NORWAY

Rectors oppose proposal for non-European student fees

Liberal Party and Christian Peoples Party, which have been

lukewarm on the fees proposal.

In its budget for 2015, the Norwegian government has

proposed that universities and public colleges claim tuition
fees from students from outside the European Economic Area
and Switzerland, starting in autumn next year. But rectors
have opposed the plan.

But in ongoing budget negotiations between the government

and the two parties, the proposal is just a minor detail among
many difficult proposals, so the chances that the fees
proposal will sneak through are not negligible.
Universities, students reject proposal

Budget allocations to higher education institutions have

therefore been cut by NOK81 million (US$12 million) for 2015
and double that amount for 2016.
The proposal will not have any effect on students who are
eligible for funding from the Norwegian State Educational
Loan Fund, or on exchange students.

Higher education institutions are worried that the

introduction of tuition fees for non-European students will
impede internationalisation work, and do not regard the
proposal as a good idea, while most student unions are
strongly against it.

The ministry has estimated that some 1,700 students from

outside Europe could be charged tuition fees that on average
could be set at NOK100,000 (US$14,700).

In an article last weekend in the major Norwegian newspaper

Aftenposten, the rectors of eight major universities were
asked their views. Several said that they would work for a
system where tuition fees for non-European students would
be covered by universities.

Students from the United States, Russia and China will be

particularly hard hit, since students accepted for the
Norwegian Quota Scheme 1,100 grantees from selected
developing countries and some countries in Eastern Europe
or coming through exchange agreements with Norwegian
higher education institutions will not be affected.

Rector Mari Sundli Tveit of the Norwegian University of Life

Sciences said it would have a funding cut of NOK3.2 million in
2015 if the proposal went through. She said she would
propose to the board that fees not be claimed in 2015.

The total number of foreign students in Norway in 2014 is

19,122, up 31% since 2010.
The increase from the three countries Russia, China and the
US, however, was 48% over the four years, totalling 2,867 in
2014, with America having 469 students, China 889 and
Russia 1,509. Students from Australia increased by 51% over
the four years to 110, and the numbers from Brazil by 233%
to 177 students.
The proposal was first presented by the coalition minority
government a year ago, but was not endorsed by parliament.
The government is now depending on support from the

Our foreign students do not mainly come from Europe; we

are working with global problems that are demanding
cooperation beyond Europe, she told Aftenposten.
Dag Rune Olsen, rector of the University of Bergen, said: We
will not introduce tuition fees. We think that foreign students
coming here is a very good investment in our future
international networks.
University of Oslo Rector Ole Petter Ottersen wrote on his
website: Introducing tuition fees will be a loss for Norway.
Sweden introduced such fees in 2011, and the effect was
that the campus became 'Europeanised'. The number of

students from outside Europe was halved during one year.

We have to expect the same effect for Norway.
In Norway, we pride ourselves for international orientation.
Let us therefore subscribe to the free cost principle for higher
education, Ottersen argued.
Minister of Education and Research Torbjrn Re Isaksen said
that he thought it would be fine for universities to not claim
tuition fees and cover the loss of income from their budgets.
They have to weigh the value of having students from third
countries against other priorities, he told Aftenposten.

List of regulated professions

Architect (Arkitekt)
Architect is not a regulated profession in Norway, but in many
EU countries. The system of recognition for sectoral
professions permits architects to be automatically recognised
in another EU country, where the profession is regulated. This
makes it easier for architects to practise there.
Below is an alphabetical list of regulated
professions in Norway.
If you wish to work in one of these professions, you must
first obtain authorisation/recognition of your professional
qualifications.
Find information about the application process and
recognition authorities by choosing from the list.

Nutritionist/Clinical nutritionist (Klinisk

ernringsfysiolog)
Application process
The application procedure for authorisations and licences is
as follows:
1. Registration of application.
2. A request for payment of a registration fee is sent to the
applicant.

3. The applicant pays the fee (if the fee is not paid within four
months after the request for payment is sent, the application
will be deemed to have lapsed).
4. The administrative procedure starts in the department
responsible for applications from Nordic nationals or in the
department responsible for other international applications,
depending on where they come from.
5. If processing the application is likely to take more than one
month after the fee is paid, SAK will send a provisional reply
estimating the time it will take to deal with the application.
6. If the application is incomplete or lacking in any other way,
SAK will send a letter requesting the applicant to rectify the
matter (usually a request to send any missing documents or
for attestation of documents that are missing or that are not
accepted). This letter often accompanies the provisional reply
from SAK.
7. When the application is complete, it will be assessed whether
the conditions for granting authorisation or issuing a licence
are fulfilled.
8. If necessary, the application will be sent to an external
academic adviser (usually at a school/university
college/university). This applies mostly to applicants with
educational qualifications from outside the EEA.
9. A draft decision is written and discussed by the team dealing
with the application and in some cases also by the
management of SAK, and a decision is taken.
10.The authorisation or licence is sent to the applicant, or the
applicant is informed that the application has been refused.
11.The case is closed.

Recognition authority:
Statens autorisasjonskontor for helsepersonell
(SAK) (Norwegian Registration Authority for
Health Personnel)
Phone: (+47) 21 52 97 00
Fax: (+47) 21 52 97 03
Email: post@sak.no
Postal address: Postboks 8053 Dep., NO-0031 Oslo, Norway
Street address: Calmeyers gate 1
Website: www.sak.no

NOKUTs general recognition

Who can apply for NOKUTs general recognition?

General recognition is the alignment of Norwegian and

foreign higher education. Your education will be
evaluated against the Norwegian degree structure,
i.e. whether it corresponds to a bachelors degree,
masters degree or PhD. This recognition does not say
anything about the academic content of an education
programme.
Recognition is voluntary, and is intended as an aid when you
wish to work in a profession which is not regulated by law.
The recognition document can also be used as an aid in
salary placement. In addition, the recognition document may
be used in connection with admission to further studies in
higher education, but you do not normally need recognition
from NOKUT to apply for admission to higher education in
Norway.

You can apply for NOKUTs general recognition if you

have higher education from abroad.
Please be aware that your education may require a special
authorisation. If it is a regulated profession, a different form
of recognition will be necessary.

What can I use NOKUTs general recognition for?

NOKUTs general recognition is a tool to help you to establish
yourself in the Norwegian labour market. You can use
NOKUTs general recognition when applying for jobs in
professions that are not regulated. It is up to the
individual employer if they require you to have recognition
from NOKUT or not.
The recognition document can also be used as an aid in
salary placement.
In addition, the recognition document may be used in
connection with admission to further studies in higher
education, but you do not normally need recognition from
NOKUT to apply for admission to higher education in Norway.

What is NOKUTs general recognition?

NOKUTs general recognition is a voluntary recognition of
higher education taken abroad. We make a comparison of the
education system, where the foreign education is evaluated
against the Norwegian education system.
NOKUT considers the following:

the status of the educational institution and the qualification

in the country where the education was received
the length of the programme
the level of the programme

How does NOKUT assess a foreign education from a

university and/or university college?

Our decision describes:

the length of the programme

the number of credits the programme is worth
the corresponding Norwegian academic degree for the
programme, if any.
Our decision also includes what documents and programmes
we have assessed.

In order for a foreign education to be given general

recognition as equivalent to Norwegian accredited higher
education, it must meet the following minimum
requirements*:

Your education must be adequately documented by

the educational institution or education authorities
abroad.

Your education must be accredited or officially

recognised as higher education.
a. Your education/degree must be part of a countrys higher
education system.
b. The institution must be officially recognised as selfaccrediting at the relevant level or the programme must have
official recognition/accreditation as higher education.
c. For countries where there is no system of official
recognition for higher education, NOKUT will adopt specific
guidelines.
Your education must be at the level of Norwegian
higher education.
a. A comparison of the education systems in Norway and the
country where you received your education will form the
basis for determining whether the criteria are met.
b. Significant differences between the education systems in
Norway and the country where you received your education
may entail that only part of your foreign education may be
recognised as equivalent to Norwegian higher education. The
list of requirements for general university and college
admissions certification for applicants with a foreign
education, the GSU-list, indicates the extent to which a
foreign education will be recognised in full or not.
More about NOKUTs criteria for general recognition
* Recognition of a foreign education as equivalent to
accredited Norwegian higher education is regulated by
Section 3-4, second paragraph, of the Act relating to
Universities and University Colleges (Universities and
University Colleges Act) of 1 April 2005, No. 15 and Section 61 of the Regulations on quality assurance and quality
improvement in higher education and vocational education.

What does NOKUT not assess?

NOKUT does not assess:

Qualifications that are not higher education

Qualifications at the level of upper secondary education and

training
Tertiary vocational education
Whether the programme contains the same courses as a
specific Norwegian programme
Whether your education gives you special expertise
The possibility of admission to further studies
Education that you have taken in Norway
Work experience
How do I apply for NOKUTs general recognition?
To apply for general recognition of your foreign education,
please fill out our application form and attach the required
documentation.

Universities and university colleges

Quality assurance
NOKUT (Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in
Education) is the controlling authority for educational activity
at all Norwegian universities, special field universities,
university colleges and institutions with single accredited
higher education programmes.
Through an evaluation procedure NOKUT decides on the
recognition of the institutions internal quality assurance
systems and carries out checks to see if their educational
provision meets national quality standards.

Vocational schools
NOKUT (Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in
Education) is the controlling authority for all tertiary
vocational education. NOKUTs mechanisms include controls
of the institutions internal quality assurance systems and all
educational provision for compliance with national quality
standards.

Only institutions that have had a broad discipline area

recognised by NOKUT can label themselves "college of
tertiary vocational education".

What separates tertiary vocational education from

higher education?
Both educational types are defined as tertiary education
(with entrance restricted to applicants with secondary school
diplomas). Tertiary vocational education differs from higher
education in these respects:

It has a duration of between half a year and two years and is

oriented towards a specific vocation. It is supposed to provide
a competence that can be directly applied in occupational
life.
It does not have to be research based.}

Valid identity documents:

The information in this paragraph only applies if you have

changed your name.
If the original proof of name change was not issued in
Norwegian, Danish, Swedish or English you must also submit
a certified copy of a translation into one of those languages.

General documentation requirements

NB! The information in section 4A of the application form

(from April 2010) is outdated. NOKUT doesnt accept
confirmation from the Norwegian National Population Register
as proof of identity. Please see below for the list of
documents that NOKUT accepts.
You must submit a certified copy of an identity
document:

The copy must be made from the page of the document that
contains your full name, date of birth and photography.

International passport (including emergency passport

Family passport
National identity card issued by a EEA or EFTA country
Norwegian refugee travel document
Norwegian immigrants passport
B) Proof of name change

Apply for NOKUT's general recognition

A) Identity

If the abovementioned information can be found on several

pages, copies must be made of all the pages that contains
your full name, date of birth and photography.
NOKUT doesnt need copies of the blank pages of your
identity document.

Valid documents for proof of name change:

Marriage certificate (Norwegian or foreign) that contains both

your old and new name
Divorce certificate (Norwegian or foreign) that contains both
your old and new name
Confirmation that contains both your old and new name
issued by the competent official authority in the country
where you changed your name
Confirmation of name change issued by the Norwegian
National Population Register (in Norwegian)
C) Documentation from higher education
Certified copy of final degree diploma from higher education,
in the original language.
Certified copy of official translation of final degree diploma
from higher education.

By final degree diploma we refer to the final proof that a

degree has been completed and awarded (some frame this
document and hang it on the wall). You do not need to submit
this documentation if you are applying for recognition of an
education that was not completed.

educational documents, identity documents and original

translations.

Certified copy of transcript of grades/academic record from

higher education, in the original language.
Certified copy of official translation of transcript of
grades/academic record.

Click on the headings for more information

By transcript of grades/academic record we mean a

list/overview of subjects/grades/number of hours/credits for
all the years of your higher education. If you have a Diploma
Supplement, you can submit this instead of the transcript of
grades/academic record.
By original language, we mean the official language of the
country in which the education was obtained, if this country
has one official language or one of the official languages if
this country has more than one official language.

For some countries, it is a requirement that the transcript of

grades is sent directly to NOKUT from the educational
institution. You can find out whether this is relevant for your
country by checking in the drop-down menu higher up on the
page. If this requirement applies to the country where you
studied, it is your responsibility to contact the educational
institution to request this.

Important information

Transcript of grades sent directly to NOKUT from the

educational institution

C) Documentation from upper secondary school

Certified copy of the final certificate from upper secondary

school/high school, in the original language. If the country
where you received your education does not have a system
for upper secondary school/high school, please submit the
final diploma/certificate from the education that gave you
access to higher education. This document does not need to
be translated.
Note! NOKUT does NOT require original documents unless
this is specified in the requirements for a specific country, or
you have been asked to submit this. This regards original

Translations
NOKUT requires final diplomas, transcripts of grades
and proof of any changes of namethat are issued in a
language other than Norwegian, Danish, Swedish or English,
to be translated to one of these languages.
You can have your documents translated in Norway or
abroad.
NOKUT recommends that you use a government authorised
translator. You can find a list of authorised translators in
Norway at www.translatorportalen.com.
The translations of the documents listed above must be done
by an official translator. It must be apparent in the document
which individual has done the translation.
If the submitted translations are not good enough, NOKUT
reserves the right to ask for new translations.
If you were given documentation in two languages by your
educational institution (where one of the languages is
Norwegian, Danish, Swedish or English), this documentation
can be submitted instead of translations.

Officially certified copies

What is a certified copy?
A certified copy is a copy made directly from an original
document. The certification does not validate the content of
the document; it just means that the copy is identical to the
original.

What are NOKUTs requirements for certified copies?

Certified copies must be attested by a public servant
(employee of the state or county), an employee of a copying
agency, a lawyer or a Notary Public (not in Norway). It must
be apparent from the stamp where the copy was made.
A certified copy must be stamped Rett kopi or True copy
and marked with date and full signature of the person who
made the copy.
All sheets in a set of copies must be attested as certified
copies.
What is not acceptable?
Certified copies made from copies or electronic
documents/printouts.
Certified copies made from copies of apostils/copies from a
Notary Public (read more about apostils in the section
below).
Certified copies made by the applicant themselves, or
persons in close/ family relation to the applicant.
Apostils
NOKUT does not require documents to have apostils.
In many countries it is common practice to have an apostil
put on educational documents.
An apostil is given in two ways:

1. Apostil put directly on the original document to legalize the

document. (Usually for use abroad)

2. Apostils put on copies of the original documents (equivalent

to a certified copy). Copies of the original documents are
fastened to original translation (common practice in Russia,
Ukraine and Belarus, among others).

NOKUTs criteria for general recognition of

foreign higher education
Recognition of foreign higher education as equivalent
to accredited Norwegian higher education is regulated
by the Act relating to Universities and University
Colleges of April 1st 2005 #15, 3-4 subsection 2, and
Regulation on Accreditation, Evaluation and
Recognition of the Act relating to Universities and
University Colleges 5-1. (Hereafter referred to as
the regulation)
Listed below are criteria that have to be met in order to have
foreign higher education recognized as equivalent to
Norwegian higher education. NOKUT is entitled to adjust the
criteria.

1. Minimum requirements and scope

1.1 Minimum requirements for general recognition as

equivalent to Norwegian higher education
1. The education must be sufficiently documented from the
educational institution or the educational authorities in the
country of origin, cf. 5-1 subsection 2 in the regulation.
2. The educational programme must be accredited or officially
recognized as higher education in the country of origin, cf.
5-1 subsection 3 in the regulation.
a. The education/qualification must be a part of the system of
higher education in the country of origin.
b. The educational institution must be officially recognized as
self-accrediting at the relevant level, or the programme of

study must have recognition/accreditation as higher

education.
c. NOKUT employs specific guidelines regarding countries
without a system for official recognition of higher education.
3. The educational programme must be at the same level as
Norwegian higher education, cf. 5-1 subsection 1 of the
regulation.
a. A comparison of the systems of education in Norway and
the country of origin will form the basis for decisions whether
the criteria have been met.
b. Significant differences between the systems of education
in Norway and the country of origin may have as a result in
that only parts of the foreign education is recognized as
equivalent to Norwegian higher education. The list of
requirements for Higher Education Entrance Qualification for
applicants with foreign education - the GSU list (pdf) is a
guiding tool for deciding whether a full or partial recognition
can be granted.
1.2 Credit equivalence

When foreign higher education meets the criteria given for

general recognition, the scope of the education will be stated
in terms of credits, cf. 5-1 subsection 1 of the regulation.
The education will be on the basis of the time parity principle.
This means that one year of standardized study time in the
country of origin equals one year of standardized study time
in Norway (60 credits).
Specification should be given as to whether the credits are at
a bachelors, masters or doctoral degree level. The level is
determined by whether the credits are part of a first cycle
degree (giving access to a graduate degree), a second cycle
degree (giving access to a doctoral degree), or a doctoral
degree in the country of origin.

2. General recognition as equivalent to Norwegian accredited

degree
The criteria for recognition as equivalent to an accredited
Norwegian degree are additional to the criteria for minimum
requirements and equivalence in credits.

2.1 University College candidate degree

NOKUT can grant recognition of foreign qualification as
equivalent to an accredited Norwegian University College
Candidate degree if the education can be recognized as at
least 2 years/120 credits of higher education in Norway. In
addition, the foreign qualification must be a completed
degree, or a completed programme of study in the country of
origin.
2.2 Bachelors degree
NOKUT can grant general recognition as equivalent to an
accredited Norwegian bachelors degree if the qualification
can be recognized as at least 3 years/180 credits of higher
education in Norway. In addition, the foreign qualification
must be a completed degree, or a completed programme of
study in the country of origin.

2.3 Masters degree

NOKUT can grant recognition of a foreign qualification as
equivalent to an accredited Norwegian masters degree,
pursuant to the Regulations for masters degree, if it is a
completed masters degree or other graduate degree in
addition to meeting one of the two following criteria:
The masters degree programme has a scope of at least 120
credits/2 years of standardized study time, and comprises a

thesis with a scope of at least 30 credits. Admission

requirement for the programme is an qualification equivalent
to a Norwegian bachelors degree.
The qualification is an integrated study programme with a
scope recognizable as at least 300 credits/5 years of
standardized study time, and comprises a thesis with a scope
of at least 20 credits.

2.4 Doctoral degree (PhD)

NOKUT can grant recognition of a foreign qualification as

equivalent to an accredited Norwegian doctoral degree (PhD)
if it meets the following criteria:
1. The education must be a completed and officially recognized
doctoral degree achieved at an educational institution
officially accredited/recognized to award doctoral degrees in
the specific field of study. Doctoral degree is defined as
research education in the educational system in the country
in question (third level of the degree structure).
2. The qualification must be a doctoral programme with a
standardized scope of at least 3 years of study/180 credits. If
the degree requirements include specific teaching or other
duties, this should come in addition to the three standardized
years.
3. Admission requirement for the foreign doctoral degree must
be a graduate degree (or an equivalent integrated
programme of study). Effectively, the preceding higher
education and the doctoral degree combined should be
recognizable as 8 years higher education / 480 credits in
Norway.
4. Specific requirements are set for the content of the doctoral
programme.
a. The programme should include tuition/courses at a more
advanced level.
b. The programme should include a thesis based on an

independent scientific work, not including any preceding

education. The thesis workload should correspond to at least
two years of standardized full time study (120 credits).
5. The doctoral thesis must be assessed and approved by an
expert committee.
6. Documentation requirements:
a. A completed copy of NOKUTs application form together
with certified copies of proof of identity and name change, if
applicable.
b. Certified copies of final diploma for the doctoral degree,
and transcript of records or certificate of completed
courses/supervision within the doctoral programme. (with
authorized translations if applicable).
c. Certified copies of final diplomas and transcripts of records
for the education that gave admission to the Doctoral degree.
d. An official description of the current doctoral degree
regulations for the educational institution awarding the
degree. (with authorized translations if applicable)
3. Recognition of specific educational programmes
3.1 Postgraduate studies
NOKUT can grant recognition of foreign postgraduate studies
as long as they are a part of the system of academic higher
education in the country of origin.

3.2 Distance learning and internet-based education

NOKUT can recognize a foreign qualification achieved
through distance learning/internet-based education, provided
that:

it is awarded by an accredited/recognized institution of

higher education,
it is a part of the countrys educational system,
it has the same admission requirements, and grants the
holder the same rights as campus-based qualifications,

it is subject to satisfactory quality assurance.

3.3 Transnational education
Transnational education is a type of education where the
student spends large parts of the stipulated study time in a
country other than that which awards the degree. NOKUT can
recognize this type of education when the institution
awarding the degree is an accredited or officially recognized
institution of higher education, and the transnational
education is subject to satisfactory quality assurance,
cf. Code of good practice in the provision of transnational
education, UNESCO/European Council 2001.

once we have received all the documents

we require.
Translations

NOKUT requires that diplomas, transcripts

and any proof of name change issued in a
language other than Norwegian, Danish,
Swedish or English be translated into one of
these languages. You can have your
documents translated in Norway or abroad.
We recommend that you use a governmentauthorised translator. More about
translations

Copies and
originals

You must submit all required documents as

copies certified by a notary public.officially
certified copies. NOKUT does not require
original documents unlessspecified in the
requirements for each country, or NOKUT
has asked you to submit original
documents. This applies to original
educational documents, identity documents
and original translations.

Print and
sign the
application

When you have completed the entire

application, print it out and be sure to sign
it! Remember that you also need to check
off that we have your permission to contact
the institution and/or authorities in the
country where you received your education.

Send your
application
by post

Finally, send your application with

attachments to us by post. Our address is:
NOKUT, PO Box 578, N-1327 Lysaker,
Norway.

Processing
the
application

You will receive a confirmation from us that

we have received your application no later
than one month after we receive your
application. We will also advise you if any
documents are missing. Missing documents
must be forwarded to us within two months,
otherwise your application will be
dismissed.
Once we have received and registered all
the documents we need, we can begin

3.4 Special cooperation agreements between

recognized and non-recognized institutions
NOKUT can determine specific guidelines for evaluation of
education given by special cooperation agreements between
accredited or officially recognized and non-recognized
educational institutions, cf. criterion 1.1.2.

Read this before you complete the application form

Is NOKUTs
general
recognition
right for
you?

See information about NOKUT's general

recognition.

How to
Read the Guide to the application form (pdf)
complete the
form?
Documentati
on
requirement
s

Always check country-specific and general

documentation requirements. If you submit
a complete application, it will be processed
faster. We will only process your application

processing your application.

It usually takes four months for an
application for NOKUTs general recognition
to be processed. If your application requires
a longer processing time, you will be
informed by post.
Once your application has been processed,
you will receive a decision by post.
Questions

Do you have any questions about NOKUT's

genral recognition or the application
form that you cant find answers to on our
website?
Contact us by email at: utland@nokut.no or
by telephone at : + 47 21 02 18 60 (Monday
to Wednesday, 12 p.m. 3 p.m).

Make sure you include all necessary documentation, and that

all documents are certified as true copies. This will ensure
faster and more efficient processing of your application.
If you are unable to obtain all the necessary documentation,
it is important that you attach a written explanation.

Can I submit my application by e-mail?

No, NOKUT does not accept electronically submitted
application forms or documentation. Applications must be
submitted on paper, along with all necessary documentation,
by post.

What am I responsible for submitting?

Where do I send my application?

You are responsible for submitting an application containing

all the information NOKUT needs to assess your foreign
education.
We will not process your application until we have received
all the necessary documents. Therefore, we ask you to
complete the application form carefully and be aware of
which documents you must submit along with your
application. You can find the application form and application
guidelines here.
More on documentation requirements
Remember! We will not process your application until
we have received all the necessary documents.

Please send your application form and documentation to:

NOKUT,
PO Box 578,
N-1327 Lysaker, Norway

What should I remember before I submit my

application?
Please complete the entire application form. If you complete
the application form online, be sure to print and sign the form
when you are done.

What happens to my application?

You will receive a confirmation e-mail as soon as we have
received your application. If we have not received all the
documents we need, you will be informed of what is missing
in a separate letter sent to the address provided on your
application form
Note: We will only send out one letter to inform you of what
is missing, it is therefore very important that you inform
NOKUT if you should change your address. If you are unsure
of what to submit, it is your responsibility to contact NOKUT
for more information. Your application will be dismissed after
2 months if we have not received all the necessary
documents.

Once we have received and registered all the documents we

need, we can begin processing your application. It usually
takes four months for an application for general recognition
to be processed.
Note: We cannot guarantee that all applications will be
processed within 4 months. If your application requires a
longer processing time, you will be informed by post.
Once your application has been processed, you will receive a
decision by post.

2. The recognition document

This document is designed as a certificate with your name
and date of birth, and provides a summary of the decision.
The most important information from the decision is repeated
in the recognition document:
What your education is recognised as in Norway, i.e. the
number of credits your foreign education awards or that it is
equated with a Norwegian degree.

When can I expect to get an answer to my application?

It usually takes four months for an application for general
recognition to be processed.
Note: We cannot guarantee that all applications will be
processed within 4 months. If your application requires a
longer processing time, you will be informed by post.
If you wish to seek employment or admission to further
studies, you must apply within the given deadline. This
applies even if you have not received NOKUTs decision.
Potential employers or educational institutions can contact
NOKUT directly for information on your education if desired.

Whats in the decision letter and recognition

document?
When NOKUT has processed your application, we will send
you a letter. This letter contains three things:
1. Decision
The decision states:

The education you applied to have recognised.

What your education is recognised as in Norway, i.e. the

number of credits your foreign education is worth, or that it is
equated with a Norwegian degree.
A justification and explanation of the decision.
References to relevant legislation.

What if my application gets rejected?

If your application gets rejected, there may be several
reasons:

Have you been told that your education is not higher

education? NOKUTs general recognition only applies to
higher education taken at a college or university college.
Have you applied for recognition at the appropriate
recognition office? Find information on recognition systems in
Norway.
Has your application been rejected because your it did not
include the necessary documents and you would like to apply
again? Submit a completed application form along with the
documentation we have asked you to submit. More on
documentation requirements.
Do you have questions about the outcome of the recognition
process? Feel free to contact us.
If you disagree with the outcome of the recognition process,
you have the right to appeal. More about the right of appeal.

The most important Norwegian laws are:

Can I appeal the decision?

NOKUTs decision is an individual decision that you have the right to
appeal pursuant to Section 28 of the Public Administration Act. Appeals
must be submitted within three weeks from the day you received the
decision. If your appeal is received too late, it will be rejected.
To appeal the decision, you must file a written appeal. It must include
your grounds for appeal and any additional documentation that you
feel is relevant to the case. We recommend that get well acquainted
with NOKUTs criteria before you make an appeal.
We will send you a confirmation by post once we have received your
appeal. NOKUT will then perform a new assessment of your education.
If we conclude that our decision should be changed, you will receive a
new decision by post. If our decision remains unchanged, or if your
appeal is only partially successful, the matter will be forwarded to an
external appeals board, which is appointed by the Norwegian Ministry
of Education and Research. You will receive a copy of the letter that
NOKUT submits to the appeals board.
The appeals board usually meets 3 to 4 times a year. This means that
the appeals process will be long. NOKUT cannot affect the time it takes
to get your case processed by the appeals board.

What laws and regulations does NOKUT use to make

decisions?
NOKUTs decision is an individual decision. The following laws and
regulations are the basis for the decision:

1. The Act relating to Universities and University Colleges of 1

April 2005 No 15.
Regulation on admission requirements for first degrees at universities
and university colleges. Regulation on accreditation, evaluation and
recognition by the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges.
2. The Public Administration Act of 10.02.1967 regarding
proper administrative procedures.

1. The Act relating to Universities and University

Colleges
Recognition of education is outlined in the Act relating to Universities
and University Colleges, Chapter 3, 3-4:
3-4 (2) states that on the basis of applications from private
individuals NOKUT decides whether or not education from foreign
institutions of higher education, or Norwegian institutions not covered
by the Act, should be recognized as equivalent to Norwegian
accredited higher education.The Ministry can set regulations on
administrative procedures and access to appeals by this stipulation.

Section 3-4, second paragraph of the Act relating to Universities and

University Colleges (Universities and University Colleges Act) of 1 April
2005, No. 15.
Section 6-1 of the Regulations concerning quality assurance and
quality development in higher education and tertiary vocational
education.
Regulations concerning requirements for masters degrees.
The Public Administration Act.

2. The Public Administration Act

Laws

Important sections in chapter III:

Recognition is carried out in accordance with Norwegian laws

and international agreements ratified by Norway.

11, duty to provide guidance:

An administrative body has a general duty to provide
guidance within its field of work. This implies, among other
things, that inquiries to the body MUST be answered, and

Decisions on recognition of education pursuant to 48 of the Act

relating to Universities and University Colleges, as well as admission
and transfer of credits/subjects, are individual decisions that can be
appealed against. The procedure must be conducted in accordance
with the Public Administration Act.

that the body should attend to the other partys need for
information unsolicited.
11a, processing time, preliminary reply:
The administrative body should prepare and decide upon the
case without undue delay. In the event that a case will be
disproportionately delayed, a preliminary reply (message of
delay) should be issued within one month. The message of
delay should inform of the reason for the delay and, as far as
possible, indicate when an answer can be expected.
11d, oral conferences and recording of information:
An applicant cannot demand to speak to a case officer.
However, if sound execution of the service allows it, a party
in a case with a substantiated reason for an inquiry should be
allowed to speak to a civil servant at the administrative office
in charge of the case. If new information is presented in the
case, this should be recorded insofar as possible.

Important sections in chapter IV:

17, Duty of the administrative body to report and inform:
The administrative body should ensure that the case has
been sufficiently scrutinized before coming to an
administrative decision.

Important sections in chapter VI:

28, decisions that are subject to appeals, appeals authority:
Individual decisions can be appealed to the administrative
body (appeals authority), which is the closest superior to the
administrative body that made the decision.
29, time limit for lodging an appeal:
The time limit for appeals is 3 weeks upon receipt of the
decision by the applicant.

What is the GSU-list?

GSU is a Norwegian acronym for higher education entrance
qualification for foreign applicants. It is a list used by the
Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service
(NUCAS) for admission to educational programmes. In
addition, it is used when NOKUT considers applications for
general recognition of a foreign education. The list contains
information about what kind of education you need to be
eligible to apply for admission to universities and university
colleges in Norway. For some countries, you must have
higher education from your home country after upper
secondary education and training. It is important to
remember that there is also a separate list of requirements
for proficiency in English and Norwegian.

Important sections in chapter V

23, the formal requirements for individual decisions:
An individual decision should normally be in writing.
24-25, the content of the argument:
Individual decisions should be substantiated. Reference
should be made to the rules forming the basis of the
decision. Where administrative judgment is applied, the
deciding motives for the judgment should be mentioned.

Higher Education Entrance Qualification for Persons with

Foreign
Education - The GSU-list
The general basis for admission to universities and
university colleges in Norway is called Higher
Education Entrance Qualification. For applicants with

foreign education, the requirements are specified in

the GSU-list.

Who uses the GSU-list?

The GSU-list (Higher Education Entrance Qualification for
foreign applicants) is used by Norwegian universities and
university colleges in the admission process to higher
education. In addition it is used in NOKUTs assessment of
applications for general recognition of foreign education.

What does the list contain?

The list contains information about what type of basic
education you must have to qualify for admission to
universities and university colleges in Norway. For some
countries, some higher, post-secondary education from the
country of origin is required. In addition, there
are requirements for proficiency in English and
Norwegian (pdf).

Country: EL SALVADOR
Language requirement: Yes
Education: Bachillerato + 1 year university education

Tests:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a
minimum score of 60 for an
internet-based test (iBT) or 500 for a paper-based test (PBT)
International English Language Testing Service (IELTS)
Academic test with a minimum
score of 5.0
Advanced Placement International English Language
examination (APIEL) with a minimum
score of 3

In addition, applicants will have proof of sufficient English

proficiency if they have:
Completed one year at university in an English-speaking
country (Australia, Canada,
Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA), provided that
the language of instruction was English.
Completed university education where the subject English
comprised the main component
of the course of study.
Documentation of Norwegian language proficiency
All applicants with education outside the Nordic region must
document sufficient knowledge of Norwegian, cf.
2- 2 of the Regulations relating to admission to universities
and university colleges, as prescribed by the
Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, 31 January
2007.
Norwegian language proficiency must be documented by
passing one of the following examinations:
examination in Norwegian from upper secondary school on
the Vg3-level (Knowledge Promotion
(Kunnskapslftet)) / Norwegian as a second language from
upper secondary school on the VKII-level
(Reform 94)
level 3 examination in Norwegian for foreign students at
Norwegian universities
examination from the 1-year course in Norwegian language
and culture for foreign students, taken at a university or a
university college
Test of Norwegian, advanced level (known as
Bergenstesten) with a score of at least 450, or with
Pass mark after the introduction of the new scoring system
beginning fall 2009 .
Universities and university colleges may accept other proof of
Norwegian language skills.
Applicants from the other Nordic countries with qualifications
granting general admission to higher education
in their home country, and who have studied their native
language at the most advanced level at upper
secondary school are not required to take a Norwegian
language proficiency test.

Do I need NOKUTs general recognition to apply for

admission to higher education?
It is not a legal requirement to have NOKUTs general
recognition of an education to apply for admission to higher
education in Norway, but an institution may require it
nevertheless.
When an institution requires an assessment from NOKUT, you
should be aware that NOKUT does not take into account the
language requirements for admission. NOKUT cannot assess
whether the subjects you have taken at a foreign institution
can count toward a degree at a Norwegian institution. That is
the institutions responsibility.

Does it cost anything to apply for NOKUTs general

recognition?
No, it is free to apply for NOKUTs general recognition.
Please note that NOKUT requires that diplomas, transcripts
and any proof of name change issued in a language other
than Norwegian, Danish, Swedish or English be translated
into one of these languages. In addition, all submitted
documents must be certified true copies. These requirements
may cause you some expense.

NOKUTs country database

NOKUTs country database contains information about
different countries education systems. There is also
information about NOKUTs assessment procedures for
degrees from each country. The database also includes an
overview of the main structures of the education systems of
each country, from primary school to higher education, major
educational reforms and information on quality assurance or
accreditation of higher education.

How do I apply for admission to study in Norway?

Find information on how to apply for admission:
Bachelors degree programmes
The Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service
(NUCAS) is responsible for processing applications for
bachelors degree programmes and other undergraduate
programmes in Norway that build directly on upper
secondary education and training. Applications for admission
must be sent to the Norwegian Universities and Colleges
Admission Service (NUCAS).
Some private institutions have separate admissions
processes, where you send your application directly to the
institution. Applications for supplementary studies must also
be sent directly to the institution.
Masters programmes
Application for admission to masters degree programmes
must be sent directly to the institution where you want to
study. For information about the various programmes,
deadlines and admission requirements, please contact the
specific institution.
Continuing and further education programmes
Many educational institutions offer continuing and further
education and training programmes in a variety of
disciplines. Programmes, disciplines and the curriculum can
vary. The same applies to deadlines and admission
requirements. For more detailed information, please contact
the institution at which you wish to study.
Tertiary vocational education
Application for admission should normally be sent to the
vocational school you want to attend. Please contact the
relevant vocational school for more information.
The exception is technical programmes: There is a national
admissions process for full-time vocational programmes at
county technical vocational schools, visit the website for
the National Admissions Office for Vocational Schools
(Nasjonalt opptakskontor for fagskolen) for more information.
The website also has an overview of county vocational

schools, the subjects they teach as well as their scope and

depth, and the necessary addresses and telephone numbers.

What languages do I need to know?

The language requirements for Norwegian and English can
differ in connection with admission to higher education in
Norway, and will vary based on whether you are applying to a
bachelors or masters programme. The Norwegian
Universities and Colleges Admission Service (NUCAS) can
provide more information.

Upper secondary education and training

If you have taken all or part of your upper secondary
education and training abroad and want to apply for
admission or acceptance to upper secondary education and
training in Norway, you have several options. Please contact
the counselling service at the school to which you are
applying for advice and guidance with regard to potential
recognition of individual subjects (exemption from certain
subjects). They can tell you if you can be exempted from
entire school years successfully completed abroad, and
answer questions about programmes and subjects.

Accredited Institutions
An accredited higher education institution is granted the right
to offer educational provision, without having to apply to
NOKUT for specific (programme) accreditation, in accordance
with the powers that its institutional category implies.

How can I have my previous education count toward a

Norwegian degree programme?
If you want to have your foreign education assessed to see if
it can count toward a Norwegian degree programme, you
must first apply for admission to the programme you want to
study. After you have been admitted to a degree programme,
you can apply to the educational institution for an
assessment of what can count toward your Norwegian
degree. Educational institutions base their decisions on the
programmes they offer, and assessments may therefore vary
depending on the institution you are attending. We
recommend that you contact the institution in advance to
find out how much of your previous education will be
accepted.

Do I need recognition from NOKUT to apply for

admission to higher education?
It is not a legal requirement to have general recognition of an
education to apply for admission to higher education in
Norway, but an institution may require it nevertheless.

There are three categories of institutional accreditation in

Norway:
Universities
Universities have the right to establish programmes at all
levels.

Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
The University of Agder
The University of Bergen
The University of Nordland
The University of Oslo
The University of Stavanger
UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Specialised University Colleges
Specialised University Colleges have the right to establish
study programmes at all levels within their majors.

The Oslo School of Architecture and Design

BI - Norwegian School of Management
School of Mission and Theology
NHH Norwegian School of Economics
The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
Norwegian Academy of Music
MF - Norwegian School of Theology
Molde University College - Specialized University in Logistics
University Colleges
University Colleges have the right to establish study
programmes at bachelor's level.

Ansgar Teologiske Hgskole

Bergen Academy of Art and Design
Bergen University College
Betanien University College
Buskerud University College (merged with Vestfold University
College)
Diakonhjemmet hgskole
Diakonova University College
Forsvarets ingenirhgskole
Forsvarets skole i etterretnings- og
sikkerhetstjeneste (Norwegian only)
Gjvik University College
Harstad University College
Hedmark University College
Hyskolen Campus Kristiania
Krigsskolen
Lillehammer University College
Lovisenberg Diaconal University College
Luftkrigsskolen
Narvik University College
Nesna University College
NLA University College
North Trndelag University College
The Norwegian Defence University College (NDUC)
Norwegian Police University College
Oslo National Academy of the Arts

Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Science

Queen Maud University College
Smi University College
Sjkrigsskolen
Sogn og Fjordane University College
Stord/Haugesund University College
Sr-Trndelag University College
Telemark University College
Vestfold University College (merged with Buskerud University
College)
Volda University College
Westerdals Oslo ACT
stfold University College
Aalesund University College
University Colleges with accredited study programmes
All institutions with accredited study programmes may call
themselves University College.

University Colleges with accredited study programmes

University Colleges that are not accredited institutions must
apply to NOKUT for accreditation of study programmes at all
levels.
Note: Some of these University Colleges only have Norwegian
names and websites.

Atlantis medisinske hgskole (Norwegian only)

Barratt Due Institute of Music
Bergen School of Architecture
Bjrknes College
Correctional Service of Norway Staff Academy
Fjellhaug International University College
Musikkteaterhyskolen (Norwegian only)
Noroff (Norwegian only)
Norsk Gestaltinstitutt Hgskole (Norwegian only)
The Norwegian College of Dance

The Norwegian Institute of Children's Books

The Norwegian School of Theology
The Norwegian University College for Agriculture and Rural
Development
Rudolf Steiner University College
Skrivekunstakademiet (Norwegian only)
The University college of eurythmy in Norway
Do I need a visa to study in Norway?
The requirements you need to meet to be allowed to study in
Norway depend on which country you come from. Among
other things, it depends on whether you come from a country
within the EEA or if you come from a country outside the EEA.
You can find more information at the Norwegian Directorate
of Immigration (UDI).
More about:

Postgraduate programmes
Postgraduate programmes are not part of the coordinated
admission service provided by NUCAS. For information on
admission to postgraduate degrees, please contact the
respective institutions directly.
Requirements
Applicants have to meet the general admission requirements
and document proficiency in the Norwegian language in order
to be eligible for admission. Applicants can find information
on general requirements on the GSU-list.
Some study programmes have requirements in specific
subjects from upper secondary school, work experience,
entrance test etc. in addition to the general requirements.
The application deadline for applicants with secondary
education from non-Nordic countries is 1st March.

Residence permits for students at the UDI

Registration scheme for EEA nationals at the UDI

The application deadline for applicants with secondary

education from the Nordic countries is 15th April.

The Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission

Service
The Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service
(NUCAS) also known as Samordna opptak, coordinates the
admission to ordinary undergraduate study programmes at
all universities, university colleges, and some private
university colleges in Norway.

Applicants must meet all requirements before 1st July.

Secondary school graduates must submit their school leaving
certificate before 1st July.

The NUCAS admission system is primarily meant for

Norwegian citizens and individuals with a permanent or
renewable residence permit in Norway.
International programmes
Study programmes taught in English are not part of the
coordinated admission service provided by NUCAS.
International students who would like to apply for
programmes taught in English can find information on this
web sitewww.studyinnorway.no

Applicants with foreign secondary education will be assessed

individually and the institutions you have applied to will
decide who will be offered a study place. The assessment is
based on the grade point average/grades from upper
secondary school/high school, the grade or points in the
examination in Norwegian amongst other things.
The enrolment offers are published on 20th July.
Applicants are asked to accept or decline the offer by
the indicated deadline. Please note that admission to
some programmes is highly competitive.Contact
Telephone: 815 48 240 (Service Hours: 09:00-15.00
Monday to Friday)
E-mail: sokerinfo@samordnaopptak.no
Postal address:
Samordna opptak

Postboks 1175
0318 Oslo

Published Jan 15, 2013 04:30 PM - Last modified Oct 28, 2014
02:57 PM
Is the programme approved by NOKUT?

In Norway, there are over 4,000 educational programmes at

around 200 institutions. NOKUT accredits and checks that
educational institutions meet programme quality
requirements.

Vocational school

All vocational education programmes are approved by

NOKUT, and entitle students to financial support from the
State Educational Loan Fund. The fact that a programme is
approved, means that the quality of education is at a
satisfactory level.

Implementation of the national

qualifications framework in Norway

Higher education

The NQF gives a description of the formal Norwegian

education and training system. The NQF levels are
formulated on the basis of what a person know, can do, and
is capable of doing as a result of a learning process. The
outcomes of the completed learning process are described in
the categories knowledge, skills and general
competences. The NQF also gives an overview of included
degrees, diplomas, certificates, craft or journeymans
certificates and documents of skill.

This section gives you information about how the NQF

has been implemented in formal recognised education
and training in the Norwegian education and training
system.

NOKUT approves programmes that university colleges are not

allowed to start up on their own. NOKUTs approval of
programmes is called accreditation. When a programme is
accredited by NOKUT, the quality of education is considered
to be at a satisfactory level. You are awarded credits for
courses you have passed and you can get financial support
from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund.
If you cannot find your programme in this list, it could be due
to one of the following:

If a university college has an accredited doctoral program,

they can start a new Masters programme in the same
subject without applying for accreditation from NOKUT.
Accredited university colleges (those that have been
accredited by NOKUT and the Norwegian Ministry of
Education and Research as university colleges), may set up
programmes at the bachelor level without applying to NOKUT.
See the institutions to which this applies.
Some university colleges had programmes accredited by the
Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research before NOKUT
was created in 2003.
The programme has not been accredited. In such case, you
cannot be awarded credits for the programme or financial
support from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund.
The programme may be a tertiary vocational education.

Universities are entitled to start up programmes in all

disciplines and at all levels (bachelor, master and doctoral),
and do not need to apply to NOKUT.

The NQF is a national overarching qualifications framework.

Study programs and subject related learning outcomes
descriptions are written in syllabics and curriculas.
The NQF is a tool for easier understanding of the:
correlation between the levels of qualifications in the
educational system
difference between the learning outcomes at the various
levels in the NQF

different paths to achieve a qualification through education

How to use the Norwegian qualifications framework
The Norwegian Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning
(NQF) can be used as a support to:
improve communication between the educational sector and
the labour market
offer a superior description of what a pupil/-apprentice/candidate is expected to know, understand and be able to do
after successful completion of learning
describe the workings of the Norwegian system in a new
manner, which will pave the way for improved education and
career guidance
facilitate the comparison of qualifications from other
countries, via the EQF and the QF-EHEA
open the way for the development of new instruments for
validation of competencies achieved outside the formal
educational system
The levels of qualifications in the NQF
Here you can find descriptions of the levels in the
qualification framework.
The Norwegian qualifications framework (NQF) has
seven levels. All levels are defined as a qualification
written as learning outcomes in the categories of
knowledge, skills and general competences.
Its core is the seven reference levels of qualifications, from
those obtained at the end of lower secondary education,
(level 2) to the highest (level 8, ph.d. or equivalent). The
three highest levels correspond to higher education levels as
also defined within the European Higher Education Area.
Norway has non qualifications at level 1.

Levels and learning outcome descriptors

The NQF levels are formulated on the basis of what a person

know, can do and is capable of doing as a result of a learning
process. The outcomes of the completed learning process are
described in the categories knowledge, skills and
general competences.
The categories describing learning outcomes include:
Knowledge: Understanding of theories, facts, principles,
procedures in subject areas and/or occupations.
Skills: Ability to utilise knowledge to solve problems or tasks
(cognitive, practical, creative and communication skills).
General competence: Ability to utilise knowledge and skills
in an independent manner in different situations.
Level 1 is not part of the NQF, and is therefore not included in
this overview.

Level 2: Competence from primary/lower secondary

school
Knowledge
Skills
General
competence
The candidate

The candidate

The candidate

has a basic
knowledge of
important facts and
concepts in and
across subjects
has knowledge of
fundamental
political, social,
cultural and
environmental
conditions
has a basic
knowledge about
the use of sources,
about how

can express
him/herself verbally
and in writing, read,
is numerate and can
use digital tools in
the school work
context
can present topics in
Norwegian/Sami and
at least one foreign
language
can use experience,
creativity and
exploratory work
methods to acquire

can make use of

his/her
knowledge and
experience to
participate in a
democratic and
inclusive society
can cooperate
with others in
both the
work/school and
social context
can discuss and
assess others
and his/her own

information can be
obtained,
documented,
assessed and
applied
has a basic
understanding of
learning how to
learn
is familiar with
different
educational choices
and occupations

new knowledge
can use practicalaesthetical work
methods in several
subject areas
can reflect on
his/her own
participation in
different media

school work
under
supervision
can make
independent
choices, state
the reasons for
them and act on
the basis of
them

Level 3: Basic competence (partially completed upper

secondary education)
Knowledge
Skills
General
competence
The candidate

The candidate

The candidate

has knowledge of
important facts and
concepts in his/her
own
subject/subject
area
has knowledge of
work methods,
procedures and
tools in one or
more limited
subjects/subject
areas
is aware of relevant
regulations and
quality
requirements
has an
understanding of

can communicate
and express
him/herself in his/her
own subject/subject
area
can use relevant
technology to solve
subject-specific tasks
can receive and
follow instructions
and carry out specific
tasks within the
subject area
can be creative when
carrying out tasks
can search for and
use information from
different sources to
further his/her

can cooperate
with others in
the performance
of work and
utilise relevant
skills and
knowledge
can initiate and
carry out limited
tasks
can seek and
accept guidance
in relation to
concrete tasks
and own
vocational
development

his/her own
educational and
work opportunities

development in
relation to future
work and/or
education

Level 4A: Completed upper secondary vocational

education Subject-related skills and vocational
competence
Knowledge
Skills
General
competence
The candidate

The candidate The candidate

has knowledge of
relevant concepts,
models and
principles in the
subject area
has knowledge of,
and has an
overview of
materials,
equipment and
work methods, and
can give reasons
for his/her choices
has the
experience-based
knowledge
required to
practise in the
vocational field
has insight into the
importance and
historical
development of
the
trade/occupation in
a societal
perspective

can
systematise,
present and
report on
planned and
completed work
can carry out
calculations and
assess
consequences
can solve
vocational
challenges in a
critical and
creative
manner, alone
or in
cooperation
with others
can use
relevant
concepts,
principles,
materials and
equipment in
his/her work
can

can use his/her own

vocational
competence in new
and complex contexts
can work
independently and
take responsibility for
ensuring that work is
carried out with the
required
craftsmanship and in
accordance with
legislation,
regulations and
established ethical
standards in the
trade/field in question
can cooperate and
communicate with
colleagues, customers
and/or users when
carrying out his/her
work
can guide others in
their work
can document and
assess others work

has knowledge of
relevant
regulations,
standards,
agreements and
quality
requirements
has knowledge of
different learning
strategies and can
utilise them in
his/her own
learning
has an
understanding of
his/her own
educational and
work opportunities

communicate in
at least one
foreign
language
can assess and
choose work
methods for
solving subjectspecific tasks
can be creative
when planning
and performing
work
can carry out
work in
accordance with
the applicable
regulations,
standards,
agreements and
quality
requirements
can analyse and
assess different
types of sources
of relevance to
his/her own
work

and own work in

connection with
planning, organising,
work performance
and results
can reflect on his/her
own vocational
competence as the
basis for future
choices
can initiate tasks and
activities that
promote his/her own
learning and
development

principles and
methods in
different subjects
has the
experience-based
knowledge
required to
practise different
subjects
has insight into
how academic
issues relate to
society as a
whole
has knowledge
of different
learning
strategies and
can apply them
in his/her own
learning
has an
understanding of
his/her own
educational and
work
opportunities

contexts
can read, is numerate
and can use digital
tools and media to
solve academic
challenges in a critical
and creative manner,
alone or in
cooperation with
others
can use academic
terminology in
communication and
cooperation
can communicate in at
least two foreign
languages
can apply relevant
methods, principles
and strategies to solve
subject-specific tasks
can explore, analyse,
formulate and discuss
different issues
can analyse and
assess different types
of sources

Level 4B: Completed upper secondary school Higher

education entrance requirements
Knowledge
Skills
General
competence
The candidate

The candidate

The candidate

has knowledge
of important
facts, concepts,
theories,

can express
him/herself verbally
and in writing in
different academic

can use his/her

own academic
competence in
new and

complex
contexts
can plan and
organise work,
independently
and in
cooperation with
others
can use his/her
academic
knowledge and
skills to develop
knowledge
together with
others
can guide others
to a certain
extent in
academic
situations
can assess the
quality of and
take
responsibility for
the results of
his/her own and
joint work
can reflect on
his/her own
academic
competence as
the basis for
future choices

Level 5: Tertiary vocational training 1

Knowledge
Skills
General
competence
The candidate

The candidate

The candidate

has knowledge of
concepts,
processes and tools
that are used in a
specialised field of
work
has insight into
relevant
regulations,
standards,
agreements and
quality
requirements
has a knowledge of
the industry and is
familiar with the
field of work
can update his/her
vocational
knowledge
understands the
importance of
his/her own
trade/discipline in a
societal and valuecreation
perspective

can apply
vocational
knowledge to
practical and
theoretical
problems
masters relevant
vocational tools,
materials,
techniques and
styles
can find
information and
material that is
relevant to a
vocational
problem
can study a
situation and
identify subjectrelated issues and
what measures
need to be
implemented

understands the
ethical principles
that apply in the
trade/ field of work
has developed an
ethical attitude in
relation to the
practising of his/her
discipline
can carry out work
based on the needs
of selected target
groups
can build relations
with his/her peers,
also across
discipline
boundaries, and
with external target
groups
can develop work
methods, products
and/or services of
relevance to
practising the
discipline

Level 5: Tertiary vocational training 2

Knowledge
Skills
General
competence
The candidate

The candidate The candidate

has knowledge of
concepts, theories,
models processes
and tools that are
used in a
specialised field of

can explain
his/her
vocational
choices
can reflect over
his/her own

can plan and carry out

vocational tasks and
projects alone or as
part of a group and in
accordance with
ethical requirements

work
can assess his/her
own work in
relation to the
applicable norms
and requirements
is familiar with the
history, traditions,
distinctive nature
and place in
society of the
trade/discipline
has insight into
his/her own
opportunities for
development

vocational
practice and
adjust it under
supervision
can find and
refer to
information and
vocational
material and
assess its
relevance to a
vocational issue

and principles
can exchange points
of view with others
with a background in
the trade/discipline
and participate in
discussions about the
development of good
practice
can contribute to
organisational
development

Level 6 (part of Bachelor) University College Graduate:

A candidate who has completed his or her qualification
should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms
of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge

Skills

General competence

The candidate

The candidate The candidate

has knowledge
of important
topics, theories,
problems,
processes, tools
and methods in
the subject area
is familiar with
research and
development
work in the field
can update
his/her

can apply
academic
knowledge to
practical and
theoretical
problems and
explain his/her
choices
can reflect on
his/her own
academic
practice and
adjust it under

has insight into relevant

ethical issues relating
to the field/ profession
can plan and carry out
tasks and projects alone
or as part of a group
and in accordance with
ethical requirements
and principles
can present important
academic material such
as theories, problems
and solutions, both in

knowledge in the
subject area
is familiar with
the subject areas
history,
traditions,
distinctive nature
and place in
society

supervision
can find, assess
and refer to
information and
academic
material and
relate it to an
issue
masters
relevant
academic tools,
techniques and
styles

writing and orally, as

well as using other
relevant forms of
communication
can exchange opinions
with others with a
background in the field
and participate in
discussions concerning
the development of
good practice
is familiar with new
ideas and innovation
processes

his/her
knowledge in
the field
has knowledge
of the history,
traditions,
distinctive
character and
place in society
of the academic
field

supervision
can find, evaluate
and refer to
information and
scholarly subject
matter and present
it in a manner that
sheds light on the
problem
masters relevant
scholarly tools,
techniques and
forms of
communication

Level 6: Bachelor (1. cycle)

A candidate who has completed his or her qualification
should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms
of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge

Skills

General
competence

The candidate The candidate

The candidate

has broad
knowledge of
important
topics, theories,
issues,
processes, tools
and methods
within the
academic field
is familiar with
research and
development
work in the field
can update

has insight into

relevant academic
and professional
ethical issues
can plan and carry
out varied
assignments and
projects over time,
alone or as part of a
group, and in
accordance with
ethical requirements
and principles
can communicate

can apply academic

knowledge and
relevant results of
research and
development work
to practical and
theoretical
problems and make
well-founded
choices
can reflect upon
his/her own
academic practice
and adjust it under

important academic
subject matters such
astheories, problems
and solutions, both in
writing and orally, as
well as through other
relevant forms of
communication
can exchange
opinions and
experiences with
others with a
background in the
field, thereby
contributing to the
development of good
practice
is familiar with new
thinking and
innovation processes

Level 7: Master (2. cycle)

A candidate who has completed his or her qualification
should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms
of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge

Skills

General
competence

The candidate

The candidate

The candidate

has advanced
knowledge
within the
academic field
and specialized
insight in a
limited area
has thorough

can analyze and deal

critically with various
sources of
information and use
them to structure
and formulate
scholarly arguments
can analyze existing

can analyze
relevant
academic,
professional and
research ethical
problems
can apply his/her
knowledge and

knowledge of the
scholarly or
artistic theories
and methods in
the field
can apply
knowledge to
new areas within
the academic
field
can analyze
academic
problems on the
basis of the
history,
traditions,
distinctive
character and
place in society
of the academic
field

theories, methods
and interpretations in
the field and work
independently on
practical and
theoretical problems
can use relevant
methods for research
and scholarly and /or
artistic development
work in an
independent manner
can carry out an
independent, limited
research or
development project
under supervision
and in accordance
with applicable
norms for research
ethics

skills in new areas

in order to carry
out advanced
assignments and
projects
can communicate
extensive
independent work
and masters
language and
terminology of the
academic field
can communicate
about academic
issues, analyses
and conclusions in
the field, both
with specialists
and the general
public
can contribute to
new thinking and
innovation
processes

Level 8: Ph.d. (3. cycle)

A candidate who has completed his or her qualification
should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms
of knowledge, skills and general competence:

fields philosophy of
science and/or
artistic issues and
methods
can evaluate the
expediency and
application of
different methods
and processes in
research and
scholarly and/or
artistic development
projects
can contribute to the
development of new
knowledge, new
theories, methods,
interpretations and
forms of
documentation in the
field

scholarly and/or
artistic
development
work
can carry out
research and
scholarly and/or
artistic research
work of a high
international
standard
can handle
complex
academic issues
and challenge
established
knowledge and
practice in the
field

research with
scholarly integrity
can manage
complex
interdisciplinary
assignments and
projects
can communicate
research and
development work
through recognized
Norwegian and
international
channels
can participate in
debates in the field
in international
forums
can assess the
need for, initiate
and practice
innovation

The Norwegian table of qualifications

Here you will find information about how specific degrees and
diplomas are enrolled in the national qualifications framework
(NQF).
The Ministry of education and research has prescribed on what level
the enrollment of diplomas, degrees and certificates in the Norwegian
qualifications framework (NQF). Only the main levels in the formally
recognized education system are enrolled in the NQF.

Leve Diplomas and degrees

ls

Knowledge

Skills

General
competence

The candidate

The candidate

The candidate

Leve Document of competence in basic competence,

l3
partially completed upper secondary education

is in the forefront of
knowledge within
his/her academic
field and masters the

can formulate
problems, plan
and carry out
research and

can identify new

relevant ethical
issues and carry
out his/her

Leve Certificate for upper secondary education and

l4
training
Craft certificate
Journeymans certificate

Leve Certificate for primary and lower secondary

l2
education

Leve Diploma for tertiary vocational education (Enrolled in

l5
tertiary vocational education 1 and 2)

Table 1

Leve University College Graduate (Partial level

l6
qualifications/ intermediate qualifications)
Bachelors degree
General teacher training programme

Term

Leve Masters degree

l7
Master of Arts
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of International Business (MIB)
Master of Technology Management
Master i rettsvitenskap (laws)
Candidata/candidatus medicinae (cand.med.)
Candidata/candidatus medicinae veterinariae
(cand.med.vet.)
Candidata/candidatus psychologiae (cand.psychol.)
Candidata/candidatus theologiae (cand.theol.)

National
qualifications
framework
(Kvalifikasjonsrammeverk)

Leve Philosophiae doctor (ph.d.)

l8
Doctor philosophiae (dr.philos.)
Diploma, artistic development programme

Inclusion of reference to the EQF and QF-EHEA in

certificates and Diploma Supplements
In the coming years the NQF, EQF and/or QF-EHEA level will be noted in
diplomas, certificates, documents of skills and Europass-documents
issued by national authorities and education institutions issuing
diplomas and degrees.
The purpose is comparison of level between Norwegian qualifications
and qualifications from other countries, via the European qualifications
framework (EQF) and/or the European qualifications framework for
higher education (QF-EHEA). This could make a comparison easier and
improve the possibility of cross-border working opportunities.

Terms and concepts

Here you can find an overview of the key terms and concepts
used in the national qualifications framework, and
explanations of the most important of them.
The sorting is based on related concepts.

Delrammeverk

Explanation
(Norwegian)
Et
kvalifikasjonsrammeverk
er en samlet,
systematisk og nivdelt
beskrivelse av formelle
kvalifikasjoner som kan
oppns innenfor et
utdanningssystem.
Rammeverket er en
systematisk beskrivelse
av niv og oppndd
kompetanse for
universitets- og
hyskolegrader, fag- og
yrkeskompetanse,
generell
studiekompetanse,
grunnskolekompetanse
og fagskolekompetanse.
Nasjonale
kvalifikasjonsrammeverk
er basert p nasjonens
utdanningssystem, viser
niv og progresjon og
sammenheng til
arbeidsliv og
samfunnsliv.
Et delrammeverk er et
begrep som brukes om
rammeverket i de ulike
delene i sektoren

English
definition
National
qualifications
framework
means an
instrument for
the
classification of
qualifications
according to a
set of criteria
for specified
levels of
learning
achieved, which
aims to
integrate and
coordinate
national
qualifications
subsystems and
improve the
transparency,
access,
progression and
quality of
qualifications in
relation to the
labour market
and civil society.

(grunnskole,
videregende, fagskole,
hyere utdanning).
"Qualification"
(Kvalifikasjon)

En kvalifikasjon er et
formelt lringsutbytte
p et visst niv, godkjent
av en instans og som
kan dokumenteres. I
Norge betegnes en
kvalifikasjon oftest som
formell kompetanse.

Lifelong learning Lring gjennom

(Livslang lring) livslpet som resulterer i
kt kunnskap,
ferdigheter, kompetanse
og kvalifikasjoner.

Realkompetanse All kompetanse som er

tilegnet gjennom
formell, ikke-formell eller
uformell lring.

A qualification
means a formal
outcome of an
assessment and
validation
process which is
obtained when
a competent
body
determines that
an individual
has achieved
learning
outcomes to
given
standards.
A learning
activity
undertaken
throughout life,
which results in
improving
knowledge,
know-how,
skills,
competences
and/or
qualifications
for personal,
social and/or
professional
reasons.

Realkompetanse
-vurdering
Vurdering av
realkompetanse for
opptak til studier eller
for avkorting av studier,
av offentlig godkjent
instans.
Fylkeskommunen eller
universitet/hyskoler har
ansvaret for at
dokumentasjon av
kompetanse, vurdering
og godkjenning blir
utfrt forsvarlig.
Realkompetansevurderin
g er relevant som
verkty for livslang
lring.
Ikke-formell kompetanse
og uformell kompetanse
kan formaliseres ved
realkompetansevurderin
g.
a) Non-formal
learning (Ikkeformell
kompetanse)

Ikke-formell kompetanse
er resultatet av
organisert lring som
har funnet sted p ikkeformelle lringsarenaer
(frivillig sektor, lring p
arbeidsplassen, private
kurstilbydere osv.).
Opplringstilbudet er
ikke bundet av offentlige
fag-/ lreplaner, men

Non-formal
learning:
learning which
is embedded in
planning
activities not
explicitly
designated as
learning (in
terms of
learning

b) Informal
learning
(Uformell
kompetanse)

dokumenteres gjerne
med et kursbevis.

objectives,
learning time or
learning
support).
Non-formal
learning is
intentional from
the learners
point of view.

Uformell kompetanse er
resultatet av ikke
organisert lring som
har funnet sted utenfor
det formelle systemet.
Lringsaktiviteten kan
karakteriseres som
hverdagslring fra de
ulike situasjoner en
person deltar i gjennom
hjem, skole, arbeidsliv
og samfunnsdeltakelse.
Kompetanse kan
dokumenteres gjennom
en individuell utfylling av
et dokument for
kompetansekartlegging.

Informal
learning:
learning
resulting from
daily activities
related to work,
family or
leisure. It is not
organized or
structured in
terms of
objectives, time
or learning
support.
Informal
learning is in
most cases
unintentional
from the
learners
perspective.

"Learning
outcomes"
Det en person vet, kan
(Lringsutbytte) og er i stand til gjre
som et resultat av en
lringsprosess.
Lringsutbytte er
beskrevet i kategoriene

Learning
outcomes
means
statements of
what a learner
knows,
understands

kunnskap, ferdigheter og
generell kompetanse.
Nivet p
lringsutbyttet er
avhengig av
kompleksiteten av
kunnskapen, ferdigheten
og den generelle
kompetansen.

and is able to
do on
completion of a
learning
process, which
are defined in
terms of
knowledge,
skills and
competence.

a) Knowledge
(Kunnskaper)

Kunnskaper er forstelse
av teorier, fakta,
begreper, prinsipper,
prosedyrer innenfor fag,
fagomrder og/eller
yrker.

Knowledge is
the body of
facts, principles,
theories and
practices that is
related to a
field of work or
study.

b)
"Skills" (Ferdigh
eter)

Evne til anvende

kunnskap til lse
problemer og oppgaver.
Det er ulike typer
ferdigheter kognitive,
praktiske, kreative og
kommunikative
ferdigheter.

Skills means
the ability to
apply
knowledge and
use know-how
to complete
tasks and solve
problems.

Generell kompetanse er
kunne anvende
kunnskap og ferdigheter
p selvstendig vis i ulike
situasjoner gjennom
vise samarbeidsevne,
ansvarlighet, evne til
refleksjon og kritisk
tenkning i studier og
yrke.

Competence
means the
proven ability to
use knowledge,
skills and
personal, social
and/ or
methodological
abilities, in work
or study
situations and
in professional

c) "Competence
" (Generell
kompetanse)

and personal
development.
Referencing
levels of
qualifications
(Henvisninger til
kvalifikasjonsniv
)

Kobling mellom
kvalifikasjonsniver i det
nasjonale
kvalifikasjonsrammeverk
et og det europeiske
rammeverket for
kvalifikasjoner (EQF).

Referencing
levels of
qualifications
within national
qualifications
systems to the
EQF levels.

Current status

The Norwegian Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning

(NKR) was adopted in December 2011. The learning outcomes
approach is an integral part of the work on quality in primary,
secondary and tertiary education in Norway.

The referencing process

The Ministry of Education and Research presented the report

referencing the levels of the Norwegian Qualifications Framework for
Lifelong Learning (NQF) to the levels of the European Qualifications
Framework of Lifelong learning (EQF) at a meeting in the EQF Advisory
Group on Friday, 6. June 2014. The report was approved and met all 10
referencing criteria..
The referencing of levels is based on a report from 2012. This report
was prepared by a working group consisting of a group of stakeholders,
which provided suggestions on the referencing of the levels in the NQF
to the EQF. In addition, the report presents the self-certification
(assessment of compatibility) of the qualifications framework against
the Bologna framework (QF-EHEA).
The presentation of the referencing report is the first step in the
process of establishing links between the levels in the NQF and the
levels in the EQF. This will make it easier to compare Norwegian
qualifications with qualifications from other European countries. The
Ministry of Education and Research plans to begin the process of
adopting the NQF into Norwegian law as a regulation in the course of
autumn 2014spring 2015.
Read the documents that were presented to the EQF Advisory Group

What happens next?

With time, qualification certificates, diplomas and other relevant
documents will contain a clear reference to the appropriate EQF level.
The NQF will be adopted into Norwegian law as a regulation, which will
provide references to the level descriptors in the European

qualifications framework. This will make it easier to compare

Norwegian qualifications with qualifications from other countries within
the EU/EEA.
This process is under development at the Ministry of Education and
Research.
More information about the consultation and the processing of the NQF
as regulation (in Norwegian only).

Committee on competences outside the formal

education system
On the 11 October 2013 the Ministry of Education and Research set up
a committee that is exploring the possibility of including competences
acquired outside the formal education system in to the NQF. The work
of the committee is to be finished by 31 December 2014.

Contact information
NOKUT is the national contact point for the Norwegian
Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (NQF) and the
European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

Contact person - NOKUT:

Adviser Ane Lillehammer
Email: Ane.Lillehammer@nokut.no

Visiting address:
Drammensveien 288
Postal address:
PO Box 578,
N-1327 Lysaker
Phone: + 47 21 02 18 00 (Switchboard)
Telefax: + 47 21 02 18 01
Email: postmottak@nokut.no
If you have any comments about our website, please send them
to redaktor@nokut.no

European Health Insurance Card

What is the European Health Insurance Card?
A free card that gives you access to medically necessary,
state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of
the 28 EU countries, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and
Switzerland, under the same conditions and at the same cost
(free in some countries) as people insured in that country.
Cards are issued by your national health insurance provider.
Important the European Health Insurance Card:

is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not

cover any private healthcare or costs such as a return flight
to your home country or lost/stolen property,
does not cover your costs if you are travelling for the
express purpose ofobtaining medical treatment,
does not guarantee free services. As each countrys
healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at
home might not be free in another country.
Please note: when you move your habitual residence to
another country, you should register with the S1 form instead
of using the EHIC to receive medical care in your new country
of habitual residence.
Which rules apply to you?
When moving within the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
or Switzerland, you will always be subject to the legislation of
only one country. The social security institutions will assess
under which country's legislation you are covered according
to EU rules.
Use our directory to find a contact institution
You work in one country
As a basic rule, you are subject to the legislation of the
country where you actually work as an employed or a selfemployed person. It doesn't matter where you live or where
your employer is based.
You work in one country but live in another one
If you work in a different EU country from the one where
you live and you return to your country of residence daily, or
at least once a week, you are a cross-border worker (socalled "frontier worker"). The country where you work is
responsible for your social security benefits. Special rules
apply to healthcare and unemployment.
You're posted to another country
If you are sent by your employer (or yourself, if you are selfemployed) to work in another country for a maximum of 24
months, you will remain insured in your country of origin.
This is the case of so-called "posted workers" to whom
specific conditions apply.
You work in more than one country

If you pursue a substantial part of your activity, at least 25%,

in your country of residence, you will be covered by the
legislation of that country.

If you don't pursue a substantial part of your activity in

your country of residence, you will be covered by the
legislation of the country where the registered office or place
of business of your employer is situated.

If you work for several employers, whose registered offices

are in different countries, you will be covered by the
legislation of your country of residence; even if you don't
pursue a substantial part of your activity there.

If you are self-employed and you don't pursue a substantial

part of your activity in your country of residence, you will be
covered by the legislation of the country where the centre of
interest of your activities is situated.

If you pursue an employed and a self-employed activity in

different countries, you will be insured in the country where
you are employed.
You don't work
If you do not work, EU rules still apply to you.
Where do these rules apply?
If you are covered by the EU social security coordination, you
can rely on these rules in:

The European Union (EU)

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece,
Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United
Kingdom.
The European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein (EEA countries).
Switzerland.

New Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009 apply to

Switzerland since 1 April 2012 and to Norway, Iceland,
Liechtenstein since 1 June 2012. Since 2 February 2013 the
Regulation 465/2012 applies also to Norway, Iceland,
Liechtenstein.
Relations with non-EU countries
The EU is currently working on a decision of the Association
Council based on the association agreements with Algeria,
Morocco, Tunisia, Croatia, Macedonia (FYROM) and Israel. The
decision will assure the exportability of certain benefits, such
as pensions, on the basis of reciprocity towards EU nationals.
Currently, the benefits are only exported when national
legislation or a bilateral agreement provides so.

What are your rights?

The EU rules on social security coordination apply in the EU,
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland to national
legislation on:
sickness, maternity and equivalent paternity benefits
old-age pensions, pre-retirement and invalidity benefits
survivors benefits and death grants
unemployment benefits
family benefits
benefits in respect of accidents at work and occupational
diseases
As regulations, the coordination rules apply directly in all EU
countries. In other words, they have to be observed by
national authorities and administrations, social security
institutions and courts. Even when national laws are in
conflict with them, EU rules have priority.
It may be difficult to determine whether or not a particular
benefit is covered by the coordination rules. Contact your
social security institution to find out.
Use our directory to find a contact institution
What is not covered
A certain number of special cash benefits which are not
based on contributions (non-contributory benefits) will only
be provided by and at the expense of the institution of
your country of residence. In most cases these benefits are
paid to people whose pension or income is below a certain

level. They will not be paid if you reside in another

country. These benefits are listed in Annex X of Regulation
883/2004.
EU coordination does not apply to social and medical
assistance: these benefits are normally granted on the basis
of your means.
EU coordination does not apply to taxation. Ask the tax
authorities in your country for information on your particular
case.

Pensions

The following rules apply if you live and have worked in one
or more EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or
Switzerland.
Who pays your pension?
In each country, your insurance record is preserved until you
reach the pensionable age.
Every country where you have been insured for at least one
year will pay you an old-age pension, when you reach
its national pensionable age.
For shorter periods see our frequently asked questions
For example, if you have worked in three countries, you will
get three separate old-age pensions.
How is your pension calculated?
Your pension will be calculated according to your insurance
record in each country: the sum you will receive from each of
these countries will correspond to the length of your social
security coverage there. You will receive a Summary note
(document P1) which will give you an overview of the
decisions made by each country on your claim.
Where should you apply?
Even if you have worked in several countries, you should
apply for your pension in the country where you live, unless
you never worked there. In the latter case, you should apply
in the country where you last worked.
Use our directory to find a contact institution
Retiring abroad
Your pension will be paid regardless of where you stay or
reside within Europe (EU 28 + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
or Switzerland).
Other pensions

In general, the rules which apply to old-age pensions also

apply to invalidity pensions and to pensions for surviving
spouses or orphans.
More information
Check our frequently asked questions for further information
on how to claim your pension, your healthcare rights, the
pensionable age and other related issues.
Supplementary pensions
Supplementary pensions are an important source of income
for many Europeans. As the social security coordination does
not apply to most supplementary schemes, the EU has
agreed upon special rules to protect the supplementary
pension rights of mobile workers. These rules apply to
pension schemes linked to employment ('occupational
pensions').
Why is it important to protect supplementary pension
rights?
Certain rules of supplementary pension schemes may cause
workers to lose out on their pension rights when they
move in the EU.
Schemes may require participants to fulfil certain conditions
before their pension rights are irrevocably acquired, or
'vested'. For example, an employee who leaves the job and
moves to another Member State may not earn any pension
rights if he has not worked for the employer long enough.
Even if the pension rights have been vested when the worker
leaves the scheme, their future value may be eroded by
inflation, unless the pension rights are adequately preserved
by adjusting their value over time.

Equal treatment and cross-border payments

Directive 98/49/EC on safeguarding the supplementary
pension rights of employed and self-employed persons
constituted a first step in removing obstacles to free
movement relating to supplementary pensions. The principal
provisions could be summarised as follows:

The vested pension rights of a person who leaves a

pension scheme because he moves to another Member
State must be preserved to the same extent as for a
person who remains in the same Member State.
Beneficiaries of a supplementary pension scheme are entitled
to receive their benefits in any Member State.
Acquisition and preservation of supplementary
pension rights (to be transposed by 2018)
Directive 2014/50/EU on the acquisition and preservation of
supplementary pension rights was adopted on 16 April 2014.
It establishes the following minimum standards for the
protection of mobile workers' pension rights, which Member
States must transpose into national law by 21 May 2018:

1. Acquisition
Pension rights are irrevocably acquired ('vested') no later
than after three years of employment relationship.
Employees' own contributions can never be lost. I.e., if an
employee leaves a pension scheme before his rights are
vested, his own contributions are repaid.
Schemes are not allowed to set a higher minimum age for
vesting than 21 years.
1 Preservation
When leaving a pension scheme, a worker is entitled to keep
his vested pension rights in the scheme, unless he agrees to
receive them as a capital payment.
The pension rights of the former worker must be preserved
fairly compared to the rights of current workers. The method
of preservation may vary depending on the nature of the
scheme. For instance, the value of pension rights may be
adjusted in accordance with:

inflation rate or salary levels (typically in a defined benefit

scheme);
return from investments derived by the scheme (typically in a
defined contribution scheme).
Information
Workers are entitled to information about how potential
mobility might affect their pension rights.
Former workers and their survivors (if the scheme provides
survivor's benefits) are entitled to information about the
value and treatment of their rights.

The Directive applies to workers who move between Member

States, however Member States may extend the same
standards to workers who change jobs within the country.
The Directive does not cover the transferability of
supplementary pensions, i.e. the possibility to transfer one's
pension rights to a new scheme in the event of professional
mobility.

Invalidity
The way invalidity benefits are calculated varies from one
country to another within the European Union. There are two
major methods of calculation when it comes to cross-border
situations.
Calculation methods
Some countries apply a risk-based logic (type A legislation).
There you are entitled to the same pension regardless of your
periods of insurance, but you must be insured when the
invalidity occurs. This calculation method applies only to
certain schemes which are listed in Annex VI to Regulation
883/2004, i.e. schemes in the Czech Republic, Estonia,
Ireland, Greece, Latvia, Finland, Sweden and the United
Kingdom.
All other countries apply a pro-rata method (type B
legislation). This means that the invalidity pension is
calculated on the length of your insurance period in each
country: the longer you were insured before becoming an
invalid, the higher your pension will be. Even if you weren't

insured when becoming an invalid, you will still be entitled to

a pension.
Get information on your rights country by country
Who pays your pension?
Therefore, if you have been insured in several countries
before becoming an invalid, you will be in one of the
following situations:
If you have only been insured under type B legislations, you
will get a separate pension from each country corresponding
to the periods of insurance you completed there.
If you have only been insured under type A legislations, and if
this legislation is listed in Annex VI to Regulation 883/2004,
you will only get a pension from the country where you were
insured when you became an invalid.
If you have been insured under two or more type A and B
legislations, you will receive a pro-rata pension from each of
these countries.
Unemployment
The following rules apply if you become unemployed in an EU
country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
Where to claim benefits
You must register with the employment services and claim
unemployment benefits in the country where you last
worked, unless you reside in another country.
If you reside in another country
If you reside in another EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein,
Norway or Switzerland and you returned there daily, or at
least once a week, you must register with the employment
services and claim benefits there. This is the situation of
some cross-border workers, called "frontier workers" in the
EU regulations. You may also register with the employment
services of the country where you worked and look for a job
there, but the benefits will still only be paid by your country
of residence.
If you reside in another EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein,
Norway or Switzerland but you return there less than once a
week, you may choose to register with the employment
services and claim benefits either in the country where you
worked or where you reside. This is typically the situation of
seasonal workers.

Find out about your rights country by country

If you are partially unemployed
If you are only partially unemployed, the country responsible
for your unemployment benefits is always the one where you
are still partially working.
Adding up periods of work completed abroad
When dealing with your claim, institutions must take into
account periods of insurance completed in other EU
countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, if
this is necessary to your entitlement to the benefits.
Use our directory to find a contact institution
Your benefits when looking for a job abroad
If you want to look for a job in a different EU country, Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you may carry on
receiving your unemployment benefits, under certain
conditions, for three months (this period may be extended up
to six months). Details are provided under our frequently
asked questions.

Family benefits
Family benefits vary from one country to another. The
country responsible for providing your benefits when you live
in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or
Switzerlanddepends on your family's situation.
All your family lives in one country
If all the members of your family live where you are insured,
this country is responsible for your benefits.
You and your family members live in different countries
If the members of your family do not live in the country
where you are insured, your family could be entitled to
benefits in more than one country. You will not receive
benefits twice: "priority rules" decide which country is
responsible for providing them.
Find out about your rights country by country
The priority rules
Generally, the country where your family's right is based on a
situation of employment or self-employment is responsible
for providing the benefits.
If your right is based on employment or self-employment in
both countries, the country where your children live is
responsible if one of the parents works there. Otherwise it will
be the country where the highest benefits are paid.

If your right is based on a pension in both countries, the

country where your children live is responsible if this country
pays one of the pensions. Otherwise it will be the country
where you have been insured or have resided the longest.
If your right is based on residence in both countries, the
country where your children live is responsible.
Supplements
The benefits you receive from the competent country may
turn out to be lower than what you would have received from
the other county where you had rights. If this is the case, the
second country will pay a supplement corresponding to the
difference between the two benefits.
Assessing your situation
In practice the application of these rules depends on each
particular case. Contact your insurance institution for more
details.
Accidents at work and occupational diseases
The following rules apply if you live and are insured in an EU
country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and
you suffer an accident at work or from an occupational
disease.
Inform your insurance institution
You must inform your insurance institution when the accident
at work occurs or when the professional disease is diagnosed
for the first time. If you do not, your entitlement to benefits
may be negatively affected. Each country has different rules,
so ask your institution which steps you must take.
Use our directory to find a contact institution
Which country is responsible for your healthcare?
The country where you reside is responsible for providing all
benefits in kind, e.g. healthcare and medicines. If you are not
insured there, you have to ask your insurance institution for
a DA1 document giving details of the accident or the disease.
You must then present the DA1 to the competent institution
of the country where you are living or staying in order to
receive benefits there.
Use our directory to find a contact institution
Find out about your rights country by country
Which country pays your cash benefits?

The country where you are insured is always responsible for

paying your cash benefits in respect of an accident at work or
an occupational disease.
Getting treatment abroad
If you wish to travel to another EU country, Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland specifically to receive
treatment for an accident at work or an occupational disease,
your insurance institution may not refuse to grant the
required authorisation if the treatment you need cannot be
provided within a medically justifiable time limit.

Claims and forms

If your social security situation involves more than one EU
country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, the
following practical tips may help you deal with your claims.
Portable documents
Most data is exchanged directly between social security
institutions. However, in certain cases you will need a
"portable document" (what was previously called an E-form)
to certify your situation when moving. Find out more
about "portable documents" in our frequently asked
questions.
A portable document is usually issued by your social security
institution upon your request. It is recommended to request it
before leaving. However, if you haven't, the institution in the
country where you are moving will obtain the necessary data
directly from the institution where you are insured.
Use our directory to find a contact institution
Deadlines
When dealing with the social security systems of several
countries you may find it difficult to submit a claim in a
specific country within the required deadline. EU rules allow
you to submit your claim within the same deadline to the
corresponding institution or tribunal of another country
(where you are staying or residing, for example) if you have
been insured there. Your claim will then be forwarded to the
competent institution.
Languages
You may present your claims, letters and certificates in your
mother-tongue, if it is amongst the official languages of the
EU, whenever you consider it necessary or appropriate. This

might delay the decision on your claim, but it may help you
express yourself clearly and avoid misunderstandings.

Need help?
If you have not found an answer to your question on this
website, its frequently asked questions or in our guide "The
EU provisions on social security", there are other ways of
getting help.
Your first step: find a solution in your country
The first step is to contact the social security institution of
the place where you are working, living or staying.
Remember that your actual rights depend on the social
security rules of the country that is competent for your case.
Use our directory to find a contact institution
If you think a decision on your case is wrong, you may rely on
the methods of appeal provided by national legislation. EU
regulations apply directly in all EU countries, so you may
have recourse to them before the competent authorities and
courts.
Court procedures differ in each country. Normally, you must
have exhausted all appeals before the social security
institutions before bringing your case to court. We
recommend that you first contact a legal adviser who can tell
you what to do and assess your chances of success.
EU information and problem-solving tools
To request information, make an enquiry via Europe Direct
To solve a problem with a national administration, make an
enquiry via Solvit
To receive tailor-made legal advice, free of charge, make an
enquiry via the Your Europe Advice service
If you consider that the legislation or the administrative
practices of a particular country conflict with the EU rules,
you can write a complaint to the European Commission.
Other professions
Professions which do not require recognition
For most professions or trades, no specific recognition is
required before you can start working in Norway. Professions
such as engineer, economist, social worker, journalist,
beautician and painter/decorator are not regulated and do
not require recognition or authorisation.

Your employer will decide whether you fulfill the

educational requirements for this particular position. In other
words: There is no need for a formal recognition of your
foreign education.
You should translate all your documentation into either
English or Norwegian. Use an authorised translator. In this
way, your employer will be able to evaluate your foreign
qualifications, and documentation. If there is any need for
additional information, don`t hesitate to ask your potential
employer to contact us, either by email to info@invia.no, or
by telephone: +47 21 02 18 80.

Au pair permit

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As an au pair, you can improve your language skills and learn

about Norwegian society by living with a Norwegian family. In
return, you will provide services such as light housework
and/or child care for the host family.

Help and advice from the Au Pair Center

The organisation Norwegian People's Aid runs a centre where

au pairs and host families can get advice and help.

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Phone: (+47) 454 02 021

Email: aupair@npaid.org
The Au Pair Center's website

Who can become an au pair or a host family?

Requirements of au pairs and host families

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Who can become an au pair?

You must be over the age of 18 and not have turned 30.
You cannot have any children of your own.

It must be likely that you will return to your home country at

the end of your stay in Norway, and the circumstances in
your home country must also indicate that you can return.
Who can become a host family?
The host family can be a married couple, partners or
cohabitants with or without children, or a single parent with
children.
The host family must have good knowledge of Norwegian
society and speak Norwegian to the au pair.
If a person in the host family is from the same country of
origin as the au pair, you can normally not be a host family.
We can make an exception in rare cases.
No one in the host family can be the au pair's spouse,
cohabitant, parent, child, sibling, cousin, brother/sister in law
or uncle/aunt.
Rights and obligations for you and your host family
The purpose of your stay in Norway must be cultural
exchange.
You and your host family must have signed UDI's Contract for
cultural exchange between au pair and host family (pdf, 734
kB).
The host family must treat you like a member of the family
(for example, you are entitled to eat together with the family,
accompany them on outings etc.)
The host family can only have one au pair at a time.
You are to carry out lights tasks such as housework, child
care and caring for pets (dog, cat etc.).
The working hours must normally not exceed five hours a
day, and the maximum number of working hours per week is
30. You cannot work more than 30 hours, not even for extra
pay.
You cannot work for other employers or other families than
your host family, neither for pay nor for free.
You must be given the opportunity to participate in
Norwegian language classes and recreational activities, and
your duties must not prevent you from practising your
religion.
The host family shall pay for you to attend a Norwegian
language course in the amount of at least NOK 8,100 per
year.

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You must live with the host family for the whole of the
contract period and have your own room in their home.
You shall have free board and lodging and receive at least
NOK 5,400 per month before tax as pocket money/pay. You
are also entitled to holiday pay in accordance with the
Holidays Act.
You must pay tax to Norway. Pocket money and free board
and lodging are taxed as pay. Contact the Norwegian Tax
Administration to obtain a tax deduction card.
You are entitled to a total of 25 working days of holiday per
calendar year. Even if you have not been an au pair for the
whole calendar year, you are entitled to full holidays if you
started working for the host family no later than on 30
September. If your start working after 30 September, you are
entitled to six working days holiday. The same rules apply if
you change host families, as long as you get a declaration
from your original host family that you have not taken your
holidays.
You are entitled to at least one day (24 hours) off per week,
and at least one such day per month must be a Sunday. You
are also entitled to at least one afternoon off per week, on
the same day each week.
When you are granted a valid residence permit as an au pair,
you automatically become a member of the Norwegian
National Insurance scheme.
The host family must ensure that you take the mandatory
tuberculosis test as soon as you arrive in Norway.
The host family shall cover the necessary travel expenses in
connection with your return journey. This does not apply if
you keep staying in Norway after your time as an au pair is
over or if you want to travel to another country than your
home country.
The host family shall take out insurance for you that covers
your return travel expenses/repatriation if you should
become ill or injured or if you should die.
The rights and obligations of applicants who are granted an
au pair permit
You cannot enter Norway and start being an au pair until you
have received your permit. This applies even if you only want
to go on a holiday or get to know the host family before the
au pair placement begins.

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You can be granted an au pair permit for up to two years, but

not for longer than the contract period.
The period you have this permit does not count if you later
wish to apply for a permanent residence permit.
Your family cannot apply for family immigration to come and
live with you in Norway.

Want to renew Au pair

It is important that you apply for renewal in good time before
your residence permit expires if you want to retain all your
rights. You must also apply for renewal if you wish to change
host family.

Rules concerning change of host family

As long as you hold a valid au pair permit, you can apply to

change host families at any time. This will be considered an
application for renewal.
You can live with and work for the new host family as soon as
you have submitted a complete application to the police. The
time it takes to process your application is included in your
total residence period as an au pair.

What you need to do

1. Three months before your residence permit expires you
should register your application on the Application Portal and
book an appointment with the police. There may be several
weeks waiting time.
2. No later than one month before your residence permit
expires you must go to the police at the time you have
booked and hand in your documents. The application will not
be submitted until you have done this.

You will then have the same rights as before relating to work,
studies etc. while you are waiting for us to decide your
application. You will retain these rights until you have
received an answer to your application, even if your
residence permit expires in the meantime.
Even if you have applied in time, you may have trouble
travelling in and out of Norway while waiting for your new
permit. This is because you dont have a valid residence card.
Without the residence card, you can be stopped in the border
control in other countries. You may also have trouble getting
into Norway again when you return.
Requirements for renewal

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Requirements relating to renewal of the residence permit

You must pay an application fee.
You can only be an au pair for two years, and the permit can
therefore only be renewed if you have held an au pair permit
for less than two years.
Your permit can be renewed even if you have turned 30.
You must apply at least one month before your current permit
expires.

What happens if you apply too late?

If you do not apply at least one month before your

residence permit expires:
You are not automatically entitled to continue working while
you are waiting for us to decide your application.
It can become more difficult for you to be granted a
permanent residence permit.
If you are staying abroad when your residence permit
expires, you risk not being allowed back into Norway.
If you apply after your permit has expired
You risk staying in Norway illegally.

It can become more difficult for you to be granted a

permanent residence permit.

Au pair
Normal case processing times
Applications for au pair permits will be processed
within eight weeks of the application being submitted to the
police or a foreign service mission.
If it will take longer, we will notify you by email or SMS.
Applications for renewal
Most applications for renewal of an au pair permit will be
processed by the police. The case processing time varies
between police districts. Please ask the police about case
processing times when you hand in your application.
If the police forwards the application to the UDI, it will
normally take eight weeks from you handed in your
application to the police until your case is processed. If it will
take longer, we will notify you by email or SMS.
Appeals concerning rejections
Within four weeks of the UDI receiving your appeal, we will
either reverse the decision and grant you a permit or send
your case to the Immigration Appeals Board for consideration
of the appeal.
If the police forwards the application to the UDI, it will
normally take eight weeks from you handed in your
application to the police until your case is processed.
Which cases take longer to process?
In some cases, we need more information or documentation,
or there may be things that we want to look into more
closely. We would not do so if we did not believe that it is
absolutely necessary in order to make a correct decision in
the case.

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What can you do to help your case being processed as

quickly as possible?
Make sure that your application is completed correctly and in
full.
Make sure that you enclose all the necessary documents, see
our checklists.
Make sure that your contact information, as well as your host
familys, is up-to-date.
It is also a good idea to make sure that your host family in
Norway has power of attorney from you, so that we can give
important information to them.

If the police forwards the application to the UDI, it will

normally take eight weeks from you handed in your
application to the police until your case is processed.

Normal case processing times

What can you do to help your case being processed as

quickly as possible?
Make sure that your application is completed correctly and in
full.
Make sure that you enclose all the necessary documents, see
our checklists.
Make sure that your contact information, as well as your host
familys, is up-to-date.
It is also a good idea to make sure that your host family in
Norway has power of attorney from you, so that we can give
important information to them.

Which cases take longer to process?

In some cases, we need more information or documentation,
or there may be things that we want to look into more
closely. We would not do so if we did not believe that it is
absolutely necessary in order to make a correct decision in
the case.

Au pair

Applications for au pair permits will be processed

within eight weeks of the application being submitted to the
police or a foreign service mission.
If it will take longer, we will notify you by email or SMS.
Applications for renewal
Most applications for renewal of an au pair permit will be
processed by the police. The case processing time varies
between police districts. Please ask the police about case
processing times when you hand in your application.
If the police forwards the application to the UDI, it will
normally take eight weeks from you handed in your
application to the police until your case is processed. If it will
take longer, we will notify you by email or SMS.
Appeals concerning rejections
Within four weeks of the UDI receiving your appeal, we will
either reverse the decision and grant you a permit or send
your case to the Immigration Appeals Board for consideration
of the appeal.

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Checklist for au pair

Name:
DUF number/date of birth:
How to use the list

When you turn up to your appointment with the police or

embassy/consulate you must hand in this list and copies of
the documents on this list. You must also present the original
documents.
If any of your documents are in a different language than
Norwegian or English, you must hand in a translation of the
documents into Norwegian or English.

It is your responsibility to make sure that you have handed in

all documents on the list which are required for your
application. If all relevant documents are not handed in, this
may lead to longer processing time or your application being
rejected.
Please note: Some embassies may request additional
documents based on local conditions if you are applying from
abroad.
The following documents needs to be submitted:
Documentation when applying for the first time
passport and copy of all used pages in passport
signed cover letter from the Application portal (or application
form) View explanation
two new/recent passport size photos with white background
the UDI's Contract for cultural exchange between au pair and
host family, signed by yourself and your host family
documentation of the nationality of the host family (for
example copies of their passports)

the UDI's Contract for cultural exchange between au pair and

host family, signed by yourself and your host family View
explanation

Study permit
If you wish to study or go to school in Norway for more than
three months, you must apply for a study permit. If you are
granted a study permit, you will also be able to work for up to
20 hours a week while you are studying and full-time during
holidays.

UDI's checklist, filled out and signed (this list)

Additional documents for some applications if the host family
is a single-parent family
If you are applying from Norway, or wish to wait in Norway
while your application is being processed, because you
qualify as a skilled worker

documentation of your education, containing information

about the duration of the education, the level and the
content View explanation

and/or documentation of work experience containing detailed

information from former employers about how long you
worked in the company, what training you were given, your
tasks and qualifications
If you submit your application in a country other than your
home country
documentation that you have held a residence permit for the
last six months in this country

Documentation when you apply to renew your residence

permit
passport and copy of all used pages in passport
signed cover letter from the Application portal (or application
form)

Where will you be studying?

Additional education in order for your education to be
recognised in Norway
Requirements relating to your education/qualifications
You must have one of the following types of
education/qualifications

a completed vocational training programme of at least three

years at upper secondary school level, for example as a
joiner or health worker. There must be a corresponding
vocational training programme in Norway.
completed education or degree from a university/ university
college, for example a bachelor's degree as an engineer or
nurse
special qualifications that you have obtained through long
work experience, if relevant in combination with courses etc.

A permit is only granted in such cases in exceptional

circumstances. Your qualifications must be equivalent to
those of someone who has completed vocational training.
Other requirements of the student
You must pay an application fee.
You must need additional education, work experience or
courses in order for your education to be recognised in
Norway.
A professional authority must confirm that you need this work
experience/additional education in order to work in Norway,
and provide information about what courses, Norwegian
classes, work experience or education you are lacking.
You must have received an offer of admission to an
established school, university college or university.
You must have enough money to live on, i.e. at least NOK 97
850 per year (14, 274.25 US Dollars by rate: 0,146). This
money may consist of student loans, grants, own funds that
you have in your account, or a combination of the above. If
you have already been offered a part-time job in Norway, the
income from this work may be included.
If you have to pay tuition fees, you must also have money to
cover this.
You must have somewhere to live.
Requirements relating to the study programme
If you are going to take a Norwegian language course, the
course provider must be well-established. You will find a list
of well-established and approved course providers on the
VOX website (Vox.no).
Special requirements of health personnel
You must apply to the Norwegian Registration Authority for
Health Personnel (external website) for authorisation or a
licence to work in the Norwegian health care system.
You can only be granted a residence permit to take courses
that you, according to the Norwegian Registration Authority
for Health Personnel, lack in order to obtain a licence or
authorisation
If you are a nurse, you must have received an offer of
admission to a study programme at the nursing education
department of a university college. If relevant, you can then
apply for exemption from individual courses.

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If you are to complete your required practical training period

('turnus'), you must apply for a residence permit as a skilled
worker instead.
Rights and obligations for applicants who are granted a study
permit
If you are granted a study permit, you are automatically also
granted permission to work part-time for up to 20 hours per
week in addition to your studies and full-time during holidays.
Your closest family members can apply for residence permits
in Norway.
The period you have this permit does not count if you later
wish to apply for a permanent residence permit.
You can hold such a study permit for a total of maximum two
years.
University college or university
Requirements of the student
You must pay an application fee.
You must have received an offer of admission to a study
programme at a university college or university.
The education must be full-time.
You must have enough money to live on, at least NOK 97
850 per year (14, 274.25 US Dollars by rate: 0,146). This
money may consist of student loans, grants, own funds that
you have in a Norwegian bank account or the deposit
account of the educational institution, or a combination of
the above. If you have already been offered a part-time job in
Norway, the income from this work may be included.
If you have to pay tuition fees, you must also have money to
cover this.
You must have somewhere to live.
The circumstances in your home country must indicate that it
is likely that you can return home when you have completed
your studies.
Requirements relating to the study programme
The place of study must be included on the Norwegian
Agency for Quality Assurance in Educations (NOKUT) list of
approved (accredited) universities, university colleges or
specialised university institutions (external website).

o
o

Rights and obligations for applicants who are granted a study

permit
If you are granted a study permit, you are automatically also
granted permission to work part-time for up to 20 hours per
week in addition to your studies and full-time during holidays.
Your closest family members can apply for residence permits
in Norway.
The period you have this permit does not count if you later
wish to apply for a permanent residence permit.
University summer schools
If you are going to attend summer school at a university, you
do not need a residence permit.
Students from your country do not need any kind of
visa to enter Norway.

Fees
Most applicants will have to pay an application fee. Here you
can find an overview of how much you will have to pay, how
to pay and refund.
Work, studies and au pair
Type of application

Fee

Residence permits for work (also renewals)

NOK
3.000

Group permit for employers (per worker)

NOK 3.0
00

Study permit for applicants over the age of

18 (also renewals)

NOK 2.5
00

Type of application
Study permit for applicants under the age of
18

Fee

0,-

Au pair permit (also renewals)

NOK 2.5
00

Permit for researchers with own funds

NOK 2.5
00

Fees when you hand in your application at the embassy of

another country than Norway
Norway has entered into agreements with other Schengen
countries (primarily Denmark and Sweden) that some of their
foreign service missions will accept applications for visas and
residence permits (that entitles the holder to work unless
otherwise specified in the decision) on Norways behalf. In
such case, the fees of the country that represents us apply.
If you have been given a residence permit and need a visa to
enter Norway, you have to get issued an entry visa (D visa) in
your passport. As a main rule the Norwegian embassy in the
country you reside will issue an entry visa.
If you reside in a country where there is no Norwegian
embassy, it is possible that you have to pay for the passport
to be sent, either by you or for instance the embassy that
represents Norway, to the nearest Norwegian embassy.
Contact the embassy in the country you reside for further
information.
Permanent residence permit
Type of application
Permanent residence permit for adults
Permanent residence permit for children

Fee
NOK
1.900

Type of application
under 18

Received an answer
Your application for a study permit has
been granted

Fee
0,-

If you have been granted a study permit, you can now travel
to Norway and start your studies.

Citizenship
Type of application
Application for Norwegian citizenship for adults
Application for Norwegian citizenship for
children under the age of 18
Notification of Norwegian citizenship

Application to keep Norwegian citizenship

Application to be released from Norwegian
citizenship

Fee

How do you travel into Norway?

If you are not already in Norway when your application is
granted, you can now travel to Norway.
First, you must check whether you need a visa to enter
Norway. Please check whether you need a visa.
If you do not need a visa
You can travel to Norway at any time within the deadline
stated in your decision (normally six months).

NOK
3.500

0,-

0,o
o

0,-

0,-

Appeals for any kind of decision

o
o

If you need a visa

The visa you need is called an entry visa
The UDI will ask the embassy in your country to issue you
this visa; you do not need to apply for one.
The embassy will contact you to agree on a time for you to
come and collect your visa.
The visa will state the latest date on which you can travel to
Norway. You must therefore notify the embassy about when
you plan to go, so that the visa is valid when you need it.
How to obtain a residence card

How do you pay the fee?

If you register your application through the Application Portal

Norway, you pay the fee by credit card at the same time.
If you are not able to use the Application Portal Norway you
must pay the fee at the latest when you hand in the
application at the embassy or consulate. You can pay in cash
or by using a credit card. If you pay in advance, you must
enclose the original receipt with your application.

What is a residence card?

A residence card is a plastic card in credit card format that
proves that you have been granted a permanent residence
permit in Norway.
How do you obtain a residence card?
To be issued a residence card, you must go to the police in
the place where you live. You have to book an appointment in
advance. In most police districts you must do this through
the Application Portal.
If you are under the age of 18, your parents/guardian must
accompany you to the police.
Booking an appointment via the Application Portal

o
o

If you used the Application Portal Norway to register your

application and book an appointment, you can now log in to
book a new appointment.
Log in
Choose the right application (by clicking the 'pen and paper'
icon on the right-hand side of the application) from the list of
your applications.
Choose the option for booking a new appointment and select
your police office or service centre for foreign workers.
Booking an appointment over the phone
If you did not use the Application Portal Norway when you
applied for a residence permit, you must instead call your
local police district to book an appointment. You cannot call
the UDI to book an appointment.
What happens when you go to the police?
The police will take your fingerprints and photo, and will then
order your residence card.
How long will it take until you get the card?
It will take at least ten working days from your appointment
with the police until you receive the card in the post. Please
check that you are registered with the correct postal address
and that your name is on your letter box. If not, the card will
not reach you. If the card is lost in the mail, it will take
another ten working days until you can get a new one.
If you are planning trips to abroad, you should therefore
make sure there is plenty of time between your appointment
with the police and your planned departure date.

o
o
o

Persons who do not need a visa to visit

Norway (visa-free)

Can your family come to Norway?

o
o
o

If you have been granted one of the following types of

permit, your spouse or cohabitant and children can apply for
family immigration permit:
study permit to study at a university or university college
residence permit for a Norwegian language course for skilled
workers
residence permit for additional education
If you hold another type of study permit, your family cannot
apply for family immigration.
Rights and obligations

Remember to renew your permit

Your decision states how long your permit is valid for and
whether it can be renewed. If you wish to continue living in
Norway, you must remember to renew your permit or apply
for a new one 23 months before the permit expires. If you do
not, *you may experience problems travelling into and out of
Norway and lose the right to work in Norway while you are
waiting for a new permit.
Work
If you are granted a study permit, you are automatically also
granted permission to work part-time for up to 20 hours per
week in addition to your studies and full-time during holidays.
You can apply for a permit to work full-time for parts of the
academic year if the work is relevant to your studies. You
have to request this in writing when you apply, or later.
Entry and departure
You can travel into and out of Norway for as long as the
permit is valid, but you must live in Norway for most of the
year.
You can lose your permit
You can lose your permit if you:
do not study
do not live in Norway for most of the year
work more than your permit entitles you to

Some people do not need a visa to visit Norway because they

hold a passport from a country that Norway has a visa
exemption agreement with. This also applies if you have a
residence permit in an EU/EEA country or if you have a
special passport.
Who does not need a visa?
Citizens of countries that have agreements with Norway
o
o

Citizens of all EU/EEA countries

Citizens of the following countries outside the EU/EEA area:
El Salvador

If you have completed higher education or have completed

vocational training, you can apply for a residence permit as a
skilled worker. You must normally already have received a job
offer, or have your own business.
Skilled worker with an employer in Norway

To visit Norway without a visa

Those who do not need a visa to visit Norway, can stay here
for up to 90 days. There are additional rules you must follow.
This page have information for those who do not need a visa
to visit Norway.
You can stay in Norway and the rest of the Schengen area for
up to 90 days during a period of 180 days.
You can divide the 90 days over several visits and travel
freely in and out of Norway.
If you have been in the Schengen area in the last 90 days,
you must check when it is possible for you to re-enter, and
how many days you can stay in Schengen. Please use the
visa calculator to check this (ec.europa.eu)
If you have had a residence permit in Norway which has
expired, you must travel out of Norway and the Schengen
area. You can then travel into Norway again and stay here for
up to 90 days without a visa.
You must normally have NOK 500 available for each day of
your stay in Norway. You may be asked to document this
when you enter Norway. If you are staying with family or
friends, you do not need to have this much money.
Alternatively, the person you will be visiting can provide a
financial guarantee.
You must be able to travel back to your home country or the
country in which you hold a residence permit at the end of
your stay.
Normally, you cannot work in Norway during your visit.

Special passports

If you are from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia,

Moldovia, Montenegro or Serbia, you must have a biometric
passport
If you are from Hong Kong, you must have a Hong Kong SAR
passport or BN (0) passport
If you are from Macao, you must have a Macao SAR passport
If you are from Taiwan, you must have a passport that
contains an ID card number.

Skilled workers

Requirements of the employee

You must pay an application fee.
Requirements relating to your education/qualifications
You must have one of the following types of
education/qualifications

a completed vocational training programme of at least three

years at upper secondary school level, for example as a
joiner or health worker. There must be a corresponding
vocational training programme in Norway.
completed education or degree from a university/ university
college, for example a bachelor's degree as an engineer or
nurse
special qualifications that you have obtained through long
work experience, if relevant in combination with courses etc.
A permit is only granted in such cases in exceptional
circumstances. Your qualifications must be equivalent to
those of someone who has completed vocational training.
Requirements relating to the employment relationship
You must have received a concrete job offer from one specific
employer in Norway.
The job must normally be full-time
The job you are offered must require qualifications as a
skilled worker. You must have the qualifications that the job
requires.
The pay and working conditions must not be poorer than is
normal in Norway.
Special requirements
If you are going to work in an occupation for which approval
or authorisation is required (external website), you must have
such approval or authorisation. Health personnel, for
example, must enclose an authorisation or licence from the
Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel, SAFH,
(external website).

o
o

If you are to work through a staffing agency, you must

present a list of the assignments that the employer has
planned for you. The assignments must be confirmed by the
business/businesses you are carrying out the assignments
for. It is only possible for you to get a residence permit for
the period of time when you are carrying out the assignments
on this list.
The staffing agency must be registered in the Norwegian
Labour Inspection Authoritys register (external website).
Rights and obligations
You can get a residence permit for one to three years at a
time.
After three years, you can apply for a permanent residence
permit in Norway.
Your family can usually apply to come and live with you in
Norway.
If you are an employee of an international company or a
national of a WTO country (external website), you must apply
for a new residence permit if you are planning to change jobs
or employers. You may not change jobs or employers until
you have been granted a new residence permit.
If you work for an employer in Norway, you can change
employers without applying for a new residence permit. You
must perform the same type of work, however.
If you are going to carry out work of a different type, you
must submit a new application for a residence permit. You
may not start work of a different type until you have been
granted a new residence permit.
If you lose your job:
You must notify the police where you live within seven days.
You can then stay in Norway for up to six months to look for a
new job. Your residence permit must still be valid for the
duration of this period.
If you start in a new job, you must notify the police where you
live within seven days. You may not start working in another
type of job than the type stated in your residence permit.

Requirements of the employee

You must pay an application fee.
Requirements relating to your education/qualifications
You must have one of the following types of
education/qualifications

Self-employed persons with a company in Norway

a completed vocational training programme of at least three

years at upper secondary school level, for example as a
joiner or health worker. There must be a corresponding
vocational training programme in Norway.
completed education or degree from a university/ university
college, for example a bachelor's degree as an engineer or
nurse
special qualifications that you have obtained through long
work experience, if relevant in combination with courses etc.
A permit is only granted in such cases in exceptional
circumstances. Your qualifications must be equivalent to
those of someone who has completed vocational training.
Requirements relating to the employment relationship
You must have plans to engage in long-term business
activities in Norway.
The business concerned must normally be your own sole
proprietorship. The business cannot be a limited company.
You can only work in this business. You cannot take other
work.
The work you will be doing in the enterprise must require
your qualifications as a skilled worker.
There must be a financial basis for the business. The UDI will
ask the county authority to consider this.
You must have enough money to live on during the period the
application concerns. This means that your expected
business income (profit that you take out) must be at least
NOK 234 684 per year pre-tax (34,235.45 US Dollars by rate:
0,146).
If the type of business you will be running requires permits
from public authorities, you must hold such a permit or a
confirmation from the authority that you will be granted such
a permit.
Rights and obligations
You can be granted a permit for one year at a time.

After three years, you can apply for a permanent residence

permit.
Your family members can apply for family immigration to
come and live with you in Norway.

Applications for renewal

Most applications for renewal of a residence permit for work
will be processed by the police. The case processing time
varies between police districts. Please ask the police about
case processing times when you hand in your application.
If the police forwards the application to the UDI, it will
normally take three months from you handed in your
application to the police until your case is processed. When
the UDI receives your application, you will be notified by
email or SMS. Most people will receive an answer to
their application within four weeks of receiving this
message. If it will take longer, we will notify you by email or
SMS.

Work
Normal case processing times in the UDI
Most people will receive an answer within three months of
submitting their application to the police or foreign service
mission.
When the UDI receives your application, you will be notified
by email or SMS. Most people will receive an answer to
their application within four weeks of receiving this
message.
If it will take longer, we will notify you by email or SMS.

Appeals of rejections
Within four weeks of the UDI receiving your appeal, we will
either reverse the decision and grant you a permit or send
your case to the Immigration Appeals Board for consideration
of the appeal.

Case processing times for applications submitted at

a Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA)
Your case will be normally be processed within ten days of
you or your employer delivering your documents to the
service centre.
If you apply for a seasonal work permit, your case will be be
processed within three months of you or your employer
delivering your documents to the service centre.
Case processing times in the police
Some applications are processed by the police. Please ask
the police about case processing times when you hand in the
application.

o
o
o

Which cases take longer to process?

In some cases, we need more information or documentation,
or there may be things that we want to look into more
closely. We would not do so if we did not believe that it is
absolutely necessary in order to make a correct decision in
the case.
What can you do to contribute to your case being processed
as quickly as possible?
Make sure that your application is completed correctly and in
full.
Make sure that you enclose all the necessary documents, see
our checklists.
Make sure that your contact information, as well as the
employers, is up-to-date.

It is also a good idea to make sure that your employer in

Norway has power of attorney from you, so that we can give
important information to your employer.

Checklist for skilled worker

employers about how long you worked in the company, what

training you were given, your tasks and qualifications.
Additional documents for some applications

How to use the list

When you turn up to your appointment with the police or
embassy/consulate you must hand in this list and copies of the
documents on this list. You must also present the original
documents.

If you submit your application in a country other than your home

country documentation that you have held a residence permit
for the last six months in this country If you submit your
application in Norway documentation which shows that you are
in Norway legally.

If you are going to work in a position which is less than 80

percent explanation/ documentation of this If you are going to
work for more than one employer explanation/ documentation of
this

If any of your documents are in a different language than

Norwegian or English, you must hand in a translation of the
documents into Norwegian or English.

If the offer of employment is not continuous explanation/

documentation of this If you are to work in a profession subject
to qualification requirements (a regulated profession)
documentation that you have been approved or authorized by
the relevant specialist authority for your profession

If you are an athlete or coach a statement from the National

Sports Federation of your sport or Norsk Jockeyklub If you are to
carry out skilled work through a recruitment agency a list of the
assignments that you are going to do, and a statement from
each of the clients which confirms that you are going to do an
assignment for them

A printed page which shows that the recruitment agency you

are going to work for is registered in the The Labour Inspection
Authoritys register of recruitment agencies

If you would like your employer to apply on your behalf, or for

your employer or another person to be able to talk to The
Directorate of Immigration on your behalf power of attorney
form View explanation If you want to work during application
processing for "Early employment scheme": Employer's
certificate of VAT, tax certificate and a self declaration of
compliance with statutory Norwegian health, safety and the
environment (HSE) requirements View explanation residence
permit during application processing: a letter where you request
this

Name:
DUF number/date of birth:

It is your responsibility to make sure that you have handed in all

documents on the list which are required for your application. If
all relevant documents are not handed in, this may lead to
longer processing time or your application being rejected.
Please note: Some embassies may request additional
documents based on local conditions if you are applying from
abroad.
The following documents needs to be submitted:

Documentation when applying for the first time passport and

copy of all used pages in passport signed cover letter from the
Application portal (or application form) View explanation two
new/recent passport size photos with white background
documentation which shows that you have somewhere to live in
Norway
The UDI's Offer of employment form, completed View
explanation documentation of your education, containing
information about the duration of the education, the level and
the content View explanation and/or documentation of work
experience containing detailed information from former

Documentation when you apply to renew your residence permit

passport and copy of all used pages in passport signed cover
letter from the Application portal (or application form) View
explanation the UDI's Offer of employment form, completed
View explanation your last three pay slips special
documentation if you have been asked for such in prior
decisions

documentation which shows that you have somewhere to live in

Norway

Documentation of your education, containing information about

the duration of the education, the level and the content

And/or documentation of work experience containing detailed

information from former employers about how long you worked
in the company, what training you were given, your tasks and
qualifications View explanation

if you are in one of the situations described under "Additional

documents for some applications", you must submit the same
documents as when you applied for the first time

Checklist for self-employed persons

CV

A detailed description of the enterprise, including an

assessment of the market and the sales potential for your
product or service and your role in the enterprise specification
of the location of the business premises and the name of the
enterprise any necessary permit from a public body, if
applicable, or a prior commitment of such a permit if the
business is newly established: financial and business plans if the
enterprise is established: accounts, or your tax assessment
notice if the enterprise is exempted from submit accounts

Additional documents for some applications If you submit your

application in a country other than your home country
documentation that you have held a residence permit for the
last six months in this country If you submit your application in
Norway documentation which shows that you are in Norway
legally View explanation

If you are to work in a profession subject to qualification

requirements (a regulated profession) documentation that you
have been approved or authorized by the relevant specialist
authority for your profession View explanation

If you want a representative to be able to talk with the UDI on

your behalf power of attorney form View explanation

If you want to work during application processing residence

permit during application processing: a letter where you request
this

Name:
DUF number/date of birth:
How to use the list
When you turn up to your appointment with the police or
embassy/consulate you must hand in this list and copies of the
documents on this list. You must also present the original
documents.
If any of your documents are in a different language than
Norwegian or English, you must hand in a translation of the
documents into Norwegian or English.
It is your responsibility to make sure that you have handed in all
documents on the list which are required for your application. If
all relevant documents are not handed in, this may lead to
longer processing time or your application being rejected.
Please note: Some embassies may request additional
documents based on local conditions if you are applying from
abroad.
The following documents needs to be submitted:

Documentation when applying for the first time passport and

copy of all used pages in passport signed cover letter from the
Application portal (or application form) View explanation two
new/recent passport size photos with white background

Documentation when you apply to renew your residence

permit

passport and copy of all used pages in passport signed cover

letter from the Application portal (or application form) View
explanation auditor approved accounts, or your tax assessment
notice if your enterprise is exempted from submitting accounts a
budget
if you have earned less than expected or have made a loss: a
description on how the enterprise will increase profitability in
the coming year

Checklist for job seeker who has recently graduated or

is a researcher

passport and copy of all used pages in passport signed cover

letter from the Application portal (or application form)

two new/recent passport size photos with white background

documentation which shows that you have somewhere to live
in Norway

documentation that you have sufficient funds for your stay

documentation of your education, containing information

about the duration of the education, the level and the
content

and/or documentation of work experience containing detailed

information from former employers about how long you
worked in the company, what training you were given, your
tasks and qualifications

Name:
DUF number/date of birth:
How to use the list
When you turn up to your appointment with the police or
embassy/consulate you must hand in this list and copies of
the documents on this list. You must also present the original
documents.
If any of your documents are in a different language than
Norwegian or English, you must hand in a translation of the
documents into Norwegian or English.
It is your responsibility to make sure that you have handed in
all documents on the list which are required for your
application. If all relevant documents are not handed in, this
may lead to longer processing time or your application being
rejected.
Please note: Some embassies may request additional
documents based on local conditions if you are applying from
abroad.
The following documents needs to be submitted:
Documentation when applying for the first time

Additional documents for some applications

If you want a representative to be able to talk with the UDI on
your behalf power of attorney form View explanation

If you want to work during application processing residence

permit during application processing: a letter where you
request this

Documentation when you apply to renew your residence

permit

passport and copy of all used pages in passport

signed cover letter from the Application portal (or application

form) View explanation

documentation that you have sufficient funds for your stay

Pay and working conditions in Norway

In order for you to be granted a residence permit for work

purposes in Norway, the pay and working conditions must not
be poorer than is normal in Norway.
How much pay must you receive?
If you are to work in an industry in which a collective
agreement applies, you must be paid the collective wage
rate.
If you are going to work in an industry in which no collective
agreement applies, your pay cannot be poorer than is normal
for someone in your occupation in the place you are going to
work.
If the position requires a master's degree, your pay must be
at least NOK 409 700 per year (59 766,59 US Dollars by rate:
0,146) pre-tax (the sum will be changed in June 2015). We
may permit that you receive a lower salary if you can
document that this is normal for your occupation in the place
where you are to work.
If the position requires a bachelor's degree, your pay must be
at least NOK 380 300 per year (55 477,75 US Dollars by rate:
0,146) pre-tax ((the sum will be changed in June 2015). We
may permit that you receive a lower salary if you can
document that this is normal for your occupation in the place
where you are to work.
Is there a minimum wage in Norway?

permit. This applies regardless of whether you work in a

sector where there is a minimum wage.
When are wages paid?
Unless otherwise agreed, wages are to be paid at least twice
a month. In Norway, it is usual to agree on payment of wages
once a month. On payment of wages, the employer must
provide you with a pay slip stating the pay, tax deducted and
any other deductions.
What to do if you are not paid
If the employer fails to pay wages or pays less wages than
agreed, you must contact your employer to find out why you
have not been paid. The reason may be that you employer
refuses to pay, or that the employer is not able to pay.
The procedure for making your claims depends on the reason
why your employer has not paid.
It is important that you do not wait too long before dealing
with the matter. If you delay too long, you may risk losing
your rights in relation to the State Wage Guarantee Scheme.

There is no general minimum wage in Norway. Wages are

subject to agreement between the employer and the
employee as part of the written employment contract.

If you are not paid at the agreed time, you must send a claim
to your employer by registered mail as soon as possible. The
claim letter must state what the claim concerns, the amount
that the employer owes you and the earning period. Give the
employer one weeks notice to pay.

Although there is no general minimum wage in Norway,

minimum rates of pay have been introduced in certain
sectors:

When the employer refuses to pay

Construction sites (for construction workers)

The maritime construction industry
The agriculture and horticulture sectors
Cleaning workers
Employees who hold a residence permit in order to work for
an employer in Norway shall have pay and working
conditions in accordance with the conditions of the residence

If the wages have not been paid because the employer

refuses to pay, you must send a claim letter to your employer
by registered mail.
If you are not paid by the final date you have stated in your
claim letter, you can bring the matter before the conciliation
board.

All municipalities in Norway have their own conciliation

boards (in Norwegian only)

The following sectors have generally applicable collective

agreements (regulated in separate regulations):

When the employer is not able to pay

If the employer has failed to pay because he is unable to pay,
the undertaking can be declared bankrupt. When bankruptcy
proceedings are instituted, you can claim payment of the
wages from the State Wage Guarantee Scheme. Read more
about this
Joint and several liability
In sectors with a statutory minimum wage, the contractor at
the top of the chain is liable for the obligation of contractors
further down in the contractor chain to pay the minimum
wage (joint and several liability). This means that you can
claim payment of the minimum wage all the way up to the
contractor at the top of the chain, from whom the work was
ordered.
To claim payment of wages from contractors higher up in the
contractor chain, you must:
Submit a claim in writing within three months after payment
of the wages is due
Document the claim by means of the employment contract,
time sheets, pay slips, etc.
The contractor has a time limit of three weeks to pay. If there
are several contractors in the chain, you can decide yourself
who to send the claim to.

Generally applicable collective agreements

Generally applicable collective agreements are agreements
concerning pay and working conditions that apply to
everyone who works in the specific sector, regardless of
whether they are party to the agreement. General application
of collective agreements is one of a number of instruments to
prevent foreign workers from being given poorer pay and
working conditions than are usual in Norway.

Construction sites (for construction workers)

The maritime construction industry
The agriculture and horticulture sectors
Cleaning workers
Who do the regulations apply to?
The regulations apply to skilled and unskilled workers. By
skilled worker is meant a worker who holds an officially
approved trade certificate or corresponding formal
qualifications in the field of work. An unskilled worker is a
worker who does not hold such a trade certificate. The
regulations that apply to the maritime construction industry
distinguish between skilled workers, semi-skilled workers and
unskilled workers.
The regulations on general application of the collective
agreement for cleaning companies apply to private
companies that operate sale of cleaning services and to
employees who carry out such services. It does not apply to
employees who are covered by collective agreements
concluded with trade unions with the right of nomination.
The regulations do not apply to apprentices or to persons
taking part in labour market schemes.
Responsibility
Undertakings that perform such work are responsible for
ensuring compliance with these regulations. This also applies
to any person managing the undertaking on the employers
behalf.
Wages - Construction sites
Minimum hourly wage:
For skilled workers: NOK 174,10

For unskilled workers without any experience of construction

work: NOK 156,60
For unskilled workers with at least one years experience of
construction work: NOK 163.20
For workers under 18 years of age: NOK 105,10
The rates apply from 1 April 2013.
Overtime supplement
The provisions of the collective agreement concerning
overtime are not generally applicable. The provisions of the
Working Environment Act shall apply unless a more
favourable overtime supplement is agreed. Pursuant to
section 10-6 (11) of the Working Environment Act, an
overtime supplement equal to 40% of the hourly rate shall be
paid.
The maritime construction industry
Workers who perform production, assembly and installation
work in the maritime construction industry, cf. section 2 of
the regulations, shall have an hourly wage of at least:
For skilled workers: NOK 148.29
For semi-skilled workers: NOK 141.53
For unskilled workers: NOK 134.85
In the case of work requiring overnight stays away from
home, with the exception of workers taken on at the work
site, the following hourly supplement shall be paid:
For skilled workers: NOK 29.66
For semi-skilled workers: NOK 28.31
For unskilled workers: NOK 26.97
Shiftwork
At workplaces with shiftwork the following hourly supplement
shall be paid:
For work in a two-shift arrangement (36.5 hours a week):
First shift: until 14.00 hours on Saturday: no supplement
Second shift: NOK 16.38
For shiftwork after 14.00 hours on days before Sundays and
public holidays: NOK 34.99

From 14.00 hours on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve and
on the Saturdays before Easter Sunday and Whit Sunday:
NOK 50.18
Every hour after 24.00 hours a supplement shall be paid
corresponding to the supplement for the third shift.
For work in a three-shift arrangement (35.5 hours a week):
First shift: until 14.00 hours on Saturday: no supplement
Second shift: NOK 16.88
Third shift: NOK 25.12
For shiftwork after 14.00 hours on days before Sundays and
public holidays: NOK 36.01
From 14.00 hours on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve and
on the Saturdays before Easter Sunday and Whit Sunday:
NOK 51.58
For continuous three-shiftwork (33.6 hours a week):
First shift: until 14.00 hours on Saturday: no supplement
Second shift: NOK 17.89
Third shift: NOK 26.54
For shiftwork after 14.00 hours on days before Sundays and
public holidays: NOK 38.02
From 14.00 hours on Christmas Eve, New Years Eve, and on
the Saturdays before Easter Sunday and Whit Sunday: NOK
54.51
Conversion from normal working hours
When converting from normal working hours, 37.5 hours a
week, to alternative working hour arrangements, use the
following table:
From 37.5 hours 36.5 hours: 2.74%
From 37.5 hours 35.5 hours: 5.63%
From 37.5 hours 33.6 hours: 11.61%
Overtime supplement
A supplement corresponding to 50% of the hourly rate shall
be paid for work in excess of normal working hours. For work
in excess of normal working hours between 21.00 hours and
06.00 hours and on Sundays and public holidays, a
supplement equal to 100 per cent of the hourly rate shall be
paid.
The rates apply from 1 April 2012.

Wages - Agriculture and horticulture

Workers shall have a minimum hourly wage of:

overtime supplement is agreed. Pursuant to section 10-6 (11)

of the Working Environment Act, an overtime supplement
equal to 40% of the hourly rate shall be paid.

Vacation and harvest workers

The rates apply from 1 April 2012.

Workers 16-17 years of age: NOK 83.75

Workers 17-18 years of age: NOK 86.75
Over 18 years of age - for the first 12 weeks: NOK 105.25
Over 18 years of age - from 12 to 24 weeks (3-6 months):
NOK 110.75
Workers over 18 years of age who are employed for more
than 6 months shall receive the rate for unskilled permanent
employees.

Wages - Cleaning workers

Permanently employed workers

For work between 21.00 hours and 06.00 hours, a pay

supplement shall be agreed in each individual case. The pay
supplement shall be at least NOK 25 an hour.

Unskilled workers: NOK 123.15

Workers 16-17 years of age: NOK 91.75
Workers 17-18 years of age: NOK 95.75
Supplement for skilled workers: NOK 8
Weekend/public holiday supplement for farm relief workers
on permanent rotas
A supplement of 25% is paid per hour worked
1) between 13.00 hours on Saturday and 24.00 hours on
Sunday
2) between 13.00 hours and 24.00 hours on Christmas Eve
and New Years Eve
3) between 00.00 hours and 24.00 hours on movable
holidays and on 1 May and 17 May.

Workers who perform cleaning work shall have a minimum

hourly rate of: NOK 161.17.
Workers under 18 years of age who perform cleaning work,
shall have a minimum hourly rate of: NOK 121.01.
Overtime/supplements

The rates apply from 23. May 2013.

Working hours
In the maritime construction industry, working hours have
general application. In other sectors, working hours do not
have general application. The provisions of the Working
Environment Act therefore apply to these.
Travel and board and lodging expenses

Reimbursement of expenditure
Allowances paid as reimbursement of expenditure actually
incurred on account of posting of workers, such as
expenditure on travel, board and lodging, shall not be
regarded as part of the wage pursuant to the Regulations.

For work on construction sites, in the maritime construction

industry and in cleaning work requiring overnight stays away
from home, the employer shall, subject to further agreement,
cover necessary expenses on commencement and
completion of the assignment and for a reasonable number
of journeys home.

Overtime supplement
In agriculture and horticulture sectors the provisions of the
collective agreement concerning overtime do not have
general application. The provisions of the Working
Environment Act shall apply unless a more favourable

Before the employer posts the employee to an assignment

away from home, an agreement shall be made concerning
board and lodging arrangements. The employer shall as a
rule pay for board and lodging, but a fixed subsistence rate,
payment as per account rendered or the like may be agreed.

Working clothes

Transitional rules

The employer shall provide the necessary working clothes

and protective footwear suitable for the time of year and the
workplace.

Transitional rules apply to workers from the EU countries

Romania and Bulgaria who wish to work in Norway. Workers
from Romania and Bulgaria who have had no residence
permit in Norway during the last 12 months must apply for a
residence permit.
For more information, see the website of the Directorate of
Immigration. See the link in the right-hand margin.

The obligation to provide information, to ensure compliance

and right of inspection
It is the employer who has the main responsibility for
ensuring compliance with generally applicable conditions.
However, several other parties have rights and obligations in
this connection:
A person who engages workers or purchases a service from a
supplier/contractor or subcontractor is obliged to provide
information concerning these provisions.
The main contractor must ensure that generally applicable
conditions are complied with by subcontractors.
Employees representatives in the main contractors
undertaking may request the right of inspection of the pay
and working conditions of workers in sectors with generally
applicable collective agreements.
Exceptions
The rules do not apply if the employee is, as a whole, entitled
to more favourable pay and working conditions according to
agreement, or pursuant to the legislation that applies in his
or her country of origin.
Right of residence for workers who are EU/ES/EFTA citizens
Workers who are nationals of an EU/ES/EFTA country need
no longer apply for a residence permit in Norway, but can
register electronically on the website of the Directorate of
Immigration (UDI). See the link in the right-hand margin.
Those who register must then report to the police or to a
Service Centre for Foreign Workers. Nationals of EU/ES/EFTA
countries with valid ID cards or passports have a right of
residence for three months in Norway.

The transitional rules do not apply to workers posted to

Norway by foreign companies in connection with the
provision of services. Nor do the transitional rules apply to
sole proprietors.
The role of the Labour Inspection Authority
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority supervises
compliance with these rules. If the rules are violated, the
Labour Inspection Authority may impose injunctions and or
coercive fines, stop the work or report the matter to the
police.
All employees must have a written contract of
employment. This applies to all types of employment,
both permanent and temporary appointments.
There are no exceptions to this requirement.

Contents of the contract of employment

The contract of employment shall contain information on
matters of major importance for the employment, and shall
at least provide information on the following:
Name of the employee and the employer (identity of the
parties).
The workplace. If there is no permanent workplace or main
workplace, the contract of employment shall state that the
employee works at different locations, and shall state the

business address or, if appropriate, the home address of the

employer.
A description of the work, or the employees title, post or
category of work.
The date of commencement of the employment.
The expected duration if the employment is temporary.
Any provisions relating to a trial period of employment.
The employees entitlement to holiday and holiday pay, and
the rules for fixing of dates for holidays.
The employees and the employers terms of notice.
The pay rate that applies or has been agreed on
commencement of the employment, any supplements and
other emoluments that are not part of the salary, e.g.
pension contributions and allowances for meals or
accommodation, the method of payment and payment
intervals for salary payments.
Duration and disposition of the agreed daily and weekly
working hours.
Length of breaks.
Agreement concerning a special working-hour arrangement
pursuant to the provisions concerning reduced working
hours, flexible working hours, etc.
Information concerning any collective agreements that
regulate the employment. If an agreement has been
concluded by parties outside the undertaking, the contract of
employment shall state the identities of the parties to the
collective pay agreements.
Supplementary information
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority has prepared a
standard contract of employment that covers the statutory
requirements. This is available in several languages.

What to do when you are not paid on time?

As an employee you may find that the employer does not pay
wages or holiday pay on time. Apart from misunderstandings
and technical payment errors, the cause may either be that
your employer will not pay, or that the employer cannot pay.

The procedure in such cases depends on whether the

employer is reluctant to pay or cannot pay.
To learn why wages fail, you must contact the employer.
Regardless of the explanation you receive, it is important to
start your proceeding as soon as possible. E.g. in case of
bankruptcy you might risk losing the possibility to get your
claims covered by the Norwegian Wage Guarantee Fund (In
Norwegian: Lnnsgarantifondet).
You can read more about the payment of wages and holiday
pay in the Working Environment Act section 14-15.
You can read more about the payment of holiday pay in the
Holidays Act section 11.
When the employer will not pay
Send a registered letter to the employer where you raise your
claim and request payment within a short period, e.g. 7 to 10
days. Inform your (former) employer that you will pursue the
matter further if payment has not occurred within the given
date as stated in your claim.
If the employer does not pay on time, you can contact the
Conciliation Board in the municipality where the employer is
located. The Board will help you set up the complaint. Then a
conciliation meeting will be summoned. The case might be
solved through settlement or judgment, or referred to the
court.
If the case is referred to court, you should seek legal advice
to get an assessment regarding a possible court proceeding.
If the result of proceedings in the Conciliation Board ends
with a settlement or a judgment, and the employer still does
not pay, you must send the case to the execution and
enforcement authority.
When the employer cannot pay

If the employer cannot pay due to insolvency, the company

might be declared bankrupt. When bankruptcy occurs, you
can seek coverage from the Norwegian Wage Guarantee
Fund, which is administrated by Labour and Welfare
Administration (NAV). Notice that there are certain time limits
with regard to the possibility of getting your claims covered
by the Wage Guarantee Fund. By not proceeding, e.g waiting
for others file a petition in bankruptcy, you risk that your
claims are too old to be covered. Reasonable expenses you
receive in connection with the bankruptcy petition, such as
fees, attorney's fees may also be covered.
Unless the employer declares him or her self insolvent, and
sends in a bankruptcy petition to the district court, you will
need to proceed as follows:
When wages is absent: Demand
If you do not get paid on time, you must as soon as possible
send a registered letter (demand) to the employer where you
claim payment within a short period, e.g. 7 to 10 days. The
letter must state the claim, the earning period, and the
amount the employer owes you.
When the employer fails to pay on demand: Bankruptcy
notice
Four weeks after you sent the registered letter, you write a
payment request (bankruptcy notice). This shall be given to
the employer by a public official, see below.
The contents of the bankruptcy notice:
Refer to the demand you sent earlier. Reiterate the amount
the employer owes you, the claim and the earning period.
The demand has to state a two week time limit for payment
from the service of the bankruptcy notice.
Write that "The creditor has the right to submit a bankruptcy
petition if payment is not made within the time limit."
You must also state that "insolvency is assumed to be
present, as bankruptcy petition is heard, when the creditor
has followed the procedure as stated in the Bankruptcy Act
section 63".

Proclamation
Bankruptcy notice must be send to the enforcement officer
where the employer is located (in the cities this is an office,
in rural areas it is often the local police. Municipal
administration will be able to provide further details).
The enforcement officer will proclaim the bankruptcy notice
to the employer. This service costs as of 1th of January 2012
430 kroner. You will get information when the service is
performed.
If the employer still does not pay: Bankruptcy Petition
When the two-week time limit in the bankruptcy notice has
expired, you must send a bankruptcy petition to the district
court. The petition must be submitted in five copies. These
must be received by the court within two weeks as from the
payment time limit stated in the bankruptcy notice. If you
wait longer, the bankruptcy notice must be sent one more
time.
It is important that the bankruptcy petition is formally
correct. Note that the petition must be written in Norwegian.
The bankruptcy petition shall be in writing, and must include:
Name and address of the plaintiff (you) and defendant
(employer).
The employer's enterprise number (from the Central
Coordinating Register for Legal Entities see below).
The basis for the bankruptcy, i.e. the amount that the
employer owes you, the earning period and type of claims
(wages, vacation pay, etc.).
That you request the defendant estate to be subject for
insolvency proceedings.
Documentation to prove that you are employed/have an
employment relationship with the defendant. Attach a copy
of the certificate of registration, claims and bankruptcy
notification letter with the payment request.
Signature.
If the employer is a company, the bankruptcy petition with
attachments must be submitted in five copies to the district

court in the municipality where the employer has his place of

business.
If the employer is a person or a sole proprietorship, send
petition to the court in the municipality where the employer
lives. You can get information at Brnnysundregistrene on
which municipality you shall send it to. Also ask about the
company certificate of registration that you attach to the
bankruptcy petition.
At the same time as you submit your petition, you have to
seek the court for exemption from providing a guarantee for
the costs of bankruptcy proceedings. You can add the Wage
Guarantee Fund application form, Form A, that will give the
court most of the information needed to decide whether to
grant the exemption or not. When the court treats the
bankruptcy petition, you must appear in court and explain
your claim.
If the result of the court meeting is that bankruptcy
proceedings are instituted, you must apply wage guarantee
coverage by enrolling your claim to the trustee.
Although the requirements are too old, by the general rule, to
be covered by the Wage Guaranteed Fund, they can still be
covered if you have started, and complied, the procedures
mentioned above.
To ensure your rights to wage guarantee coverage, it is
important that you act quickly. As the recovery process can
be complicated and there are strict formal requirements on
how to proceed to bankruptcy, it may be convenient to
entrust the work to a lawyer. Expenses you get may be
covered by warranty.
Salary
In Norway wages are, in general, not regulated by law. Wages
are based on agreements between employer and employee,
or regulated by collective agreements. It is therefore very
important that the question of wages is governed by the
individual contract of employment.

An exception to the general rule applies in the construction

industry, shipping and shipbuilding industry, cleaning
industry and in agriculture - and horticulture industries. In
these industries it has been introduced general application of
collective agreements which, among other things, regulate
the employee's salary to prescribed minimum wage rates.
Many companies have collective agreements. Collective
agreements are agreements on wages and other rights and
duties between employer and employees. These collective
agreements are normally negotiated by employer
associations and trade unions.
Contact your employer or trade union representative for
more information about current collective agreements that
might regulate rights and duties e.g. on salary.
The Role of the Norwegian Labour Inspection
Authority
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority provides
guidance on the procedure when you do not receive wages or
holiday pay, as well as the regulations concerning payment
of wages, overtime pay and holiday pay issues. In general
the Labour Inspection has no authority to give orders in such
cases. Disputes may only be settled by the courts.
However, the Labour Inspection has the authority to give
orders on regulations on general application of collective
agreements and overtime payment for future overtime work.

Pay guarantee in the event of bankruptcy

The scheme covers outstanding pay claims, etc. in the event
of an employers bankruptcy. In addition to bankruptcy, the
scheme also covers public administration of insolvent
estates, compulsory liquidation and public administration of
insurance companies or banks.
The condition requiring applicants to be active job seekers in
order to be eligible for coverage under the wage guarantee

scheme was annulled on 28 March 2014. This means you do

not have to be registered as a job seeker for pay claims
accumulated after 28 March. However, you must still be
registered as a job seeker in order to claim advance payment
of unemployment benefit in connection with bankruptcy.
New regulations as of 1 January 2014 limit employee rights to
a pay guarantee. These new regulations were passed by the
Storting in December 2013.
Once bankruptcy proceedings have commenced, claims are
covered for one month from the date on which bankruptcy
proceedings commenced. This applies even if a longer period
of notice was agreed between the parties or a longer
statutory period of notice applies. Coverage for holiday pay is
only offered for such pay accrued in the same year as the
final date for claims and the year before.
The final date of claims is the date on which the bankruptcy
proceedings commenced in court.
Read more under the heading of related information in the
right-hand margin.
As of 1 July, the rules for wage guarantee compensation
during lay-offs changed. As a consequence, employees are
entitled to compensation for double pay for the period
when notice period and the employee period overlap.
Read more about this under related information about New
rules Wage gurarantee compensatuion during layoffs("Praksisendring-Lnnsgarantidekning under
permittering")
Due to a significant increase in the number of bankruptcies,
the processing times for wage guarantee applications are
currently longer than usual. For more information, please see
the articles entitled Til deg som sker lnnsgarantidekning
(For those applying for wage guarantee compensation) and
Til bostyrere om kurante krav og behandlingstid (For
administratorsregarding relevant claims and processing
times) under the heading of related information.

Who can receive payment under this scheme?

The scheme applies to all employment relationships that are
subject to employers National Insurance contribution (payroll
tax). The following are not covered:
self-employed people and people who work on commission
shareholders who own at least 20 per cent of the shares in
the company, unless the person in question can substantiate
that he/she has not had a significant influence on operations.
How much will you receive?
Assuming you have an outstanding claim against your
employer, you can have the following claims covered:
Pay and other remuneration for the performance of work for a
maximum of six months
The pay claim must not have been due for payment more
than twelve months before the deadline. This time limit is
absolute.
Holiday pay accrued in the same year as the final date of
claim and the year before
Pension benefits for a maximum of six months.
Compensation for lost remuneration for the performance of
work for maximum six months
Interest until the deadline for outstanding pay claims, and
collection costs
Reasonable costs linked to filing a petition for bankruptcy
Maximum coverage is limited to a gross amount equivalent
to two times the National Insurance basic amount (2G) on the
final date of claims. Reasonable costs linked to filing a
petition for bankruptcy are in addition to this.
The claim will be reduced if you have had other income in the
application period that is instead of the income you received
from your former employer. Advance payment of
unemployment benefit is deducted before any payment is
made to you.
How long will you receive payments?

If the enterprise is transferred to a new owner before

bankruptcy proceedings commence, and you continue to
work for the new owner, you will only be granted coverage
for pay claims until the transfer date.
Once bankruptcy proceedings have commenced, claims are
covered for one month from the date on which bankruptcy
proceedings commenced.
Other relevant services:
Unemployment benefit (advance wage guarantee funds)
How do you apply for wage guarantee funds?
You must complete application form A Notification of a pay
claim, etc., against an estate in bankruptcy. (Melding av
lnnskrav mv. til konkursboet.) The bankruptcy court can tell
you who the trustee is, and the trustee has a duty to help
you if you need assistance filling out the application form.
You can also find out who has been appointed trustee of an
estate in bankruptcy by looking up the company with the
Brnnysund Register Centre, www.brreg.no.

Applications sent to NAV Wage Guarantee will have one of

three outcomes: claims may be approved or denied, or we
may decide to postpone further processing until we have
received more information from the trustee. We send a letter
to the trustee, who will then inform you of the outcome of
your application.
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal.
The time limit for appeal is three weeks from the date of
receipt of the rejection, and appeals should be sent to NAV
Wage Guarantee. If the decision is upheld, the case is
referred to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
Payment is made to
If a claim is approved, wage guarantee funds are transferred
to the trustee. The trustee then transfers money to the
applicant, minus any mandatory deductions, such as tax and
advance payment of unemployment benefit, for example.

When do you have to apply?

It is important to abide by the deadline the court has set for
filing claims against the estate. NAV Wage Guarantee will
nevertheless still process claims that are submitted to the
trustee in writing before the bankruptcy proceedings are
closed, or, if the bankruptcy proceedings have already been
closed, as long as the claim is received by the trustee or NAV
within six months of the bankruptcy proceedings
commencing.
Where should you submit your application?
Send the completed form to the trustee.
Decision
The trustee assesses and checks claims and sends a
recommendation to NAV Wage Guarantee for decision.
Our goal is for 80 percent of cases to be processed within two
months.

Most of the main information about your entitlements and

duties is available here in English. There are also links to
other more detailed information; however, some of this
information is only available in Norwegian.

Engagement of employees
The main rule is that employees shall be engaged
permanently. A written contract of employment shall always
be entered into regardless of the period of employment and
the scope of the post.
Any trial period must be agreed on in writing, and must not
exceed six months.
The employer must inform employees of vacant posts in the
undertaking.
Private undertakings are in principle free to engage whoever
they wish, but discrimination of individual groups is
prohibited. The employers managerial prerogative may also
be limited by statutory preferential rights. In public
undertakings, engagement of employees is also regulated by

other legislation and collective agreements (e.g. the Civil

Service Act, the Public Administration Act and the Basic
Agreement for the Civil Service).

Temporary engagement of employees

Temporary engagement involves employment of a temporary
nature agreed for a specific period. If a person is to be
employed temporarily, one or more of the following
conditions must be present:
When warranted by the nature of the work and the work
differs from that which is ordinarily performed in the
undertaking. Examples are seasonal work and project work.
The ordinary day-to-day tasks of the undertaking are not to
be performed by temporary employees.
Work as a trainee. This is employment designed to provide
training or qualifications in a field, and must involve a
training situation beyond that which is normal for
performance of the duties of the post.
Work as a temporary replacement for another person or
persons. This must involve a genuine replacement situation,
e.g. replacement of a person on sick leave or in connection
with other leave or holiday.
Participants in labour market schemes under the auspices of
or in cooperation with the Labour and Welfare Service.
Certain posts in sports - athletes, trainers, referees and other
leaders within organised sports.
Work in the areas of art, research or sport subject to a
collective agreement between a national union and the
employer.
The employment shall be terminated automatically on the
agreed final date or on completion of the agreed work.
If the duration of the temporary engagement exceeds one
year, the employee is as a general rule entitled to one
months written notice of termination of employment.
A person who has been temporarily employed for a
consecutive period of more than four years in the same
undertaking shall be regarded as a permanent employee.
Prohibition against discrimination
In connection with engagement of employees, the Working
Environment Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of

gender (regulated by the Gender Equality Act), religion,

ethical and cultural orientation, colour, national or ethnic
origin (regulated by the Anti-discrimination Act), political
views, membership of a trade union, sexual orientation,
disability or age.
The employer may not obtain information concerning the
applicants political, religious or cultural views or
membership of trade unions.
However, this prohibition shall not apply if obtaining such
information is justified by the nature of the post or if the
objective of the activity of the employer in question includes
promotion of specific political, religious or cultural views and
the post is essential for the fulfilment of the objective. This
applies correspondingly to information concerning sexual
orientation. In cases where such information will be required,
this must be stated when advertising the vacancy.
In connection with engagement of employees for posts
associated with religious communities, exceptions are
provided from the prohibition against discrimination on the
basis of homosexual cohabitation subject to statement in the
advertisement of the post of special requirements concerning
the nature of the post or the purpose of the undertaking.
Preferential rights
Employees who are dismissed owing to staff reduction shall
have preferential rights in connection with engagement of
employees.
Such preferential rights apply only if the employee is
qualified for the post and if the employee has been employed
by the undertaking for a total of at least 12 months during
the previous two years.
Such preferential rights shall apply for one year from expiry
of the notice period. Such preferential rights shall not apply
to employees engaged as temporary replacements.
Part-time employees also have preferential rights to an
extended post rather than that the employer shall create a
new appointment in the undertaking. Such preferential rights
apply only if the employee is qualified for the post and
exercise of the preferential right does not involving
significant inconvenience for the undertaking.

Disputes concerning preferential rights for part-time

employees may be brought before the Dispute Resolution
Board.
The role of the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority may provide
advice and guidance on legal provisions in this area. In the
event of disputes, you may seek legal assistance, if
appropriate, from the trade union to which you belong.
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority may order the
employer to draft a written contract of employment.

Labour Inspection Authority

Organisation
The Labour Inspection Authority has approximately 600
employees and consists of a central office - the Directorate,
seven regional offices and 16 local offices throughout the
country. The Directorate in Trondheim regulates the agency's
overall strategy, programmes and information. The district
offices guide and supervise individual enterprises in local
communities.
Contact Information
Contact the Directorate at:
Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, Arbeidstilsynet
Postboks 4720 Sluppen
7468 Trondheim
Norway
Telephone: 815 48 222
From abroad: (+47) 73 19 97 00
Fax: (+47) 73 19 97 01
E-mail: post@arbeidstilsynet.no
Laws and Regulations
Laws and regulations are the foundation of all the Labour
Inspection Authority's activities. We have administrative,

supervisory and information responsibilities in connection

with the following acts:
The Working Environment Act
The Annual Holidays Act
The National Holidays Act
Certain sections of the Smoking Act
The Working Environment Act
The Working Environment Act applies to all land-based
operations with employees.
The employer is responsible for complying with the
requirements of the act, and for ensuring that the enterprise
maintains a healthy and safe working environment. These
responsibilities are explained and reinforced by the
regulations relating to internal control.
Consequences of violating the Working Environment
Act
In dealing with enterprises that do not comply with the
requirements of the Working Environment Act, the Labour
Inspection Authority may respond with:
Orders
When statues and regulations are violated, the authority may
give the enterprise an order to correct the situation within a
given time limit. This is done in writing, and the recipent has
the opportunity to lodge an appeal.
Coercive fines
If the order is not complied with, coercive fines may be
imposed. The size of the fine is dependent upon several
factors, but the main rule is that it shall be unprofitable to
violate the Working Environment Act.
Shutdown of operations
An enterprise may be shut down with immediate effect if the
life and health of it's employees are in imminent danger.
Shutdowns may also be imposed when enterprises fail to
comply with orders given.
Police

The authority may report enterprises to the police for serious

breaches of the act. A serious violation can result in fines, or,
in the worst case, imprisonment.
Systematic Health, Environmental and Safety Activities in
Enterprises - Internal Control Regulations
These regulations require enterprises to have written
objectives in relation to health, environment and safety
activities. Roles and responsibilities regarding health and
safety issues must be clarified. Risk analysis and assessment
must be carried out, and plans of action made and carried
out according to assessments.
The person responsible for the enterprise must ensure that
internal control is introduced and performed in the enterprise
and that this is done in collaboration with the employees and
their representatives.
The Internal Control Regulations (including comments) can be
downloaded as a pdf-document from the column to the right.
Please note that there have been made minor changes in
these regulations after the translation was made.
Overall Objective and Strategies
The agency's overall objective is a healthy working
environment for all, safe and secure employment conditions
and meaningful work for the individual.
The Labour Inspection Authority encourages enterprises to
work systematically towards compliance with the working
environment laws and regulations.

Internal control audits

Reviews of enterprises' internal control systems to reveal
whether regulations and procedures are being followed. An
audit can take place over several days.
Verifications/inspections
Intermittent tests are used to check whether internal control
systems function well and that companies meet legal
requirements.
Investigating accidents
All serious and life threatening accidents are investigated by
the Labour Inspection Authority.
Guidance and Information
In addition to providing advice and guidance according to the
Public Administration Act, the agency publishes a large
amount of guidelines and brochures, the periodical
Arbeidervern and participates in several Internet sites. The
agency also prepares information material in connection with
campaigns and other projects.
Campaigns and projects
Since 1991, the Labour Inspection Authority has been
working systematically with industries struggling with major
working environment problems. There have been campaigns
in a number of sectors, including the health sector, hotels
and resturants, construction, transport, agriculture and the
police.
The purpose of these campaigns has been to motivate
individual enterprises to focus upon their own working
environment and make improvements through internal
control routines.

Supervision
The Labour Inspection Authority oversees that enterprises
comply with the requirements of the Working Environment
Act. Supervision will mainly be aimed at enterprises with the
poorest working conditions, where there is little willingness to
correct problems and where the agency's efforts will have the
greatest effect. This is done by:

Single day campaigns with mass inspections and broad

media coverage are carried out several times each year.
They are usually focused on a single issue, like the existence
of written contracts of employment, proper labelling of
chemicals etc.
Occupational Safety and Health - Information in
English

Some of the agency's information is available in English:

Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, so that they can be

registered in a public register of staffing enterprises.

The posting of workers to and from Norway

Holiday and holiday pay

When a Norwegian company posts employees to another

EU/EEA country, and when foreign companies post workers to
Norway, there are certain rules that apply depending on what
the situation is.
The Posting of workers to and from Norway
Identity cards in the building and construction industry (IDcards)
The introduction of identity cards is a measure aimed at
achieving more effective control of employees health, safety
and working environment as well as greater accountability in
the construction industry.
Identity cards in the building and construction industry (IDCards)
Regulations regarding workers from the new EU-countries
As a precaution against social dumping, transitional rules
apply for residents from Romania and Bulgaria from 1 May
2009, but the transitional rules have been discontinued for
the new member states from 2004.
Regulations regarding workers from the new EU-countries
Foreign agricultural labour
Here you will find terms and conditions of employment,
relevant regulations and information about pay and working
hours for employers in agriculture and agriculture-related
industries that use foreign labour.
Foreign agricultural labour
Requirements for registration of staffing enterprises
All staffing enterprises engaged in the hiring out of labour in
Norway have a duty to report these activities to the

Everyone is entitled to at least 25 working days holiday each

year. From 60 years of age, you are entitled to one additional
week.
Holiday
Working days are weekdays including Saturdays. Sundays
and public holidays are not regarded as working days.
Normally, six working days correspond to one week. The
employee is thus entitled to four weeks and one days
holiday each calendar year.
In good time before the holiday, employers are to discuss the
fixing of holiday dates and setting up of holiday lists with
each individual employee or his representative.
If the employee and the employer fail to agree, the employer
shall have the final word. However, the employee is entitled
to three weeks continuous holiday during the main holiday
period from 1 June until 30 September.
The employee may as a general rule demand to know when
he or she is to take holiday at the latest two months before
the holiday is to be taken.
If you are sick for more than six weekdays during the holiday,
you may claim a corresponding number of days off later in
the year. Such a claim must be supported by a medical
certificate and be submitted as soon as possible after return
to work.
Holiday pay
All employees are entitled to holiday pay. The holiday pay
shall be at least 10.2% of the basis for calculating holiday
pay. The basis for calculating holiday pay is the pay you
received during the previous year. Employees over 60 years
of age are entitled to a minimum of 12.5%.

The basis for calculating holiday pay shall be shown in the

certificate of pay and tax deducted for the qualifying year.

40 hours per 7 days

If you work shifts, nights or Sundays, normal working hours are 38
or 36 hours a week. The duration and disposition of the daily and
weekly working hours must be stated in your employment contract.

As a basic rule, holiday pay is to be paid on the last normal

pay day before the holiday. However the usual procedure is
to pay holiday pay during a specific month, e.g. in June.

The employer shall keep an account of the employees working

hours.

It is not permitted to include holiday pay in the regular wage

unless this is directly regulated through collective
agreements.
Holiday pay following dismissal
On termination of employment, the employee is to be paid all
holiday pay that has been earned up to the last day of work.
The payment is to be made on the last pay day before the
employee leaves.

Calculation on the basis of a fixed average

The normal working hours may be calculated on the basis of a fixed
average. This means that you may work more than the limit for
normal working hours during certain periods in exchange for
working correspondingly shorter hours during other periods. The
average number of hours worked must be within the limits for
normal working hours.

Failure to pay holiday pay

Calculation on the basis of a fixed average may be agreed in

writing between the employer and the employee, be laid down in a
collective agreement between the employer and a group of
employees or be practised in accordance with a dispensation
granted by the Labour Inspection Authority.

Read more about what you can do if the employer fails to pay
holiday pay or pays less holiday pay than you are entitled to
under Lack of payment

Agreement between the employee and the employer:

For a period of up to one year, working hours may be distributed as
follows:

Working hours and overtime

The Working Environment Act defines working hours as time when
the employee is at the disposal of the employer. The time the
employee is not at the disposal of the employer is referred to as offduty time.
Working hours
There are limits for how much you may work per 24-hour day and
per week. These limits are laid down in the Working Environment
Act, but may also be regulated by your employment contract and
by any collective agreements.
The limits prescribed by the Working Environment Act for normal
working hours are:
9 hours per 24 hours

9 hours per 24 hours

48 hours per 7 days
However, the average number of hours in the period must not
exceed the statutory limits for normal working hours.
Agreement between the employer and employees representatives
in an undertaking bound by a collective pay agreement.
For a period of up to one year, working hours may be distributed as
follows:
10 hours per 24 hours
54 hours per 7 days
However, the average number of hours in the period must not
exceed the statutory limits for normal working hours. Nor may
extended working hours be worked continuously for more than
eight weeks.
On the consent of the Labour Inspection Authority:

For a period of up to 26 weeks, working hours may be distributed as

follows:

Overtime work within these limits may only be assigned to

employees who are willing to carry it out.

13 hours per 24 hours

48 hours per 7 days or 48 hours on average during a period of 8
weeks
However, the average number of hours in the period must not
exceed the statutory limits for normal working hours.

Exceptions from the rule for total working hours may be agreed, but
it is not permitted to work more than 16 hours during a 24-hour
day.

Overtime

In response to an application from the employer, the Labour

Inspection Authority may permit extended overtime work of:

Time worked in excess of the statutory limits for normal working

hours shall be regarded as overtime.
Overtime is only permitted when there is an exceptional and timelimited need for it. Overtime may not therefore be used as a
permanent arrangement.
Limits for overtime
The employer may decide that you shall work overtime for a period
of up to:
10 hours per 7 days
25 hours per 4 consecutive weeks
200 hours per 52 weeks
Total working hours must not exceed 13 hours per 24 hours. Nor
must total working hours exceed 48 hours per 7 days.
The limit of 48 hours may be calculated on the basis of a fixed
average over a period of 8 weeks. This means that more than 48
hours may be worked in some weeks in exchange for working
correspondingly shorter hours in other weeks.
Overtime by agreement with the employees
representatives
In undertakings bound by collective agreements, the employer and
employees representatives may agree on extended overtime of up
to:
15 hours per 7 days.
40 hours per 4 consecutive weeks.
300 hours per 52 weeks.

Overtime with the permission of the Labour Inspection Authority

up to 20 hours per 7 days

up to 200 hours during a period of 26 weeks
Overtime work within these limits may only be assigned to
employees who are willing to carry it out.
You may maximally work 400 hours overtime per 52 weeks.
Overtime pay
When you work overtime, you are entitled to a supplement of at
least 40 per cent of the agreed hourly pay. It is not permitted to
agree a lower percentage rate.
Time off in lieu of overtime may be agreed on an hour-for-hour
basis. However, time off in lieu of the minimum overtime
supplement of 40 per cent may not be agreed. This shall be paid.
In collective agreements, more favourable terms are often agreed
than the minimum entitlements provided by the Act. Examples are:
Overtime supplement higher than 40 per cent
Entitlement to overtime pay for work in excess of the agreed
working hours (e.g. in excess of 37.5 hours, and not 40, which is
the statutory limit for normal working hours)

Writing a good CV
CV is short for Curriculum Vitae, which means "the course of my
life". Your CV tells people who you are, about your education and
what you have done.
Job applications should always include your CV and these should
complement each other. It is important that your CV is properly laid
out and comprehensible.

Project experience
NAV recommends keeping a record of which jobs you apply for so
that you have a system. NAV provides advice and guidance on job
hunting.
Information that must be included in a CV:
Personal information
Name, address, email address, mobile phone number.
Year and country of birth.
Civil status and number of children.
Education
Start by listing your most recent education first.
The subject or course name must be included. You must also list the
institution and when the education started and ended.
Work and practical experience
Start by listing your most recent job and job title first. State the
date you started working there and the date you ceased working
there. You can also state your duties and responsibilities using
keywords.
Courses and certificates
List these in the same way as your work experience.
Only include courses that are relevant for the job for which you are
applying.
Remember positions of trust relating to schools, sports, your
housing cooperative and so on - these show that you are willing to
take on responsibility.
Information that is usually included in a CV, but which is not always
required:
Key qualifications and personal attributes
Here you present your most relevant experience and personal
attributes using keywords. This provides busy employers with a
picture of who you are.
Languages
List the languages you can speak and your level of both oral and
written proficiency.
IT skills
List the software you are familiar with and your level of proficiency.

List the projects you have participated in and your role in them.
References
You can list references in your CV.
If you do not want your current employer to be called you can write
"references will be provided upon request".
Positions of trust
These can show you are willing to take on responsibility, are
outgoing and like to get involved.
Free time activities
Include positions of trust from schools, training/education, sports,
your housing cooperative, etc. if you believe these are relevant to
the job.
You must assess which information you should include in your CV
on an application-by-application basis. What is relevant for one job
may not be relevant for another.
Layout tips for CVs
CVs should be a maximum of 2 pages long.
Education and work experience should be listed in reverse
chronological order (last/most recent first).
Use white A4 paper.
Use a normal font type and size, e.g. Times New Roman or Arial
with a font size of 11.
Use the same font type in your CV and application.
If you intend to send the application by email use Word or PDF
format.
If your CV is two pages long remember to write your name on both
pages so that potential employers are not left with ownerless
pages.
Certificates and diplomas
Only send copies of certificates and diplomas if the employer asks
for them. It is common to write "certificates will be sent upon
request" in applications.
You must ensure that copies of certificates are officially certified
(with a stamp and signature that certifies they are true copies) if
the employer requires this. Copies can be certified for free by NAV
or a university or university college.
Never send or hand over original documents.

Always have a pile of copied (and perhaps certified) certificates and

diplomas at hand ready to send with new job applications and CVs.
References
Many employers want references from former employers or others
who know you. A reference must be able to confirm the information
you have provided in your CV and application.
You must always ask someone if they are willing to act as a
reference.
Think carefully about who you list as a reference. The most
important thing about references is that they know you well and
will give you a positive report.
You should list at least two references.
The employer will be most interested in references from your last
job.
Who can act as a reference?
Former employers, colleagues, trade union contacts, members of
an organisation of which you are a member, teachers, or coaches.
You should only list friends if you have no other alternatives.
You should provide your references in your CV, application or
interview.
You must provide the name, job title and phone number of your
references.
The employer will most often contact references after you have
been interviewed.
You should always inform references that you have been to an
interview and the job you have applied for so they are prepared for
an employer perhaps calling them.
Many employers use web-based recruitment solutions (e.g.
Webcruiter and Easycruit). You must complete the CV and
application fields in line with the requirements for each system.

On NAVs website you can search for jobs, register your CV and
record permanent jobs searches. The service is only in Norwegian.
Vacancies on nav.no in English are to be found here.
You can also search in various languages for jobs in Norway at
http://eures.europa.eu.
Many Norwegian companies have their own websites, and these
sometimes advertise vacancies not featured anywhere else. Use
the Norwegian on-line Yellow Pages to find addresses:
www.gulesider.no.
Most jobs are also listed on www.finn.no/jobb
You can also look for jobs in Norway on the website of the
employment services in your home country.
Media
Many Norwegian newspapers advertise job vacancies.The largest
national newspaper for job listings is Aftenposten..You can find an
overview of Norwegian newspapers at www.norske-aviser.com.
Trade Unions
Trade Unions are good sources of information. Unions in your own
country may have links with their counterpart organisations in
Norway. Membership of a trade union is not obligatory, but is very
common. Some unions publish magazines that advertise vacancies
in their industry.

Do you want to work in another European country? Europass CV is a

template that makes it easier to describe your qualifications to
foreign employers.

LO the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions is the largest

confederation of trade unions. This organisation can provide an
overview of the various trade unions in Norway, depending on the
sector you work in.
UNIO is Norways second largest trade union confederation. UNIO
has many members who work in teaching, nursing and the police.
Akademikerne is a trade union confederation, whose members are
professionals with higher education.
YS (Yrkesorganisasjonenes Fellesforbund) is another large trade
union confederation. YS consists of 23 federations covering
different employment sectors

Where to find job vacancies in Norway?

Private recruitment agencies

Tips for foreign job seekers.

Foreign job seekers have the option of signing up with private

recruitment agencies. The recruitment agencies often specialises in
particular industries and professions. The agencies are listed in the

Europass

The majority of vacancies in Norway are listed on the Internet.

Yellow Pages on the Internet: www.gulesider.no (search for

rekruttering or vikartjenester).
General job applications
Norway also has an informal market for job vacancies, i.e.
vacancies that are not registered with any organisation or
otherwise advertised. To pick up on these vacancies, one way is to
send out general job applications to any company of interest. You
should also make a follow-up call to the company after you have
sent your application. If you want to send a general job application
to selected companies. Remember to bring your CV, in Norwegian
or English, with references and diplomas, etc.
Most of the information is available here in English. There are also
links to other more detailed information; however, some of this
information is only available in Norwegian.

Tips for job seekers

NAV has produced a summary of useful advice and guidance for

people hunting for jobs. The aim is to help you become a good job
seeker so you have a greater chance of finding work you will enjoy.
When you are searching for jobs it is important that you:
are confident about your qualifications and know what you can do
think outside the box
familiarise yourself with the job market
find vacant positions you want to apply for
write a good CV
write a tailored job application
prepare for and have a good job interview
We have also produced examples of how you can tailor your CV and
application to the text of a job ad. These examples are for guidance
only.
Read more about job search in the menu to the right.

Guide for citizens from countries outside

EU/EEA
FIND A JOB
1. Searching for jobs
To receive enquiries from employers or subscribe to job adverts on
nav.no, you need a Norwegian residence permit.
2. You need a good, complete CV

Registering your CV on nav.no and in other vacancy

databases makes it easy for employers to contact you.
3. Recognition of qualifications
In certain professions the Norwegian government requires that you
are authorized. To find out whether your qualification does require
authorization and where to apply, check the website of the
Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT).
APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PERMIT
1. Choosing the right type of residence permit
You will find information about the various types of residence
permit that allow you to work in Norway.
2. Register your application
Register your application via the application portal and book an
appointment with the police or embassy.
You must attend the police office or embassy in person:
Make an appointment with the police.
Find a Norwegian embassy.
3. If you get a residence permit
If you have received a residence permit you can enter Norway.
When you arrive in Norway you must book an appointment with the
police to get a residence card.
If your application is refused you can appeal the decision.
MOVE TO NORWAY
1. You need a tax card to work in Norway
Your employer will use your tax card to deduct tax from your
pay. You can get a tax card before registering with the police. The
tax card will also state your Norwegian personal identification
number.
2. Report move and address
It is important you provide your postal address to the Norwegian
authorities . If you intend to stay in Norway for a period of more
than 6 consecutive months, you must also register your move.
3. Finding accommodation
The website Nyinorge.no has lots of tips on finding accommodation.

Norwegian national ID numbers

In Norway, you must have a Norwegian ID number. You must
use this number to identify yourself to public authorities
and to open a Norwegian bank account. People resident in
Norway will be given a national ID number. Foreigners who
intend to stay in Norway for less than six months will be
given a D number.

In order to obtain either a national ID number or a D number, you

must do the following:
If you are from another Nordic country, you must apply for a tax
deduction card and where appropriate report a move to Norway.
If you are from an EU/EEA country and intend to stay in Norway for
more than three months, you must register with the police. You
must also apply for a tax deduction card and where
appropriate report a move to Norway.
If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you must apply for a
residence permit and report to a police station to obtain a residence
card. You must also apply for a tax deduction card and where
appropriate report a move to Norway.
Your national ID number or D number will be shown on your tax
deduction card.
What is the difference between a national ID number and a
D number?
Everyone who is resident in Norway will be allocated a national ID
number, which they will keep for life. National ID numbers consist
of 11 digits, of which the first six digits indicate the person's date of
birth.
Foreigners who come to work in Norway for less than six months
will not be given a national ID number. Instead, they will be
allocated a D number.
If you intend to stay in Norway for more than six months, you must
apply for a national ID number by reporting a move to Norway. If
you have previously been allocated a D number, you must
subsequently only use your national ID number.
You must use your national ID number or D number every time you
come to Norway to work. You must also state this number when you
request a new tax deduction card.
Opening a bank account in Norway
You must have a Norwegian national ID number or D number to
open a bank account in Norway. Banks may order a D number in
some cases.
You should have a bank account in Norway that your employer can
pay your salary into, and that the Norwegian Tax Administration can
transfer any excess tax deductions into where applicable.
You will need a tax deduction card if you intend to work in
Norway
From 2014 tax deduction cards become electronic (e-skattekort).
After you have ordered a tax deduction card, you will receive a tax
deduction notice (skattetrekksmeldingen) with information about

which tax deduction card you have been given. Your employer will
then obtain your tax card electronically from the Tax
Administration.
Your employer must use this tax deduction card to deduct the
correct amount of tax from your salary each month.
Are you receiving a salary from a Norwegian employer?
Apply for a tax deduction card
Everyone working in Norway must have a tax deduction
card stating the amount of tax that their employer must
deduct from their salary before it is paid to them.
In order to obtain a tax deduction card, you must report to one of
these tax offices and do the following:
1. Produce valid identification.
2. If you come from a country outside the EU/EEA area, you must
provide documentation stating that you have the right to work in
Norway.
3. Submit an application for a tax deduction card using form RF1209
4. Document your income by presenting an employment contract
or a written offer of employment. You must also show confirmation
of an assignment in the case of assignments for manpower
agencies, etc.
Identification checks at selected ID offices

You must report to one of the tax offices in the list below when you
apply for a tax deduction card for the first time. You must bring
valid identification with you and a contract or written offer of
employment.
You must report in person to one of the following tax offices for an
identity check:
Tax Region East:
Oslo, Sandvika (Brum Municipality), Lillestrm (Skedsmo), Gjvik,
Fredrikstad, Hamar and Tynset
Tax Region South:
Drammen, Kristiansand, Skien, Tnsberg, Gol, Lyngdal and Arendal
Tax Region West:
Frde, Sogndal, Bergen, Haugesund, Egersund (Eigersund),
Stavanger, Nordfjordeid (Eid) and Odda
Tax Region Central:
Trondheim, lesund, Kristiansund, Namsos, Steinkjer, Molde and
Hitra

Tax Region North:

Kirkenes (Sr-Varanger), Hammerfest, Alta, Troms, Harstad, Bod,
Mo i Rana (Rana), Brnnysund (Brnny) , Svolvr (Vgan),
Vads, Sortland, Narvik and Svalbard
Valid identification
Nordic citizens:
Passport or national ID card containing a photograph of you and
indicating your citizenship and gender, or a valid driving licence
together with an extract from the National Population Register of
your home country. The extract must not be more than three
months old.
EEA citizens:
Passport or national ID card containing a photograph of you and
indicating your citizenship and gender.
Citizens outside the EEA:
Passport

Reporting a move and change of postal

address

If you live in Norway, it is important that you notify the Norwegian

Tax Administration of the address you wish your post to be sent to.
You must tell us you have moved if you intend to live in Norway for
at least six consecutive months.
Do you intend to live in Norway for at least six consecutive months?
You must report to an ID office in person and inform them of your
relocation to Norway. You must state your residential address and,
where appropriate, an alternative postal address if you do not
receive mail at the address where you are living.
After you have registered as being resident in Norway, you must
submit a change of address notification for all subsequent changes
of address until you notify us that you have left Norway.
Do you wish to change your postal address?
When you registered at a tax office, you were asked to give an
address. If you receive post at a different address, you must report
a change in your postal address.
You must also report a change of postal address if you have left
Norway and you have a new address abroad after a period of work
in Norway.
If you intend to move to Norway or change your residential address,
you must notify the Norwegian Tax Administration of this within
eight days after you have received your new address.

Report a move to Norway?

Move within Norway?
Move from Norway?
Report a change of postal address?
Why is it so important that we have your correct address?
Your address information is used by all public agencies and many
private companies that need to communicate with you. If, for
example, you have paid too much tax and have left Norway, we
need to know where we can contact you.

Citizens from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA must bring

the following with them they report a move

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA/EFTA and are

required to report your relocation to Norway, you must report to
one of the 41 selected tax offices for an ID check.
Please bring the following documentation with you:
Passport or other approved identification document containing a
photograph of you and indicating your gender and citizenship.
Schengen standardised residence card documenting your right of
residence in Norway for six months or more.
Tenancy contract/property purchase contract (not applicable if you
are moving to live with family members resident in Norway).
Contract or written offer of employment for at least six months, or
alternatively documentation of self-employment,receipt of a
pension, or that you are provided for; for example through the
income of a spouse. In the case of work assignments for manpower
agencies, you must bring confirmation of an assignment lasting at
least six months.
Reporting a move to Norway
If you plan to live in Norway for more than six months, you must
report your relocation to Norway no later than eight days after your
arrival.
You do not need to tell us you move here if you will be staying in
Norway for less than six months. However, you must apply for a tax
card if you intend to work in Norway. If you are commuting to a
country within the EEA area, you may be exempt from the
requirement to register your residential address in Norway,
provided certain conditions are met.
Reporting a change of address
Everyone who is required to report their relocation to Norway must
report to one of the 42 selected tax offices for an ID check. This

also applies to Norwegian citizens who are returning to Norway. All

family members must attend if you move to Norway with your
family.

Administration will decide whether you must be registered in the

National Registry as having emigrated.
Complete the form below and send it to the tax office no more than
14 days before your departure. You will receive a letter when your
change of address notification has been processed. The letter will
be sent to your new address abroad.

Reporting a move within Norway

Everyone who moves house in Norway is obliged to report their
change of address to a tax office within eight days of moving.

Moving from Norway to another Nordic country

Processing time
The processing time is normally one week. You will receive a letter
to your new address as soon as the address has been registered
with the National Population Register. Please remember to put your
name on your letter box.
Note! The National Register does not notify Posten Norge
(Norwegian postal service) regarding your new address at the
National Population Registry. You must send a separate notification
to Posten Norge.
Paper version change of address
You can also send us a paper version of the notification form (only
available in Norwegian language), but we encourage you to use our
electronic form. If you wish to send in a print version, you must
remember to enclose a valid copy of your ID. A valid ID card
includes the bearer's date of birth, name, signature and photo.
However, you should not send us a copy of your bank ID card,
because it includes sensitive information.
Please send the notification to your local tax office.
Download, complete and post to us
RF-1400 Notification to the tax office of a move within Norway (only
in Norwegian)

Reporting a move from Norway

You must notify the tax office in Norway if you intend to leave
Norway to go to a country outside the Nordic countries. If you are
moving to another Nordic country, the move only needs to be
reported in the country you are moving to.
Moving from Norway to a non-Nordic country
You must tell us that you are moving in cases where you intend to
stay abroad for at least six months. The Norwegian Tax

The move only needs to be reported in the country you are moving
to: Sweden, Denmark, Iceland or Finland. You will be automatically
registered as having emigrated from Norway if the notification is
accepted in the country of relocation.
Download, complete and post to us
Reporting a move from Norway RF-1402B (PDF)
Reporting a postal address in Norway or abroad
It is important to notify the Norwegian Tax Administration of the
address at which you receive post. You must also notify Norway
Post if you have a new postal address in Norway.
In order to change a postal address, you must complete the postal
address form and send it to your tax office together with a copy of
valid identification. The only exception to this is if you have the
Central Office - Foreign Tax Affairs (COFTA) as your tax office you
must then submit a separate form. Which tax office you belong to is
stated on your tax deduction card.

Are you registered as resident in Norway?

If so, you must do the following:
If you intend to move within Norway, you must submit an electronic
change of address notification.
You must complete the form below if you are only changing your
postal address and not your residential address.
If you intend to leave Norway for a period of more than six months,
you must notify us that you are leaving Norway prior to departure.
Download, complete and post to us
New/amended or deleted postal address RF1454E (PDF)
Remember to enclose a copy of valid identification. Valid
identification is an ID card showing your date of birth, name,
signature and a photograph. You cannot however send us a copy of

your bank card, because it contains sensitive information.

Remember to also report any change of address to Norway Post.

Norwegian national ID numbers

In Norway, you must have a Norwegian ID number. You must use

this number to identify yourself to public authorities and to open a
Norwegian bank account. People resident in Norway will be given a
national ID number. Foreigners who intend to stay in Norway for
less than six months will be given a D number.
In order to obtain either a national ID number or a D number, you
must do the following:
If you are from another Nordic country, you must apply for a tax
deduction card and where appropriate report a move to Norway.
If you are from an EU/EEA country and intend to stay in Norway for
more than three months, you must register with the police. You
must also apply for a tax deduction card and where
appropriate report a move to Norway.
If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you must apply for a
residence permit and report to a police station to obtain a residence
card. You must also apply for a tax deduction card and where
appropriate report a move to Norway.
Your national ID number or D number will be shown on your tax
deduction card.
What is the difference between a national ID number and a
D number?
Everyone who is resident in Norway will be allocated a national ID
number, which they will keep for life. National ID numbers consist
of 11 digits, of which the first six digits indicate the person's date of
birth.
Foreigners who come to work in Norway for less than six months
will not be given a national ID number. Instead, they will be
allocated a D number.
If you intend to stay in Norway for more than six months, you must
apply for a national ID number by reporting a move to Norway. If
you have previously been allocated a D number, you must
subsequently only use your national ID number.
You must use your national ID number or D number every time you
come to Norway to work. You must also state this number when you
request a new tax deduction card.
Opening a bank account in Norway
You must have a Norwegian national ID number or D number to
open a bank account in Norway. Banks may order a D number in
some cases.

You should have a bank account in Norway that your employer can
pay your salary into, and that the Norwegian Tax Administration can
transfer any excess tax deductions into where applicable.

Residence cards

A residence card is a plastic card in credit card format that proves

that you have been granted a permanent residence permit in
Norway.
Everyone who holds a residence permit in Norway and who is not
an EU/EEA national must have such a card. If you have a residence
permit, please go to "Received an answer" for information about
how to obtain a residence card.
The card is valid for the same period as your residence permit.
Once your residence permit expires, you must apply for a new
residence permit in order to be issued a new residence card.
If you have a permanent residence permit, the card is valid for two
years. If you have permanent right of residence, the card is valid for
ten years. You must order a new card before the card expires.
You must present the card in the event of an inspection. If you do
not have it with you, you may be asked to fetch it. Among other
things, the card contains your photo, signature and fingerprints.
Unless otherwise stated on the card, it also proves that you are
entitled to travel freely in the Schengen area. You should therefore
bring the card with you when you travel abroad. You must always
bring your passport as well.
Among other things, the card contains your photo, signature and
fingerprints. The fingerprints are only stored on the card itself,
nowhere else.

The Service Centre for Foreign Workers

The Service Centre for Foreign Workers in Oslo is under
reconstruction from Monday, November 10 until and including
Tuesday, Desember 2.
Appointments with the police made
on https://selfservice.udi.no will be served at the police office
(Utlendingsseksjonen), Schweigaardsgate 15b.
The Labour Inspection Authority will be open for the public at
their main office, Stenersgata 1d in Oslo City.
Tax related questions will be answered by the tax office (Skatt
st), Schweigaardsgate 17 (desks 17, 18 and 19). Take a queue
number to the Service Centre (blue screen).
What is the Service Centre?

The Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA) is a centre where the
Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet), the Police (politiet),
the Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) and the Norwegian
Directorate of Immigration (UDI) work together towards foreigners
arriving to Norway for employment purposes, with the aim of
providing them appropriate guidance and a shortening of the time
used for processing their applications. We have offices in Oslo,
Stavanger and Kirkenes.

Who can use the Service Centre?

Persons from EU/EEA-countries who come to work in Norway, with
their family members
Persons from countries outside EU/EEA who are going to apply for
residence permit in order to work in Norway, with their family
members
Employers of foreign employees
The Service Centre in Kirkenes in addition serves Russian citizens
from the Barents region, Russian frontier-commuters resident in the
Barents region and Russian stallholders. This only applies to
persons who are going to work in the northern counties Nordland,
Troms or Finnmark.
What can the Service Centre do for you?
We can issue your registration certificate (registreringsbevis) if you
are citizen of an EU/EEA country
We can receive the documentation for your submitted application
for residence permit if you are from a country outside the EU/EEA
You can order a residence card, as a proof of your residence permit
You can apply for a tax deduction card (skattekort) and at the same
time get a Norwegian identity number
You can report your relocation to Norway and at the same time get
a Norwegian identity number
You can get information about ID-cards for employees in the
construction industry and the cleaning sector
We can answer your questions related to working conditions, for
example on working hours and wage terms in Norway
What must you do?

If you are from an EU/EEA-country and will have your

registration certificate issued:
You must order an appointment online at selfservice.udi.no
- SUA Oslo, select appointment location: Oslo, Service Centre for
Foreign Workers

- SUA Stavanger, select appointment location: Rogaland Police

District, Service Centre for Foreign Workers, Stavanger
You must bring with you: see UDI's check lists
at www.udi.no/sjekklister
If you are from a country outside EU/EEA and will apply for
residence permit:
You must order an appointment online at selfservice.udi.no
- SUA Oslo, select appointment location: Oslo, Service Centre for
Foreign Workers
- SUA Stavanger, select appointment location: Rogaland Police
District, Service Centre for Foreign Workers, Stavanger
You must bring with you: see UDI's check lists
at www.udi.no/sjekklister
If you are from a country outside EU/EEA and will order a
residence card:
You must order an appointment online at selfservice.udi.no
- SUA Oslo, select appointment location: Oslo, Service Centre for
Foreign Workers
- SUA Stavanger, select appointment location: SUA Stavanger,
select appointment location: Rogaland Police District, Service
Centre for Foreign Workers, Stavanger
At all enquiries to the Police you must bring a valid passport or
national ID-card which has been approved as a travel document in
the Schengen area.
If you are going to apply for a tax deduction card (at the
same time you will get a Norwegian identification number D-number or personal number):
You must attend in person at the centre, draw a queue ticket and
deliver your application for a tax deduction card on the form RF1209
You must bring with you:
- Valid passport or national ID-card which has been approved as a
travel document in the Schengen area. The ID-card must contain a
photo and display citizenship and gender.
- Employment contract or employment offer in writing. In case of
assignments for an employment agency, you must in addition bring
confirmation of the assignment.
- If you are from a country ouside EU/EEA, you must in addition
deliver documentation of your residence permit with a right to work
in Norway.
If you will report relocation to Norway (at the same time

you will get a Norwegian identification number - D-number

or personal number):
You must attend in person at the centre, draw a queue ticket and
deliver your application for relocation from abroad on form RF-1401
You must bring with you:
- Valid passport or national ID-card which has been approved as a
travel document in the Schengen area. The ID-card must contain a
photo and display citizenship and gender.
- Registration certificate (applicable for persons from EU/EEAcountries) or residence permit/residence card (applicable for
persons from countries outside EU/EEA).
- Employment contract or employment offer of at least six months'
duration. In case of assignments from an employment agency you
must in addition bring confirmation of the assignment.
- Rental contract or contract for house purchase.
If you need information about your employment conditions:
You must attend at the centre and draw a queue ticket for the
Labour Inspection Authority.
Addresses and opening hours
Oslo: Schweigaards gate 17 (at the office premises of Skatt st)
Opening hours:
From 15 May to 14 September: Monday through Friday from 9am to
2.30pm
From 15 September to 14 May: Monday through Friday from 9am to
3pm
Stavanger: Lagrdsveien 46 (at the office premises of Skatt Vest)
Opening hours:
From 15 May to 14 September: Monday through Friday from 9am to
2.30pm
From 15 September to 14 May: Monday through Friday from 9am to
3pm
Information desk for enquiries about registration certificates and
residence permits: Monday through Friday from 9am to 11.45am
Kirkenes: Pasvikveien 2 (the Tax Administration) and
Rdhussvingen 1 (the Police)
Opening hours:
The Tax Administration: Monday through Friday from 9am to
2.30pm
Police: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 2pm
(closed Thursday)

Want to renew

Renew your residence card or the sticker

in your passport
If you have a residence card or a sticker in your passport that has
expired or is damaged, you can order a new residence card.

o
o

o
o
o

You must order a new residence card if

your residence card is lost, stolen or damaged
your residence card, or the sticker in your passport, has expired
and you have a permanent residence permit (previously called a
settlement permit) or permanent right of residence
there is incorrect information on the card (for example wrong name
or citizenship)
you have received a damaged residence card that you want to
complain about
you have a sticker in your passport and wish to get a residence
card instead
You must not order a new residence card if
you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country. EU/EEA nationals are no
longer given stickers in their passports or residence cards.
Requirements for being issued a new card
you must have a valid residence permit
you must have your DUF number (12 digits) and information about
the residence permit. You will find this information in the decision
letter that you received from the Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
or the police.
you must pay a fee of NOK 300
Not everyone has to pay a fee
You do not need to pay a fee if
you have a permanent residence permit or permanent right of
residence and order a new card before the old one expires.
you have received a damaged residence card that you want to
complain about
Please note! You must hand in the old residence card when you go
to the police, if not you must still pay the fee.
How to order a residence card
The card will be sent to you by post
It will take at least 10 working days from the day you attend your
appointment with the police, until you receive the residence card
by post. Please remember that your name must be on your letter

box. If not, the card will not be delivered to you. Please remember
to order the card in good time before you are travelling abroad.

Finding a Home/apartment
Houses/apartments for rent are often advertised in the local
newspaper. In addition, there are several websites where you can
find rented accommodation.
Some estate agents offer houses/apartments for rent. There are
also agents who deal exclusively in rented accommodation.
Remember that you must sign a lease with the landlord the
agents are not responsible for the property itself.
Some municipalities can assist you in your search for rented
accommodation, but council houses are generally reserved for
those who are not able to get accommodation on their own.
Buying and selling property is usually handled by an estate agent.
The agents advertise houses/apartments for sale in the local
newspaper and on various websites.

Renting a house/apartment
Renting a house/apartment does not require capital other than for
the deposit. If you do not have money for the deposit, you should
contact your municipality. Some municipalities can offer to lend you
the deposit, while others can furnish a guarantee that some
landlords will accept as an alternative to a deposit. If the
municipality cannot offer you a loan for the deposit, the alternative
is to take up a loan for the deposit in a private bank.
Your most important rights as a tenant are stipulated in the lease
and in the Tenancy Act. The Tenancy Act includes a prohibition
against discrimination in tenancy situations. The parties (the
landlord and the tenant) are free to decide the amount of rent to be
paid at the time the lease is signed. However, once the lease has
been signed, the rent can only be increased in step with the
consumer price index in the first three years. Index regulation can
only take place after one year at the earliest. The tenant is not
obliged to pay rent for more than one month in advance. The rent
must be a fixed amount. In addition, it can be agreed that
electricity and heating will be paid separately on the basis of
consumption. The same applies to consumption-based water and
sewage charges. Other additions are not permitted.
The tenant has a right to let his/her immediate family move into the
dwelling. The landlord cannot enter the dwelling without the
tenants consent.
The Tenancy Act does not prohibit the letting of a run-down
property, but a building that has not been approved for human

habitation, or that is considered a health hazard, cannot be let.

Incorrect information about the dwelling given by the landlord will
be considered a breach of contract (defect). Damage, faults or
other matters concerning the dwelling that the tenant knew about
before signing the lease are not considered defects. The landlord is
obliged to repair any defects to ensure that the condition of the
dwelling is in accordance with the lease. It the landlord does not
repair the defects, the tenant can demand a reduction in rent or
withhold the rent. If the defects are substantial, the tenant can
cancel the lease. Always contact the landlord first if you think there
is a defect.
You can always demand written lease between landlord and tenant.
The lease should include: the parties names and addresses, the
property to be rented and the amount of rent to be paid. If the
landlord demands a deposit, this must be specified in the lease.
The period of notice is three months, unless otherwise stated in the
lease.
The property should be checked when the lease is signed to make
sure it corresponds to the description of the property in the lease.
Consider drawing up a list of furniture etc. and its condition. Using a
standard contract is advisable.
A deposit is an amount that the tenant pays as security for rent
owed or damage to the housing property. The amount may not
exceed six months rent. The amount must be deposited in a
separate account, and neither of the parties may withdraw the
amount for the duration of the tenancy. If the landlord demands
that the tenant deposit the amount in the landlords private
account, or that the tenant deposit the amount in cash, the tenant
can always refuse to do so. Any fee payable to the bank for opening
a separate account is to be paid by the landlord.
When the tenancy expires, the landlord usually gives his/her written
consent to the bank to pay the deposit to the tenant. If not, the
tenant must request in writing that the bank pays him/her the
deposit. The bank shall notify the landlord in writing of the request,
giving notice that the amount will be paid to the tenant if the
landlord does not instigate legal proceedings (within five weeks
after receiving such notice).
Housing allowance is a government-financed support scheme for
people at a disadvantage in the housing market. The purpose of the
scheme is to help households with low incomes and high housing
expenses to obtain housing or retain their current housing. The
scheme is government-financed and managed by the Norwegian
State Housing Bank and local municipalities.

Poor finances do not automatically make you eligible for a housing

allowance. Only applicants who satisfy all the requirements will
receive a housing allowance. The closing date for the receipt of
applications is the 14th of each month. If your application is
successful, the allowance will be paid on the 10th of the following
month.
Applications should be submitted to the housing office in your local
municipality, or online via www.altinn.no. For further information,
contact your local housing office.
A tenancy can be entered into for a specified (non-terminable)
period or an unspecified (terminable) period.
A lease for a specified period expires without notice at the agreed
time. Out of consideration for the tenant, the main rule is that
leases for specified periods cannot be entered into for a period
shorter than three years. As a tenant, you are therefore never
bound by a lease for a specified period that is valid for less than
three years. If the parties agree and it is not otherwise specified in
the lease, a lease for a specified period can nevertheless be
terminated.
A lease for an unspecified period runs until it is terminated by
either party. If the lease does not specify a period of notice, the
period of notice is three months. The tenant can terminate the
tenancy without reason. The termination should be in writing. The
landlord can terminate the tenancy if he/she has justifiable grounds
for doing so. Termination by the landlord must be in writing. The
tenant can object to the termination, and the termination will lapse
if the landlord does not take the case to the Conciliation Board/The
Rent Disputes Tribunal in Oslo, Akershus, Bergen and Trondheim
(HTU -Husleietvistutvalget)

Waste and reciclying collection

Different municipalities have different waste disposal schemes.
Check with your local municipality.
Many municipalities sort waste, which means that waste such as
paper and food waste is sorted in separate bins. Waste that cannot
be sorted is residual waste, which is put in a separate bin. The
different types of waste are collected on different days of the week
contact the waste collection service in your municipality.
Not all waste can be disposed of in the waste bins where you live.
Glass, metal and hazardous waste are examples of waste that must
be taken to the municipalitys waste recycling centres. Electrical
and electronic equipment waste (EE waste) can be returned to
shops that sell this type of equipment.

Owning a home
If you want to buy a home, you must obtain a mortgage approval
from a bank before you start looking at houses or apartments. You
can apply for a start loan from your local municipality if you do not
have private capital or you are having difficulty financing your
home in a private bank.
The purchase price of the house/apartment is determined through
people bidding for a property. Remember that the deal is made
when the seller accepts your offer. You must therefore never make
an offer before you are certain that you can finance the purchase.
Most banks offer mortgages if you want to buy a house or an
apartment. The repayment period for a mortgage is long, usually
between 20 and 30 years. People who do not own a home in
Norway can apply for a first-time buyer mortgage, i.e. a mortgage
with the same interest rate for the entire amount where you can
borrow up to 100 per cent of the purchase price. Contact your bank
to find out how much you can borrow and what interest rate the
bank offers. Bring your tax return and pay slip to the bank to
document your income level.
At www.finansportalen.no, you can find out which banks offer the
lowest interest rate.
People who do not own a home in Norway can apply for a first-time
buyer mortgage from their bank, i.e. a mortgage with the same
interest rate for the entire amount where you can borrow up to 100
per cent of the purchase price. If the bank is not willing to lend you
100 per cent of the purchase price, you can apply for a start loan
from your municipality.
If you have difficulties getting a loan from your bank to buy your
own home, or you need help to stay in your current home, you can
apply for a start loan. The loan can be granted as bridge financing
or full financing for buying or renovating a house, as re-financing to
stay in your current house, and as top-up financing to build a new
house. Different municipalities have different policies and practices
when it comes to granting start loans. It is up to the municipality to
decide whether someone should be granted a loan and how much.
Applications should be submitted to the municipality that
administers the scheme. Contact your municipality for further
information about how the scheme is organised where you live.
A basic loan can be granted from the Norwegian State Housing
Bank for the building of a new home or for renovating and adapting
an existing home. The house must meet certain criteria relating to
universal design (accessibility) and energy efficiency/the
environment. If the house satisfies the criteria, the Norwegian

Housing Bank can grant a loan of up to 80% of the costs or the

purchase price approved by the bank.
Applications should be submitted to the Norwegian State Housing
Bank, which administers the scheme. More information and
application forms for all schemes are available at
www.husbanken.no.
A housing grant is available for those who are most disadvantaged
in the housing market. The household must be experiencing longterm or permanent financial difficulties, or the home must be in
need of special adaptation. Grants can be given to buy a home, to
renovate/adapt ones own home and to re-finance a mortgage to be
able to stay in ones current home.
Applications for housing grants should be submitted to the
municipality that administers the scheme. Contact your local
municipality for further information and to find out whether the
municipality offers grants.
If you own your own home, you must insure the building (home
insurance). You can take out joint home contents and buildings
insurance. If you own a house or an apartment in a jointly-owned
property or a housing cooperative, the building will as a rule be
insured by the cooperative/jointly-owned property. All you need in
such case is a home contents policy. Ask the board of the jointlyowned property or housing cooperative about this.
In order to insure the contents of your apartment/house, you need
home contents insurance. This insurance covers damage to
belongings in the event of fire, water damage, burglary etc. As for
other types of insurance, the terms and conditions decide what the
home contents insurance covers.
Information about insurance terms is available
at www.finansportalen.no.

Fire safety in the home

Most of those who die in fires in their own home die of smoke
poisoning. The correct fire protection equipment reduces the risk of
injury or death in the event of fire.
Smoke detectors
Smoke detectors save lives every year. All homes must have at
least one approved smoke detector. If the house or apartment is big
or has several floors, it should be fitted with several smoke

detectors. The location of the smoke detector is very important in

relation to how quickly it detects smoke. The detectors should be
placed near stairs and in escape routes, at the highest point of the
ceiling and at least 50 centimetres from walls (follow the
installation instructions). The smoke alarm must be clearly audible
in all bedrooms with the door closed. The smoke detectors should
be connected in series, so that they all go off at the same time.
The owner of the house is responsible for fitting smoke detectors.
The person using the house/apartment is responsible for testing the
smoke detector (by pressing the test button) and changing
batteries. The smoke detector should be tested every month, and
the batteries should be changed once a year.
Fire extinguishers are mandatory
All homes must have a fire extinguisher. This can be in the form
either of a fire hose or a portable extinguisher (with a minimum
effect of 21A). It is the owner of the propertys responsibility to
install fire extinguishing equipment and it's maintenance. The
equipment must be visible, easily accessible and well maintained,
and the residents of the house or apartment must know how to use
it.
If the situation permits, adults and older children can try to put out
the fire using a fire hose or portable extinguisher. Do not expose
yourself to great danger; smoke from a fire is very toxic.
The most important thing is to save lives and call for help. Do not
try to put out the fire if the situation feels threatening. Leave the
building and call the fire service using the emergency telephone
number 110. All citizens have a duty to report fires (110). Always
state the address where the fire is.
Fire drills at home
Carry out regular fire drills with your family. Agree procedures for
how to alert others, call the fire service and evacuate the building.
Practise what you have agreed during fire drills. Talk to your
children about fires and fire prevention.
Tips on how to avoid a fire in your home
- Only use the cooker, washing machine and tumble-dryer when
you are at home and awake. Make sure that they are turned off
when not in use
- Turn off the TV by pressing the off-button on the appliance, not
just on the remote
- Check that there are no candles burning when you leave the room
- Check that electric heaters are not covered

- Clean the kitchen fan of grease

- Check for scorch marks or excessive heat in the fuse box
- Check cords, plugs, sockets and lamps for scorch marks.
Check the electrical system
Landlords and tenants are encouraged to be alert and to check that
the system is not overloaded, as it may cause a fire.
It is the landlords responsibility to ensure that the electrical system
is in accordance with the regulations and that it can take the load it
is subjected to. In cold weather, we use more electricity for heating
and the danger of overloading increases.
Although the fuses are meant to protect the electrical system
against damage, overloading can cause fires, especially if the
system is old and in need of maintenance. If the fuses tend to blow
often, they are overloaded. You should reduce your electricity
consumption or spread the heat sources between more circuits.
Landlords and tenants can carry out a simple but important
check themselves
Ensure that all screw-in fuses are tightened
If the fuses are too hot to touch, they are overloaded. The same
applies if the fuses blow often
Check for brown discolouring on sockets, cords and connections
this is a sign that they are damaged and must be disconnected and
replaced. The smell of burnt material is also a warning sign
If serious faults or damage are suspected, the landlord must
disconnect relevant equipment/fuses and contact a registered
electrician.
Other tips

Voluntary groups and organizations

There are over 115,000 organisations in Norway. More than 84 per
cent of the population is a member of one or more organisations.
There are many different types of organisations in Norway, ranging
from religious communities, Scout Associations, brass bands, sports
clubs to humanitarian organisations.
In Norway, anyone can join a group or an organisation. Most
organisations require a membership fee.
The Association of NGOs in Norway (Frivillighet Norge) is an
umbrella organisation with more than 200 member organisations.
You can also contact your municipalitys culture department if you
would like information about voluntary groups or organisations, or if
you wish to join a group or an organisation in your local area.
Local recreational activities
The recreational activities in municipalities range from organised,
semi-professional activities, entertainment events, training centres,
associations, courses, restaurants to social meeting places.
Many Norwegian municipalities give special focus to activities for
children and young people in order to provide them with a good
environment in which to grow up. The municipality often supports
activities such as before and after-school programmes, youth clubs,
sports clubs, culture schools and associations for small children.
Music and culture schools
Culture schools offer children dance, music, theatre and art classes.
The culture schools are usually municipal, but they can also be
organised as collaborations between two or more municipalities.
The municipalities often cover part of the expenses related to the
activities at the culture school, but parents must also pay a share of
the costs. The price varies from one municipality to another.
For further information, contact the culture department in your
local municipality, or visit the municipalitys website.

Electrical heaters must be directly connected to the socket

avoid the use of extension cords.
Keep an eye on movable heat sources and the distance to
flammable material. Check that electric heaters are not covered.
Movable heaters should only be used under supervision.
Ensure that electrical systems and equipment are well maintained
and in accordance with regulations. Contact a registered electrician
to check the system.
When you discover faults in the electrical system, contact the
landlord or an electrician so that it can be fixed.

Local recreational activities

The recreational activities in municipalities range from organised,
semi-professional activities, entertainment events, training centres,
associations, courses, restaurants to social meeting places.
Many Norwegian municipalities give special focus to activities for
children and young people in order to provide them with a good
environment in which to grow up. The municipality often supports
activities such as before and after-school programmes, youth clubs,
sports clubs, culture schools and associations for small children.

Recreational activities

Local sport clubs

Organised sports are a deeply-rooted tradition in Norway. Many

children and young people belong to sports clubs. Approximately
12,500 local sports clubs are members of the umbrella organisation
for Norwegian sports, the Norwegian Olympic Committee and
Confederation of Sports (Norges idrettsforbund og olympiske og
paralympiske komit), which is the countrys largest organisation
for children and young people. Norwegian sports clubs are open to
everyone. The activities take place on the childrens terms and all
children are included regardless of their ambitions and needs. The
goal is for the children to enjoy themselves and have fun with their
friends. Parents must pay a membership fee for their children to
join a sports club.
For further information about local sports clubs in your municipality,
please contact the culture department.
Library
All the municipalities have public libraries. The libraries are for
everyone regardless of age, language and any functional
impairment. You can borrow books, videos, DVDs, CDs, magazines,
ect. at the library. The libraries also lend books and literature in
foreign languages and you can have use of a computer with
internet access. Library services are free. Opening hours and
services vary from one municipality to the next.
Cultural activities
Most municipalities also offer various cultural activities for adults,
such as theatre, lectures, debates, cinema etc. The cultural
activities on offer vary from one municipality to another. Many
municipalities draw up a culture calendar for a certain period of
time, such as three or six months.
For further information about the cultural activities on offer in your
municipality, please contact the culture department.
Public rights of access
In Norway, everyone is entitled to walk in the forests and mountains and
enjoy the seaside and the coast, regardless of who owns the land. This is
known as public right of way, and it is an important precondition for outdoor
pursuits in Norway. However, there is a difference between outlying land and
infields. Beaches, rocky shores, lakes, bogs, hills, forests and mountains are
examples of outlying land. Infields are plots of land around homes or land
pertaining to houses and holiday homes, all cultivated land, fields, meadows,
and similar areas. You can move around freely in places that are considered
to be outlying land, but the rules are stricter for infields.
Public right of way means that you can wander in nature, and it also entitles
you to pick wild berries, mushrooms and flowers anywhere that is considered
to be outlying land. You can also put up a tent. Remember that the distance

to the nearest house or cabin must be 150 metres. If you want to stay more
than two nights in one place, you must obtain the landowners permission. In
the mountains or other desolate areas considered to be outlying land, you
can put up a tent without permission. However, you must always treat nature
with respect and care and show consideration for the owner and other people
nearby.
With the exception of fishing for saltwater fish and hunting for huntable
marine species, hunting and fishing is not a public right.
Common sense at sea
Be prepared for the eventuality of an accident, and think about how
you should react: stay calm, stay by the boat and call for help.
1. Think safety knowledge and planning reduces risks and
increases enjoyment
2. Bring the necessary equipment the equipment must be
kept in good working order and must be easily accessible
3. Respect weather and fairways the boat must only be
used in suitable conditions
4. Observe the rules of seafaring the rules regarding the
duty to give way, speed and the use of lights must be
observed
5. Use a lifejacket or a life vest approved flotation devices
are required for everyone on board
6. Be alert and sober the prescribed blood alcohol limit is
0.8 mg/ml when in charge of a boat
7. Show consideration safety, the environment and
enjoyment are a shared responsibility
The Norwegian Mountain Code
The weather conditions in the mountains change rapidly, and it is
important to be prepared for bad weather. Whether you are an
experienced hiker or not, it is important to keep the mountain code
in mind when you are hiking.
1. Dont go off on a long walk without proper experience.
2. Leave word of your route.
3. Be weatherwise.
4. Learn from experienced hikers.
5. Be equipped for bad weather and low temperatures even on
short hikes. Always take a rucksack and proper mountain
gear. Use map and compass.
6. Dont go solo.
7. Turn back in time. Theres no disgrace in turning back.
8. Conserve energy and build a snow-shelter if necessary.

Public transport

Norway has a well-established public transport system and a large

network of buses, ferries, trains and planes. There are many
different transport companies in Norway, some of which specialise
in local services, while others run long-distance services.
Within a county, you can travel by train, bus, underground train,
tram or ferry depending on local services. www.177.no is a web
portal with travel information for all of Norway. Here you will find
information about departure and arrival times for buses, ferries and
other means of transport. You can also call tel.: 177.
At www.ruter.no, you will find information about trains / the
underground / buses / trams in the counties of Akershus, Buskerud,
Hedmark, Oppland, Oslo, Vestfold, Telemark and stfold. The
information is available in Norwegian, English and German.
Oslo has a well-established network of buses, trams and
underground trains, operated by Ruter.
If you are travelling by train, tram, bus or on the underground, it is
cheaper to buy a ticket beforehand than on board. Tickets for the
underground, trains, boats and buses in greater Oslo area are
available from kiosks such as Narvesen, MIX and Deli de Luca, from
ticket machines and/or from staffed ticket windows at the stations.
There are many different kinds of tickets: single tickets, day passes,
weekly passes, travel cards and monthly passes. Further
information about tickets and fares is available at www.ruter.no
Information about tickets and fares for transport outside the city of
Oslo is available at www.177.no.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that your ticket is
stamped and valid for the entire journey when you are using public

transport in Norway. Failure to present a valid ticket at a ticket

inspection on a train, the underground, or a bus, results in a fine of
NOK 750 set by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
Attempting to forge a ticket is a criminal offence and can lead to a
fine of NOK 1,500. Invalid tickets will be confiscated.

Long-distance travel
If you are travelling over longer distances between counties,
travelling by train, express bus or plane can be a good alternative.
Information about timetables, booking tickets or traffic information
and information about delays etc. is available in Norwegian and
English at www.nsb.no.
Norway Bussekspress and Time-ekspressen are the two largest
long-distance bus companies in Norway.
Information about fares, tickets and further information is available
at www.nor-way.no orwww.timekspressen.no. www.rutebok.no is
also a good source of information about the public transport
services (in Norwegian, German and English).
Information about flights, tickets prices and booking:
www.norwegian.no
www.wideroe.no
www.sas.no