Employment taxes

• Income tax: Norway has a progressive tax system. The average tax rate is approximately 22%, but it can increase based on your earnings.
• Payroll costs: Employers handle tax deductions and social security contributions, including income tax and National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden) contributions.
• Social security: Employees contribute approximately 8.2% of their gross income to the National Insurance Scheme, which provides coverage for healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits.

Leave policy

• Annual leave: Employees are entitled to at least 25 working days of vacation each year. If you’re over 60, you get an extra week, totaling 31 working days.
• Public holidays: Norway celebrates 12 national holidays
• Maternity leave: 15 weeks of fully paid leave.
• Parental leave: Up to 49 weeks at full pay (or 59 weeks at 80%), shared between parents.
• Sick leave: Full pay for up to 16 days covered by the employer, followed by sickness benefits from the government up to a year.

Employment termination

• Termination must be fair. whether through resignation, mutual agreement, or by the employer for reasons like redundancy or performance issues.
• Notice periods: These vary depending on how long you've been with the company, ranging from 1 to 6 months.

Hiring and contracts

• Employment contracts: Written contracts that clearly outline your job duties, salary, working hours, and terms. A solid contract sets clear expectations for both sides.
• Contract types: You’ll usually sign an indefinite (permanent) contract, but fixed-term contracts are allowed under specific circumstances.

Payroll and salary payments

• Minimum wage: There is no national minimum wage; however, many sectors have collective agreements that set minimum pay.
• Payroll cycle: Salaries are typically paid monthly, usually at the end of the month.
• Standard working hours: Standard is 37.5 hours a week (7.5 hours a day, Monday to Friday). Any work beyond the standard hours gets paid at a higher rate (140% for weekday overtime, 200% for night shifts and weekends)
• Bonuses & Allowances: In addition to performance bonuses, some employers offer allowances, such as meal or transportation benefits.

Benefits

• Mandatory benefits: Employees are entitled to benefits like pension contributions, occupational injury insurance, and public health insurance.
• Optional benefits: Some employers offer additional perks, such as private healthcare, life insurance, and other benefits.

Monthly living costs (Oslo Edition)

• Rent: Expect to pay around NOK 10,000–15,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment in central Oslo.
• Groceries: Approximately NOK 3,000–5,000 per month, depending on lifestyle.
• Transportation: Public transport costs roughly NOK 800–1,000 for a monthly pass.
• Utilities: Utilities, including electricity and water, typically cost NOK 1,000–1,500 per month.
• Dining out: A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost between NOK 300 and NOK 500.

How to get a local ID Number (D-Number)

To work and live in Norway, you’ll need a D-Number (a temporary ID number for foreign workers). You can obtain one through the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten), and it’s essential for accessing tax and services.

Social Security Registration

Once you have your D-Number, you’re automatically registered in the Norwegian social security system, which provides you with access to healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits.

Banking

To open a bank account in Norway, you’ll need a D-Number and proof of address. Popular banks include DNB, Nordea, and SpareBank 1. Most transactions are conducted via BankID for security purposes.

Housing and rental process

• Finding housing: It can be competitive, especially in Oslo. Popular rental sites include Finn.no and Hybel.no.
• Tenant rights: Tenants are well protected. You’ll need a written rental agreement, and you’ll be protected against unjustified eviction.

Healthcare

Norway offers universal healthcare. Once you’re registered in the system, you’ll have access to general practitioners, specialists, and hospital care. While some services require a co-payment, many are either free or low-cost.

Driving and public transport

• Public transportation: Norway’s public transportation is top-notch, featuring buses, trams, and metro systems in major cities.
• Driving: To drive in Norway, you’ll need a valid driver’s license. EU/EEA licenses are accepted; however, non-EU/EEA licenses may need to be exchanged for a Norwegian one after a specified period.

Emergency and important contacts

• Emergency services: Dial 112 for police, fire, and ambulance.
• Non-emergency police: 02800
• Medical advice (non-emergency): 116 117
• Find a doctor or dentist: helsenorge.no

Work permits & Visas

• EU/EEA: If you’re from the EU/EEA, you don’t need a visa—register and get your D-Number.
• Non-EU/EEA: You’ll need a work permit.

At Swapp Agency, we can guide you through the process, so reach out to get all the latest details.

Business culture & work norms

Norwegian work culture values equality, transparency, and a strong work-life balance. Employees typically work 40 hours a week, with overtime compensated. Vacation is encouraged, and collaboration is key to success in the workplace.