welcome to tórshavn municipality

Transcription

Come join us!
WELCOME TO TÓRSHAVN MUNICIPALITY
Table of Contents
Knowledge and Creativity 4
Employment Opportunities - Job Announcements - Unemployment Office - Wages
New Ideas from Abroad 6
Immigration - Foreign Office - Nordic Citizens - Family Reunification - Work and Residency Permits - EU Citizens - Outside the EU - Students, Au pairs - Athletes - Travel Visas
Innovation 11
Business Environment - Corporations - Business Registration - Industrial Parks - Labour Market - Financial Support - Investment Funds
Children and Family 14
Parental Leave - Child Care - Child Protection - Children’s Home - Special Education Centre - Children’s Dental Clinic - Dependent Tax Credits
Education and Personal Development 20
Elementary Schools - Primary School - After-school Care - High School - Higher Education - Other Schools
House and Home 26
Rental Market - Purchasing a Home - Building Lots - Building Permits - Housing Prices - Municipal Services
Toward a Sustainable Environment 30
Municipal Activities - Clean Water - Recycling - Sustainability - Environment Award
Free Time Options 40
City Centre - Theatre and Music - Youth Centre - Cultural Events - Museums - Nordic House - Art Museum - Sports
Music and Evening School - Pleasure Boats - Restaurants and Pubs - Religious Life
Elder Policy and Continuing Care 44
Social Services - Senior Citizens - Senior Centres - Services for the Blind and Deaf - Handicap Bus - Alcohol and Drugs
Homeless Services - Women’s Shelter - Medical Clinics - Hospital - Health Insurance - Patient Associations
TÓRSHAVN MUNICIPALITY
Transport and Mobility 50
International Connections - Cargo - City Traffic and Parking - City Bus Routes - Snow Removal - Inter-city Bus Routes - Telephone Connections
Contents: Sp/f Tróndur Djurhuus, tel. +298 288 800, [email protected] Translated by: Sp/f Reveal International, Hoyvík, +298 316 655 Responsibility: Tórshavnar
Kommuna. Layout: Sansir P/F, Dvørgastígur 7, Postbox 1099, FO 110 Tórshavn, tel. +298 355 355, fax. +298 355 350, www.sansir.fo Print: Føroyaprent. Edited and coordinated by Tróndur Djurhuus and Sansir. This publication may only be reproduced in agreement with the publishers.
Useful Websites 54
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The more competent, the more experienced, the
more enterprising and innovative a community’s
residents are, the more progressive, the more
dynamic, the more successful and strong a
community is and the better prepared it is to
confidently face the challenges and the opportunities that the future will invariably bring.
Welcome to Tórshavn Municipality
No matter where in the world you may go, what truly distinguishes one community from the next
is but the people who choose to live and work and play within its borders. Tórshavn Municipality
is no different.
Steady growth in the economy is a prerequisite
for effective development throughout the
community, whether it be sophisticated social
and cultural advancement or just better motorways or better waste management. Steady
economic growth is dependent on a strong,
diverse and innovative business community. In
today’s world, this means first and foremost
businesses that are built upon and champion
knowledge, ideas, insight, know-how and zealous
courage.
Thus, it is of the utmost importance that Tórshavn Municipality reaches out and attracts
well-educated and dynamic individuals who now
reside elsewhere, whether they be Faroese or not.
If you are thinking about coming back to the
Faroes or are dreaming of a new beginning in a
thriving community, we welcome you to Tórshavn Municipality.
We in Tórshavn Municipality know full well that
a modern family or business can thrive only if all
at home or on the job are able to engage in
stimulating and challenging activities, whether at
work or at play. We know as well that people with
good career options are also quite focused on
balancing family and work. In today’s world, it is
useless to create the best workplace environment
without creating at the same time the best
environment for the entire family by focusing on
important issues such as childcare, good schools,
and quality leisure activities like sports and
music, as well as other outlets for a family’s
creativity and eagerness to enjoy life together.
Tórshavn Municipality knows full well that it no
longer merely competes against other places in
the Faroes for competent and dynamic workers
and residents. The Municipality today must
compete against cities from around the world,
from Copenhagen to Beijing, from London to
San Francisco, where competent and resourceful
Faroese and those connected to the archipelago
can obtain meaningful and stimulating work.
It is hoped that through this booklet you will
come to appreciate that Tórshavn Municipality is
truly striving to create a family-focused environment that will match the hopes and dreams of the
entire family. No matter whether your goal is a
fulfilling career, or good opportunities for your
children, a chance for a quality education, or a
nice home in a pleasant neighbourhood, or
simply a quiet bench in a safe park with a great
view of the sea, you are most welcome.
Tórshavn Municipality
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Knowledge and Creativity
Tórshavn Municipality is a thriving community because of all the creative and productive
work accomplished every day by all the people living and working in the Municipality. As a
consequence, the Municipality strives to attract as many competent and energetic residents
as possible. You and your family are most welcome to live and work in the greater Tórshavn
Municipality, regardless of where you were born.
One major advantage of continuing or even launching
your career in Tórshavn Municipality is that here your
children can grow up in an environment that is
considered one of the finest in the world. Even though
the Municipality has quickly taken on the look and
feel of a continental city – even a big city – our
children continue to run about and play throughout
their neighbourhoods and across town in complete
safety.
We in the Municipality understand how important it
is these days for people to have a good job that is
personally satisfying and rewarding – and this will
continue to be of great importance into the future.
Therefore, the Municipality is continually striving to
develop existing business opportunities, as well as
welcoming new business ideas from abroad and
encouraging entrepreneurs to create new businesses.
This demands that we have a well-trained labour force
with a variety of competencies.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. Tórshavn Municipality has a wide variety of stimulating worksites.
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Even as the fishing industry of necessity is currently
forced to cut back, new industries are springing up,
led by competitive and modern service industries.
Especially notable are the changes occurring in the
banking world. Faroese banks have grown significantly in recent years, and they are seriously engaged
in foreign markets. Major developments have taken
place and are even now occurring in the travel
industry, the restaurant and hotel industries, and in
the field of information and communications
technology, to name but a few examples. We are
experiencing as well major and exciting changes in
our local media world, which means that it will be
even more inspiring and interesting to work in this
industry in Tórshavn Municipality.
As the capital city of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn
Municipality hosts the same number of government
offices and institutions as other capital cities. These
days they appear to be undergoing major changes.
Not only are the actual names of these governmental
agencies changing, but also their logos are more
exciting and inviting, evidencing a more open and
user-friendly atmosphere. This suggests an overall
greater dynamism and technical advancement that is
more responsive to an environment of increasing
competition for competent workers and that gives rise
to a more stimulating work place for young, welleducated and idea-rich people.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS. Tórshavn Municipality has
one of the lowest unemployment rates in the entire
world. If you would like to come to the Faroes, but
you do not have work, or you want to shift to another
job or you want to explore new challenges, the
unemployment office, ALS, has a very useful job
announcement forum on the Web. At the ALS
website, www.starv.fo, you can locate a new job, or it
can find you! Here prospective employees can link up
with potential employers. Using this special job
registry, you can indicate your education, work
experience and other special competencies. The ALS
search engine will compare your qualifications with
job openings listed in the ALS database.
On the starv.fo website, you can see all the job
announcements in the Faroes. Everyone with access
to the Internet has access to these listings 24 hours a
day, and it costs nothing to use the service. Of course,
you can always check the job announcements in the
papers or you can check out www.portal.fo.
UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE. The Faroes has a wellfunctioning unemployment compensation system,
ALS, supported by regular contributions from both
employers and employees, based on a percentage of
the wages earned.
The unemployed between 16 and 67 have the right to
unemployment insurance compensation from ALS.
To receive the unemployment grant, you must reside
in the Faroes, be able and available to work, and you
must be able to prove that you are not engaged in any
work. The compensation provided is based on the
A-income received during the last 12-month period
prior to becoming unemployed. The annual compensation received can equal no more than 70% of a
worker’s annual salary. The right to unemployment
compensation is lost, if you receive compensation for
a total of 798 days during a 5-year period.
If you wish to transfer your registration in a Danish
unemployment system before you move to the Faroes,
you must request your local unemployment office for
proof of registration. You must submit this official
notice of registration along with your pay-stubs for
the past 12 months, if you have been gainfully
employed. If you received daily financial support
from a Danish unemployment office, you must
request that office to transfer the paid-out weeks in
Denmark to the ALS system. The number of paid-out
days you received in Denmark will be factored into
the daily payment tracking system used by ALS in the
Faroes. Upon your arrival in the Faroes, you will need
to submit an application for unemployment benefits,
which you can obtain from the ALS office.
WAGES. The salaries in Tórshavn Municipality are
comparable to those in other Nordic communities.
The OECD generally uses the so-called “average
worker” (AW) as a statistical standard to compare
wages in a variety of industries across countries. In
2007, the Faroese AW received 287,600 DKK in gross
wages. The AW wages (in DKK) for other Nordic
countries were: Denmark, 339,000; Finland, 260,000;
Iceland, 209,330; Norway, 367,800; and Sweden,
265,300. The especially low rate for Iceland in 2007 no
doubt stems from the fact that the Icelandic Króna
has fallen in value against the Danish Krone over the
last few years. More information regarding this data
can be obtained from the Nordic Social-Statistical
Committee (NOSOSCO) website (http://nososco-eng.
nom-nos.dk). NOSOSCO is a committee of the
Nordic Council of Ministers.
On average, the Faroes lies above Sweden, Finland
and Iceland, but considerably under Denmark and
Norway. A study that looked at educated Faroese
residing in other countries revealed that there was
very little if any difference in the wages earned by
those who returned to the Faroes and those who
elected to remain overseas. Moreover, the study
showed that unemployment is less among those who
return home to the Faroes.
The labour market in Tórshavn Municipality is well
organized and most industries are governed by wage
agreements between employees and employers.
Fifteen industry associations representing employers
are situated in the House of Industry, and most all of
the labour unions have elected to work together.
Below is a list of the employer associations and the
labour unions.
If you want to move home from Denmark, you can
receive good advice regarding your move on the web
page of the Faroese Advisory Office in Copenhagen,
www.radgevingin.dk
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New Ideas from Abroad
Every progressive community is stimulated and motivated into action by the influx of new and
diverse thinking and inspired ideas. Tórshavn Municipality as well has greatly benefited from
the experience, the ideas, the wisdom and the insightful thinking of people from abroad. Such
diversity is especially important to ensure the future competitive edge of the Municipality in
today’s globalised world.
Fortunately, people from abroad are interested in
living and working in Tórshavn Municipality. Some
are married to Faroese, others have family connections, and others are just personally drawn to the
country. Currently, Faroese government officials are
working to make it easier for non-Nordic citizens to
move to the Faroes and obtain work.
IMMIGRATION. If you would like to move to
Tórshavn Municipality, please visit our “Snarskrivan”,
our dedicated services desk designed especially to
provide fast and efficient service to municipality
residents. Snarskrivan staff can help you register with
the Municipal Resident Registry and the National
Resident Registry. If you have a work and residency
permit, please bring along your passport to verify
your status with the Snarskrivan staff. If you have
lived in the Faroes before, you will be issued the same
“P -tal” or personal number as before. Otherwise, the
National Resident Registry will issue a new number
and notify the tax administration (TAKS) and the
local Health Insurance Board.
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FOREIGN OFFICE. Foreign relations and the control of
immigration into the Faroes are still administered by
the Danish government. The Danish Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs in Copenhagen administers all applications for work and
residency permits for the Faroes. The Faroese
government, however, recently established a new
“Foreign Office” in Tórshavn. The new Foreign Office
in Tórshavn shall process and review applications for
family reunification permits and work and residency
permits for the Faroes. The Foreign Office also
provides guidance for foreigners residing in the
Faroes. It is hoped that these new arrangements will
make it much easier for people from abroad to move
to the Faroes and effectively contribute to society.
Each application to live and work in the Faroes is
reviewed on its own merits and the review can be
quite detailed. Some of the current rules are outlined
below for your information.
NORDIC CITIZENS. Nordic citizens may freely move
to the Faroes to live and work. No special permit is
required.
FAMILY REUNIFICATION. Foreign nationals who
accompany a Faroese or Nordic spouse have the right
to be granted a family reunification permit if they
meet the requirements for such a permit. In the main,
the requirements are that the applicant must be
married to or in a long-term partnership with the
Faroese or Nordic national and be living with the
partner at the time of the application.
In principle, the application must be submitted from
the home country of the applicant, but it is possible to
request a family reunification permit after the couple
has moved to the Faroes. Applications are available
from the police. Applications are submitted to the
police as well, who forward it on to the proper
authorities. A foreign national with a family reunification permit may seek work from any employer
without applying for a separate work permit.
Temporary family reunification permits may not be
granted while an application is being processed and
the applicant may not work while in the Faroes. If the
couple is residing in the Faroes, the Faroese or Nordic
spouse is responsible for the maintenance and welfare
of his or her spouse while the application is being
processed.
WORK AND RESIDENCY PERMITS. Foreign nationals
that desire to move to the Faroes must submit an
application for a work and residency permit. Again,
in principle an application must be submitted from
the home country. If the applicant has lived in
another country, e.g. Denmark, for some time, the
applicant should contact the Danish Ministry of
Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs in
Copenhagen for guidance on where to submit the
application.
A work permit is limited to a specific employer and is
based on a written employment contract. A work
permit is also required for so-called “volunteer” work.
There are several groups of applicants, each governed
by separate regulations.
EU CITIZENS. EU citizens (Non-Nordic) are required
to obtain a work and residency permit to work in the
Faroes. New regulations entered into effect on 1 July
2008 governing EU citizens coming to the Faroes to
work. Applications from EU citizens are processed by
the Danish authorities. Normally, applications are not
sent to the Faroese authorities for comment and
review. In general, the special rules in effect for EU
citizens are only applicable if the unemployment rate
in the Faroes remains under 3.5%.
If the application for work is based on work with a
specific, previously approved employer or with a
Faroese approved employment agency, the applicant
may begin work immediately upon entering into the
employment contract with the employer and the
employer provides notice to the Danish Ministry of
Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs in
Copenhagen.
If you apply to a non-approved employer or employment agency, you may not begin work until the work
and residency permit has been granted.
The website of the Danish Immigration Service, www.
nyidanmark.dk/en-US/, contains a wealth of informa-
tion about living and working in Denmark. There are
special sections for EU/EEA citizens.
OUTSIDE THE EU. If you are a foreign national of a
country outside the EU and are not a Nordic citizen,
you must submit your application for a work and
residency permit before you arrive in the Faroes.
Applications are available from the Danish or Nordic
embassies in your home country. These embassies will
receive your application and forward it to the Danish
authorities in Copenhagen.
STUDENTS, AU PAIRS. Non-Nordic visiting students,
exchange students, and au pairs must also submit
their applications for work and residency permits
before they enter the Faroes.
ATHLETES. Foreign athletes may obtain work and
residency permits pursuant to a special 2004 agreement. One condition is that the relevant sports
association pays the athlete at least 8,806 DKK per
month. While the permit is in effect, the athlete is free
to engage in other work. However, this income is
limited by the agreement with the sports association.
An application for this type of work and residency
permit may be submitted after the foreign national
has moved to the Faroes. The application is available
at police stations around the country and may be
turned in at these locations as well. The governmental
authorities plan to renew this sports agreement in 2008.
TRAVEL VISAS. Foreign nationals from some
countries must obtain a tourist visa for travel to the
Faroes. The list of these countries is posted on the
website of the Danish Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, www.nyidanmark.dk/
en-us/frontpage.htm.
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Innovation
A sustainable and diverse business life is a pre-condition for the development and well being of
a community. Tórshavn Municipality is desirous that not only first-rate businesses locate in the
municipality, but also current as well as new residents create new enterprises.
In order to create as good and as diverse a business
community as possible, the Tórshavn Municipality
continually strives to create the best business
environment possible. In addition to other initiatives,
such a goal is advanced by our drafting a municipal
strategic business development plan, as well as
outlining a long-term development strategy for
business overall in the community.
This strategy development was done in close collaboration with the business community, the municipal
administration and the town council, which bears the
ultimate responsibility of determining how the
municipality shall grow and develop in the future.
Moreover, municipal officials are focused both on
exploring potential ideas from abroad and on creating
expanded international networks. The intent is to
derive more inspiration and stimulate new critical
thinking on how the municipality could best facilitate
the development of existing businesses, and the
creation of new business initiatives. In other words,
the Tórshavn Municipality is striving to create a
world-class business environment.
The Municipality as well wants to provide the
business community with top-flight services, such as
clean water, quality refuse disposal and recycling
programs, and many other services that are especially
critical for a well-functioning business environment.
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT. If you want to establish a
business, Tórshavn Municipality offers a well-organised, transparent business environment in which to
realize your dreams. Faroese business legislation is
consistent with other Nordic countries. Other
business-related matters, such as business registration,
taxation, VAT, access to industrial parks, as well as
business-related services, are also straightforward.
The business tax regime is quite supportive as well. If
you operate your own unincorporated company, your
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net earnings are taxed as personal income. Corporations are taxed at 18%. It should be noted, however,
that personal dividend distributions are subject to a
35% withholding tax.
Starting a business is, of course, not an easy matter
whether in Tórshavn Municipality or elsewhere. The
accounting firm, SPEKT, has produced a booklet that
discusses some of the most important considerations
in establishing a business. More information can be
obtained from their website. The booklet is also
available from the Tórshavn Municipality website.
CORPORATIONS. Generally, businesses are structured as either unincorporated or incorporated,
although other possibilities exist. Small enterprises
operated by local shopkeepers, tradesmen, farmers, or
near-shore fishermen are often unincorporated
companies. Generally, these companies have only one
owner and the owner has personal liability for all the
debt of the company. It is easy and quick to establish
such a company, and there are few governmental
regulations governing this type of company. There are
risks, however. It can be difficult to arrange for financing to facilitate expansion, and, if the business falls on
hard times, the owner can loose everything he or she
owns.
Regulations governing corporations are based on the
Company Act, which, among other things, requires
that a company operates according to articles of
association adopted by shareholders of the company,
that the company registers with the Faroese Business
Registration Office, and that the share capital be at
least 500,000 DKK (125,000 DKK for the so-called
“smápartafelagið” or “small corporation”). A corporation is subject to closer scrutiny by the government
and its financial statement is a matter of public record.
Owner liability is limited to the registered share
capital.
You can get much more information about these
matters from the website of the House of Industry,
which can provide guidance for those interested in
establishing a company in the Faroes. The Company
Act and related legislation is available at www.logir.fo
(Faroese only, generally).
BUSINESS REGISTRATION. New corporations must
register with the Faroese Business Registration Office,
which has its own website (www.skraseting.fo, Faroese
only) that provides excellent background information
regarding business registration requirements.
Apart from the founding and registration of a
company, a newly formed company must also register
with TAKS, the Faroese tax administration. The
company must complete a registration form requesting a so-called “V-number” or business operation
number and indicating whether the company will be
subject to VAT regulations. This registration form
must be submitted to TAKS no later than eight days
after the business begins operations. Any changes
must be reported to TAKS as well. The “V-number” is
the business’ “identity” and is used in nearly all
business-related connections, such as the reporting of
wages to the banks, tax forms, business bank
accounts, etc.
INDUSTRIAL PARKS. The type of physical arrangements a company needs varies considerably. Small
creative companies, such as consultancies, etc., often
only need good office space. During the last few years,
several pleasant and inspirational office environments
have sprung up around Tórshavn, some with
communal facilities, such as conference rooms,
integrated Internet access, and break rooms.
On the other hand, production companies or retail
stores need much larger facilities. Tórshavn Municipality offers a variety of industrial areas, including
Sandvikahjall, Skarðshjalla and others. To be
considered for a business lot, one must be at least 18
years of age. Applications are considered on a
first-come, first-served basis and are also grouped
according to the anticipated business activity. An
applicant may request a business lot in the following
areas: Tórshavn, Hoyvík, Argir, Kaldbak, Kollafjørður,
Signabøur, Velbastaður, Kirkjubøur, Nólsoy, Hestoy or
Norðadalur. One may, of course, register for several
areas, but the applicant must submit an application
for each area desired.
If a company or individual that has been granted a lot
by the Municipality does not initiate construction on
the site or fails to register the transfer of land with the
Land Registrar, the Municipality may reclaim the site
by paying the same price for the land as that paid by
the applicant.
You can find out more about this at the Tórshavn
Municipality website, which, among other things,
offers a self-help section where you can download a
variety of brochures, regulations, and application
forms regarding a business lot, building permits, sales
permits, commercial licenses, commercially-related
activities, etc. Moreover, at the website you can obtain
information about the building development plan of
the Municipality and the areas set aside for commercial purposes.
LABOUR MARKET. The Faroese labour market is
similar in many respects to the other Nordic countries, but it has its own characteristics as well. If you
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want to move a company to the Municipality or to
found a new business in the Faroes, you may find it
prudent to gain an overall understanding of the
labour market and you might wish to consider
becoming a member of one of the employers
associations.
On its website, the House of Industry has considerable
information regarding business and labour market
issues, including wage agreements, standard benefit
packages, overview of fees, taxes, etc., as well as
information about labour market legislation. You can
also find information on the website about the various
employers associations, interest organizations, etc.
download an application on this site as well. Another
possibility is to seek funding for your project from
one of the oil companies engaged in searching for oil
in the Faroes. The conditions governing the exploration for oil in the Faroes stipulate that the oil
companies shall provide financial support to projects
that are deemed to promote business development in
the Faroes and that contribute to the heightened
commercial competence of Faroese businesses. There
is no requirement that the initiative be linked to the
oil industry. You can obtain more information by
visiting the website of the Faroese Earth and Energy
Directorate.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT. If you are interested in
creating a new and innovative company, you can seek
financial support from a variety of development
funds, as well as a number of public and private
investment resources.
If your focus is on research, the Research Fund may
be an option for you. This fund is administered by the
Research Board. Development within the fishing
industry can be supported by grants from the
Ministry of Fisheries for either ocean- or land-based
initiatives. More information is available at the
Fisheries Research website.
Initiatives focused on protecting the environment are
especially relevant. The Ministry of the Interior has
been granted an appropriation from the current
national budget to support various projects related to
the environment. The regulations governing this
support and application forms are available on the
website of the Ministry of the Interior.
The Faroese government has a fund that provides
support to knowledge-based initiatives in an effort to
diversify and increase the application of such
initiatives. You can learn more about this fund on the
website of the Business Development Fund. You can
INVESTMENT FUNDS. During the last few years
several new investment funds have been established
– companies from which it is possible to obtain
investment capital. One is called the Development
Fund, which is a public, for-profit investment fund
that places investment in new or expanding businesses, either as share capital or in the form of a
guaranteed loan or bond.
Other investment funds include Notio, Kveiking, and
the Faroese Fund from 1971. If you are looking for
seed capital to get your business idea going, you can
apply to SET, a fund designed to provide money and
management expertise during the early stages of a
company’s development, before late-stage venture
capital is required. If you are interested in purchasing
an existing company with an eye toward developing
and expanding its business, you can make an
appointment to discuss your plans with the investment fund, Løkir. You can get more information
about this fund at the website of Føroya Banki.
Moreover, both the Faroese Insurance Company and
the Faroese Life Assurance Company are engaged in
significant investment activity through their respective investment funds, TF Holding and Royndin.
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Children and Family
Nothing enlivens a community more than healthy, happy children. Parents are of course especially
concerned about the welfare and happiness of their children and certainly everyone within
Tórshavn Municipality and its various departments understand that the well being of the children
in our municipality is of the utmost importance.
Most of us go about our lives enjoying the benefits of
the public services provided by the Municipality with
but little daily contact with the many departments and
agencies of the Municipality dedicated to ensuring our
health and welfare. Yet each and every one of us may
find ourselves in need of the special services provided
by the Municipality. Overwhelmed by sickness or
injury, or other circumstances, all of us at some point in
our lives may need a special helping hand to reach out
and provide the support the whole family might need,
whether for a few days or a lifetime.
Tórshavn Municipality stands ready to assist and is
dedicated to providing the best services possible,
especially for the young and innocent who are the most
vulnerable to upsets and changes in the family.
PARENTAL LEAVE. The birth of a child is always a special time and the welfare of our children during those
early, critical days and months is especially important.
If a pregnant mother is receiving so-called “A-income”
from her employer and she elects to leave work because
of her pregnancy, she has a right to receive parental
leave with pay during the four-week period before her
anticipated delivery date. If her doctor states that the
mother’s health or that of her baby is endangered by her
continuing to work, the mother has the right to receive
parental leave with pay, however, only if her leave
begins no earlier than eight weeks before her expected
delivery date.
After giving birth, a mother has the right to parental
leave with pay for 30 weeks from the date of birth. It is
possible, however, that a couple might elect that the
father remain home with the child for up to 16 weeks
after the first 14 weeks following delivery. During this
time, the father is eligible for parental leave with pay.
Such an award of parental leave to the father is
conditional. While the father receives parental leave
with pay, the mother must not remain away from
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gainful employment nor apply for parental leave
benefits. The father otherwise has the right to receive
parental leave with pay at the same time as the mother
for a period of 4 weeks during the first 34 weeks after
delivery. The couple may agree, however, that the
mother may have two of the four weeks allowed the
father. Special rules cover situations in which the
mother dies or is very sick. Single parents have the right
to the parental leave with pay allotted to the other
partner.
If you adopt a child, you have the right for parental
leave with pay for 38 weeks after you bring your child
home. Only one parent may be on parental leave at a
time, however, both parents may take parental leave at
the same time for a period of 4 weeks during the first
38 weeks.
It may be a good idea to become thoroughly acquainted
with the rules and regulations governing parental leave.
One source is the website of the Parental Leave
Administration, which also has links to the various
application forms.
CHILD CARE. For parents that work all day, it is very
important that they know their children are well looked
after while they are at work. One of the main goals of
Tórshavn Municipality over the last few years has been
to meet the demand for quality childcare and the
Municipality has constructed many new daycare
centres. Most of these centres have adopted written
vision statements that express their goals and objectives
and have developed specific lesson plans for their
various age groups. You can find out more about each
daycare centre by visiting the Tórshavn Municipality
website.
The Municipality administers a variety of childcare
initiatives: private home daycare, childcare centres for
preschoolers and babies, after-school care through to
the second grade, and youth centres. Parents throughTÓRSHAVN MUNICIPALITY
out the municipality can obtain quality childcare that is
able to meet the needs of each child. If a child has a special need or faces unique challenges, whether they be
temporary or not, each daycare centre is equipped to
provide specialised pedagogical activities and services
in collaboration with the Children and Youth Department of Tórshavn Municipality.
Even though you might not have the need for comprehensive daycare when your new baby arrives, it is
advisable to get your name on the waiting list for places
in the daycare centre of your choice, mainly because
priority is based on your registration date. If a child is
registered within a month of being born, the date of
birth is used as the registration date. The child must live
in Tórshavn Municipality to be registered. If you intend
to move to the Faroes, you may register your child six
months before you arrive in the Faroes. More information, including the rules and regulations governing
daycare, and applications are available at the Snarskrivan, or on the Tórshavn Municipality website. The
website also provides information on the various
daycare centres and the legislation on daycare.
If your child requires extra care, you may register for a
place in one of the Municipality’s specialised daycare
centres. The Municipality has two such centres that are
associated with regular daycare centres to ensure the
provision of comprehensive services. The number of
children is small, ensuring personal attention to the
needs of each child in a friendly and supportive
environment. The centres provide specialised assistance
in communications, language development and
movement exercises, and interpersonal skills, etc. If it is
determined that the options available from the
Municipality are insufficient to meet your child’s needs,
it may be possible to arrange for special care through
the Faroese Government Department of Social
Services, which can also be of assistance if your child is
too old for the Municipality’s daycare program. The
Child and Youth Services Office of the Tórshavn
Municipality is a good source of information and
guidance in these matters.
CHILD PROTECTION. Tórshavn Municipality takes
quite seriously its responsibility to ensure the safety and
welfare of all children, especially those who are
especially vulnerable or troubled and in need of special
assistance. The Municipality provides comprehensive
child protection services, as stipulated by the national
law on child protection, and includes an administrative
board comprised of well-qualified specialists in the
field.
Anyone who suspects that a child may have been
abused is required to inform the Child Protection
Services. The child protection legislation distinguishes
between ordinary citizens and those who work on a
daily basis with children. For example, if you do not
work with children regularly, you may anonymously
inform the Child Protection Services of your concerns.
The Child Protection Services is mandated to immediately investigate the report and determine within
one-week’s time if the situation should be reviewed in
more detail.
The municipalities around the Faroes have jointly
established a Child Protection Office, which, among
other things, provides advice and counsel to both the
municipal Child Protection Services and the Minister
of Social Services. This office also administers the foster
family program. The Faroes also has a national Child
Protection Board that, among other issues, determines
if a child ought to be removed from the home for his/
her own safety.
The Family Office is a part of the Child Protection
Services administration within Tórshavn Municipality.
The office provides special counselling for parents who
are having trouble in one way or another with their
children, or who themselves are struggling with
problems. The goal is prevention and intervention to
avoid having to remove a child from the home. The
Family Office is staffed with specially trained people,
who, upon notice from the Child Protection Services,
visit the home and provide advice and counsel to
parents. Parents, of course, may also come to the
Family Office to seek advice and guidance. If you feel
that you are facing such difficulties in your home, you
might wish to contact the Child Protection Services
even before you arrive in the Faroes.
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The Faroese government and the Municipality jointly
facilitate an educational and psychological counselling
service for not only families, but also teachers and
institutions.
CHILDREN’S HOME. The Faroese Children’s Home,
which is located in Tórshavn, has two sections, one for
children and youth, and the other for families. The
children and youth wing offers assistance to children
with special needs who, for one reason or the other, are
not able to live in their own home or with another
family, either temporarily or for an extended period of
time. The family wing is dedicated to those families
who need a place to live temporarily. The family wing is
designed for those families in which the parents for
whatever reason are not able to care for themselves or
their families or the welfare of the family is especially
challenging.
Rókin is an agency of the Faroese government
providing specialised living arrangements and
educational resources for children up to the age of 14
who have special needs. Rókin can assist each child for
up to three years. Slóðin is another facility that
provides housing for young people aged 13 to 18 (in
some cases, up to 21) who are in need of specialised
care and assistance. In all cases, it is the national Child
Protection Board, upon petition from the local child
protection office, who determines who may live in the
Children’s Home or the other residential facilities for
children.
SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTRE. The Special Education
Centre is a facility designed especially for children up
to the age of 18 who have developmental difficulties
and who require special care and assistance. Children
with speech and hearing impairments may also receive
assistance from the Centre.
CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC. The Municipal
Children’s Dental Clinic offers all children in the
municipality up to the age of 16 complete dental care.
The service includes routine check-ups as well as
orthodontic work and tooth repair following accidents,
etc. The service is provided free of charge.
The Children’s Dental Clinic, of course, places great
emphasis on prevention. Parents are invited for the first
time to come to the Clinic when their child is but a few
months old. From the age of two, children are scheduled for regular check-ups. School-age children are
provided regular check-ups once a year and as needed.
They receive counsel on how to take good care of their
teeth. In the 5th grade, all children are seen by a
specialist in orthodontics. If it is felt that a child could
benefit from orthodontic work, the child is offered this
service for no charge.
The Children’s Dental Clinic also helps children shift
over to a private dentist once they complete the 9th
grade. More information about the Clinic is available
on the Tórshavn Municipality website.
DEPENDENT TAX CREDITS. It can be especially
demanding financially to have several children. For
each dependent child under the age of 18, the Faroese
government and the municipalities allow a deduction
from one’s income taxes.
The deduction permitted is dependent on which
municipality you live in. For Tórshavn Municipality, the
deduction allowed in 2007 equalled 5,000 DKK per
child, which is one of the highest amounts permitted in
the country. The Faroese government allowed 5,500
DKK per child in 2007, in addition to the municipal
deduction. Married parents may elect who shall take
the deduction. If the parents are not married, the
mother is permitted to take the deduction.
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Education and
Personal Development
Knowledge is the most important factor when one is involved in international business. This fact
is just as relevant for us as for other communities around the world. To educate and encourage the
development of our children means everything, especially if we want to ensure the commercial,
social and cultural future of our municipality. The quality of a society is, for the most part,
determined by the quality of its school system.
Whether or not a community has a variety of good
schools that offer children the best opportunity to
thrive and develop is an extremely important consideration when today’s young people and enterprising
parents face the decision of where to live and work.
Perhaps you are exactly one of these parents. Tórshavn
Municipality is focused on continually developing and
enhancing its elementary schools. The Municipality is
also home to two private elementary schools. Moreover, the Municipality offers access to several excellent
and modern high schools, as well as institutions of
higher education.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. In Tórshavn Municipality,
for example, there are eleven public and two private
elementary schools, one of which is brand new. Much
is happening in this area. The Municipality has in
recent years engaged in considerable renovation and
expansion of existing schools, as well as the construction of new, totally modern schools.
The elementary schools are generally neighbourhoodbased. Experience has proven that what is best, if at all
possible, is for children to walk to school in their own
neighbourhoods. Large numbers of children in a
specific neighbourhood will, however, mean that some
must attend a school that is farther away from their
homes. The Municipality also attempts to accommodate as much as possible those parents who wish that
their children attend a specific school.
If you move to Tórshavn Municipality during the
school year and you would like to have your children
attend a specific elementary school, you may contact
the school principal directly to see if there is any place
for your children (see the website information below).
If you have trouble reaching the appropriate school
authorities, you may contact the Educational and
Cultural Services Department.
On the other hand, if you would like your children to
attend a private elementary school, there are currently
two options in Tórshavn Municipality: the Adventist
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School and the new Free School, which opened its
doors to its first students in 2007.
Children generally begin school when they are seven
years old. They are required to attend for nine years.
In elementary school, children start to learn Danish
in the third grade and English in the fifth grade.
Beginning in the eighth grade, the curriculum is a
combination of required courses and student
electives. After the ninth grade, students may attend a
high school program or they may elect to take a tenth
year before going on to high school.
PRIMARY SCHOOL. Saint Francis School offers a
special primary school experience. It is the only
elementary school in the country offering an
early-start primary class for six-year olds. They offer
two classes each year. Applications for the primary
school are administered by the school itself. Several
preschools also offer a special class for six year olds to
prepare them for elementary school.
AFTER-SCHOOL CARE. It is exceedingly important
that our youngest schoolchildren are provided quality,
safe after-school options while their parents are still at
work. Children in primary school and in the first and
second grade may also participate in after-school
programs in special facilities. The Municipality strives
to ensure that children in the same class attend the
same after-school program. The after-school program
adjusts to the schedule of the classes.
When a child is registered for the first grade, it is
possible to register for an after-school program at the
same time. With regard to the second grade, parents
are encouraged to discuss options directly with the
after-school program of their choice or with the
Snarskrivan office. Children enrolled in primary
school should register for an after-school program
directly with the Snarskrivan office. Applications for
an after-school program are available at the Snarskrivan office or can be downloaded from the
Tórshavn Municipality website.
The organisation of the private Free School in
Tórshavn is somewhat different. In this school, the
after-school program is built into the overall educational program.
HIGH SCHOOL. The older students in a family also
have good opportunities for education in Tórshavn
Municipality. In Tórshavn, it is possible to attend four
different high schools and the diplomas awarded by
each are equivalent to those awarded in the Danish
educational system.
The so-called “Student High School” or general
education high school provides a three-year program.
A diploma from this high school affords the opportunity to study at a college or university. The so-called
HF degree is a two-year curriculum that affords
essentially the same advanced educational opportunities, but is generally intended for those students who
have had some previous work experience.
At the business high school in Tórshavn, it is possible
to take a foundation curriculum in business for one
year before entering into an apprenticeship position
in the retail trade or in an office. A student may
subsequently enrol in a two-year curriculum, a
so-called HH degree program. The diploma awarded
after three years affords the opportunity to study at a
college or university.
The technical high school also provides a one-year
foundation curriculum that enables the student to
study as a craftsman apprentice or to continue on for
two years in the so-called SIT curriculum, which can
lead to study in a college or university, especially in a
technical field.
In near-by Vestmanna is the Fishing Industry School,
which provides a general high school education with
a specialisation in fisheries-related sciences and
subjects, including aquaculture.
The website, www.futura.fo, provides a wealth of
information about the high school educational
opportunities in the country.
HIGHER EDUCATION. It is also possible to attend
university in Tórshavn Municipality. One of the
smallest universities in the Western world is found in
Tórshavn Municipality. The University of the Faroe
Islands provides an educational curriculum that is
especially relevant for the Faroes and cannot be found
anywhere else. The University of the Faroe Islands, of
course, offers PhD research opportunities in several
fields. Over the last few years, the University has
participated in several externally funded research
programs funded partly from abroad. The University
has three faculties. In the Faroese Language Department, it is possible to earn a bachelor and a master’s
degree in Faroese language and literature. In the
Natural Science Department, it is possible to earn a
bachelor’s degree in biology, geology, and marine
sciences, as well as computer science. In the History
and Social Sciences Department, it is possible to work
toward a bachelor and a master’s degree in History as
well as Political Science.
Currently, efforts are underway to merge the training
school for nurses and the teachers’ college with the
University. The intent is that students in these fields
will be awarded a bachelor’s degree. It is still uncertain
how this will ultimately be accomplished and how it
will impact students. The nursing school provides a
theoretical and practical training in nursing and takes
four years. At the teachers’ college, currently one can
follow a four-year curriculum that also enables the
graduate to teach Faroese and Danish in the elementary schools. One can also follow a pedagogical
training program that qualifies the student to work in
daycare centres and other social welfare agencies and
institutions.
The industrial engineering school provides training for
ship’s captains and ship’s engineers. The diploma
awarded enables the student to serve worldwide as a
ship’s officer on any type and size of vessel. The
training is for three years.
OTHER SCHOOLS. There are also several different
schools that do not offer formal degrees, but that
enable the entire family to explore new ideas and
experience new challenges as part of their overall
personal development. One of these is the Føroya
Fólkaháskúlin (The People’s College of the Faroes). It is
also possible to take evening classes in an infinite
variety of subjects, from stone polishing to pottery,
from woodworking to painting. There is even a
first-class music school. The evening school program
and the music school are administered in part by the
Free Time and Social Welfare Department of Tórshavn
Municipality.
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House and Home
The Faroes is an excellent place in which to live and work and to raise children. But it is no secret
that the weather can force us indoors more times than not. Families especially work hard to ensure
that their homes are friendly and inviting and entertaining refuges for their children. There is little
doubt that a good home contributes to thriving and energetic families.
The Faroese housing market is not the most well
developed market in the world. Housing prices in the
capital are not as expensive as in other capital cities,
but on the other hand the rental market and the real
estate market in general is not well organised or
managed. This forces one to follow the markets
carefully and to stay informed.
RENTAL MARKET. Historically, in the Faroes very
few people rented a place to live. As a consequence,
no infrastructure developed to assist people to locate
or to list suitable rental property. For the most part,
families who rent live in some else’s single-family
home, either living in the entire house, or more
generally, living in a basement apartment or in some
other portion of the house set aside for a renter.
Young families may also simply continue to live with
their parents.
On the whole, rental prices in the Municipality are
quite arbitrary, and it can be rather expensive to rent
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a place to live. Moreover, in many cases the rental
contract does not generally favour the renter and the
notice period to vacate can be very short.
Announcements for rental property appear periodically in the newspapers.
PURCHASING A HOME. There is no guarantee that
the rental options will greatly improve in the
Municipality over the next few years. Thus, for those
who wish to move to Tórshavn Municipality or who
desire to leave their parents’ home, this lack of rental
property will negatively impact the conditions under
which they either build or buy a home. Finding just
the right home may not be an easy task.
Each year, several hundred homes are bought and
sold in Tórshavn Municipality and the number of
offers listed on the websites of the various estate
agents is quite large. However, this market is unfortunately very unregulated compared to the housing
markets in the neighbouring countries. Buyers should
investigate the market carefully and wisely select their
estate agent.
There are many things to consider when purchasing a
home, such as the quality and condition of the house,
the amount of the existing mortgage and how this
mortgage might impact the sale of the house, and
many, many other things. It is recommended that all
the sales documentation be reviewed by those you
trust and that you investigate thoroughly the
condition of the house – preferably with a reputable
builder or carpenter – before you buy. One estate
agent is able to provide professional appraisals of a
house that you or your carpenter can use as a basis for
your own investigation.
BUILDING LOTS. If you would like to build your
own home in Tórshavn Municipality, you have two
options to secure a building lot: via a private
purchase, or by applying to the Municipality. Both
have their challenges. Private sales are usually
expensive, while securing land from the Municipality requires considerable patience.
If you would like a piece of land from the Municipality, please visit the Snarskrivan where the staff
will provide guidance on applying for a building
lot. If you prefer, this information is available on
the Municipality’s website. On the application form
you can indicate where you would like to build,
whether in Tórshavn proper or in Argir, Hoyvík,
Kaldbak, Hvítanes, Kollafjordur, Norðadalur,
Syðradalur, Kirkjubøur, Velbastað, Nólsoy or on
Hestoy.
Because there are so many families who would like
to obtain a parcel from the Municipality, the
Municipality maintains a waiting list. Many register
even though they have no present need for a
building lot. The only prerequisites to register for
the waiting list is that the applicant is at least 18
years of age, is a registered resident of the Municipality, and that the applicant has not previously
received land from the Municipality. Those who are
registered as living in the Municipality, but are
temporarily out of the country for work or
educational reasons may apply as well.
BUILDING PERMITS. If you intend to build a new
home, or you want to renovate or expand an older
home, you must obtain a building permit from the
Municipality before you start any work. All construction in the Municipality shall comply with the
relevant zoning regulations. The website of the
Municipality contains all the zoning regulations as
well as maps and application forms. Application
forms are also available in the Snarskrivan.
When you submit your application at Snarskrivan,
please include information on the dimensions of your
lot and your home along with technical drawings. No
one may begin any type of construction before the
Municipality has granted the final building permit.
The Building Department of the Municipality is
mandated to conduct building inspections and
processes all applications. If your application
complies with all zoning and building regulations, the
building inspection office will process your application speedily and issue the permit. When construction is completed, the Building Department, along
with the Fire Marshall, will survey the home and, if
everything is in order, issue a building compliance
certificate, which indicates that the home was built
consistent with the building permit.
HOUSING PRICES. Even though housing prices in the
Municipality are not has high as in other capital
cities, to build or to purchase a home is for many the
largest investment they will ever make in their
lifetime.
A report prepared by Eik Bank indicates that an
average house today (early 2008) costs around 2.1
million DKK to buy. Even though average prices are
less today than in 2007, they are much higher than
four or five years ago. Of course, nobody knows what
houses will cost in the coming years.
For the most part, banks provide the financing for
homes in the Faroes. They also offer general advice to
families about their finances. You can read more
about housing loans on the websites of the various
banks in the Faroes, including information on their
different interest rate packages, deductions available,
etc.
MUNICIPAL SERVICES. Tórshavn Municipality offers
many services to those who reside in the Municipality. Some are free, others are fee-based. These services
range from the emptying of septic tanks, to the
removal of household trash, to eradicating rats or
wasps.
The Municipality also provides clean drinking water
at no cost. The Municipal Water Works owns and
manages the water mains in the Municipality.
Homeowners themselves are responsible for the water
pipes on their own property. Specific information is
available on the website of the Municipality.
Every household in the Municipality is provided
weekly trash service. Each household must provide
their own trash receptacle or bin, but the Municipality provides special trash bags. The Municipality also
arranges for the collection of dangerous or polluting
waste, such as paint or batteries, as well as recyclable
paper. These materials are deposited in special recycle
bags or bins and regularly collected. New households
should register with Snarskrivan. The Municipality
empties private septic tanks once a year for free.
Other fee arrangements must be made if the tank
must be emptied more often or if it is difficult to
reach.
If you have any special problems, for example, if your
chimney becomes obstructed or if you inadvertently
lock yourself out of your home, you can seek
assistance from the Municipality. You can learn more
about these special services on the website of the
Municipality.
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Preservation of the Environment
Today, nearly everyone from all walks of life is focusing on the importance of preserving and
protecting our environment. Each of us has a stake in preserving our natural environment so that
our children and our grandchildren can enjoy a healthy life in a clean environment.
We each have personally witnessed how fast the
balance of nature can change and many of us are
trying hard to learn as much as we can about what is
happening around us and how best to protect our
environment.
This is especially true for the business community. A
company that pollutes or misuses the natural
resources of the planet on which it depends gradually
erodes its very foundation for success. Such activity is
now having immediate financial consequences. More
and more people are only buying from companies
that treat the environment responsibly. Equally
troubling for companies who continue to abuse the
natural environment is the refusal by many well
educated, experienced and “in-demand” employees to
work for such companies at all. The desire to work for
industries focused on sustainability is now much
more deeply rooted in the conscience of enterprising
individuals than ever before. A clean environment is
actually the foundation for business success for those
companies engaged in keeping the environment clean
and for those providing quality food from sustainable
and well-managed sources.
Tórshavn Municipality understands full well the
implications of these trends, especially now that it is
in direct competition with other modern communities in neighbouring countries to attract qualified
labour and progressive businesses.
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MUNICIPAL ACTIVITIES. Every year, Tórshavn
Municipality hosts an Environment Week to stress
the importance of the environment and good health,
both for the individual and the community as a
whole. The Municipality is of the opinion that our
children should inherit the same pristine environment we enjoyed, only better.
The Municipality expends a great deal of energy and
time making sure we have a clean and beautiful
environment. Our children from an early age need to
learn the importance of protecting the environment
so that they too can champion a clean and healthy
environment for the future.
The Tórshavn Municipality offers a stipend to support
projects designed to promote awareness of the
environment and the necessity of reducing pollution,
as well as promoting and encouraging a healthy
lifestyle. This stipend can be awarded to individuals,
associations, institutions or companies in the
Municipality, or it can be awarded to projects
developed by people outside the Municipality if the
projects could benefit the environment of the
Municipality. The stipend, as much as possible, shall
not be anti-competitive.
CLEAN WATER. The residents and businesses in
Tórshavn Municipality use some 4 million cubic
metres of water every year. Most of this water – some
85% – comes from the large reservoirs in Villingadal
and in Havnardal.
Most residents in Tórshavn Municipality receive pure,
treated water. On Hestoy, a new treatment plant
began operation in March 2007. Nólsoy is next in line
for a new treatment plant. In the meantime, efforts
are underway to arrange for treated water to be
delivered to the remaining areas of Norðadalur,
Kirkjurbøur and Koltur.
To ensure that our water meets all the stipulated
quality requirements, the Municipality collects
samples from ten different locations around the
Municipality each month. In future, the Municipality
intends to make available on its website the results of
the tests conducted by the Faroese Food and
Veterinary Agency.
RECYCLING. Households in Tórshavn Municipality
are encouraged to recycle. The intent of the Municipality is to recycle as much as possible. Dangerous
and potentially hazardous waste, as well as paper and
cardboard, must be separated out from other trash.
They are collected separately by the Municipality at
regular intervals, which are well advertised in the
local media. Regular household trash is collected free
of charge once a week. In addition, the Municipality
operates a recycling station for other recyclable
materials, including electronic equipment and metal,
which is also free of charge for ordinary households.
For a fee, commercial enterprises may have their
refuse collected by the Municipality and transported
to the recycling centre or to a landfill area. The
Municipality also collects biological waste material,
e.g. waste from the aquaculture industry, but only if
there is no other option and the material cannot be
used effectively by others.
The refuse incineration facility at Hjalla, which went
operational in 1987, can burn some 16,000 tonnes of
trash per year. The facility is not only a refuse depot,
but also is part of the underground hot water heating
system of the Municipality. Heat generated by the
facility is transported by underground pipes to heat
several hundred homes in the vicinity. The Recycling
Centre at Hjalla is a modern, clean facility, ensuring
the safety of both staff and users. The design of the
facility ensures quick and easy access and disposal of
different recyclable materials, each in their own
respective areas. Hazardous materials are collected in
a secure area and transported to a special recycling
centre in Denmark.
It is not permitted to dispose of any soil in the sea in
Tórshavn Municipality. The Municipality operates a
storage facility for dirt at Villingadal where people
can offload their discarded soil or purchase the soil
they may need.
SUSTAINABILITY. To continually ensure that our
natural environment is preserved and protected, it is
important to focus on sustainability in all our
commercial and social development efforts. Tórshavn
Municipality, along with many other communities
around the world, participates in the Agenda 21
initiative, which is focused on raising the awareness
of sustainable development.
Some 180 countries took part in the United Nations
conference on development and the environment
held in Brasilia in 1992. The Agenda 21 initiative was
adopted at this conference to promote sustainable
development throughout the 21st century. Section 28
of the convention calls on municipalities around the
world to collaborate with local residents, associations
and businesses to develop their own programs to
advance thinking on sustainable development,
so-called “Local Agenda 21” initiatives. Each
community chooses how it shall participate, based on
its own local needs, as the convention itself provided
only a vision of action, not detailed plans.
The Faroese Agenda 21 office was established in 2004
as a project of the Faroese Association of Small
Municipalities. The activities of the office are financed
jointly by the Ministry of the Interior and the
municipalities around the country. The office
provides guidance and support for local initiatives in
a municipality. It also disseminates information on
sustainable development, and sponsors various
seminars and outreach programs. Faroese Agenda 21
initiatives are announced on the website of the
Faroese Association of Small Municipalities. Even
though Tórshavn Municipality is not a member of
this particular municipal association, but is rather a
member of the Faroese Municipalities Group, which
is the association for the larger municipalities,
Tórshavn Municipality does, however, collaborate
with the association’s Agenda 21 office and regularly
seeks out its advise and counsel on sustainable
development issues.
ENVIRONMENT AWARD. Tórshavn Municipality was
acknowledged in June 2008 for having sponsored the
best event designed to promote the protection of the
natural environment, sustainable development and
sustainable tourism.
Competing against many other events and promotional efforts, the Municipality received its award for
providing free city bus transport. The committee
judging the entries felt that this was a forward-thinking initiative and a positive example for any community, anywhere. The committee especially applauded
the twin goals of reducing traffic in the centre of
town, and of protecting the environment by reducing
oil use and CO2 emissions.
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Free Time Options
Creating an environment where you and your family can relax and enjoy your free time is just
as important as creating the opportunities for challenging employment and exciting education.
There are many opportunities to stimulate both body and soul in Tórshavn Municipality. Whether
you excel at swimming or only dabble at badminton, or you prefer to sing rather than paint, the
choices abound.
If a small community wishes to compete against
larger metropolitan areas, it must offer a wide variety
of quality cultural options, as well as a distinctive
assortment of restaurants, cafés, discothèques and
nightclubs for the young and old. Fortunately,
Tórshavn excels here as well.
CITY CENTRE. One aspect of this diversity is that the
residents of Tórshavn Municipality can live and work
in a lively and energetic city. The Municipality has
worked long and hard on creating a comprehensive
development plan for the heart of the city that
combines not only mini-communities of pleasant
homes within the downtown area, but also a diversity
of vibrant retail stores, easily accessible parking and a
variety of inviting plazas, play areas and green
commons scattered about the city.
THEATRE AND MUSIC. One of the streets undergoing
an engaging face-lift is Tórsgøta, which runs through
the centre of town. The former milk factory is now
home to an active theatre group, Tjóðpall Føroya,
which performs not only the classics, but also excellent
Faroese plays and modern works from abroad.
The theatre group provides a distinctive opportunity
for those who enjoy the theatre experience to perfect
their skills, whether they be actors, dancers, and any
of the host of technical people who help make a
theatre performance a reality. The group also offers
theatrical training and strives to encourage and
stimulate the full breadth of the theatrical arts,
including playwriting, in the Faroes.
The Playhouse Theatre, just on the outskirts of the
city centre, has long been the centre of a rich and
diverse cultural life, hosting a wide variety of plays
and cultural performances. The original playhouse,
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which was designed by well-known architect, H.C.W.
Tórsgarð, has been the site of many an inspiring
cultural evening that has enriched the lives of not
only local residents, but also the entire population of
the Faroes.
Nearby the old milk factory building is a totally
renovated building that once housed a laundry. This
building has been transformed into a musician’s
heaven. Still known by its former name, Reinsaríið,
the new music centre provides a number of rehearsal
rooms and a performance area, ensuring that music
can always be found in the heart of the town.
YOUTH CENTRE. Across the way from the Reinsaríið
is the old butter factory, now converted into a special
youth centre. Here, in a safe and monitored environment, children and young people can engage in a
wealth of hobby and pastime activities throughout
the week. Arts and crafts abound, as well as pool
tables, foosball and air hockey games, and, of course,
karaoke and dance workshops. Once a week, they
even host a cooking class. The youth centre is also
well equipped with up-to-date computers with an
assortment of computer games and access to the
Internet. The youth centre, known as the Margarinfabrikkin, also organises field trips, lectures,
discothèque nights, as well as café evenings, minifilm festivals and music, music, music.
The youth who use the Centre in the evening have
literally left their mark on the building. A giant mural
attests to the fun that abounds at the Centre. Some of
the youth have also teamed up to perform and show
off their talents at special events; the boys formed a
group called Scrub Art, while the girls have morphed
into the Jelly Kitties and the Pixel.
CULTURAL EVENTS. The local media house, located
at Vágsbotn, is home to the newspaper, Sosialurin,
which also hosts a number of lectures and performances and is a favourite culture spot at the end of
Tórsgøta.
The streets and area around Vágsbotn, near the city
centre, is also the locale for many cultural events,
both during the national holiday in July, and at other
times throughout the year. One such event is the
music festival, Asfalt, which promotes and encourages the development of Faroese music and does its
best to shine light on the diverse music scene in the
Faroes. Actually, there are a number of music festivals
held each year during the summer months in the
Faroes that feature Faroese artists as well as international stars. Getting to these events is easy from
Tórshavn.
Each year, Tórshavn hosts a so-called “Culture Night”
early in June. This Friday evening festival of cultural
activities includes not only music, but also gymnastic
performances, art shows, theatre, and much, much
more. Stores stay open late, museums open wide their
doors, as do many other places generally closed to the
public. It is a special night.
MUSEUMS. There are two public libraries, the
Municipal Library and the National Library, which is
the country’s national book depository and library.
The National Library collects, registers and preserves
examples of Faroese literature, as well as books and
articles discussing the Faroes. Moreover, there are ten
school libraries in Tórshavn proper in addition to the
school library in Kollafjordur, which is also open to
local residents.
Also in the Municipality are a number of interesting
museums. The Faroese Natural History Museum near
the University features exhibits on geology and the
animal and plant life in and around the Faroes. The
Faroese Historical Museum offers dramatic displays
on Faroese history that provide unique insights into
the life and times of our ancestors on land and at sea.
The displays are an interesting blend of artefacts,
photographs and text. The Museum also manages an
outdoor museum featuring an old King’s Farm. In
addition, the Museum is actively engaged in
archaeological research, including the preservation
and inspection of our national cultural treasures,
such as the Viking ruins and other historic buildings.
Recently, a group of marine enthusiasts set up an
aquarium in the old icehouse in Argir. The idea was
to create an area where everyone, children as well as
adults, could observe the many types of animals that
inhabit the sea around us. The aquarium offers
special visit programs for school age children, as well
as those in preschool. The Municipality is a major
financial sponsor of the aquarium.
NORDIC HOUSE. Featuring beautifully integrated
design elements from throughout Scandinavia and
topped with a Faroese turf roof, the Nordic House is
undoubtedly one of the most magnificent and
inspiring cultural centres in the world. The Nordic
House provides a welcoming venue for Nordic
cultural activities, while at the same time supporting
and sharing our unique Faroese culture with others
throughout Scandinavia.
Throughout the year, the Nordic House plays host to
innumerable concerts and musical events, from
intimate ensemble performances on the small stage,
to commanding performances by the Faroese
National Symphony in the main concert hall. The
Nordic House also showcases large theatre productions as well as mini-productions in a variety of
settings within the building. The Nordic House is
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well equipped to host a variety of large and small
conferences and seminars, as well as almost continuous displays of artwork and artistic installations.
Many of the scheduled activities are especially
designed for children and young people.
ART MUSEUM. Just a five-minute stroll from the
Nordic House lies the Faroese Museum of Art,
nestled on the edge of a beautiful, wooded parkland
in central Tórshavn. The unique design of the
museum allows natural light to flood its 1600 square
metres of exhibit space. The museum features not
only a splendid permanent exhibit, but also lively and
inviting travelling exhibits or special showcase
exhibitions of Faroese artists.
The permanent collection includes a number of
remarkable works by the old Faroese masters, as well
as a variety of more recent works by younger Faroese
artists. The collection of works by Sámal JoensenMikines, perhaps the best-known Faroese artist and a
national treasure, is especially memorable.
SPORTS. Today, most people are quite active and
enjoy participating in sports. Within Tórshavn
Municipality, there are many sports clubs representing a wide variety of sports. A list of these different
clubs is provided below.
No matter where you might live in the Municipality,
you will be close to any number of sports areas. For
example, there are four major football pitches. In
addition to the natural grass pitch, Tórsvøll, which is
owned and operated by a sports foundation of the
same name, the Municipality manages two pitches in
the Gundadalur area north of the town centre, as well
as a pitch in Argir, all of which have artificial turf.
There are many small neighbourhood pitches
scattered about the Municipality, all with good
artificial turf. All the football pitches managed by the
Municipality are free and open to the public. Located
close by the football pitches in Gundadalur are also
several tennis courts.
The Municipality also has eight gymnastic centres and
five indoor sports halls, which offer good facilities for
handball, volleyball, badminton and other sports. The
gymnastic centres are used by the schools during the
day, but after school they are available for a variety of
sports-related activities for a fee.
There are five indoor swimming pools of varying
sizes in the Municipality. The swimming hall in
Gundadalur is by far the largest. Designed especially
for public use, it is also used at special times by the
schools, local clubs and institutions. The other pools
are located at Argir School, Eystur School, Kollafjordur School, and on the island of Hestoy. These pools
are, in the main, for the use of the school children.
The pool in Kollafjordur is also open to the public.
The swimming pool in Gundadalur is visited some
150,000 times each year. It features four pools – a lap
pool, a children’s pool, a pool restricted to diving, and
a training pool. The 25-metre lap pool is equipped
with an electronic clock for competitions. The water
in the large pool is kept at 26° C and the small,
children’s pool is a comfortable 29° C. The main
swimming hall also features a sauna and a Jacuzzi.
bothers no one. For many families, the opportunity
for their children to express their musical talents is
all-important. The Tórshavn Music School is a
municipal resource operating under the auspices of
the Municipal Music School system, which brings a
variety of musical training to our children and youth
around the country. Students pay a fee for their
lessons and to rent their musical instruments. The
Music School also awards mastery diplomas to
qualified students.
The Tórshavn Evening School is another special
resource of the Municipality. The program arranges
for courses in a wide variety of subjects, some 180 in
all, ranging from food preparation to photography,
from sewing to gymnastics, from creative writing to
acting and genealogy studies. The program also offers
special courses designed specifically for the blind or
those with limited vision. There are courses as well
for those with limited mobility or developmental
handicaps. The Tórshavn Art School is also administered by the Evening School program offices.
Generally, the courses begin at around the end of
September and conclude just before Easter with a
special exhibition showcasing the work of all the
students from all the different courses. The Evening
School grants diplomas in certain subjects.
waiting for an opening, and it is not unusual to wait
10 years for an ordinary marina slip. It is possible to
inherit a slip from your parents. Generally, you can
only apply for a slip in the village or town where you
live. People who live in a village within the Municipality that does not have its own marina, e.g.
Velbastað, may, however, apply to be listed on the
Tórshavn or Argir waiting list. More information is
available on the Tórshavn Municipality website.
MUSIC AND EVENING SCHOOL. Today, many
children are diligently learning to play a variety of
musical instruments, and their tumultuous zeal
PLEASURE BOATS. Many Faroese like nothing more
than to spend a few hours “messing about” in a boat.
As a consequence, the Municipality has worked hard
to create several good marinas with some 650 slips.
Most of these slips are located in Tórshavn and Argir,
but a good number are located in Kollafjordur, in
Signabøur and Kaldbak, and on Nólsoy and Hestoy.
If you would like to apply for a slip, you can apply
with the Tórshavn Harbour Master, who manages the
marinas. Unfortunately, you must have a good deal of
patience. There are some 250 applicants who are
RELIGIOUS LIFE. As the largest municipality in the
country, Tórshavn Municipality also serves as the
headquarters of many of the country’s religious
denominations and spiritual communities. For
example, the Municipality is host to some 10
churches. Most belong to the national Lutheran
church, but the main Christian Brethren congregation and the Adventist and Catholic Churches are
also located in Tórshavn. There are some 25 other
religious communities or congregations as well,
including the Salvation Army.
RESTAURANTS AND PUBS. Over the last few years,
Tórshavn Municipality has gained a remarkably
pleasant and vibrant restaurant and café culture that
is thoroughly reminiscent of a modern, Continental
capital. The restaurants that have sprung up not only
reflect different styles, but also offer a variety of
cuisines and feature chefs literally from around the
world. The energetic café culture as well is like that
found in any fashionable, up-to-date city on the
Continent.
The same can be said about the nightlife in Tórshavn.
There is a lively, cosmopolitan flavour to the pubs
and nightclubs. Some of the cafés and pubs also
feature outdoor sections, which lend a special energy
and ambiance to certain districts within the Tórshavn
city centre.
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Elder Policy
and Continuing Care
A secure social environment, good healthcare, and an active and pleasant retirement are the
hallmarks of a modern society. These are indeed the prerequisites for a thriving community
where both individuals and businesses can achieve their best.
Even though the Faroes is a small country and may
not have all the social support systems found in
larger countries, we strive to ensure the welfare of all,
no matter how poor or old or weak a person might
be. All in all, Tórshavn Municipality is a good place
to live.
Office administers most of the various benefit
programs financed by the Faroese Parliament.
The programs are designed to provide assistance in
times of need and are too numerous to be fully outlined in this booklet. You can learn more about their
services by referring to their website.
SOCIAL SERVICES. The Faroes has enacted comprehensive public assistance legislation that is equal to
most neighbouring countries. The Social Services
SENIOR CITIZENS. Even though overall elder policy
is determined by the Faroese Government, Tórshavn
Municipality is dedicated to ensuring the best for our
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senior citizens. We are working hard to ensure that
growing old in Tórshavn Municipality will be a safe
and pleasant experience. A Senior Citizens Advisory
Board provides advice and counsel to the Town
Council on its elder policy. The Board ensures that
the voice of the municipality’s senior citizens is heard
and respected and that the wisdom and experience of
the older generation are tapped for the good of all.
The Board can on its own initiative address issues of
concern and bring these to the attention of the Town
Council. Senior citizens may also join the local
senior citizens association, which is a member of the
national senior citizens organisation, Landsfelag Pensiónista.
The Municipality offers its so-called “home visit
services” to those over 75. Twice a year, health
professionals visit the elderly in their own homes.
The elderly themselves decide what they would like
to discuss. For example, some might wish to talk
about their health or the future, others about the
passing of a loved one, still others might wish to talk
about moments in their life that were happy or sad.
The goal of these visits is to create an atmosphere of
trust in complete confidentiality and to explore what
each individual might need no matter how small or
insignificant it might seem.
PENSION. Everyone over the age of 67 has the right
to a social security pension. The National Registry
notifies the Social Services Office well in advance as
to who will be turning 67. The Office in turn sends
out an application form.
The pension is composed of a base amount, which is
independent of any outside income, and an addition-
al grant that fluctuates depending on the amount of
outside income, i.e., the higher the outside income,
the lower the additional grant. To receive a full pension, one must have resided in the Danish Kingdom
at least 40 years. More information is available on the
website of the Social Services Office.
RETIREMENT CENTRES. The Municipality operates
four residences for the elderly. These facilities
provide not only residential care, but also respite
care. Several offer care for those with dementia or
Alzheimer’s. One is totally dedicated to those with
dementia. The Municipality is currently working on
offering more facilities for the elderly.
There are three communal residences as well for
the elderly. Designed for the more ambulatory and
self-sufficient, two are located in Tórshavn, the
other in Kollafjordur. One must apply for a place
at Snarskrivan. A so-called “visitation committee”
determines who is eligible for a place in a communal
residence or in the other elder facilities. Unfortunately, the wait will require some patience. More
information is available on the Tórshavn Municipality website.
The Home Support Services provides the elderly and
others the support they need in their homes. Some
might need a helping hand to clean their homes, others to fix a nourishing meal. The services provided
are designed to give a helping hand where needed.
Tórshavn is also host to a convalescent home, where
one can stay briefly (not more than 4 weeks) upon
the recommendation of your doctor.
SENIOR CENTRES. There are a number of senior
citizen centres around the Municipality where retired
people can come together for a chat or to share a
hobby. The largest is Tilhaldið on Tórsgøta. Here one
can play cards, learn how to use a computer, read a
magazine, attend a lecture, and much more. The goal
of each of these centres is to create an environment
where the elderly can continue to enrich their lives
physically, emotionally and intellectually.
The so-called “Under House” is located in Argir.
Here generally old men gather to play cards and
talk about the latest happenings in the country. The
community centre in Kollafjordur hosts events for
seniors once a week during the winter months, and
on Nólsoy seniors can gather three times a week.
SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF. The Blind
Services Centre is located in Tórshavn. Its goal is to
assist the blind and those with limited vision to
become more self-sufficient, both at work and at
home. The offices of the non-profit organisation are
designed to accommodate the blind and they offer
courses in a variety of subjects as well as seminars
and other events for the blind.
Next door are the offices of the Deaf Services Centre,
which not only has studio rooms for the deaf, but
also meeting rooms and office space. The Deaf Association is located here. It has some 50 deaf members
and over a thousand supporters. One can arrange for
sign language translation services for various public
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events or in times of emergency, such as visits to the
casualty centre.
HANDICAP BUS. The handicapped may use a special
bus provided by the Municipality. Weekdays, it is
possible to use the bus free of charge. In the evening
and over the weekend, it is possible to use the bus as
one would a regular taxi and pay the regular taxi fare.
You must reserve ahead by a certain time to use the
bus in the evening and over the weekend.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS. If you or someone close to
you is having trouble with alcohol or drugs, you can
turn to the Municipality for help. You can also reach
out to the Blue Cross in Tórshavn or Heilbrigdi in
Velbastað.
HOMELESS SERVICES. Sadly, there are some in the
Municipality that do not have a place to live. The
Salvation Army offers a shelter where those without a
home can spend the night. In 2008, the shelter will
move to bigger and better facilities. The shelter is
open each evening and also between 14:00 and 17:00,
when one can take a shower and get a meal. The Red
Cross operates a small centre in the centre of town,
which affords the homeless a place to gather during
the day and in the evening as well. The Municipality
provides some financial assistance to the Salvation
Army in support of the shelter and to the Red Cross
for its homeless centre. The Blue Cross operates a
pleasant coffee shop where the homeless can spend
some time during the day.
WOMEN’S SHELTER. Women who are in abusive
relationships and can no longer remain at home
can seek refuge in the Women’s Home. Whether
a woman suffers physical or mental abuse or is
subjected to sexual abuse, she can call the Women’s
Home at any time day or night. Women may stay one
night, several days, or for a longer period if necessary. Here they can obtain advice and counselling.
Children are also welcome. The Women’s Home has a
registered children’s counsellor on staff that can help
the children discuss their concerns. All matters are
held in confidence.
MEDICAL CLINICS. There are ten general practitioners situated in the Municipality. Nine are located in
Tórshavn, and one is in Kollafjordur. The goal is to
hire two more doctors once the clinic in Hoyvík is
ready. In general, people may choose their own
physician. Many have so many patients that they are
not able to take on new patients. As a consequence,
you may not be able to be seen by the physician of
your choice, unless you opt for the more expensive
health insurance plan.
The Tórshavn Health Insurance Centre administers
the payment of health insurance premiums and the
selection of a physician. If you need a doctor outside
of normal business hours, a Doctor-on-Call service
is provided at the National Hospital. Call 1870 to talk
to a doctor.
HOSPITAL. The National Hospital in Tórshavn is the
main hospital in the Faroes. The 200-bed facility is
one of the largest employers in the country with
around 600 full time employees. Most illnesses and
injuries can be managed at the National Hospital. At
times it might be necessary to receive treatment at
one of the other hospitals in the country or overseas.
The website of the National Hospital provides
information about consultations, waiting times,
visiting hours, and practical information regarding
in-patient care.
Those individuals who need medical attention at
home can arrange for this service via the Home
Support Services mentioned above. The assistance
provided is based on the recommendation of the attending physician or other health professional. Such
assistance may include treatment of wounds or sores,
administering shots or medicine, or assisting with
personal hygiene, etc. This service is provided free of
charge.
HEALTH INSURANCE. The Faroes does not have the
same type of public health insurance as found in the
neighbouring countries. In the Faroes, private health
insurance systems manage health insurance premiums. It has been proposed that in future the
premiums paid to the private health insurance
systems shall be paid from taxes.
Everyone, 18 years or older, residing in Tórshavn
Municipality must be a member of the Tórshavn
Health Insurance Association. One can choose to be
an “A” member or a “B” member. “A” members do
not pay any service fee to visit the doctor. Certain
medications incur a supplemental charge. There is
no difference in the general insurance premium for
each type of member, but a “B” member pays for
each visit to a municipal general practitioner. On the
other hand, the “B” member may choose to go to any
doctor. They may also schedule a consultation with a
specialist without a referral from a regular doctor.
PATIENT ASSOCIATIONS. If someone in your family
suffers from a special disease or illness, help may be
available from one of the many associations and
organisations that have been established to provide
assistance to the sick or injured. These organisations
offer information, guidance and sponsor various
events of interest. In certain cases, they may
represent you and your concerns in discussions with
the authorities. Below is a list of these organisations.
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Transport and Mobility
Modern, international communities need quality transport options. Everyone today expects
to travel easily and conveniently. Industry especially demands fast and efficient domestic and
international transport options. Mobility is the watchword, whether its cargo, people or data that
needs to get from one place to the other.
Both real and virtual traffic moves easily in Tórshavn
Municipality. The Municipality is well connected to
the outside world as well, whether by air or sea, or
computer.
INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS. Granted, travel to
and from the Faroes is always influenced by the
weather and the wind, but in reality the scheduled
flights are not unduly impacted. Every day there are
several flights into and out of Vágar Airport, and
getting to the airport now-a-days takes no more than
three-quarters of an hour by car from the capital via
the undersea tunnel. The goal in the coming years is
to expand the airport and the runway.
The car-ferry, Norröna, docks in Tórshavn three times
a week from Denmark, Iceland, Norway and
Scotland, respectively, so that one can travel by sea
between countries without much fuss and bother. The
ferry harbour is easily accessible and has a 5,000+
square metre assembly area for cars waiting to board
the ferry. A new ferry terminal was also recently
constructed to accommodate all the passengers.
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CARGO. The transport of cargo to and from the
Municipality is also well organised, especially after
major expansion of the Tórshavn harbour and the
creation of more docking space at other harbours in
the Municipality.
Today, Tórshavn has over 45,000 square metres of
container space, plus some 7,000 square metres set
aside for the storage of salt. Some 50,000 square
metres of wharf area are available at the harbour in
Sund, as well as that in Kollafjordur.
Some 3,400 ships per year call at the port of Tórshavn.
Upwards of 680,000 tonnes of cargo are offloaded
each year. Tórshavn Harbour is home to everything to
do with the sea: from cargo and passenger transport
to cargo handling, repair, provisioning and bunkering.
Moreover, many international ships use the roads in
Nólsoyarfjord, as well as the harbours of Kollafjordur
and Sund to transship their cargoes. In Kollafjordur,
for example, frozen fish are stored for shipment later.
Many of these ships change crew here and are refitted
and provisioned as well.
Tórshavn Harbour can also provide you a variety of
services if you have a pleasure boat.
CITY TRAFFIC AND PARKING. In a city, it is important that traffic moves quickly and easily. Tórshavn
Municipality has worked hard to build several major
roadways through the town, and work is underway to
construct a second major ring road to ease the
amount of traffic moving through the centre of town.
At the same time, work is moving ahead on a project
to develop a new entry into town to ease the pressure
of traffic flowing into the city from the north.
Tórshavn and Argir have instituted a parking zone
system. Cars are permitted to park in designated
spaces only and for a limited amount of time, from 15
minutes to 4 hours. Several large parking areas and
certain other spaces offer unlimited parking, enabling
those who work in the centre of town to park and walk
to work. Three parking wardens keep watch to ensure
compliance with the parking regulations. The fine for
illegal parking is 200 kroner.
CITY BUS ROUTES. To ease the press of traffic and to
help protect the environment, the Municipality has
taken steps to encourage use of public transportation.
Travelling by bus in the city is free of charge. This is a
far-sighted initiative that has sparked the interest of
several overseas municipalities. Not content with this
initial step, the Municipality decided to increase the
number of buses on each route to three during
ordinary business hours beginning in 2008.
There are in general five routes that cover most of the
Municipality, from Norðasta Horni in the west to
Kaldbak and Kollafjordur in the east. The Municipality
operates six school routes, including routes to
Velbastað and Kirkjubøur.
The purpose of offering a comprehensive and free public
transport system is to reduce the amount of traffic in
the city centre and to help protect the environment.
The Municipality goal is to reduce accidents and to
reduce the pollution of CO2 emissions.
Guide dogs and animals in cages may be brought
onboard a bus. Baby carriages may also be brought
onboard when there is sufficient space, but generally
not more than two at a time. Some buses are equipped
with ramps to facilitate access by wheelchair. Most
buses are built so low to the ground or are “kneeling”
buses that most wheelchairs can be accommodated
with the offer of a helping hand.
SNOW REMOVAL. Tórshavn Municipality clears the
streets of snow and spreads salt if conditions warrant.
Generally, the snow removal equipment of the
Municipality is sufficient in most instances. However,
when there is a blizzard, the Municipality enlists the
aid of others to clear the streets.
In order to accommodate as many people as possible,
the Municipality clears the roadways of snow and lays
out salt in the following priority: 1) main bus routes
and roadways used by ambulances to bring patients to
the National Hospital, 2) other main routes leading to
schools and other principal governmental institutions,
3) exceedingly steep streets, 4) smaller neighbourhood
streets, 5) roadways in and around apartment houses.
At least one sidewalk along these different roadways is
also cleared and salted in the same priority.
INTER-CITY BUS ROUTES. Tórshavn Municipality
also has good transport linkages with the rest of the
country. Good roadways lead into and out of the
Municipality. The inter-town bus system, Bygdaleiðir,
operates in and out of Tórshavn many times a day to
points throughout the country. Ferry service is
provided by the Faroese government to those regions
of the country not connected by road. From Tórshavn
Municipality, ferries operate to Nólsoy, Hestoy and
Sandoy. A sleek, modern car ferry links Tórshavn to
the south island, Suðuroy.
TELEPHONE CONNECTIONS. It is also easy to
communicate with the outside world from Tórshavn
Municipality via the telephone and the Internet. No
fewer than three undersea cables connect the Faroes
with the rest of the world. The newest cable, the
so-called Shefa cable, has unprecedented capacity.
54
55
Useful websites
GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS
Tórshavn Municipality
The High Commissioner of the Faroe Islands
Ministry of Justice (within the Ministry of the Interior)
Ministry of Health and Social Affairs
Department of Social Services
TAKS (Customs and Tax Administration)
Business Registration Office
Legislation
Faroese Research Council
Fisheries Research Fund
Business Development Fund
Earth and Energy Directorate
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Faroese Fire Inspection
Treasury
Parliamentary Ombudsman
MATERNITY AND CHILDREN
Parental Leave Office
Adoption Support Association
Municipal Daycare
Faroese Child Protection Services
Municipal Child Protection Office
Children’s Alliance
Advice for children and youth (The Children’s Alliance)
Crib Death Association
Guardian ad litem for children
Premature Children Association
YOUTH
Youth Centre (Margarinfabrikkin)
Night Ravens (adult volunteer association)
Faroese Youth Council
Advice for children and youth
www.torshavn.fo
www.stm.dk
www.imr.fo
www.ahr.fo
www.almannastovan.fo
www.taks.fo
www.skraseting.fo
www.logir.fo
www.gransking.fo
www.fvg.fo”
www.vfg.fo
www.jf.fo
www.arbeidseftirlit.fo
www.brl.fo
www.gjaldstovan.fo
www.lum.fo
www.barsil.fo
www.aettleiding.fo
www.torshavn.fo
www.bvs.fo
www.torshavn.fo
www.barnabati.fo”
www.eg.fo
www.bur.fo
www.fabrikkin.fo
www.nattarravnarnir.fo
www.fur.fo
www.eg.fo
56
57
ESTATE AGENTS
Skyn
Inni
Húsamekling
www.skyn.fo
www.inni.fo
www.husamekling.fo
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, ETC.
Eik Bank
Føroya Bank
Norðoya Sparikassi
Suðuroyar Sparikassi
Húsalánsgrunnurin (home mortgage fund)
Faroese Insurance Company
Trygd (property/casualty insurance company)
Faroese Life Assurance Company
Betri pensjón (retirement pension fund)
SPEKT (accounting firm)
www.eik.fo
www.foroya.fo
www.ns.fo
www.sparsu.fo
www.husalansgrunnurin.fo
www.trygging.fo
www.trygd.fo
www.liv.fo
www.betri.fo
www.spekt.fo
LABOUR MARKET
Employment Registry
Temporary Workers
House of Industry
Representatives of employer associations
Ministry of Finance, Wage Division
Nordic youth employment
Tórshavn Workers Union
Tórshavn Women Workers Union
Tórshavn Craftsmen Union
Retail and Office Workers Union
Faroese Postal Workers Union
Government Employees Union
Faroese Teachers Union
Faroese Preschool Teachers Union
Printers Union
Airline Pilots Union
Authors Union
Public Healthcare Workers Union
www.starv.fo
www.portal.fo
www.temp-team.fo
www.foroyacare.fo
www.industry.fo
www.industry.fo
www.lnd.fo
www.nordjobb.net
www.samtak.fo
www.hak.fo
www.handverk.fo
www.skfelag.fo
www.postfelag.fo
www.starvsmf.fo
www.lararafelag.fo
www.pedagogfelag.fo
www.fpf.fo
www.aaf.fo
www.rit.fo
www.ahf.fo
Danish Bioanalysts Union
Danish Pharmacy Workers Union
Ergotherapists Union
Pharmacists Union
Faroese Nurses Union
Faroese Physiotherapists Union
Economists and Legal Advisors Union
Faroese Construction Engineers Union
Faroese Civil Engineers Union
Faroese Ship’s Captains and Navigators Union
Faroese Music Teachers Union
Faroese MA Association
High School Teachers Union
Faroese Architects Union
Faroese Civil Servants Union
Ship’s Engineers Union
Faroese Employers Association
Coastal Fishermen’s Union
Faroese Fishermen’s Union
Faroese Psychiatric Workers Union
Faroese Health Assistants Union
Faroese Midwifery Union
Faroese Home Healthcare Workers Union
Faroese Podiatry Association
Social Workers Union
Faroese Police Association
Faroese Mechanics Union
Faroese Journalists Union
Dieticians Union
Economists Union
Faroese Technical School Teachers Union
Business School Teachers Union
Faroese Physician Specialists Association
Faroese Physicians Association
Physicians’ Advisory Council (National Hospital)
Faroese Associate Physicians Council
Municipal General Practitioners Association
www.dbio.dk
www.pharmadanmark.dk
www.etf.fo
www.farmakonom.dk
www.sff.fo
www.fysio.dk
www.blf.fo
www.fb.fo
www.fvf.fo
www.fsn.fo
www.mlf.fo
www.magistarin.fo
www.yf.fo
heima.olivant.fo/~arkitekt/AF-logir.htm
www.tann.fo
www.mf.fo
www.fafelag.fo
www.megf.fo
www.fiskimannafelag.fo
[email protected]
[email protected]
58
INVESTMENT FUNDS, ETC.
Eik Fund
TF Holding
Framtak
Notio
Kveiking
Set
Løkir
Royndin
SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCIES
School for the Handicapped
Women’s Shelter
Self-help (Sjálvhjálpin)
Sign Language Translation Services
Consumer Affairs Association
Faroese Blue Cross
Heilbrigdið (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Centre)
Homeless Shelter
Faroese Red Cross
Amnesty International (Faroese Branch)
HEALTH
Chief Medical Officer
Home Healthcare Nurses
Tórshavn Health Insurance Association
National Hospital
Faroese Psychologists Association
PATIENT ASSOCIATIONS
Cancer Association
Metabolism Association
Secretariat for the following:
disease/handicap specific associations (MBF)
· Alzheimer’s Association
· Celiac Disease Association
· Faroese Association for the Deaf
· Faroese Diabetes Association
59
www.eik.fo
www.trygging.fo
www.framtak.fo
www.notio.fo
www.kveiking.net
www.set.fo
www.foroya.fo
www.liv.fo
www.skulin.fo/snd
www.kvinnuhusid.fo
www.sjalvhjalpin.fo
www.tulktegn.fo
www.bs.fo
www.blakross.fo
www.frelsunarherurin.fo
www.redcross.fo
www.amnesty.fo
www.landslaeknin.fo
www.naerverk.fo
www.msf.fo
www.lsh.fo
www.psykolog.fo
www.krabbamein.fo
www.stoffskifti.com
www.mbf.fo
· Faroese Epileptic Association
· Faroese Asthma and Allergy Association
· Faroese Association for the Blind
· Faroese Psoriasis Association
· Faroese Association for the Hearing Impaired
· Dyslexia Association
· Faroese Arthritis Association
· Faroese Brain Association
· National Sport Association for the Disabled
· Association for the Mentally Retarded
· Faroese Autistic Association
· Lymphoma Association
· Ankylosing spondylitis Association
· Kidney Association
· Parkinson’s Association
· Sclerosis Association
· Psychosis Support Association
· Spastic Association
· Heart Association
FREE TIME ACTIVITIES
Tórshavn Evening School
Tórshavn Music School
National Lutheran Church
Ebenezer (Christian Brethren)
Salvation Army
Congregation Oasan
Congregation Lívdin
Tórshavn Harbour Master
Nordic House
Faroese Football Association
Faroese Handball Association
Tórshavn Gymnastics Association
Ljósið Gymnastics Association
Faroese Sport Association for the Disabled
Tórshavn Badminton Association
Faroese Horse Riding Association
Faroese Swimming Association
www.kvoldskulin.fo
www.torshavnarmusikkskul.fo
www.folkakirkjan.fo”
www.ebenezer.fo”
www.frelsunarherurin.fo
www.oasan.fo
www.lívdin.fo
www.portoftorshavn.fo
www.nlh.fo
www.fsf.fo
www.hsf.fo
www.hf.fo
www.ljosid.fo
www.isb.fo
www.hbf.fo
www.ross.fo
www.ssf.fo
60
Faroese Judo Association
Fleyr Volleyball Association
Faroese Table Tennis Association
Tennis Association
Bragdið (marathon runners association)
Yndi Fitness
Bowling
Faroese Dance Association
Scouting Association
Underwater Diving School
Hotel Føroyar
Hotel Tòrshavn
Hotel Hafnia
Hotel Streym
Hostel Kerjalon
Skansin
Bládypi
Guesthouse undir Fjalli
Restaurant Association
Faroese Historical Museum
Faroese Natural History Museum
Faroese Art Museum
Galerie Focus
Roykstovan
Faroese Aquarium
Film School
Faroese Actors Guild
Faroese Amateur Theatre Guild
Miðlahúsið (Media House)
Faroese Birdwatchers Association
Faroese Dog Owners Association
Faroese Maps
Tórshavn Boating Association
61
www.judo.fo
www.torshavnmarathon.com
www.yndi.fo
www.want2bowl.dk
www.scout.fo
www.faroedive.fo
www.hotelforoyar.fo
www.hoteltorshavn.fo
www.hafnia.fo
www.hotelstreym.fo
www.hosteltorshavn.fo
www.hostel.fo
www.hostel.fo
www.undirfjalli.com
www.faeroerne.dk/spisesteder
www.natmus.fo
www.ngs.fo
www.art.fo
[email protected]
www.patursson.com
www.torshavn.fo
www.klippfisk.fo
www.leikarafelag.fo
www.maf.fo
www.sosialurin.fo
www.faroenature.fo
www.123hjemmeside.dk/huff
www.munin.fo
www.kagi.fo
www.marina.fo
62
63
Dignisit auguercil erostio delit ad el ut eriure exeraestin henisl essed dolortis num iure do ercilit luptat, velessim venim irit augiam at lorperatem zzrit iriusti onsequis nullam vel iriure tat, sequate ent nonseniam incidunt
aciduis nibh eugait, sequisl incidunt lummy nim et, quam, consed te feuis etuerci blam num in ulput lor si bla
feum ero odolore magniat wissim.

welcome to tórshavn municipality

Transcription

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