Labour Immigration

Labour Immigration from the Nordic countries and the EEA

Norway participates in various collaborations that impact labour immigration and labour market policies. For instance, we have a common Nordic labour market with Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. All Nordic citizens can travel freely within the Nordic countries to work. Through the EEA Agreement, Norway is part of the common European labour market, which ensures the free movement of labour between EEA states. EEA citizens can reside and work in Norway without having to apply for a residence permit.

The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration collaborates with other European labour market authorities through EURES (the European Network of Employment Services). EURES is a European network for employment services that promotes mobility by assisting employers in recruiting labour from the EEA, and job seekers in finding jobs in other EEA states. Vacant positions and useful information about the labour market in the EEA area can be found on the EURES portal.

Labour Immigration from Non-EEA Countries

Norwegian companies can also recruit labour from countries outside the EEA (third countries). Labour immigrants from third countries must apply for a residence permit according to the rules in the Immigration Act. Residence permits for labour immigrants are granted based on their skills and employment in Norway. Most labour immigrants from third countries are skilled workers or seasonal workers. Additionally, residence permits can be granted to self-employed persons and service providers. Applications for residence permits are processed by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).