Countrypedia

Hire and manage employees in Norway

As your Employer of Record (EOR) in Norway, we’d help you expand by hiring employees and running their payroll without establishing a local branch office or subsidiary.
Last updated:
July 16, 2025
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Table of Contents

General Overview

Norway is a highly developed, export-oriented economy with a strong welfare system and high living standards. The country is known for its robust regulatory framework and collective bargaining traditions, which ensure clear protections for employees and fair conditions across various sectors.

Employment Contracts

Written Contracts: Employers must provide a written employment contract to all employees—whether permanent or temporary—no later than one month after the employee begins work.

Content: Contracts must clearly state terms and conditions, and any clauses contrary to legal provisions are invalid.

Probation Period

Trial Period: An employment contract may include a probation period of up to 6 months.

Notice: During this period, the notice period is 14 days (unless otherwise agreed through collective agreements).

Working Hours

Normal Hours: Maximum normal working hours are 9 hours per 24 hours and 40 hours per week.

Breaks: Employees must receive at least one break if they work more than 5 hours and 30 minutes in a day.

Vacation Days

Holiday Entitlement: Employees are entitled to at least 25 working days of holiday leave per year (with Saturdays counted as working days).

Holiday Pay:

  • Holiday pay is earned during the previous holiday year and is generally 10.2% of wages, increasing to about 12% if the employee is entitled to five weeks of holiday.
  • For employees over 60 who receive an extra week, holiday pay may be 12.5% or 14.3%, depending on the total holiday entitlement.

Sick Leave

Coverage:

  • Employees must have been employed for at least 4 weeks to be eligible for sick leave.
  • Sick pay starts on the first day of absence.

Employer's Obligation:

  • The employer is responsible for paying sick pay for up to 16 calendar days (the employer's period).
  • If an employee falls ill again within less than 16 calendar days of returning, it is treated as a continuation of the same period.

Reimbursement: Employers can reclaim sick-pay payments from NAV for amounts not exceeding the set thresholds.

Wages and Salary Payment

Payment Date: Salaries are typically paid on the 25th of each month.

Minimum Wage: There is no statutory minimum wage; wages are generally determined via collective agreements and individual negotiations.

Public Holidays

Norway recognizes the following national public holidays (additional regional holidays may also apply):

  • January 1: New Year’s Day
  • April 14: Maundy Thursday
  • Good Friday (movable)
  • Easter Monday (movable)
  • May 1: International Workers’ Day
  • May 17: National Constitution Day
  • May 26: Ascension Day
  • June 6: Whit Monday
  • December 24: Christmas Eve (early closing for shops)
  • December 25: Christmas Day
  • December 26: Boxing Day

Employer Taxes

Social Security: Employers must contribute 31.42% of the total taxable remuneration (with no cap).

Wage Tax on Pension Costs: Employers also pay a particular wage tax of 24.26% on pension costs relating to tax-qualified company pension plans.

Employee Taxes

Income Tax:

  • For income between 0 and NOK 180,800, there is no bracket tax.
  • For income between NOK 180,800 and NOK 254,500, a 1.9% tax applies.
  • For income between NOK 254,500 and NOK 639,750, a 4.2% tax applies.
  • For income between NOK 639,750 and NOK 999,550, a 13.2% tax applies.
  • For income above NOK 999,550, a 16.2% tax applies.

Social Security: Employees have social security deductions amounting to 8.2% of their salary.

Notice Period

Standard Notice:

  • For permanent employees, the notice period starts at 1 month for employment less than 2 years.
  • For employees with at least 5 consecutive years of service, the notice period is at least 2 months.
  • For those with 10 or more years, notice is extended further: at least 4 months after reaching 50 years of age. At least 5 months after 55 years. At least 6 months after 60 years

Termination and Severance Pay

Termination:

  • Termination procedures are complex and depend on the reason for dismissal.
  • Employees receive salary and contractual benefits during the notice period.

Severance Pay:

  • There is no statutory right to severance pay in Norway.
  • Severance schemes in collective agreements are often based on fee-based insurance contributions made by employers.
  • Additional compensation may be negotiated or awarded if the dismissal is deemed unjust by a court.
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Frequently
Asked
Questions

What is International EOR and PEO?

International EOR (Employer of Record) and PEO (Professional Employer Organization) are services that enable businesses to compliantly hire, manage, and pay employees in foreign countries without the need for establishing a legal entity. EOR acts as the legal employer while PEO co-employs workers, handling administrative tasks such as payroll, taxes, and benefits.

Does Acvian handle time record submissions?

Acvian does not handle time record submissions directly. It is the client’s responsibility to track and submit employee work hours. However, Acvian can offer guidance and best practices to ensure efficient time tracking and compliance with local labor laws.

How can employees view their payroll details?

Employees can view their payroll details through the monthly payslips they receive and also via our Acvian platform. These payslips contain information on earnings, deductions, taxes, and net pay, giving employees a clear overview of their monthly payroll. Please note that in some countries, employers are restricted from viewing payslips due to data protection regulations, and only employees can share their payslips. For more details on these regulations, please contact our specialists.

How Acvian handles payroll disputes?

Acvian addresses payroll disputes promptly, working closely with both the client and the employee to investigate and resolve any issues.

Does Acvian require advanced monthly payments of salaries and service?

Yes, Acvian requires advanced monthly payments for salaries and service to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.

Can Acvian provide consultations regarding a labor and tax legislation?

Yes, Acvian can provide consultations regarding labor and tax legislation. Our team of experts is well-versed in local regulations and can offer guidance to help your business maintain compliance, reduce risk, and navigate the complexities of international employment and taxation laws.

Which benefits does Acvian provide?

Acvian provides a diverse range of benefits, including but not limited to:

  • Health insurance
  • Car leasing
  • Gym allowance
  • Per diem compensation
  • Maternity leave

We can customize and offer many kinds of benefits requested by the client, ensuring that your employees receive the support and perks that align with your company culture and local regulations.

Can Acvian provide private health insurance?

Acvian can provide private health insurance options as part of its comprehensive employee benefits package.

What would the monthly/yearly costs for the employee be?

The monthly/yearly costs for an ‘average’ package vary depending on the specific plan and location. See our estimated price packages here. Acvian’s team can provide detailed cost breakdowns based on your requirements.

Can Acvian help with entity set up?

While Acvian doesn’t directly provide entity set-up services, we can introduce you to local lawyers who specialize in this area to assist you with your needs. See also, when it's better to set the entity or use the EOR.

Offboarding: how it is handled?

Offboarding is managed by Acvian in a structured and compliant manner. We coordinate with your business to ensure all necessary documentation, exit interviews, and final payments are completed. Acvian also ensures adherence to local labor laws and regulations, including providing any required notice periods and managing the termination process.

When does business need it?

Businesses typically need EOR and PEO services when they:

  • Expand into new international markets.
  • Hire remote employees in foreign countries.
  • Seek to streamline global workforce management.
  • Aim to ensure compliance with local labor laws and regulations.
  • Want to reduce the time and cost of establishing legal entities abroad.

Is Acvian compliant with GDPR?

Yes, Acvian is fully compliant with GDPR regulations. We collect and process personal data in accordance with the law, ensuring that data is used only for general, allowed purposes such as marketing and other legitimate business activities.

Where can Acvian supply EOR services?

Acvian can supply EOR services in over 180 countries, encompassing almost all European nations, the United States, and Canada, providing extensive coverage to support your business’s global expansion and workforce management needs. See our coverage here.

How does payroll work under EOR?

Under EOR, Acvian manages the payroll process by:

  • Acting as the legal employer of your foreign workforce.
  • Handling salary calculations, deductions, and disbursements.
  • Ensuring compliance with local tax and labor laws.
  • Managing payroll taxes, social contributions, and benefits.
  • Providing timely and accurate payroll processing for your employees.

Explore the details here.

Can you provide support for expatriate EOR workers?

Yes, Acvian provides comprehensive support for expatriate EOR workers, including:

  • Visa and work permit assistance.
  • Relocation and housing support.
  • Local registration and compliance.
  • Payroll and tax management.
  • Coordination of benefits and insurance coverage.

Explore in details here.

What are the details of expats support?

Expats support from Acvian encompasses a range of services designed to facilitate a smooth transition for employees working abroad. Key aspects include:

  • Assistance with visa and work permit applications, renewals, and compliance.
  • Support for relocation, including housing, schooling, and local registration.
  • Guidance on local tax regulations and filings.
  • Coordination of locally compliant benefits and insurance coverage.
  • Ongoing support for any changes or issues that may arise during the expatriate assignment.

What happens after onboarding?

After onboarding, Acvian maintains an ongoing relationship with your business and employees, ensuring smooth payroll processing, managing tax and regulatory compliance, handling benefits administration, and providing support for any changes or issues that may arise in the employment lifecycle. This allows you to focus on your core business operations while Acvian manages your international workforce.

How many days will it take for our personnel to be onboarded?

The onboarding process typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the country and complexity of the employee’s situation. However, Acvian strives to expedite this process, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition for your personnel. See our story of the urgent employment project.

Does Acvian provide in-country support for employee inquiries or assistance requests?

Yes, Acvian provides in-country or regional support for employee inquiries and assistance requests. We have dedicated managers in the countries where we support your employees, ensuring prompt and knowledgeable assistance tailored to local regulations and practices.

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