Maintaining good working environments is a high priority in Norway. Keywords in the Working Environment Act are “healthy and meaningful”, “full safety” and “dignity and integrity”–which may sound ambitious even to a Norwegian.

But what does the Act actually say about health and safety in the workplace? What happens if you get injured at work? And what do you do if your job doesn’t feel safe or even makes you ill?

If you're new to Norway or just curious after living here a while, read on for answers to these questions.

Full safety

states that everyone shall have “full safety” from any harmful physical and mental influences.

Physical safety

What this involves, depends obviously on what kind of work you do. There are different measures at a building site and an office building. Some branches also have to make sure employees have a valid HSE ID-card (Health, safety, environment).

This is proof that you work for a company that is registered in the mandatory systems. This applies to cleaning services, people who work in car repairs, and at building sites.

Mental safety

Lack of physical safety is usually quite easy to detect and even prove.  When it comes to mental safety; not so easy.

So what does this mean? Needless to say, no one should be afraid of going to work. Nor should you be exposed to workplace bullying, gossiping, improper treatment or discrimination from your boss, colleagues or customers.

A workplace must also have a good climate for expression. This implies that disagreement  is tolerated and even encouraged. And that speaking up has no negative consequences.

A meaningful and healthy working situation

The Working Environment Act states that in addition to feeling safe, your job should also be meaningful and beneficial to your health.

This may sound strange for those who don't like their job or and see it as a sole necessity. But the likelihood is that If work doesn’t feel meaningful, it will sooner or later affect your health negatively.

Safety representative

All companies with ten employees or more, must have an elected safety representative (verneombud).

Their job is to make sure that everyone has a safe working environment and gets proper training in health and environment matters. The safety representative also participates in inspections done by the Labour Inspection Agency.

If you have any issues regarding your working environment, you can talk to the safety representative. They have full confidentiality. They can also participate in meetings to support you, but as a neutral party.

The Norwegian Labour Inspection Agency

You can report health and safety issues directly to The Norwegian Labour Inspection Agency, known as in Norwegian. This also goes for  issues regarding health or safety at other workplaces than your own.

You can directly on the agency’s website, and remain anonymous. More information about what you can report, and when you should use other channels is . When possible, you should report internally first.

Occupational injuries

are personal injuries, illness or death caused by conditions at work. This can also apply to illnesses or disabilities caused by short-term or long-term harmful exposure at the workplace.

If you have an accident at work, it is important to do the proper paperwork. This includes sending a claim form to NAV. It is the employer’s responsibility, but make sure it gets done. If  you end up with a permanent disability, it is important that everything is properly documented and in the system.

Also remember to  keep medical bills or other documentation of other expenses connected to the injury. This is something you should get refunded from NAV.

Employers are also obliged to have injury insurance for all employees (Yrkesskadeforsikring) in a private insurance company.

Information and training

It’s the employer’s responsibility to make sure everyone gets enough information and training necessary to maintain everyone’s health and safety. This also has to be in a language you fully understand.

Penal action

What are the consequences if your employer breaks the law?The mildest reaction is a letter from the Labour Inspection Agency pointing out what is not satisfactory and what has to be improved.

If there is immediate danger to health or safety, the Inspection Agency can demand the business to close until the issue is resolved. The company can also get fined.

And if there is a serious accident or death, the management could personally be held responsible. The punishment is fines and/or up to one year prison. This applies to the person responsible, and also compliances.

Physical activity

And ending on a more positive note: have you wondered why there are so many activities at Norwegian workplaces involving physical activity? For example ski days, “pause-gym” or bike-to work campaigns?

This is because the Working Environment Act, actually says employers are obliged to promote physical activity amongst the employees. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to participate.

The post Workplace Health and Safety in Norway appeared first on ����ֱ��.

We have all read stories about whistleblowers in the media. They are brave people who stand up for others and make a difference. And quite often at a high cost. 

But did you know that reporting serious offences in Norway is an obligation vested in law? Because whistleblowing is crucial to keep work environments safe and to prevent unhealthy leadership.

It is also important to our democracy, to prevent fraud and corruption and even to maintain national security.

So how does it work in Norway? And is it safe?

It’s your right and obligation

Firstly, everyone working in Norway has the right to . On the other hand, it is also our duty, meaning you actually have no choice if the matter is serious enough. This also includes temporary employees hired from agencies.

All of this is vested in the Working Environment Act.

What is not whistleblowing?

Not everything is considered whistleblowing. Exceptions are conditions that only apply to your own employment, and that can be solved without a formal process.

For example salary requirements, wanting your own office, or not getting leave of absence. This is usually not considering whistleblowing, unless it for example affects your working environment negatively.

So what are censurable conditions?

This has a very wide range and some examples are:

• Danger to life or health
• Accidents caused by working conditions
• Danger to climate and the environment
• Corruption and fraud
• Abuse of authority 
• Discrimination
• Unsatisfactory working environment
• Bullying

Collect evidence 

If you consider reporting censurable conditions it is smart to collect as much evidence you can. Save letters and e-mails and other documentation. It is not illegal to record conversations, and it could even be used as evidence in court.

Notification systems and procedures

If a company has more than five employees, it is obliged to have procedures for internal notification.

Read more: Workplace Discrimination in Norway

It is also common to have a separate notification channel that you can access from the website. In other cases you have to send an email or a letter. 

What determines if something is whistleblowing?

In short: the content. Neither the format nor the wording should matter. But a smart thing to do is not to leave any room for doubt. And to make it clear that this is a notification.

This is because the employer can misunderstand that it is actually whistleblowing and therefore not initiate the formal notification procedure. And, frankly some also try to get away with dismissing the notification as something less serious than it really is.

So don’t leave room for doubt!

To avoid misunderstandings, a smart thing to do is to include the word “varsel” (in Norwegian) “whistleblowing” or “notification of censurable condition” in the heading. 

Another good idea is to relate your notification to specific examples in the Environment Act. If you think there is workplace bullying taking place, use the word “bullying”.

And if the behaviour leads to a bad working environment, use the examples from the Environment Act directly; “unsatisfactory working environment”. And if this affects other people too, it is important to state that clearly. 

Be precise and credible

It is not very smart to speak from the heart with all caps. Nor to be indirect and with connotations.

Try to describe the matter as precisely as you can and say why you think this is serious. Enclose documentation and let them know if other people can confirm what you are saying. 

To whom can you report?

• The employer, usually someone in the management
• Union or safety representative
• A lawyer
• The Norwegian Labour Inspection Agency
• Other public authority
• The police in cases of criminal offences
• The media

Should you involve the media?

Involving the media should be done with caution. But this can be an option if the matter has public interest. And sometimes media is an option if you already have sent a notification internally without the employer taking responsibility or initiating change. 

Going to the media should be very safe. The Norwegian media has a strict ethical code which includes protection of sources. But remember that they may not end up writing about the story. 

Is it possible to be anonymous?

Yes, you don’t have to give your name. But this may make it harder for the employer to follow up the matter.

What are the employer’s obligations?

The Law states the employer shall ensure that the notification is adequately investigated within a reasonable time. It is fair to say that wording seems rather vague and relative.

It is, however implicit, that the people who handle the notification are impartial. And that all sides of the story should be heard. Some companies also involve someone from outside to investigate in order to get a completely objective evaluation.

Retaliation

Retaliation towards whistleblowers is illegal. And it has recently been reinforced in the Working Environment Act. 

Retaliation is any unfavourable act or punishment against the whistleblower. For example: warnings, suspension or disciplinary action. But also things like social exclusion or discrimination. 

So is it safe? 

I wish I could say yes. Because the majority of employers are fair and serious, and there is a law that gives whistleblowers considerable protection. 

But despite all political intentions, I have talked to many whistleblowers in Norway, who feel they are not taken seriously, that they spoke up with no result or that they have been the target of some sort of retaliation. And almost everybody underestimates the emotional stress it causes. 

There are also means of retaliation that are subtle and hard to prove. For example leaving you without interesting work, or giving you tasks you don’t handle well. When these have plausible explanations on paper, it is very hard to prove. 

On the other hand, it can be as difficult not to speak up. So I wouldn’t discourage it, but be aware that it probably won’t be easy. A good idea is to join forces and send a formal notice together with one or more of your colleagues. 

Who can help you in cases of retaliation?

And if you feel you have been exposed to retaliation, there are people that can help you. 

Union representative

If you are a member of a trade union, they can give assistance, and probably also get legal advice. 

The Anti-Discrimination Tribunal

You can send your case  to the Norwegian They are a neutral party and a free alternative to judicial proceedings in cases of discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority

They can answer questions about the prohibition against retaliation after notification. And you can also send a notification to them directly.

Special interest groups

In many cases, special interest groups can also be a good source of information, advice and help. Social media could be a good place to talk to other people in the same situation.

The post Whistleblowing in Norway: How to Report Your Employer appeared first on ����ֱ��.

Everyone experiences illness during a lifetime. And sometimes it isn't possible to work. If you are in a foreign country when this happens, it can be very hard.

The good thing is that sick pay in Norway is generous. But there are also some rules and formalities to keep track of. Here is what you should know about how sick pay works in Norway.

For minor illnesses (a heavy head cold or mild flu, for example) you can self-certify your illness. But if you are going to need more than three consecutive days off, you'll need to obtain a sick note from your doctor.

Self-certification (egenmelding)

You can hand in a self-certification for a limited period. This means you don’t have to see a doctor. Maximum length is three consecutive days four times in a 12-month period. When you have used all the days, you have to get a sick note from a doctor.

It’s not up to you to decide you can’t work

First things first, if you believe you can go to the doctor and say you can’t work and automatically get a sick note, you’re wrong. That’s not the way it works in Norway.

Of course, it’s often obvious you are not able to work at all. But in cases of doubt a good doctor will have a thorough conversation about your ability to work either full-time or part-time. This includes suggestions about what adjustments your employer can make.

For example, if you’re pregnant, you can get more time to rest. If the reason is psychological, you might need your own office for a while or have the opportunity to work from home.

NAV can also assist financially, so the employer won’t carry the cost. For example, to pay for a taxi to and from work. They can also pay for special equipment. The doctor writes such suggestions on the sick note.

The sick note

Some hospitals and clinics use paper sick notes, but most doctors submit them electronically. This means it gets sent to NAV and the employer through the system simultaneously.

You receive a copy, but you actually hand in your sick note after the period is over. This is so you can report if there have been any changes during the period:

• You can work more than the note says. Even when on full sick pay this is encouraged.
• You can also personally cancel the sick leave before the end of the period. This without consulting NAV or your doctor.
• If you have vacation or other leave, you also report this.

When you are not able to work the scheduled hours, you have to ask your doctor to change the sick note.

Partial sick-note (gradert sykemelding)

When you are able to work part-time, the doctor will write a partial sick-note. Which is very common in Norway. If you can work 20%, this is better than nothing. You can discuss working hours with your boss. Depending on what kind of work you do, this is usually quite flexible.

Who will know your diagnosis?

NAV gets all the information from your doctor, including your diagnosis. This information is not sent to the employer. You are not obliged to share this information with your boss or anyone at work.

Questions from your boss should be like “what do you need from me now?”, “can I do something that will make you able to work more?”, or “do you receive treatment?”.

You are of course welcome to share whatever you want. But if they try to push you, they are overstepping the line. Even if it seems strange to talk about all of this, without them knowing what’s wrong with you.

And under no circumstance can your boss share information about your condition to others, without your consent. Believe me it happens a lot. Some people don't seem to understand that health and illness for many people is something very personal. And that this is also dependent on cultural background.

Sick pay and vacation

When you use vacation days, you are not technically considered sick and not entitled to sick pay. However, the period of time (one year in total) you can receive sick pay, will be prolonged.

If you are too ill to take vacation, you can usually postpone the vacation days. This also goes if you get sick during a vacation.

It’s not possible to take vacation part time. If you for example are on 60% sick pay, you use five vacation days a week, and not two.

Sick pay while on holiday or travelling

This applies to when you want to go travelling while receiving sick pay. And not if you are on holiday using vacation days.

You might have heard about the “NAV-scandal”, where around 80 people were wrongfully punished for fraud. In addition hundreds of people had to pay back the sick pay they had received. This was because they hadn’t informed NAV they were going abroad.

However, NAV didn’t take into account the EU/EEA-law, and this went on for years. Some even went to jail.

Anyway, applicable employment law and information is improved and up to date. But if in doubt, it’s important you check with NAV what rules apply to you.

When you consider going travelling while on sick pay:

1. Ask your employer if the trip will prevent any activities at work.
2. Check that the travel will not interfere with activities initiated by NAV.
3. Ask your doctor if the trip will worsen your health or delay treatment.

Citizens of EU/EEA countries

• When travelling within the EEA, you can keep the sick pay without applying. You can travel for four weeks during a 12 month period.
• If you travel outside the EEA, you are not usually entitled to sick pay. You can, however, apply in advance, because NAV makes some exceptions.

Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA

• You must check if you can keep your sick pay when traveling outside the Nordic countries (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland).

Who is covered by sick pay?

All of this has to apply to you:

• You were working at least four weeks before you got ill.
• You are a If you're an employee in Norway, you are a member.
• Your income must be at least half of (G), which is presently NOK 55 739.

Who pays for sick pay?

If you are an employee, you receive your normal salary, and the employer gets reimbursed by NAV. The employer pays out of pocket for the first 16 calendar days.

Freelancer, self-employed or business owner

Freelancers get 100% pay and self-employed people 70% coverage. You receive money directly from NAV, but have to cover the first three days yourself.

Remember to invoice regularly, because how much you get paid is based on an average of the last three month’s income.

You run your own corporation

If you run an corporation (AS), are not considered self-employed but an employee of the company, you are entitled to 100% sick pay.

This means you should pay yourself a regular monthly salary at all times. This is because this affects how much you get paid from your own company, and then later reimbursed from NAV.

Follow-up plan and regular meetings

When you are sick in Norway, there is a system set in place, and there are some mandatory activities. This may seem scary when you are sick and vulnerable. And especially if you don’t get along with your boss, or the reason you are sick is because of your work environment.

But remember, everyone (employer, doctor and NAV) should be working towards the same goal. Which is to get you back to work.

You can also  bring people to support you in meetings. Like a union representative, occupational health services (bedriftshelsetjeneste) or safety representative (verneombud). Your doctor can also participate, and this may also be initiated by your employer or NAV.

Follow-up plan

The follow-up plan is a document you write together with your boss. It is in order to keep track of and document things like adjustments and need for special equipment.

Sometimes it is not necessary to write a follow-up plan. For example when there is a certain recovery time, and you know when you will return to work. Or when the illness is so serious it is impossible to work.

The follow-up plan must be sent to the doctor when you have been on sick pay for four weeks. This is the employer’s responsibility.

Scheduled meetings

• Before 7 weeks: meeting between you and your boss. If you are partially ill, a meeting may not be necessary.
• Within 6 months: meeting at NAV (your employer participates)
• All parties (you, employer and doctor), can ask NAV to arrange a new meeting before 12 months of sick pay.

How long can you be on sick pay?

Maximum length of sick pay is one year. If you take vacation days, the period will be postponed accordingly.

If you get back to work, and then back on sick pay, the periods will add up. In order for the one-year period to start again you must have been working for six months consecutively. This is regardless if you are on sick leave full time or part time.

Possible disability

At around 39 weeks of sick pay, you will receive a letter from NAV where you get information that the sick pay will stop in around three. They will also inform you what to do in order to apply for a work assessment allowance.

It is important to apply in advance, even though you are not sure if you will go back to work in time.You can, whenever you want, withdraw the application.

Sometimes the solution is to get other work, and NAV can help you change jobs. Don’t hesitate to contact them, they are there to help you.

Disability – Work assessment allowance (AAP)

is a temporary solution, where it is not certain when it is uncertain you will be able to go back to work. This is also a period to, if possible, participate in work-related activities initiated by NAV.

You do not need to be receiving sickness benefits in order to apply for AAP.

Who is entitled to allowance?

All of this has to apply:

• Your ability to work must be impaired by at least 50 per cent.
• You need treatment to improve your ability to work or help from NAV to retain or find work.
• As a rule, you must have been a member of the National Insurance Scheme for at least 5 years.

How much do you get paid?

Being on work assessment allowance implies a significant loss of income; you receive 66% of what you made the year previously. The maximum is 6G per year, which is at present NOK 441,449.

How long can you get AAP?

You can receive AAP for up to 3 years.

Questions?

Do you have questions? We cannot help with personal queries. has some good information about sick pay and sick benefits in English, and should be your next port of call with any questions.

The post How Sick Pay Works in Norway appeared first on ����ֱ��.

If you come across to Norway on a car ferry from Denmark or Germany with your vehicle, can you use it in Norway? If you are a tourist, it’s straightforward. If you live in Norway, not so much.

There is considerable bureaucracy behind this, with different applications depending on your situation. Firstly, The Norwegian Tax Administration has a wizard that can help you in assessing We'll give you a rundown here.

The general rules

If you are a permanent resident of Norway, you cannot use your foreign registered vehicle in Norway, with some exceptions that I'll touch on later.

If you are a permanent resident of any other country, you can use your vehicle in Norway without paying taxes or duties, as long as your stay is temporary.

It doesn’t matter where you come from, the rules are the same for everyone. That being said, at present there are some temporary exceptions for .

Cars, vans, motorhomes, motorbikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), trailers and caravans are covered by these rules. Note that these rules apply to the vehicle itself. You must also check you have a valid driving license for use in Norway. Now, onto the detail!

Temporary residents of Norway

If you are , you can use a foreign vehicle for up to two years. You must apply for a temporary driving permit the second year.

Note that you are no longer considered a temporary resident of Norway if you’ve lived in Norway for more than 365 days during the last two years, or if you've been registered in the National Register (Folkeregisteret) for the last 365 days.

Permanent residents of Norway

Permanent residents of Norway are not able to use a foreign-registered vehicle in Norway. There are some exceptions.

Rental cars

As a permanent resident, you can use a foreign-registered rental car in Norway for up to 42 days during a 12-month period. The period can be divided into a number of periods.

You must of the vehicle to the Norwegian Tax Administration before bringing it into the country.

Borrow a vehicle privately

Permanent residents can also use a foreign-registered privately loaned vehicle in Norway for maximum 25 days during a 12-month period. The period can be divided into a number of sub-periods.

You must of the vehicle to the Norwegian Tax Administration before bringing it into the country.

You can store the vehicle as long as you don’t exceed the limitations (25 days of use during a 12-month period). This includes enough time to take the vehicle out of Norway. You .

Company cars

Permanent residents of Norway can get a permit to use a foreign-registered company car. You must apply for a before the vehicle is brought into Norway.

You can only apply if your employer is established outside Norway. This also applies if you are self-employed and the vehicle is made available by a client outside Norway. These conditions must also be met:

• The vehicle must be necessary for your work.
• Maximum use is 183 days during a 12-month period.
• You have to use the vehicle abroad more than in Norway (in kilometers travelled).

Family connections outside Norway

If you have family connections outside Norway, you are considered a permanent resident outside Norway. And this means you can use your foreign car in Norway without applying for a driving permit. This is even if you are a Norwegian resident in the Norwegian National Registry. 

You have family connections when you live with your spouse or children under 18 years of age outside Norway and visit them regularly (at least once per month).

Moving to Norway with your car

If you’re moving to Norway permanently, you must import your car. However you can apply for a temporary driving permit for a foreign-registered vehicle in connection with your move. The driving permit can be issued for up to 14 days.

Leaving Norway

If you're moving from Norway, you can apply for a temporary driving permit for a foreign-registered vehicle in connection with your move. The driving permit can be issued for up to 14 days.

Documentation

You must be able to document at all times that you fulfill the conditions for using a foreign vehicle in Norway. In addition to documentation of residency, you may be asked to document how long you intend to stay in Norway, for example an employment contract.

Don’t break the rules!

If you break the rules, this can be costly. You then have to pay the applicable taxes and duties. And you probably also have to pay additional tax.

I hope you found this rundown useful! Don't forget to familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in Norway.

The post Driving a Foreign Vehicle in Norway appeared first on ����ֱ��.

Losing your job in any country is a stressful experience. When it’s not your home country, those feelings can multiply. The good news is that Norway’s unemployment benefits are among the best in the world.

If you lose your job in Norway, you are most likely entitled to unemployment benefits, with Government help to get a new job. But how much do you get paid and what if you leave voluntarily?

Here are the answers to those and many more of your most common questions about unemployment in Norway.

How unemployment works in Norway

First things first, make sure you understand the rules and regulations relating to employment law in Norway. These are very specific especially about why and when you can be dismissed.

The unemployment benefit process is managed by the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV). Wherever you live in Norway, there will be a NAV office near you.

How to register as unemployed in Norway

In order to receive unemployment benefits, you have to register with NAV as a . Once this is done you can apply for .

Don’t wait to register. You should register at least a week before you leave your job, although it should be possible to backdate your application.

What documentation does NAV need?

As part of your application, you will need to supply NAV with documentation that details very specific information, as follows:

• Duration of your contract and how much you worked (%/hours).
• Period of notice (specified in contract).
• Date you handed in your resignation or got fired.
• The reason you quit or lost your job.
• You can ask your employer to document all of the above by filling out this .

At present, you can expect the waiting time for new applications to take about five weeks. However, that waiting time does change. You can find out the approximate waiting time .

Meldekort: employment status card

Once you are registered as a job seeker, you’ll be required to update NAV on your personal situation. You do this by submitting an employment status card known as a meldekort.

This confirms your activities related to any work you have done, sickness absence, vacation, and any other activities such as workshops, training or education.

You are required to submit the employment status card every 14 days. Don’t forget. If you do, NAV will eventually stop your benefits.

Your NAV advisor

When you become unemployed and register as a job seeker, NAV will assess how much help you need and give you a personal advisor.

This is someone that can help you set future goals, give help and guidance when applying for work, and suggest activities such as courses that may help in your job search.

Expectations as a job seeker

After you register as a job seeker with NAV, you are expected to make an effort to look for work yourself and to actively apply for vacant positions. NAV may ask you for documentation relevant to this.

You have to accept job offers from NAV

If you do not accept a job offer, you may lose your unemployment benefit. This applies to any job in Norway, regardless of your field of expertise or where you live. There are some exceptions to this regarding health, age and for parents with sole custody of children. 

It is unlikely NAV will offer you a job in a totally different part of the country, but it could happen. The chances of this increase if unemployment rates in general are high.

For this reason alone, it’s very important you make an effort to find a job in Norway that suits you, before you are forced to take one.

You must show up

When NAV schedules meetings, you have to attend unless you have a documented medical reason. You must also participate in training programs and courses when NAV feels this is beneficial to your future job possibilities.

If you don’t do this, you run the risk of losing your unemployment benefits.

Inform NAV about changes in your situation

Remember to inform NAV if there are any changes in your situation. For example a new address, you have started education, or received a job offer. It is also important to inform NAV if you are going on vacation abroad.

Unemployment benefit explained

If you are eligible for unemployment benefit, NAV pays it out twice a month. You receive the money between 1 to 3 days after you submit your employment status card.

Who is entitled to unemployment benefit?

In short, if you were legally working in Norway and you lose your job, you will be entitled to benefits.

You must have lost your job, been laid off, or had a temporary contract expire. If part-time, the position must have been at least a 50% position. In addition, the job must have met the salary requirements.

In order to receive benefits, your salary must have been 1.5G (at present NOK 167,216) during the last 12 months or 3G (at present NOK 334,431) over the past 36 months. This does include parental benefits and sick benefits, but does not include self-employment income. More on this later.

If you’re wondering what G is, it’s simply a reference amount that the Norwegian government uses to help with tax and benefit calculations. It is adjusted every May.

How much is unemployment benefit?

If you meet the criteria, you receive approximately 62% of your annual salary, before tax. In order to be fairer to those with a variable income, NAV will assess your salary over the previous three years.

However, there is a cap to the benefit. The benefit is calculated on your salary but only up to 6G, which is at present NOK 668,862 per year. This means the annual unemployment benefit is capped at NOK 417,370. There are additional benefits if you are providing for children.

In most cases, the benefits apply almost immediately. Only the first three days of your unemployment period are not covered.

It’s important to understand that unemployment benefits count as taxable income. This means you will have to pay income tax on the amount you receive as if it were salary.

Can I get an advance on unemployment benefits?

It’s not possible to apply for an advance in benefits at present. This is due to the relatively short processing time of applications. However, this can change if the waiting period changes.

How long does unemployment benefit last?

Norway does not pay unemployment benefits forever. If your previous salary was higher than 2G (at present NOK 222,954) then you will only receive benefits for two years. If you salary was less, it will be limited to just one year.

However, after this period there is still help available. If you are not able to support yourself and your family, you can apply .

Can I work while getting unemployment benefit?

• Short answer is yes. It is also encouraged. 
• NAV will then reduce the benefits accordingly
• However if you work more than 50% for six weeks or more, NAV will stop the benefits.

Sickness while unemployed

If you fall ill while unemployed, you won’t receive unemployment benefits. You can, however, apply for sickness benefits and the amount you get paid is the same. In these circumstances, you have to get a doctor’s note immediately.

If you are not fully incapable of working (for example, if the doctor grants you a 50% sick note), you will get a combination of unemployment and sickness benefits.

However, be wary of getting a sick note covering the majority but not all of your time. This can result in a reduction in income, because you are not entitled to unemployment benefit for the non-sick portion of your time.

If you feel this doesn’t make sense, you’re not wrong, because it encourages people to get 100% sick notes if they are ill, rather than spend any time looking for work.

Other questions about unemployment benefit

Keep reading for answers to more common questions relating to unemployment benefit in Norway.

What if you were to blame for losing your job?

If NAV decides that you were at fault for losing your job, you will not qualify for unemployment benefits until 18 weeks after your last day at work. You should still register as a job seeker right away.

The same applies if you left your job voluntarily, with some exceptions. If NAV accepts that you had a reasonable reason to quit, you will receive benefits as normal.

A reasonable reason is, for example, an unhealthy work environment or that you were bullied and had no choice but to leave.

What if my employer went bankrupt?

If your employer has been declared bankrupt, you may be entitled to from NAV. This is to ensure you get paid for outstanding wages and vacation pay when the employer lacks funds.

NAV’s wage guarantee scheme comes in addition to unemployment benefits. The application must be submitted by the estate administrator.

You are not entitled to the wage guarantee scheme if you are self-employed or if you own more than 20% of the shares in the company, in most cases.

What if I’m self-employed or run a company?

Income from self-employment does not entitle you to unemployment benefits, unless you have had a salary as an employee the last three years that meets the income requirements. Freelancers (those who work on short-term contracts) may be entitled to benefits.

If you run your own limited company (AS), you are not considered self-employed. As an employee of the company, you will receive benefits if you meet the criteria for unemployment benefit.

Because of this, it’s very important to pay yourself a regular salary when running a small limited company. It doesn’t just affect unemployment benefits, but other benefits including parental leave and sickness benefits.

However, if you are the only employee in your own limited company (AS) and lay yourself off by more than 80%, you are not entitled to unemployment benefits.

Can I start a business or study while unemployed?

If you want to startup your own business, you can still receive unemployment benefit while the income from the business is not yet high enough to make a living from. This is given for a maximum of 12 months and you must submit a .

The same applies if you want to study while receiving unemployment benefits.

Rules for frontier workers

Frontier workers are not entitled to unemployment benefits from Norway. Frontier workers are EEA citizens whose residence is in a country other than Norway and they return to that country at least once a week.

What happens if I don’t qualify for unemployment benefit?

Unemployment benefit is designed as a salary replacement benefit for a limited time while someone is looking for work. However, if you are long-term unemployed or don’t meet the criteria for unemployment benefit for other reasons, there is still help available.

If you are not able to support yourself and your family, you can apply .

The post Unemployment Benefits: What Happens if You Lose Your Job in Norway appeared first on ����ֱ��.

Almost anyone who moves to a new country, experiences discrimination to a certain degree. Despite being one of the most equal countries in the world, it happens also in Norway.

If you feel unfairly treated because of your accent, that you don’t get job interviews because of your name, or that your employer is disrespectful of your ethnicity or religion, there are things you can do.

When it comes to Norwegian office life, discrimination isn't something many people talk about publicly. But it's an important one to talk about here, because it can and does happen.

With that in mind, here is what you should know about workplace discrimination in Norway, and what you can do if it happens to you.

Laws that apply

Discrimination in Norwegian workplaces is illegal under employment laws. The specific laws that apply are available in Norwegian here:

All Norwegian employers are also obliged to work systematically against discrimination. 

What is discrimination?

The official definition is rather long: “Discrimination is unfair treatment or impartiality because of age, political view, gender, pregnancy, childbirth or adoption, care responsibilities, ethnicity, religion, belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other significant characteristics of a person.”

This article focuses on what immigrants to Norway often face: discrimination because of nationality, ethnicity, religion and language. You should also read our article all about workplace bullying in Norway.

It’s not all bad

Even though discrimination is quite widespread, there are also employers who not only fight discrimination, but also embrace diversity. They hire new immigrants in high paying supervising positions, have special programs for inclusion, and custom made language courses.

Some also actively recruit directly from outside Norway, and allow people to speak English. These are employers that understand they have to make an extra effort to attract the most qualified people and who look at minorities as people who can bring new insight and innovation to a company.

On the other side of the spectrum are employers that want people who fit in immediately, know the secret code, and have the right contacts.

They think that having a foreign accent is a drawback, that cultural diversity will create friction in the work environment, or that customers will react negatively to religious head coverings.

They also often have very plausible and reasonable explanations for all of this, and hardly think they are discriminating. So how do you know if you are discriminated against? It is very rarely black and white, but let's take a closer look.

The job interview

In a job interview, the employer is not allowed to ask about a list of things, including religion, beliefs and ethnicity. Under no circumstances are they allowed to use any of these as reasons for hiring or not hiring somebody.

There are some very rare exceptions. One example is knowledge of faith if you are going to work for a religious organisation.

But even then, the job advertisement has to state that this is something you may be asked about. This is not a question that can come out of the blue, regardless of the job.

Nationality or ethnicity

Unfair treatment because of nationality or ethnicity, is considered discrimination. An example is rejecting job applications just because of someone’s name. This is unfortunately not uncommon. Surveys have shown that a foreign name reduces the chance of being called for an interview significantly.

The political situation and current events also play a role in how people are treated differently. When Russia recently attacked Ukraine, Russians in Norway experienced increased discrimination.

One example is that a because the employer meant clients would react negatively to her Russian nationality. They made no effort hiding this. In fact she got the message in writing. Most Norwegian experts said this is an obvious example of discrimination.

Religious discrimination

It is not legal to deny employees the right to express their religion. The prohibition of religious headwear such as hijabs is also considered discrimination.

The only rare exceptions are when there are strict hygienic or security reasons. For example, firefighters may be prohibited from wearing headwear in some situations.

Language and accents

What about language skills? Surprisingly enough, the main rule is that it is not legal to emphasize language skills when hiring. Although, this is a case where there are many exceptions.

Of course a majority of jobs require proficiency and even excellence in Norwegian. But there are jobs that only require moderate language skills, and where written Norwegian is less important.

Examples might be in the construction or agriculture industries, or other parts of the service industry, like maintenance and cleaning. These are jobs where qualifications other than Norwegian skills should be considered more important.

Employers who emphasize the ability to speak and write Norwegian too strongly, may be discriminating. Accents are not considered a lack of language skills, and is not something an employer can use as an argument in the hiring process.

How to combat discrimination

So if you feel discriminated against, what can you do? 

Collect evidence

Proving discrimination, could be very hard. But it is always important to collect and save as much evidence as possible. The more you have in writing, the better.

Stand up for yourself

If you have the courage, speak up and let the other person know what you find unacceptable. Of course this is easier said than done. But there is always a possibility the other person is just being inconsiderate, and they actually appreciate that you tell them how you feel. 

Talk to someone neutral

You can also talk to a union representative, safety representative, your company’s health service (bedriftshelsetjeneste) or human resources. They can guide you in internal policies and participate in meetings.

Seek legal advice

The , is a governmental organization who can give you advice and guidance regarding discrimination at the workplace and when applying for work.

They can help you assessing if you have a valid case.The Ombud will not interfere in the process, and this is free of charge

Send a complaint to The Anti-Discrimination Tribunal

You can also send a complaint to , which  is an independent administrative organization that is quite recently established. The Tribunal doesn’t represent or assist either party (employer or employee).

The Tribunal aims to be an alternative to judicial proceedings in cases of discrimination, harassment and retaliation towards whistle-blowers. They are free of charge.

Going to court

It is also possible to sue the employer, but this is often a high-risk project. It is not recommended until you have tried the other options. 

Legal preferential treatment

Sometimes, preferential treatment is legal, and is even politically motivated. 

An example is , where the rule is that if there are applicants to a job who are formally qualified and of immigrant background, at least one of them shall be invited to a job interview.

There is a long list of countries this applies to, like most of Africa, Asia and Latin America, and others which are excluded, like EU, Canada, US, Australia and New Zealand. The intention is to increase the employment rates amongst visible minorities.

Discrimination and bullying

Discrimination is often linked with workplace bullying. People who differ from the majority in one way or another, are unfortunately easier targets. At the same, minorities may find it more difficult to speak up, because they already feel vulnerable.  

Examples of bullying:

• Making fun of or copying someone’s foreign accent.
• Ridiculing someone for not eating pork and drinking alcohol at a Christmas party because of religious faith. 
• Consequently dismissing or ignoring opinions from someone because they are not Norwegian. Or not inviting them to client meetings. 

It is very important that  when you feel discriminated against or bullied at work, don’t keep it to yourself.

There is a system out there that can help if you reach out. And don’t think it’s just in your head or that it’s your own fault. This is very unhealthy, and rarely the case.

The post Discrimination in the Workplace in Norway appeared first on ����ֱ��.

It’s no secret that living costs in Norway are high when compared to other countries. That’s especially true when it comes to finding affordable property to buy or rent.

These days, electricity is expensive too. Amid rising costs, many people don’t have enough income to cover their housing expenses. In such situations, it is possible to apply for financial support from the government.

This is what you should know about housing benefits in Norway.

Norway’s housing policy

Norway’s housing policy aims for more people to obtain and remain in their own home, whether you are an owner or a tenant. 

In short you can apply for:

• Housing allowance (grant) – including electricity bills from the Norwegian State Housing Bank
• Start-up loan from NAV

Housing allowance

Housing allowance is a government grant and not a loan you have to pay back. 

Requirements for your home

There are some requirements for your home in order to be eligible. Your home must have:

• its own entrance
• its own bathroom and toilet
• kitchen facilities
• somewhere for resting

Maximum income (income ceiling)

In order to qualify, the total income of the household has to be lower than the income ceiling. If the total income exceeds this amount, you are not entitled to a grant.  

This is regardless of what your actual housing costs are. 

The income ceiling depends on your municipality. This is because housing expenses are higher in some areas than others. 

Also, the more people in the household, the higher the income ceiling. See how much the income ceiling is for you .

Example (Jan 2023):

The income ceiling for a 3 person household in Oslo is (before tax): 38 723 kr. And in Bodø (Nordland, Northern Norway), is 34 921 kr.

If your family makes more than this a month (before tax), you don’t qualify.  

So if you qualify, how much do you get?

This depends on a few things; like number of people in the household, type of housing (owner or tenant), total income, and tax value of your property (if owned by yourself).

You can calculate housing allowance . 

Let’s do a couple of examples:

5-person household 

All numbers are for the total household. And before tax.

Type of housing: rental home.
Total income per month: 40 000 kr.
Net wealth: bank assets: 10 000 kr, student loan 210 000  kr = – 200 000 kr. (= debt)
Rent per month: 16 000 kr. Heating not included.

Housing allowance per month (Oslo):

Estimated housing allowance: 3479 kr.
Estimated electricity allowance: 2100 kr.

Housing allowance per month (Bodø):

Estimated housing allowance: 1987 kr.
Estimated electricity allowance: 2100 kr.

Frequently asked questions about housing benefits

There is a lot of detail within the housing policy. As such, there are many common questions. Here are some answers to some of the most common questions.

If you are new to Norway, can you apply?

In order to qualify, you need to be a resident of Norway. This means you have a national identity number. A D-number is not sufficient. How long you have lived in Norway is of no significance.

Who are considered members of the household?

They have to be a resident of Norway (same address), and have a Norwegian national identity number. Children included.

Read more: Heat pumps explained

What about housing allowance and benefits from NAV?

NAV is the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration. They administer and pay most benefits in Norway.

Yes, you can get housing allowance in addition to other benefits such as unemployment benefits or disability benefits. 

If you apply for financial assistance from NAV (social assistance) to cover your housing expenses, the municipality will normally require you to apply for housing allowance as well. And this will be deducted from your NAV-support.

Are benefits considered income?

Most benefits are considered income. The same goes for pension. Exempt as income is social assistance from NAV and child benefits. More frequently asked questions are

Application advice

Norway has integrated systems and it is important to give the right information.

The Housing Bank also and will know what benefits you get and how much tax you pay. They can also demand repayment if you have received more than you were entitled to.

It is also important that you tell the bank about changes like: numbers of people in the household, change in housing expenses like mortgage, or change of address.

How do you apply?

You apply online and sign in with BankID. This is the easiest way, and it is also in English.

If you are not able to apply electronically, you can use this , which only is in Norwegian.

Help with high electricity expenses

If you need help with , this is considered a part of the housing allowance, and also a part of the same application, as the one above. 

The Norwegian Government has (temporarily) increased the income limit to entitle more people to housing allowance. 

Start-up loans for mortgage

Start-up loans are for families with children and other people in particularly challenging circumstances. Start-up loans are administered by NAV in your local municipality, and not the Norwegian State Housing Bank.

Such loans are also called m. They are for people who can’t get a mortgage from a normal bank and who are unable to save up for a deposit.

If a normal bank is, in fact, willing to give you a mortgage,  you don’t qualify for a start-up loan. Neither if you are a young first-time buyer.  

In addition to a loan, you may be entitled to a grant. This depends on your municipality. How applications for start-up loans are processed also varies from municipality to municipality. More information about who qualifies is .

The post Housing Benefits in Norway Explained appeared first on ����ֱ��.

There are so many benefits to volunteering, that the only downside is you don’t get paid. In addition to making a difference, you can get useful work experience, learn something new, improve Norwegian skills, and get to know the Norwegian system better.

Everyone says volunteering is key to making friends and integrating into Norwegian society, but how do you actually do it?

There is a great variety of volunteer work out there. Let's take a look at how and where to get started.

Pick something you are passionate about

If you have a life passion or a certain political view, there may be a higher chance you can find like-minded people, and build stronger friendships.

• Environment: all the larger organizations, like WWF, post jobs regularly. This often includes tasks that are not necessarily hands-on, but require more administrative and organisation skills
• Local environment: help cleaning shorelines for plastic and garbage. This is needed all over Norway
• Injustice: work with Amnesty of the Norwegian Refugee Council

Working with children and youth

Working with children may actually be a good way to learn Norwegian. Children are less judgemental, and they will probably find joy in teaching you Norwegian and pick up some English at the same time.

Nowadays, children are usually quite proficient English speakers as early as grade 5.

• Volunteer at a meeting place for troubling youth, and help with practical tasks, entertainment, creative assignments, general support etc
• Help pick up children at school and take them to after-school activities like choir practice
• Help organize outdoor trips for children with refugee backgrounds

Animals

There are always many animals in need of help, even in Norway, where animals are treated better than in many other places. However, animals are also used because they often are beneficial to health and welfare. Animals are also the ultimate ice-breakers if you feel shy or unsure of language skills.

• If you have a dog, or can borrow one, there are senior homes that welcome four-legged visitors
• You can work in an emergency center for cats, or drive cats or dogs to foster homes
• If you have experience with horses, they are sometimes used to help children with disabilities

Educational programs

For those who want to go all in, there are also larger educational programs. An example is WWOOF Norway, which is an . The volunteers live on a farm, and help out with various tasks while learning about organic agriculture.

Volunteering is good for your resume

Not convinced volunteering fits into your career plan? Don’t forget: most employers will appreciate and admire the effort to contribute to Norwegian society and that you use your spare time for a greater good.

Where to find volunteer opportunities in Norway

Once you’ve decided upon the kind of volunteer work you’d like to do, there are several places to look.

Contact organizations directly

If you are interested in specific organizations or don’t find any jobs that appeal to you, it may be better to contact the organization directly.

Large non-profits like or (Kirkens Bymisjon), have their own organized systems for volunteering.

Frivillig.no

(frivillig=volunteer) is a website where organizations all over Norway can advertise volunteer positions. There are hundreds of jobs posted, from large organizations like Red Cross and Greenpeace, to local municipalities and small charities.

Frivillig.no is not involved in the process any more than just posting positions on their website.

You can search for jobs in fields you are more interested in. For example children and youth, local community, culture and festivals, health and social, and environment and animals.

You can also specify your interests or skills, like administration, communication, friendships and visits, practical tasks etc.

If you are interested in a job, there is a very short contact form to fill out. And the non-profit will contact you directly.

Frivilligsentral.no

(the volunteer central) is a website for all of Norway’s local volunteer centres. The chances are that there are several around where you live, even if you live in a remote place.  Most local centres are organised through the local public administration.

If you go to your most local centre directly, you will get a quite specified list over places you can contribute.

The difference is while frivillig.no seems more skill and interest oriented, frivilligsentral.no is more oriented towards the local community.

These two websites are both great places to browse and just get an idea of all the different possibilities that are out there. They are in Norwegian, but Google translate works remarkably well.

Do I need a work permit?

No, it is not necessary to have neither residency nor work permit, but there are restrictions.

If you are intending to stay in Norway and are waiting for your application to be approved, these are The Norwegian Immigration’s (UDI) rules for what is :

• It must be your own choice to volunteer in that particular job
• You can’t receive a salary
• It has to be a non-profit, humanitarian or religious organization
• You can’t replace paid labour
• You cannot work more than 30 hours per week

A foot in the door?

It is not unusual that other employers than the non-profit, are contacted by people who offer to work for free in order to prove themselves for a particular job.  And even if this could be a win-win and  legal, this is not very common in Norway.

Visitors to Norway from outside EU/Schengen

As a visitor to Norway from outside EU/Schengen, you can normally stay for 90 days on a tourist visa.

As a tourist  you can volunteer for example in the travel industry in exchange for accommodation and food. There are several organizations, like , and are usually mostly attractive to the young crowd.

Some organizations may also have certain age restrictions.

Have you successfully found volunteer work in Norway? If so, we'd love to hear your story in the comments.

The post A Complete Guide to Volunteering in Norway appeared first on ����ֱ��.

When going for a harbour walk, you don't only get exercise and a great view of the fjord. The area is also home to some of the city's greatest attractions, museums, beaches, recreational activities, a variation of architecture, and a selection of restaurants.

There are also some less-known treasures and activities worth exploring.

is the name of the project to develop the Oslo waterfront from Frognerstranda in the west to Grønlia in the southeast.

Some areas are still under development, although a great deal is already built. Everything is planned to finish by 2030.

The harbour promenade of Oslo

The harbour promenade is the name of an almost 10 km pedestrian route from roughly Skøyen in the west to Kongshavn close to Ekebergparken in the southeast. Markings on the ground, fences, walls and lampposts lead you the right way.

Additionally, there are orange containers with information about the history and plans for future developments of each area. Some stretches are still temporary, but the larger part is now completed. 

According to the city of Oslo, the harbour walk aims to be “an urban alternative to a ‘marka’ forest walk and an experience filled with information and surprises.”

’Marka’ is the word for the vast forests surrounding Oslo and other cities in Norway. And because going for nature walks is almost a part of the national soul, this may sound like a bold statement to a true Norwegian. Anyway, it signals great ambitions towards making Oslo more cosmopolitan and pedestrian friendly.

We’ll get to some more highlights later, but the route goes roughly like this:  

Follow the pedestrian/bike lane going from Skøyen until you get to Tjuvholmen. The route goes along highway E18, which has pretty heavy traffic. On the plus side; the view on the other side towards Bygdøy, is really nice. 

When coming to Tjuvholmen, you walk around the partly man-made island, and down the ocean-side of Aker Brygge to Oslo City Hall. Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen are completely developed and a mix of expensive residences, corporate offices, shopping, restaurants and museums. 

The hike then continues past Rådhuskaia ferry port and follows the docks by the medieval Akershus Fortress, goes around Vippetangen and all the way to the iconic Oslo Opera house. Continue walking on the ocean side of the Opera and past the beach, then take the narrow walk bridge to ��ø����Բ���, and walk around the peninsula.

The part that goes past the Munch Museum is not yet finished, but a detour is highly recommended. The last stretch of the promenade goes west of Ekebergparken. For those who want to make the walk even longer, Ekeberg park is also worth a visit.

Highlights of the Oslo harbour walk

There is frankly too much to do and see in this area to cover everything. But here are some recommendations of things to explore along the way.

Architecture

Oslo’s waterfront has a variation of architecture, but most is built very recently. Some of the new additions have been applauded by the public, press and architectural world, others have been named straight out hideous.

The Opera House

If you want to add some extra distance to your walk, take a stroll on top of the marble-covered roof of the highly praised Opera House.

The architects aimed to create a building which would give the public increased access to the fjord, and to view the city from different angles. The Opera building is one of Oslo's main attractions, and has added to the city’s tourist appeal. 

Deichman Library – great for children

The award-winning is in Bjørvika, close to the Opera house. This is a modern six-story public library, and the inside is quite unique and futuristic looking. The building also radiates outwards and glows at night. 

Deichman has a movie theatre, media workshops, gaming rooms, and a small children’s playground. There are even sewing machines for the public to use, and of course a vast selection of books, magazines and newspapers. The library organizes regular concerts and activities. 

Deichman library appeals to children of all ages and is a popular family spot. 

Ugly or not?

The National Museum in Aker Brygge, and Munch Museum in Bjørvika house some of Norway’s national treasures. However, both buildings are strongly disliked by many Norwegians, and have been contestants of “ugliest building” awards. 

The project in Bjørvika has this name because it looks like the small barcode that is on most products you buy in the stores. Barcode is a row of high-rise buildings built closely together, and is very visible when coming into Oslo by boat. It has been criticized by many for the height and shape of the buildings. 

What do you think, ugly or not? See for yourself.

The Mother

Outside the Munch Museum, is Inger Munch's pier. It is named after Edvard Munch's mother, who died when he was 5 years old. The 9-metre-tall bronze sculpture was created by the British artist Tracey Emin, and is called .

It depicts a kneeling female who holds gently around something we cannot see. She is sitting in a meadow of wildflowers that change by the season, all native to the Oslo-area.

Oslo City Hall

 is located between Aker Brygge and Akershus Fortress, and is also a very recognizable and almost iconic building, made in brick and with two towers. It also has the nordic region’s largest carillon.

If you happen to be in the area on the dot of the hour from 7am until midnight, the bells play a short melody from a set of songs. There is a great variation of music, from pop to classical music, and the list changes regularly.

If you want to experience a very different concert, the city hall’s own carilloneur plays live concerts every Sunday at 3pm during June, July and August.

The city hall displays artwork from famous artists, including Edvard Munch. It is possible to book guided tours of the building and carillon. 

Akershus Fortress

You can also add to your walk, by taking a detour around Akershus Fortress. This is a land-mark and Oslo's oldest building. The medieval fortress has several museums and a very interesting history.

But this is also a great place to take the children. If they get to run around in typical Norwegian unsupervised fashion, they will probably find it very adventurous. Inside the walls is a beautiful garden with a small pond.

There are ancient cobblestone paths and arches connecting the buildings, canons and bridges. There is also a small stable in front of the fortress, where the police keep their horses. The fortress also houses haunted house activities twice a week. 

The view from the top is phenomenal. But be aware, there are some areas without fences.

. If you are in the area at 12 noon on the royal family's members’ birthdays, they are saluted with none less than 21 shots. Warning: it is extremely loud, and for those who are not prepared, it may be a scary experience. 

There are also salutes on May 17th (Constitution Day), May 8th (Liberation Day) and June 7th (Independence Day from Sweden in 1905). 

Swimming in the fjord

You can swim in the fjord, and the city has made a great effort in order to make it accessible for everyone. The Oslo fjord actually warms up to a decent temperature, and the water is clean. There are several designated areas for swimming.

Tjuvholmen has a small shallow pebble beach. Although somewhat uncomfortable, it is suited for small children. There are also piers close by that attract older teenagers and 20 somethings.

This area of Tjuvholmen also has a sculpture park worth exploring and houses the of modern art. 

Beside the opera, is a larger sand beach, which is extremely popular on sunny days. This beach also has lifeguards and showers.

��ø����Բ��� has a sand beach with lifeguards, showers, a seawater pool and a diving tower. It also has jetties and docks nearby where swimming is allowed.

Additionally, there is an area close to the Munch Museum where people go sunbathing and swimming in the summer. This area doesn’t have a beach.

Precautions

The quality and temperature of Oslo's beaches and lakes is posted on .

Don't swim in the fjord 24 hours after a heavy rainfall, as bacteria levels may be too high. It should go without saying, but it can be quite dangerous to swim or dive outside designated areas.

Fresh fish and shrimp

People have been doing commercial fishing in the inner fjord of Oslo for centuries, and still do.

If you are out for an early morning walk, the local fishermen come into Rådhusbrygga in front of the city hall around 7am on Wednesday-Saturday, to sell their . You can expect a line-up, and the boats leave when the catch is sold.

There are several places in the fjord that are good for fishing, and you don’t need a licence. For a map of the fishing places along the fjord, you can contact the .

Not that some species in Norway are protected all year, and there are also certain rules that apply to the fjord of Oslo. It is, at present, not legal to fish cod.

Saunas

Urban saunas have taken Oslo by storm, and several are located along the harbour promenade. They are run by Oslo Sauna Association and you can buy single tickets or make a private group booking.

The experience of alternating between a hot sauna and a dive into the freezing cold ocean water, can actually be a pleasant experience, and is very good for circulation. However, it is not recommended for people who have heart problems.

For an even more unique experience, you can book a two-hour sauna-cruise on the fjord from KOK (literally meaning boil). The saunas are electric, come with a driver, and equipped with changing rooms with normal room temperature. They are operating when the fjord is free of ice, and depart from Aker Brygge and Langkaia by the Opera House. 

SALT art and music

in Bjørvika, has Norway’s largest sauna, Árdna, with room for 80 people, and in the summer, one of Oslo’s largest outdoor servings. SALT is easily recognizable because of the large pyramidal houses called “hesjer”. These are based on traditional coastal construction methods.

���Dz�æ�ٱ�� – urban farming

is located behind ��ø����Բ���, and may not be known to many, because it is at present, surrounded by construction. This is an urban farming art project, where local farmers grow ancient grains, crops, fruit, berries and vegetables.

It is open all year, but more interesting in the growing season, when there are chickens and beehives and an abundance of food. There is a public baking house and several activities, and even a horticultural therapy project. The food is usually not to be eaten by the public, but served in events and open dinners.

Other highlights along the route include:

Nobel Peace Center – at Aker Brygge

– restaurant and educational center in Tjuvholmen

– tall ships

Vippa street food – Akershusstranda

in Frognerstranda, restaurant, water sport rental, store and gas station for boats 

The post Oslo Fjord City: The Harbour Walk in Oslo, Norway appeared first on ����ֱ��.

In some parts of the world, people grow up with the idea that working hard is one of the most important things in order to succeed in life—and this usually equates to putting in as many hours as possible.

In Norway, working hours are covered by . And even though most employers appreciate you making an extra effort, working long hours is not necessarily a good thing. 

In fact, it could also be illegal. There are companies who have been seriously fined for not complying with the law. Including the public sector, which is not at all best in class. 

So what are the rules for working hours in Norway? This is what you should know.

Normal working hours

• A normal work week in 100% position is 40 hours per week. 
• A normal work day is 8 hours per day.

08-16 is traditionally considered office hours in Norway. Although many employers allow flexible schedules.

Paid break or not?

Working 40 hours per week doesn’t mean you get paid for everything. If your 30-minute break per day is unpaid, you only get paid for 37.5 hours a week. 

Your break should be paid if: you must stay at the workplace and can’t generally leave to run errands etc. (although many allow it). There is also an expectation of being somewhat available. The same applies if there is no sufficient break room. 

Your break is usually unpaid if: you are allowed to leave the workplace and are unavailable for the employer.

This should be a part of your employment contract.

So the question is: could you skip your lunch break and leave earlier for work? The short answer is no. The employer’s responsibility is that everyone gets a break during the day. A break at the end of the day isn’t considered sufficient.

37.5 hour week 

Some companies have a 37.5 hour week including the break. This means they are at the workplace only from 0800-1530. For example, this applies to people working for the Norwegian government. 

Length of the break

So how many minutes of breaks should you have in a day?

• If you work more than 5 ½ hours, you are entitled to at least one break. There is no specific rule for how long this should be. But according to The Norwegian Labour Inspection Agency, a break should be at least 20 minutes.
• If your day is 8 hours or more in total, you are entitled to at least 30 minutes of break-time during the workday.
• If you work more than 10 hours in total, you are entitled to additional break-time.

So how much can you actually work?

This is quite complicated and detailed, but here are the basics.

Your normal schedule 

This is normally specified in your employment contract. 

• Maximum work hours per 24 hours is 9. For example working Monday-Friday:  9 + 9 + 6,5 + 6,5 + 6,5 = 37,5 hours. 
• Maximum work hours per week is 40.

Calculating average/flexible schedules

This means working longer for a period and correspondingly shorter hours during other periods. Which is normal and legal. Many companies have their own negotiated rules for flexible schedules, and software that keeps track of everything. 

There are also certain limitations for    

An absolute maximum is working 13 hours in a day or 54 hours in a week. 

Overtime

And forget all the above. It doesn’t apply to working . Then another set of rules applies. 

Working overtime should be something your boss asks you to do specifically. You should also agree that it is actually considered overtime work. This is especially because you have to be compensated with pay. The minimum is 40% added to your regular pay rate. 

Overtime cannot be used as a permanent arrangement, and is only permitted when there is an exceptional and time-limited need. 

How much overtime you can put in, depends what agreement the employer has with unions/employee representatives. They can also apply to exceed the limit to The Labour Inspection Authority. 

So the answer to how much you actually can work in total:

• Per day: maximum is 16 hours. 
• Per year: maximum overtime is 400 hours. So add that to your 100% schedule. 

When you are pushing the limits, you are in your full right to say no. This is only for those who are willing to carry it out. 

And yes, there are exceptions for doctors who can work 19 hour days and 60 hour weeks.

Off-duty periods

There are also rules for off-duty periods. Employees are entitled to a minimum of:

• 11 hours of continuous off-duty time per 24 hours
• 35 hours of continuous off-duty time per 7 days

It is possible for the employer and the unions/employees to negotiate this down to 8 hours per 24 hours, and 28 hours per 7 days.

Exceptions

There are a number of exceptions to be aware of when discussing working hours legislation These include:

• People who have very inconvenient and irregular schedules, for example working night shifts, have a shorter average work week.
• There are less strict rules when it comes to passive work. For example being on night watch or call duty.
• The law may not apply to those  in managerial positions or with a high level of independence.
• There are special rules for employees under 18 years old.

The post Working Hours in Norway Explained appeared first on ����ֱ��.