Prospects of finding a job and working in Norway as a foreigner

Norway is the best country to live in according to the United Nations, thanks to its

impressive healthcare system and work-life balance

The Scandinavian country has a population of just over five million, with the majority

located in the south, in and around the capital city of Oslo and other bustling urban hubs

such as Berge and Trondheim.

Norway has a thriving economy and a low unemployment rate but international workers can

sometimes struggle to get their foot in the door. To increase your chances of finding work

you should learn Norwegian. While English is widely spoken, the local language is used in

many organisations. Getting to grips with Norwegian will open a variety of opportunities

and will also help you to settle into your new home.

Networking is also important and job opportunities are often advertised through word of

mouth and gained by knowing the right people. Taking on summer, temporary or part-time

work is a great way to build contacts and expand your professional network.

While the cost of living in Norway is relatively high it's a country of great natural beauty,

which you can enjoy for free. Embrace the outdoor culture and get hiking, cycling and skiing.

Jobs in Norway

Norway has a stable economy and an unemployment rate of 3.3% (September 2022). The

country is rich in natural resources such as oil and gas, fish, forests and minerals.

The services sector forms a large part of the Norwegian economy and major industries

include:

• fishing

• hydro power

• mining

• petroleum and gas

• paper products

• shipping

• tourism.

Large companies include:

• BNP Paribas

• Equinor

• Joh Johannson Handel

• NorgesGruppen

• Norsk Hydro

• Orkla

• Storebrand Livsforsikring (life insurance)

• Telenor Group

• Yara International.

Popular Graduate Jobs

• Fishing

• Food processing

• Mining

• Textiles

• Tourism

While Norwegian employers are often reluctant to hire international workers, preferring to

give jobs to able nationals, opportunities are available for skilled international workers as

long as they know where to look.

Shortage occupations

International workers may have more luck securing a job if their skills are in demand.

Workers are needed in the following sectors:

• agriculture

• building and construction

• engineering

• healthcare and nursing

• IT

• teaching

• tourism

• retail.

How to get a job in Norway

To ingratiate yourself into Norwegian society and to increase your chances of finding work

you'll need to learn the language.

Most jobs are advertised on the internet and many newspapers,

including Aftenposten, Dagbladet, and The Norway Post also advertise opportunities.

The method of applying for jobs in Norway is similar to that in the UK. You'll submit a two-

page CV and cover letter, to which you'll attach copies of your references and qualifications,

before attending an interview. Each application should be tailored to the role and CVs and

cover letters should be submitted in Norwegian, unless otherwise stated.

When it comes to interviews, make sure you're on time - Norwegians pride themselves on

their punctuality.

Summer jobs

Seasonal work and casual jobs are widely available for international employees in sectors

including:

• agriculture and horticulture

• fish processing

• forestry

• hospitality• tourism.

You could also try cleaning, fruit picking, becoming an au pair, or working in a warehouse or

factory.

Seasonal workers can be granted a special residence permit if they're going to do a job that

can only be done at a certain time of year.

Internships

Internships and work placements can be an effective way for foreign workers to get their

foot in the door of the Norwegian job market. The majority of opportunities will be based

within large companies in the south, in cities such as Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim.

Language requirements

Norway ranks third in the world for having the highest number of people who speak English

as a second language. Many well-educated Norwegians can speak English fluently, and some

large companies use English as their working language. However, most jobs require workers

to have fluent knowledge of Norwegian. Regardless, learning it will greatly increase your

options and potentially lead to better salaries. Norwegian language courses are available in

the UK.

What it's like to work in Norway

Norwegians work 34 hours per week on average. Working hours are generally from 8am to

4pm, Monday to Friday, including an unpaid lunch break. Any work beyond nine hours a day

or 40 hours a week is considered overtime, which is often paid at time and a half.

You're entitled to at least 25 days of annual leave per year. Norway has 12 public holidays.

The work culture is characterised by a flat structure in which employees are empowered to

work autonomously, with decisions typically made democratically. The dress code is often

informal.

While there is no national minimum wage, minimum salaries have been introduced in

certain sectors such as construction, maritime, agriculture and hospitality.

To know more about other prospects of living in Norway you can search our website for

more such details. For queries and more consult EU helpers.