Norway - Employment

It is quite difficult for foreign nationals to secure employment in Norway, especially if they don't speak Norwegian. It has also been reported that Norwegian employers are often reluctant to hire foreign nationals. More generally, unemployment has been increasing in most sectors in recent years, so there is likely to be a great deal of competition for available vacancies.

Many expatriates working in Norway were brought in to do specialized work in the oil industry. Otherwise, most of the jobs that are available to non-Norwegians are casual, unskilled jobs in catering and hotels, or in areas such as nursing or teaching.

EU/EEA can use the Norwegian Public Employment Service (Aetat) website and local employment offices to assist them in their search for work in Norway. Aetat maintains the largest database of job vacancies in Norway, and most jobs advertised in the newspapers will also be found on this database. Jobseekers can also register their CV on the Aetat website for review by prospective employers. Aetat offers a telephone service providing information on vacancies throughout the country, which can be used from overseas on +47 80033166. Calls to this number from within Norway are free.

Job vacancies are also advertised in the biggest national newspaper 'Aftenposten' and in regional newspapers.

There are many private employment agencies in Norway but these mainly deal with temporary work vacancies, or those in particular sectors or professions. They often charge a fee for their services.
If you are lucky to secure a good job in Norway you are likely to be paid well, as salaries here are the 5th highest in the world, according to a 2005 survey. The terms and conditions of employment are also excellent, as Norway has extensive employment legislation and pay agreements. The normal working week for staff below senior managerial positions cannot exceed 40 hours, if longer hours are imposed on the employee they are entitled to overtime pay of at least 40% more than their usual salary rate.