Payment in Norway

Employment payment requirements and conditions in Norway

Employers in Norway must comply with specific rules for employee payment, wages, and employment conditions.

This guide summarizes key regulations for payroll, working hours, leave, and employee protections in Norway.

General employee pay regulations

Most Norwegian employees do not have a statutory minimum wage.

• Minimum wage only applies in certain sectors through collective agreements
• Sectors include construction, shipbuilding, agriculture, road transport, hospitality, cleaning, fish processing, and electrical installation
• Outside these sectors, wages are set by individual or collective agreement

Salaries are typically paid once per month, but the law requires payment at least twice monthly unless another arrangement is agreed.

Payment is commonly made in arrears around the 20th of each month, though no strict national payday is imposed.

Employers are not required to use a local bank account to pay wages.

Taxes and social security contributions

Norwegian employers must withhold income tax and social security contributions from employees' salaries.

• Employers deduct tax based on information from employee tax cards
• Social security contributions are mandatory and support Norway's welfare system
• Employers also pay employer social security contributions, which vary by municipality

Both employer and employee contributions must be reported to the tax authorities through the a-melding payroll system.

Working hours and overtime rules

Working hours in Norway are regulated by the Working Environment Act.

• Normal full-time working hours: up to 40 hours per week
• Standard workday: up to 9 hours within 24 hours
• Collective agreements may set shorter weekly hours

Overtime is permitted but requires special compensation and employee consent, except in special situations.

• Overtime pay: minimum 40 percent premium above normal rate
• Total overtime must not exceed legal daily and annual limits

Leave entitlements

Norwegian employees are entitled to several types of statutory leave.

• Annual leave: 25 working days per year; employees over 60 receive additional days
• Holiday pay replaces salary during annual leave
• Sick leave: up to one year, subject to medical documentation
• Parental leave: up to 49 weeks at full pay or 59 weeks at reduced pay, split between parents
• Maternity leave: part of parental leave and includes dedicated pre- and post-birth periods

Employee rights and protections

Norway maintains strong legal protections for employees under the Working Environment Act and related legislation.

• Written employment contracts are mandatory
• Protection against unlawful dismissal
• Right to safe and healthy working conditions
• Anti-discrimination provisions covering recruitment, pay, and conditions

Employees also have whistleblower protection and access to labor dispute mechanisms.

Probation and termination

Employers may set a probation period, not exceeding six months, if agreed in writing at the start of employment.

• During probation, notice periods are shorter but all statutory protections apply

Termination must be justified by objective grounds such as restructuring, underperformance, or other valid reasons.

• Written notice is required, with minimum notice periods set by law and contract
• Unlawful dismissal can be challenged in court or through labor conciliation bodies

Visas and work permits

Foreign nationals who are not citizens of EEA or Switzerland must obtain a residence permit for work purposes before starting employment in Norway.

• Permits are generally linked to the job offer and employer
• Special rules apply for short-term assignments and intra-company transfers

Employer obligations and compliance

Employers must ensure compliance with Norwegian labor laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements.

• Register employees with Norwegian authorities before the first working day
• Maintain accurate payroll records and employment documentation
• Fulfill occupational health and safety obligations
• Report salaries, tax deductions, and contributions to the tax office monthly

FAQs

How often must employees in Norway be paid?

Employees in Norway must be paid at least twice a month unless a different arrangement is agreed, with monthly payments being the usual practice.

Is there a national minimum wage in Norway?

Norway does not have a universal minimum wage. Minimum wage standards apply only within specific sectors through collective agreements, such as construction and hospitality.

What are standard working hours in Norway?

Standard full-time working hours in Norway are up to 40 hours per week, with many employees working slightly less under collective agreements.

What types of leave are employees entitled to in Norway?

Employees are entitled to annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave, including maternity leave, all governed by legislation and collective agreements.

What steps must an employer take when hiring foreign workers?

Employers must ensure all foreign workers have appropriate residence or work permits before employment, in line with Norwegian immigration regulations for non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals.