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, working environment, leave of absence, and disputes. It also includes specific protection against discrimination. All Norwegian employers are obliged by law to follow the rules in this act.

A full-time contract will usually include 37,5 working hours per week, which is divided into 8 hours a day, including 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, only without pay. It is common with a notice period of 3 months upon termination of the contract.

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 (usually up to 7%).

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