How to Work in Norway as a Foreigner

For EU/EEA Citizens

Norway is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), which means citizens of EU and EEA countries have the right to live and work in Norway without a work permit. This includes citizens of Poland, Czech Republic, Latvia, and all other EU member states.

• Arrive with a valid passport or national ID card
• You can start working immediately
• Visit your local tax office (skattekontor) within the first week to apply for a D-number
• Register with Norwegian police within 3 months of arrival
• Register with UDI (Directorate of Immigration) if staying longer than 3 months
• Open a Norwegian bank account once you have your D-number

For Non-EU Citizens

Non-EU/EEA citizens need a work permit before starting employment in Norway. The process requires a job offer from a Norwegian employer.

• Secure a concrete job offer from a Norwegian employer
• Apply for a work permit through UDI.no (usually a Skilled Worker permit)
• Processing time: 1–3 months depending on your country
• Your employer may need to prove they couldn't find an EEA candidate
• Some professions have fast-track schemes

Essential First Steps After Arrival

• Get your D-number at the tax office — required before you can receive wages
• Obtain your tax card (skattekort) via Altinn.no to avoid 50% default withholding
• Open a bank account (DNB, Nordea, or SpareBank 1 are common choices)
• Get an HMS safety card if working in construction
• Register with a GP (fastlege) for healthcare access