About the Info Norden information service
Information about the Nordic region as a whole
In the Nordic region, we have a joint labour market and other co-Nordic agreements in areas such as social security and educational opportunities.
Info Norden’s main task is to make it easier for inhabitants to move around in the Nordic region. We do this by providing information about applicable Nordic regulations regarding relocation, cross-border commuting, studies, etc. On the Info Norden webpages you can find general information about the regulatory frameworks in the different countries, contact information to public agencies , and practical information about what to do if you are planning to relocate to, work, start a business, or study in another Nordic country.
If you cannot find the answers you are looking for, you can contact Info Norden using a form or through one of the national offices. We can also help you find information about benefit schemes in the Nordic region and about Nordic co-operation in general.
The information is available in Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish , and English. You may contact us in any of these languages, as well as Faroese and Greenlandic.
Removing cross-border obstacles
One important task of Info Norden is to identify issues and possible obstacles to cross-border freedom of movement that individuals and small businesses encounter when they cross a Nordic border. If you encounter a problem or an obstacle in another Nordic country, you can report this to us.
In collaboration with, for example, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Freedom of Movement Council, Info Norden uses the information we receive from private individuals about cross-border obstacles in the Nordic region to make relevant politicians and public officials aware of problems and possible solutions. In this way, Info Norden helps to create a complete picture of Nordic opportunities and challenges.
Info Norden draws attention to unclear regulations, areas where information is lacking, and inconsistencies between the Nordic regulatory frameworks. Info Norden collects information about the Nordic cross-border obstacles, and makes it available for both citizens and public agencies in the Nordic Council of Ministers Freedom of Movement Database.
We also pass on information about cross-border obstacles to relevant politicians and public agencies in the Nordic countries. Info Norden is an important actor in the formal collaboration on removing cross-border obstacles in the Nordic region.
How Info Norden is organised
Info Norden has project managers in Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Åland.
Info Norden is in the area of responsibility of the Nordic Ministers for Co-operation. In organisational terms, Info Norden comes under the Communications Department (KOMM) of the Secretariat of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
The information service is completely funded by and receives its mandat from the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Info Norden has different administrative bodies:
- in the Faroe Islands, Info Norden is managed by the Nordic Atlantic Co-operation (NORA).
- in Greenland, Info Norden is managed by the Nordic Institute in Greenland (NAPA).
- in Sweden, Info Norden is managed by Nordregio.
- all other Info Norden offices are managed by the Nordic Association (Foreningen Norden).
Working with others to put the Nordic region on the map
Info Norden arranges various information activities to help highlight the issue of mobility in the Nordic region, to provide information about Nordic regulations, and to create cross-border forums. The information activities are arranged in each country, often in collaboration with other Info Norden offices or other relevant actors. Activities are aimed at everyone from members of the public, caseworkers and staff of national agencies to politicians and decision-makers.
Info Norden works with other relevant information services, SOLVIT, the Freedom of Movement Council, Nordic embassies, EURES, national agencies, business organisations, interest organisations, etc.
Limitations to the work of Info Norden
Info Norden has no ombudsman role, does not act as lawyers or caseworkers, and cannot assist with matters that require use of a name or personal identity number. Project managers may not represent individuals in dealings with relevant agencies, and information is provided to people making enquiries on a general basis.
We hope you find answers to your questions about the Nordic region on our webpages.