Find Your Job
in Norway
Moving to Norway? You don't need to wait for job postings. 59,500+ Norwegian companies accept open applications — many welcome international talent.
70% of jobs in Norway are never posted publicly. Learn how to tap into the hidden job market and find opportunities before they're advertised.
What Makes Norway Special
Work-Life Balance
37.5-hour work weeks, 5 weeks vacation, and a culture that respects personal time. Overtime is rare — efficiency is valued over hours.
Flat Hierarchies
Norwegian workplaces are famously egalitarian. First-name basis with the CEO, open-door policies, and your opinion matters regardless of title.
Strong Job Security
Norwegian labor laws heavily protect employees. Three-month notice periods are standard, and layoffs require strong justification.
Where Foreigners Thrive
These industries commonly hire international professionals and often use English as working language.
Tips for Working in Norway
Norwegian Work Culture
Be Direct, Not Aggressive
Norwegians value straightforward communication. Say what you mean, but stay calm and factual. Heated debates are uncomfortable — stick to professional, measured discussions.
Punctuality is Non-Negotiable
Meetings start exactly on time. Arriving 5 minutes late is noticed. Being 15 minutes late without warning is a serious faux pas. Set calendar reminders.
Lunch is Sacred
The "matpakke" (packed lunch) is a cultural institution. Many bring sandwiches from home. Lunch is usually 30 minutes, often eaten at your desk or in a break room — not a 2-hour affair.
Leave on Time — Really
Working late doesn't impress anyone. It suggests poor time management. Finish your work and go home. Your personal life is expected to be a priority.
The "Janteloven" Mindset
Self-promotion is frowned upon. Don't brag about achievements — let your work speak. "We" is preferred over "I". Team success matters more than individual glory.
Finding a Job as a Foreigner
Network Through "Dugnad"
Norwegians build trust through shared activities, not networking events. Join clubs, volunteer, participate in local events. Relationships take time but are genuine.
Learn Norwegian (Eventually)
You can work in tech and consulting with English only, but Norwegian opens more doors. Many employers offer language courses. Even basic Norwegian shows commitment.
Target International Companies
Global companies with Norwegian offices (Google, Microsoft, McKinsey) often use English. Norwegian scale-ups and tech companies are also increasingly English-first.
Send "Åpen Søknad" (Open Applications)
Many Norwegian companies prefer direct contact over job ads. Research companies you like, write a personalized message, and reach out. This is normal and welcome in Norway.
Practical Things to Know
Work Hours
Standard: 37.5 hours/week (7.5 hrs/day). Most work 8:00-16:00 or 9:00-17:00. Fridays often end earlier. Summer hours are common (longer days, shorter Fridays).
Vacation
Minimum 25 days (5 weeks) by law. Many get extra days. July is "fellesferie" — the whole country basically shuts down. Plan around it.
Salary Expectations
Salaries are public record! Check Statistisk Sentralbyrå (SSB) for averages. Tech: 600-900k NOK. Consulting: 500-800k NOK. Entry level: 450-550k NOK.
Work Permits
EU/EEA citizens: No permit needed. Others: Need a job offer first, then apply through UDI. Skilled workers visa requires specific qualifications. Employers often help with paperwork.
Ready to Find Your
Norwegian Dream Job?
Browse 59,500+ Norwegian companies that accept open applications. Filter by industry, location, and company size to find your perfect match.
Browse CompaniesCommon Questions from Expats
Can I work in Norway without speaking Norwegian?
Yes, especially in tech, oil & gas, consulting, and international companies. Many use English as their working language. However, learning Norwegian will significantly expand your opportunities and help with integration.
Is it hard to find a job in Norway as a foreigner?
It depends on your industry and skills. Tech, engineering, and healthcare have strong demand. The challenge is often the hidden job market — 70% of jobs are never publicly posted. Direct outreach and networking are key strategies.
What's the cost of living like in Norway?
High, but salaries compensate. Oslo is most expensive (rent: 15-20k NOK/month for an apartment). Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger are slightly cheaper. Groceries, dining out, and alcohol are notably expensive. However, healthcare and education are essentially free.
What is an "åpen søknad" and should I send one?
An "åpen søknad" (open application) is a direct message to a company expressing your interest in working there, even without a job posting. This is common and accepted in Norway. Many companies have dedicated pages for open applications. ByeByeApply helps you find companies that welcome this approach.