Working in Norway

Norway is the westernmost country on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Officially the Kingdom of Norway, this picturesque country is most well known for its Viking history and stunning fjords. Norway is an ideal country for working holidaymakers looking to experience a culture and place that is very different from home.

The Norwegian economy capitalises on an abundance of natural resources with industry based around petroleum, natural gas, minerals, timber, seafood and even hydropower. Norway has the fourth highest per capita income in the world and is regularly ranked as one of the most desirable places to live.

Norway’s Viking heritage dates back to the mid 800’s and Viking lore is filled with tales of piracy and pillaging. While the Vikings’ ruthless reputation is well deserved, there is much more to their culture than swords, horned helmets and mayhem. Vikings were skilled craftspeople and traders and their voyages in Viking longships are the stuff of legend.

In addition to rich culture and legendary heritage, Norway offers many unique experiences for travellers and working holidaymakers. During the Norwegian summer, the sun does not set in the Arctic Circle so visiting or living in northern Norway is replete with breathtaking photos opportunities and unique seasonal activities.

There are great opportunities to engage in outdoor activities in Norway with winter sports sitting at the top of the list (www.ski-norway.co.uk). In addition, Norway offers great opportunities for fishing and other water-based endeavours as well as beautiful vistas for camping, hiking and trekking enthusiasts.

Any trip to Norway is not complete without a view of the Northern Lights and a visit to the fjords. Remember, of course, that the Northern lights are only visible between late autumn and early spring (October – April) so travellers who want both endless daylight and a view of the Northern Lights must be in Norway for an extended period of time – an ideal reason to visit Norway on a working holiday.

The fjords are located right throughout the country with the longest one being the Sognefjord. The Geirangerfjord is on UNESCOs World Heritage list and there are many others that are well worth a visit.

Norway encourages working holidaymakers and has an excellent visa program especially for those coming from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Japan.

The program is open for applicants who are between 18 and 30 years of age the typical working holiday residence permit is valid for 12 months although application can be made to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration for a 12-month extension.

Visa Summary

Visa: Working Holiday Residence Permit

Age: 18 – 30 (at the time of application)

Length of Stay: 12 months with possible extension to 2 years

Application Fee: NOK 3,000

Restrictions:

• Permit holders may work for the same employer for a period of six months
• The permit can be renewed but the total duration cannot exceed two years
• You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to sustain yourself for three months in Norway – currently NOK 28,320
• You will have to submit a medial health certificate documenting that you are in good health
• Anyone travelling to Norway for study or other training for a period of longer than three months is not eligible for a working holiday residence permit
• Successful applicants must obtain a residence card that demonstrates that they have the right to live in Norway. Application for a residence card includes having the police take your fingerprints and photo for record-keeping purposes
• The permit does not grant the right to permanent residence
• The permit does not grant the right to family migration

Emergency

Emergency numbers
Police             112
Fire                 110
Ambulance    113
Australian Consular representation in Norway

Australian Consulate
Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA
Strandvn 20
Lysaker
Telephone: +47 6758 4848
Facsimile:   +47 6758 4380
*This post is headed by an Honorary Council

Tax System

People who are resident in Norway are taxed on their worldwide income and assets. Tax for individuals is based on ordinary and personal incomes and is assessed at a flat rate. Non-residents pay tax on any income earned while working in Norway.

The Tax Directorate and local tax offices administer the tax system. The tax year is aligned with the calendar year and tax returns are typically filed by the end of January.

Normally, an individual will be taxed at 28% of any income eared above the personal exemption of NOK 25,000. The 28% rate is comprised of a 21% municipal tax and a 7% tax paid to the Tax Equalisation Fund.

In the Norwegian tax system, foreign employees in Norway may claim a 15% standard deduction rather than itemising their deductions when filing a tax return.

Norway does have tax treaties with about 65 other countries to avoid double taxation.

Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Norway requires a D-number – also known as a Personal Number. A D-number is issued by the Tax Directorate and can be obtained via the Service Centre for Foreign Workers. Make sure you register your application on-line prior to arriving for your appointment at the centre and also make sure you bring the required identification documents including: a valid passport or ID card, proof of place of residence (e.g. rental agreement) and a contract or certificate from your employer verifying that you have work.

Local banks include Skandia Bank, Bank Norwegian and DinBANK.

Employment

It is not as easy as it used to be for native English speakers to find work in Norway. Most young Norwegians are now fluent in English so being a native speaker is not necessarily desirable. In fact, being able to speak Norwegian might be more of an asset.

Working holidaymakers can find work in the service-based industries such as travel, tourism, restaurants, cafes and bars. There can also be work available for nannies and au pairs. If you have a passion for winter sports then you should seek out opportunities in skiing and snowboarding. There is also some agricultural and seasonal work available.

Job websites in Norway include:

www.jobnorway.no

www.experteer.com/Norway_Jobs

www.finn.no/jobb

https://tjenester.nav.no/stillinger/stillinger?q=english

And, for more information on the working holiday residence permit try:

http://www.udi.no/Norwegian-Directorate-of-Immigration/Central-topics/Work-and-residence/Apply-for-a-residence-permit/working_holiday_for_young_people/Working-holidays-for-young-people-from-Australia/

Communication

The best phone-related option for travellers and working holidaymakers in Norway is to bring your own phone and rent a local SIM from a company like Cellular Abroad or OneSIMCard (www.onesimcard.com).

Alternatively, you can rent local mobile phone from Cello Moblie (www.cellomobile.com) and from RangeRoamer (www.rangeroamer.com).

As with many places, you can still find Internet cafes and other public Internet facilities as well as wifi networks that can be accessed using your portable device(s).

If you are living and working in Norway for an extended period of time you can easily establish an account via a local Internet Service Provider.

Events and Festival

Summer is an exciting time for festivals and events in Norway. Some that are particularly worth checking out include: