Working in Norway: Your rights and obligations
Published: 10. February 2026
Employment contracts
While working in Norway you are always entitled to a written employment contract. This applies whether you are employed in a permanent or temporary position, and whether you work full-time or part-time.
More information about employment contracts
Payment
The pay is agreed between the employer and the employee as part of the written employment contract. You are entitled to a minimum wage when you work in certain sectors in Norway.
More information about payment.
Working hours
As an employee in Norway, you always 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 remunerations.
More information about working hours.
Working environment
As an employee in Norway, you are entitled to a proper working environment. There are high demands on safety in the workplace, and much is regulated by law.
Report poor working conditions
If you do not need guidance, but you want to report poor working conditions to Arbeidstilsynet, you can use the reporting tool.This tool is in Norwegian and English only.
Click here to report or tip Arbeidstilsynet
HSE card (ID card)
An HSE card is an ID card that shows who you are and who you work for. You must have it on you at work and show it when required. This requirement applies to all workers who perform work on building and construction sites, provide cleaning services or offer services within car care, wheel changes and wheel storage, as well as parts of the goods transport industry. Cards must be ordered by your employer.
More information about HSE card (ID card)
Work and residence in Norway if you are a foreign worker
Work and residence in Norway
About membership in the National Insurance Scheme and which social security rules apply when you are going to work in Norway.
Work and residence in Norway (nav.no)
Membership in the National Insurance Scheme (folketrygden)
Membership in the National Insurance Scheme is the key to rights from Nav. In Norway, you can be a member as a resident or as an employee. In some cases, you can also keep your membership in the National Insurance Scheme while staying abroad.
Membership in the National Insurance Scheme (nav.no)
Support when you lose income, become ill, or are injured
Unemployment benefit (dagpenger)
Unemployment benefit (dagpenger) is a financial support you may get if you are unemployed or temporarily laid off.
Read more about Unemployment benefit (nav.no)
Wage guarantee (lønnsgaranti)
Ensures that you are paid wages, holiday pay and other payment for work you are due, when your employer is unable to pay.
Read more about Wage guarantee (nav.no
Sick leave
Read more about your rights while on sick leave, what the rules are, and what kind of support you can get.
Read more about sick leave (nav.no)
Sickness benefit (sykepenger)
Compensates for your income when you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
Read more about sickness benefit (nav.no)
Injured in connection with work, education or rescue or military service
About your rights in the event of an occupational injury or illness, and the financial support you may be entitled to.
Read more about occupational injury (nav.no)
Aids for disabilities
Workplace or education accommodations
Assistive devices, grants, and adaptations if you have a disability.
Learn more about accommodations at work or in education (nav.no)
For families with children
Parental benefit (foreldrepenger)
Replaces your income when you are staying at home with your child following birth or adoption.
Read more about parental benefit (nav.no)
Pregnancy benefit (svangerskapspenger)
Applies when you are healthy, but cannot continue working during pregnancy because it could pose a risk to the baby.
Read more about pregnancy benefit (nav.no)
Child benefit (barnetrygd)
Financial support when you have children under the age of 18.