- Most available positions are listed on finn.no
- Arbeidsplassen.no provides a platform for job exploration, CV uploading, and tracking ongoing job searches. Please be aware that the service is exclusively available in Norwegian. Furthermore, arbeidsplassen.no offers the most comprehensive and regularly updated compilation of available positions in Norway, ensuring you stay informed about job opportunities. (arbeidsplassen.nav.no)
- Numerous Norwegian companies maintain their own websites, where they promote job openings that may not be advertised elsewhere. Exploring these individual company websites can be a valuable strategy to discover unique employment opportunities in Norway.
Recruitment agenscies
Job seekers have the option to register with recruitment agencies that often specialize in specific industries and professions. Google recruitment agencies.
Working contitions
Working hours
As an employee in Norway, you have the right to know when and how much you will work. Ordinary working hours are also regulated, ensuring that you do not work too much and when you are entitled to overtime remuneration.
As a rule, normal working hours in Norway are
- 9 hours within 24 hours (normal workday)
- 40 hours in 7 days (normal work week)
If there are any exceptions, they are typically specified in your employment contract. A standard collective agreement in Norway, for example, typically prescribes a 37.5-hour workweek. This agreement is negotiated between an employer or employers’ organization and a labour union or employee representative. It comprehensively defines the terms and conditions of employment, covering aspects such as wages, working hours, benefits, and other employmentrelated matters for the employees included in the agreement. Read more about working hours here: arbeidstilsynet.no
Breaks
An employee is entitled to at least one break if the daily working hours exceed five and a half hours. If an employee is required to stay at the workplace during the lunch break or if there is no suitable break room available, the break is to be considered part of the working hours. Read more about breaks here: arbeidstilsynet.no OVERTIME Overtime is work in excess of the limits for ordinary working hours. Employees are entitled to additional pay for overtime work. Overtime cannot be a regular arrangement, and the employer can only use overtime in special situations. Read more about your working conditions here: arbeidstilsynet.no.
Payslip
In Norway, the standard practice is to arrange for monthly wage payments directly into your account. Subsequent to the payment or in close proximity, your employer is obligated to provide you with a pay slip (lønnsslipp). This document comprehensively outlines your gross salary, tax deductions, and any other applicable deductions. It also specifies your net pay after taxes and details the calculation method for holiday pay. In the event that you do not receive a payslip, it is essential to promptly request one from your employer.
Holiday
The general rule in Norway stipulates that all employees have the right to annual leave (ferie) and corresponding holiday pay (feriepenger). The entitlement is 4 weeks and 1 day, however many people have 5 weeks of vacation per year through collective agreements. Employees possess both the right and obligation to utilize their entire holiday entitlement, and it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the employee takes the full holiday. The timing of the holiday cannot be freely chosen, and if there are specific plans, employees must seek the employer’s permission at least two months prior to the holiday.
In cases where an agreement cannot be reached, the employer holds the final decision. However, employees can request a continuous three-week holiday during the primary holiday period, spanning from June 1st to September 30th. Holiday pay replaces the regular salary and constitutes a minimum of 10.2% of the gross salary. This pay is earned in the year preceding its disbursement (the holiday year) and must be paid when the employee takes a holiday the following year or when their employment with the company concludes. For individuals aged 60 and above, the rate increases to 12.5% of the gross salary, and an additional week of holiday is granted. (info.altinn.no)
Pension
In Norway, most employers in the private sector must set aside funds to establish a pension scheme for their employees. This is called the mandatory occupational pension scheme (OTP). Your employer must save at least 2 percent of your salary for your pension. To be entitled to OTP, you must be a member of the National Insurance Scheme: nav.no.
If you have an electronic ID (for example MinID or BankID), you can check which pension agreement you have here: norskpensjon.no
Tax
If you’re coming to Norway to work for a Norwegian employer, it’s essential to pay tax on all your earnings. Upon arrival, register at the tax office to obtain an online deduction card. Use either a D-number or national identity number each time you work in Norway. Most foreign workers who are new in Norway will automatically become part of a voluntary tax scheme called PAYE (Pay As You Earn) when they apply for a tax deduction card. Under this scheme, you’re taxed at a fixed percentage that your employer deducts from your salary.
The online tax deduction card indicates the amount your employer must deduct before paying your wages. To calculate the correct deduction, the local tax assessment office requires information on your expected earnings in Norway and the duration of your stay. To apply for an online tax deduction card, present a valid passport, residence or work permit, your employment contract with the Norwegian employer, and your Norwegian D-number or national identity number. Your employer will automatically access the information.
Tax return (Selvangivelse)
Between March and April, individuals working in Norway or on the Norwegian continental shelf can anticipate receiving a tax return from the Norwegian Tax Administration. This document offers a detailed overview of your income, deductions, assets, and debts for the preceding income year. It is essential to meticulously review the information in the tax return to verify its accuracy and completeness. If no modifications are required, there is no obligation to submit it. It will be considered submitted with pre-completed information on 30 April. However, if changes are necessary, the deadline for making adjustments and submitting the tax return is 30 April.
How to chec your tax return
1. CHECK THE INFORMATION
Every month, your employer will send you documentation of the salary you have been paid and how much tax has been deducted. Each January, your employer will also send you an annual statement showing your salary payments and tax deductions for the previous year. When you receive your tax return, you must check the information against this documentation.
2. CHECK WHETHER YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A DEDUCTION
You may be entitled to make deductions for various expenses from your taxable income. These are referred to as ‘deductions’, and you must add these to your tax return yourself.
3. FILL IN ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you are a foreign employee and have worked for a foreign company in Norway or have worked for a Norwegian or foreign company on the Norwegian continental shelf, you should complete the “additional information for foreigners” section of the tax return. This is important in order that you receive a correct tax statement.
4. CHECK THAT YOUR ADDRESS IS CORRECT
Always make sure your address is correct.
How to submit your tax return
There is no need to act if there is no change to any of the information on your tax return. The Norwegian Tax Administration will assume that you have checked the information and that it is correct. You must tell the Norwegian Tax Administration that you are moving in cases where you intend to stay abroad for at least six months. You must report the move no more than 14 days before your departure. Reporting a move abroad does not mean that your liability to pay tax in Norway ends. For more information go to Skatteetaten.no
What happens if If you have paid too much or too little tax?
After you have submitted your tax return, the Norwegian Tax Administration will process the information in it and prepare a tax statement. The tax statement will indicate whether you have paid too much or too little tax. You will be refunded any excess amount if you have paid too much tax. You must pay any amount that you owe if you have paid too little tax.
Assistanse
Skatteetaten.no or call +47 800 80 000 (For all of Norway) or +47 22 07 70 00 from abroad.
Renting property
The range of rental properties in cities and surrounding regions varies based on market conditions. It’s an active market with properties being quickly snapped up. Rental prices, determined by location and size, are higher closer to the city center. Agreements typically span three years, extendable to five, with a deposit equal to one- or threemonths rent. Rental prices are usually reviewed annually. The Tenants Association (Leieboerforeningen) safeguards tenant interests, providing advice and services on tenancy agreements. Visit lbf.no for details.
Properties for rent are advertised by letting agents and owners. Check Finn (finn.no) for rental properties. One of the most crucial aspects of finding housing in Norway is starting your search early. Given the highly competitive rental market, it’s recommended to commence your search for accommodation well in advance of your intended move-in date.
Buying property
The real estate profession in Norway is highly regulated. Properties for sale are advertised in real estate offices, local newspapers, and on the internet. as Finn (finn.no).
Individual properties usually have fixed viewing days and times. To buy a property, submit a binding bid to the real estate agent, including financing information. You must obtain a loan commitment certificate from a bank before you start to look at properties. The seller can accept or reject any bid, however once the seller has accepted the bid it is legally binding.
Financing
Contact your bank representative for available financing options and details on the property purchasing procedure.
Checklist
After arriving in Norway
- Apply for a residence permit and national identity number.
- Contact the local National Register (Folkeregisteret) to
record your residence – remember if moving within Norway to update address. - Contact the local tax office to get a tax card
and to inquire about taxation matters. - Enroll your children in school, kindergarten, or day-care
centre (contact your municipality for more information) –
need national identity number. - Register with your country’s embassy or consulate
- Open bank account and Bank ID - need national identity
number. - Subscribe to services, such as telephone, internet, and
cable TV - need national identity number. - Arrange child benefit (if applicable) – need national identity number.
- Buy insurance policies (e.g., homeowners, car) – need
national identity number. - Consider employment matters (e.g., professional
associations and/or trade unions). - Register with Digipost for digital postal service used by
public sector – need national identity number.