlege (GP) as soon as you arrive. These are the 3 most important first steps.
When you first arrive
Your first 30 days checklist
Get your D-number
Visit Skatteetaten (Tax Authority) office in Stavanger with your passport and work contract. A D-number is required for almost everything — bank account, SIM card, doctor.
Register with a GP (fastlege)
Go to helsenorge.no to register with a fastlege (your regular doctor). You are entitled to free choice of GP. Most clinics in Stavanger and Sandnes have English-speaking doctors.
Enrol in Norwegian classes
If you are on certain visa types, Norwegian classes may be free or required. Contact Stavanger kommune or Sandnes kommune for language course information.
Open a bank account
DNB and Sparebank 1 SR-Bank are the main local banks. You need your D-number and passport. DNB has English-language service available online.
Register with a GP (fastlege)
Go to helsenorge.no to register with a fastlege (your regular doctor). You are entitled to free choice of GP. Most clinics in Stavanger and Sandnes have English-speaking doctors.
Join ARK!Wee
Most importantly — connect with the ARK community! Join our WhatsApp group, come to an event, and meet fellow Malayalis who have already been through everything you are experiencing.