The Working Environment Act is one of the essential components of work life and culture in Norway. Here you will find rules on everything from working hours to termination, work environment, leave of absence, and disputes. It also includes specific protections against discrimination. All Norwegian employers are obliged by law to follow the rules in this act.

A full-time employment contract is usually for 37.5 working hours per week, divided by 8 hours a day, including a 30-minute break. As a general rule, you are entitled to 25 days (five weeks) paid vacation, after 12 months of employment. Before 12 months employment, you are entitled to take out the same amount of vacation days without pay.

Contract termination requires a notice period of 3 months.

The pension system in Norway consists of a minimum pension level guaranteed by The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) - see under “Health and Services” for more information, plus a combination of other entitlements based on whether you work in the private or public sector. Most employees automatically contribute 2% of their salaries to a pension scheme, and their employer adds to this (up to 7%).

For more information on sickness and maternity leave, please see under “Health & services”.