Norway PEO Services

A trailblazer on the economic front

Boasting a world-renowned economy, an educated workforce, and the highest standards of living in the world, Norway is an excellent choice for any organisation's international expansion.

The Scandinavian nation is a country that has historically decided to go it alone, but it still maintains close relationships with its neighbouring countries and the international community. Despite not being a part of the EU, both Norwegian and foreign-owned companies have unrestricted access to the EU market through the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement.

Many of the country’s funding goes towards knowledge development, innovation, technology, and maintaining a sustainable business sector. Norway is also leading the charge on a sustainable future, with 98% of its electricity coming from renewable sources.

With the country ranking 9th among 190 economies in the ease of doing business, establishing a business here is easy, but partnering with a PEO provider, such as Procorre Global, can cut the lengthy and costly process of establishing an entity abroad. Without having to overspend or put effort into creating your own in-house team, you can start building your global team with our HR and legal support.

Working in Norway

Working in Norway offers a unique blend of career opportunities, work-life balance, and social support that can be difficult to find elsewhere. It should therefore come as no surprise that it's often listed as one of the happiest countries in the world.

Minimum wage

It's important to note that Norway does not have a common minimum wage for all. Instead, the law ensures minimum wages within nine industries. These industries include:

  • Cleaning companies
  • Electricians
  • Agriculture and horticulture
  • Hotels, restaurants, and catering
  • Maritime construction
  • Regular construction sites
  • Fish processing enterprises
  • Passenger transport by tour bus
  • Freight transport

Despite this, it is widely known that Norway has some of the best salaries and best working conditions in the world and this attracts workers from all over.

Working hours

Normal working hours in Norway are 40 hours per week, and 9 hours per day. 8am-4pm are traditionally considered office hours in Norway, but many employers allow flexible schedules.

Even though most employers will undoubtedly appreciate hard work, it is generally frowned upon to work long hours. In some cases, companies have been seriously fined for not complying with the working hours covered by the employment law.

Notice periods

Notice periods must be objectively justified and given in writing unless otherwise agreed in the employment contract or regulated by law.

  • Less than five years: one month’s notice
  • More than five years: 2 months’ notice
  • More than 10 years: 3 months’ notice
Leave entitlement

The Norwegian Holiday Act states that employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks and one day of vacation per year. Most Norwegian employers allow their employees either 21-25 paid vacation days, in addition to the public holidays listed below. Over 60s are entitled to one additional week of holidays.

When it comes to sick pay, employers in Norway must cover sick pay for the first 16 days of an illness. For any longer, the sick pay will be covered by the National Insurance Scheme.

Norway - and Scandinavia as a whole - is known for its generous parental leave policies. There is a parental benefit period available for parents which can last for either 49 weeks with full coverage (15 weeks reserved for each parent) or 59 weeks with 80% coverage (19 weeks reserved for each parent).

Public holidays

On top of the generous vacation allowance, residents of Norway also enjoy a number of public holidays throughout the year.

Visas

Nationals of EU/EEA countries do not need a residence permit to stay or work in Norway for less than three months. Those coming from outside the EU/EEA will need to apply for a residence permit and work permit. Employers who hire employees from outside of these countries with the wrong type of residence permit can be subjected to fines or even imprisonment.

The most common type of Norwegian Work Visa is the Skilled Worker Visa, which is issued to an individual who has found a job for a Norwegian employer and has a university degree or vocational training.  Before an employee can obtain one, they will need to apply for a resident permit.

Part of the application process includes paying the work visa application fee according to the specific visa type. which usually costs around 3,200 to 3,700 NOK.

Taxes

Like many other countries, Norway operates a progressive system for income tax, meaning that the more you earn, the more tax you pay on a percentage basis. General income is taxed at a flat rate of 22%, close to the OECD average (23.6%).

Cultural information

From the west coast fjords to snow-dusted mountains, Norway is a country of great natural beauty. And what's more, you'll be able to see all the sights with their fantastic transportation systems. If you want to relax and soak up the views, their rail journeys are voted among the best in the world.

Flat structure, equality, and trust are core values in Norwegian working life. Coffee breaks are regular and socialising is encouraged as it is believed happy employees will be more productive. Outside of the office, Norwegians view themselves as egalitarian people and the most important values in Norwegian culture are tolerance, respect, and equality.

Languages

As their native language, Norwegians speak Norwegian, and write in one or both of the two principal written forms of the language: Bokmål and Nynorsk. English is commonly spoken in Norway as a second languages (around 85-90% of the population) as they are taught it from the age of 8.

Religion

There is no official religion of Norway, but the people of Norway do practice a variety of religions. The majority of people - around 68% - are Christian. Minority religions include Muslim communities and the Roman Catholic Church.

The Norwegian Market - Did you know?

  • Norway is well known as a Northern Lights hotspot and there is good reason. The city of Tromsø, which lies in the heart of the aurora zone in the Norwegian Arctic, is regarded as one of the world’s best places to see them.
  • During the months of May and July in certain Northern cities, the sun only sets for 3-5 hours each night. And in June, nearer the summer solstice, the sun doesn’t set at all (so don't forget your sleeping mask!)
  • As thanks for helping them out during WWII, every year Norway gifts the UK a huge Norwegian pine as their Christmas tree that goes up in Trafalgar Square.
  • Many wildlife predators can be seen in Norway, including brown bears, Eurasian lynxes, wolverines, and even polar bears.
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