Workers rights and obligations in Norway
Having employee rights, safe work contracts and paying taxes are all important components of Norwegian welfare state.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities as an employee, having a proper work contract, and paying taxes correctly are essential parts of living and working in Norway. These rules are part of the Norwegian welfare system, which ensures fair treatment and social security for everyone.
Know your rights before you start working in Norway
When you plan to work in Norway, it is important to understand what you are entitled to as an employee.
Norwegian law protects your rights regarding wages, holidays, holiday pay, and working hours. These rules ensure a healthy work-life balance and fair treatment. You should familiarize yourself with these laws if you plan to work in Norway.
Official information related to workers rights
The main government authority related to workers rights is the Arbeidstilsynet (the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority):
You can find information information and videos in English, Norwegian, Bulgarian, Lithuanian, Romanian, Polish, Russian and Ukrainian on the Arbeidstilsynet website.
Employee contracts: a legal requirement
In Norway, every employee must have a written contract of employment. This applies to all types of employment—whether permanent or temporary. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
Your contract should clearly state your job description, salary, working hours, and other conditions.
As a new employee, your contract may come with a 6-month probationary period. You should check with your employer what rights apply during this period.
- Read about what the contract should contain on the Arbeidstilsynet website.
Minimum wage and salary standards
Norway does not have a universal minimum wage law, but many sectors have collective agreements in place that set minimum pay.
Parental and sick leave
Norway is known for generous parental leave rights, which are important for families moving here. Employees are also entitled to paid sick leave, usually covered by the employer for the frst 16 days, then by NAV. You usually have to provide a doctor's note for sick leave absences longer than 3 days, but confirm this with your employer.
Vacation days and holiday pay
Employees in Norway are entitled to at least 25 working days of holiday per year (or more depending on your age and agreement).
It's a common system in Norway for employees to earn additional holiday time or additional pay by working longer than normal working hours. This usually requires an agreement with your employer, or is regulated by collective agreements.
Trade unions in Norway
Trade unions (fagforeninger) are associations of employees in the same professional area or sector, they make collective agreement between an employer’s federation and a trade union federation.
- Read more about trade unions on Welcome to Oslo.
- Go to Norden.org to read about trade unions and affiliated trade unions in Norway.
In Norway, trade unions have a greater influence on employment than in most other countries. Trade unions work to strengthen the member rights, work terms and conditions, and play a key role in salary negotiations.
It is common to get information about the active trade unions at your work place when you start, and also throughout the year. As a member, you can receive help from the union on workplace issues.
Discrimination and equal treatment
Norway has strong laws to protect equality and prevent discrimination in all areas of society, including the workplace. The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination based on: gender, pregnancy, parental leave, ethnicity, national origin, language, skin color, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and age.
This law applies to hiring, promotions, pay, working conditions, and termination. It also bans harassment and sexual harassment. Employers are legally required to actively promote equality and prevent discrimination in their organizations.
The City of Oslo encourages you to speak up and contact the Likestillings- og diskrimineringsombudet (LDO or The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud) to report bullying, harassment, discrimination, exclusion, abuse, and violence.
Paying taxes in Norway
Get a tax deduction card
If you work in Norway, you need a tax deductn card so your employer can deduct the correct amount of tax from your salary. Without this card, your employer must deduct 50% of your income.
There are different ways to apply for a tax deduction card, and you can apply with or without a National Identification number.
There are two types of tax deduction cards:
- A tax deduction card for the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) scheme
- An ordinary tax deduction card for foreign employees
You should read about the difference between the PAYE scheme and the general taxation rules and check which is better for your situation.
The tax administration (Skatteetaten) gives the information you need about applying for a tax card, and you should read it carefully.
Understanding your tax returns
The tax office receives a notice from your employer confirming how much you have earned in the past year.
In March/April every year, everyone who receives a salary, pension or disability benefit receives a tax return. It is usually a pre-filled tax return and you have to confirm that the information regarding income, allowances, deductions and so forth is correct. If the information is wrong, you must make the necessary corrections.
- Go to the tax adminitration web page about Tax return
- Read a Q&A with Skatteetaten from Oslopolitan.
Tax assessment notice
Once the tax office has processed your tax return, you'll receive a tax assessment notice. If you've paid too much tax, you'll receive a refund paid to the bank account number stated in your tax return. If you've paid too little tax, you will have to pay the underpaid tax.
In Norway, most tax-related processes happen automatically, but it’s essential to set yourself up correctly from the start. Make sure your details are up to date and maintain clear communication with your employer to avoid any issues.
Need help or have workplace-related issues?
Contact the Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) if you do not receive what you are entitled to or if you experience other critical issues in your workplace.
You can call the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's call service on telephone (+47) 73 19 97 00 or notify the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) anonymously.
Further resources from Welcome to Oslo:
Welcome to Oslo is a webpage provided by Oslo kommune (the City of Oslo) for anyone moving to Oslo to work, study, or join a family member, whether you're here for a few months or planning to stay long-term. Explore our other pages: