Work Permit and Immigration Support for hiring expats in Norway via EOR/PEO
Expanding into Norway offers businesses access to a highly skilled workforce, a stable economy, and an innovation-driven business environment. However, hiring expatriates requires strict compliance with Norwegian immigration laws, including employer sponsorship, work permit approvals, and residency requirements. Companies must navigate rigorous employment regulations, ensuring fair wages, labour rights, and tax obligations.
For businesses without a legal entity in Norway, an Employer of Record (EOR) solution provides a fully compliant way to hire foreign employees. Acumen International handles work permit sponsorship, payroll, tax compliance, and HR administration, allowing companies to focus on operations without administrative burden.
Simplifying Business Immigration: Unlocking Norway’s Potential
Navigating the complex world of business immigration in Norway can challenge employers seeking to hire foreign talent. From obtaining work permits in Norway to ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations, many legal and logistical hurdles can overwhelm the process. However, with the help of a trusted Global Employer of Record like Acumen, businesses can access expert guidance and support every step of the way.
Our team of immigration specialists provides tailored solutions designed to meet your organization’s unique needs, from gathering all necessary documentation to submitting applications accurately and on time. With our streamlined approach and comprehensive compliance services, we help companies save time and money while ensuring they remain fully compliant with all legal requirements.
By leveraging our extensive expertise in business immigration, employers can confidently navigate the complexities of Norway’s immigration system and focus on what they do best – expanding their business and accessing global talent.
Understanding Work Permits & Residency in Norway
Norway differentiates between EEA/EU employees and non-EEA employees, each subject to different immigration rules:
- EEA/EU Nationals – Can work in Norway without a permit but must register with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) if staying for more than three months.
- Non-EEA Nationals – Must secure a work permit before entering Norway, sponsored by a Norwegian employer.
Key Challenges of Hiring Foreign Employees in Norway
Work Permit Restrictions – Employers must prove that the position cannot be filled by an EEA national before hiring a non-EEA worker.
Employer Sponsorship Requirements – Work permits are tied to a specific employer, requiring legal sponsorship and compliance with Norwegian employment laws.
Salary & Contractual Compliance – Employment contracts must meet minimum salary levels and align with industry collective agreements.
Immigration Processing & Delays – Work permit applications take 1–2 months for approval, requiring precise documentation to avoid delays.
Work Permit Options for Foreign Employees in Norway
1. Skilled Worker Permit: For professionals with higher education or vocational training in relevant fields. Applicants must have a job offer from a Norwegian employer with a salary that meets industry standards.
2. Seasonal Worker Permit: For short-term employment in agriculture, tourism, and fisheries. Employers must provide proof that the role cannot be filled locally.
3. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit: For multinational companies transferring employees to their Norwegian subsidiary or branch.
4. Independent Contractor Permit: For self-employed professionals offering specialised services in Norway. The applicant must have contracts with Norwegian clients.
Step-by-Step Work Permit Process
- Employer Sponsorship & Job Offer – A Norwegian employer must secure approval to hire a non-EEA worker before applying for a permit.
- Submission to UDI – The employer or an Employer of Record (EOR) submits the work permit application to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
- Approval & Work Permit Issuance – If successful, the employee receives a work permit valid for up to three years, linked to their sponsoring employer.
- Residence Permit Application – Employees must apply for a residence permit through the Norwegian Immigration Authorities.
- Arrival & Registration – Upon entering Norway, the employee must register with the Norwegian Tax Administration and National Population Register.
Note: Always refer to the official UDI website for the most accurate and current information.
Required Documents for a Work Permit in Norway
- Completed Work Permit Application (submitted online via UDI)
- Valid Passport (must be valid for at least six months)
- Employment Contract (signed, stating salary, job title, and responsibilities)
- Proof of Accommodation (rental agreement or housing confirmation)
- Qualifications & Diplomas (certified translations if not in English/Norwegian)
- Police Clearance Certificate (from the employee’s home country)
- Health Insurance Documentation (if applicable).
Compliance Risks & Challenges for Employers
Failure to comply with Norway’s employment and immigration laws can result in:
- Work permit rejections due to insufficient justification for hiring a non-EEA employee.
- Legal penalties for failing to meet salary and employment contract requirements.
- Visa delays due to incomplete or inaccurate documentation.
- Increased employer liabilities related to taxation, payroll, and social security.
By partnering with an EOR, businesses eliminate these risks, ensuring legal, financial, and operational compliance when hiring foreign employees.
Tailored Business Immigration Solutions in Norway
Navigating the complex and ever-changing immigration and employment landscape in foreign countries can be challenging, especially when understanding the nuances of HR and local labour laws. At Global EOR, we offer tailored business immigration solutions to help companies attract, retain, and manage top talent in Norway. Our expert services include customized business visas, work permits, and residence permits to meet clients’ unique needs.
We thoroughly understand the labour, immigration, tax, and other regulatory requirements for each type of permit. We can guide clients through the entire process, from application to renewal. By partnering with us, companies can ensure they meet all legal and compliance requirements while minimizing the administrative burden.
1. Work Permit Sponsorship for Foreign Employees in Norway
Our Global Employer of Record solution simplifies securing work permits for your foreign employees in Norway. We can sponsor visas and work permits for any number of employees, irrespective of location, and minimize the effort and cost of managing an international workforce.
2. Comprehensive Immigration Support in Norway
Our extensive business immigration support saves organizations time and money while keeping them compliant with all legal requirements. We offer tailored social business immigration packages for international talent to ensure they encounter no immigration, labour, or tax compliance issues when they arrive in Norway.
3. Immigration Consultancy in Norway
We help you identify and manage immigration risks and opportunities in your business in Norway. Our team of experts will collaborate with you to create a customized immigration strategy that meets your business objectives while ensuring compliance with all relevant immigration regulations.
4. Global Mobility Services for Your International Talent in Norway
Acumen International is your trusted partner in navigating the challenging immigration procedures in Norway, ensuring smooth onboarding and seamless payroll management for your expatriate workforce. With our unrivalled expertise in global mobility and PEO solutions, you can confidently staff your international assignments in Norway, free from the complexities and financial risks typically associated with hiring expatriate personnel.
Our team of experts specialises in global employment and business immigration, providing a comprehensive solution tailored to streamline the process of obtaining work permits for your international employees in Norway. We are well-versed in the timelines and requirements set by the immigration authorities in Norway, ensuring the timely and efficient processing of work permit applications.
Legal Entity vs. EOR Hiring Model
For companies without a registered legal entity in Norway, an Employer of Record (EOR) provides a fully compliant way to employ expatriates without managing work permits, payroll, or tax administration directly.
| Hiring Model | Direct Employer Setup in Norway | Employer of Record (EOR) |
| Legal Entity Registration | Required | Not Required |
| Work Permit Sponsorship | Handled by employer | Managed by EOR in Norway |
| Payroll & Tax Compliance | Employer must register with the tax authorities | EOR in Norway ensures full compliance |
| Hiring Timeline | 3–6 months | Within weeks |
| HR Administration & Contracts | Employer-managed | EOR-managed |
| Risk & Compliance | High | Low |