NORWAY PEO & EOR
Hire in Norway without a local entity today
As a Global PEO & EOR service provider, we pride ourselves on our global reach, in-country knowledge, and ability to swiftly and efficiently mobilize workers around the world. Our robust PEO/EOR covers everything from global HR, payroll, compliance, in-country support, immigration, visas, and more.
Get started and hire in Norway today with Gibson Watts Global.
DID YOU KNOW
- Norway generates nearly all its electricity from renewable hydropower, making it one of the world’s cleanest energy producers.
- The country consistently ranks among the top in global happiness and quality-of-life indexes.
- The midnight sun in northern Norway offers up to 24 hours of daylight during summer months, while winters bring spectacular views of the Northern Lights.
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NORWAY EOR Services
Expand Seamlessly Across Scandinavia
Norway’s advanced economy, political stability, and commitment to sustainability make it a leading destination for international business. With a strong legal framework, highly educated workforce, and world-class infrastructure, it offers a productive environment for foreign investors and employers.
However, Norway’s employment laws are detailed and employee-protective, covering areas such as working hours, leave entitlements, pensions, and collective bargaining agreements. Partnering with Gibson Watts Global as your Employer of Record (EOR) in Norway allows you to hire and manage local employees without establishing a legal entity. We handle employment contracts, payroll, benefits, and compliance with Norwegian regulations, ensuring smooth market entry.
Working in NORWAY
Financial Year Dates
The Norwegian financial year runs from January 1 to December 31.
Minimum Wage
Norway does not have a national statutory minimum wage. Instead, minimum rates are determined through collective agreements by sector — for example:
- Construction: NOK 238.30 per hour
- Cleaning: NOK 216.20 per hour
- Hospitality: NOK 204.20 per hour
Standard working hours
The normal workweek is 40 hours, usually spread across five 8-hour days. Many collective agreements set shorter hours, such as 37.5 per week.
Overtime
Work exceeding the standard weekly limit qualifies as overtime. Overtime must be compensated at minimum 40% above the regular hourly rate, though many agreements specify 50–100% depending on time and day. The maximum overtime allowed is 10 hours per week and 200 hours per year, unless otherwise agreed by the Labour Inspection Authority.
Holiday Allowance
Employees are entitled to 25 working days (equivalent to four weeks and one day) of paid annual leave per year. Employees over age 60 receive one extra week.
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to up to 52 weeks of sick leave per year. The employer covers the first 16 days at full pay; thereafter, the National Insurance Scheme covers payment at 100% of salary, subject to contribution conditions.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Parental Leave: 12 months total shared between parents, paid at either 100% for 49 weeks or 80% for 59 weeks of salary.
Father’s Quota: Minimum of 15 weeks reserved for fathers.
Maternity Leave: Mothers must take at least three weeks before and six weeks after birth
Public Holidays
Norway observes the following national holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Easter Monday
- Labour Day
- Constitution Day
- Ascension Day
- Whit Monday
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Social Contributions
Norway’s social security system (National Insurance Scheme) provides pensions, healthcare, parental benefits, and unemployment insurance.
Employer Contributions:
Employers pay a social security contribution ranging from 0% to 14.1% of gross salary, depending on the region. Most areas apply the standard 14.1% rate.
Employee Contributions:
Employees contribute 8% of gross income toward the National Insurance Scheme.
Income Tax
Norway uses a progressive income tax system for 2025:
- Up to NOK 208,050: 22% (national rate)
- NOK 208,051–292,850: 23.6%
- NOK 292,851–670,000: 25.6%
- NOK 670,001–937,900: 34.6%
- Above NOK 937,900: 35.6%
Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Norwegian-source income.
Health Care
Norway offers universal public healthcare funded through taxes and social contributions. Residents are automatically enrolled in the National Insurance Scheme, which covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, and maternity care. Many employers offer supplemental private health insurance for faster access to specialists.
Visas
Citizens of EU/EEA countries can live and work in Norway without a visa but must register with local authorities if staying longer than three months.
For non-EU nationals, the main visa types include:
- Skilled Worker Visa: For individuals with a job offer in a skilled occupation; typically valid for up to two years.
- Seasonal Worker Visa: For temporary employment in agriculture, tourism, or similar sectors.
- Business Visa: For short-term business travel (up to 90 days).
- Family Immigration Permit: For dependents of Norwegian residents.
13th salary?
Norway does not have a statutory 13th-month salary. However, employees receive holiday pay, which functions similarly — typically equivalent to 10.2–12% of annual salary paid in June before summer holidays.
Cultural Information
Norway values equality, transparency, and work-life balance. The concept of “friluftsliv,” meaning “open-air living,” reflects Norwegians’ deep connection to nature — hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation are part of everyday life.
Norwegian communication tends to be direct and modest, reflecting the cultural principle of Janteloven (the idea that no one is above others). Punctuality, consensus, and professionalism are highly valued in business and social interactions alike.
Traditional cuisine includes dishes like rakfisk (fermented trout), lutefisk, and klippfisk, alongside modern Nordic gastronomy focused on sustainability and local ingredients.