Norway, famous for long winter nights and seemingly endless summer days, breath-taking fjords, fishy cuisine, and, of course, Vikings, lies on the westernmost portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula.  Norway’s official name is the Kingdom of Norway, which until just over 100 years ago, included Greenland and Iceland.  Oslo is Norway’s capital as well as the country’s most populous city.  This metropolis is not only a center of Norwegian trade, finance, and shipping, but has been ranked first in large European cities in terms of quality of life.

The city is teeming with museums, for example the Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower, the National Gallery, or the Viking Ship Museum, highlighting a fascinating period of the country’s history.  The artist Edvard Munch was from Oslo, and the city houses the biggest collection of his artwork, including his famous The Scream, in the Munch Museum.

Oslo also accommodates numerous depositions each year, and can do so very comfortably.  As a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, Norway permits voluntary depositions of willing witnesses in civil and commercial matters, regardless of the witness’ nationality.  However, prior permission must be obtained from the Norwegian Central Authority for the Hague Evidence Convention.   If the witness is a U.S. citizen, the U.S. Embassy will obtain this permission.  It is best to ask the Embassy to request permission at least three to four weeks prior to the preferred deposition date(s).

Once permission has been granted to conduct your depositions, reserving a location in Oslo is not difficult, as the city has several hotels and business centers.  Additionally, there are many printers in Oslo, making last-minute printing needs that may arise stress-free.  Your court reporter and/or videographer can also assist with any last-minute print jobs, and other on-the-ground logistical details, as you prepare for your depositions.  Your team can provide hotel recommendations as well as you plan your trip to this luxurious destination.  Your in-the-know court reporter and videographer can also help you navigate Oslo’s broad spectrum of dining options with restaurant recommendations!

Most Norwegians understand and speak English, and businesses are very English-friendly.  In fact, it is highly likely your Norwegian witness will not need an interpreter, but if that isn’t the case, there are several qualified interpreters with legal experience in Oslo.  Your court reporting firm will send you resumes of interpreters with expertise in the subject matter related to your deposition.  Once you have selected your qualified interpreter, the court reporting firm will ensure he/she has all the materials needed to properly prepare for your depositions.

As a party to the Schengen Agreement, Norway doesn’t require U.S. citizens traveling there to obtain a visa for stays of under 90 days.  However, your passport must be valid for at least 90 days past your planned date of departure from Norway, and you will need at least 2 blank pages in your passport for entry stamps.  If you are unable to attend your Norway depositions in person, attending via videoconference or mobile videoconference is an excellent option, with your on-site videographer serving as a technician to ensure a continuous connection.