Comments on: Fewer Foreign Workers Want to Come to Norway

By: Chunhyo

Chunhyo — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:20:07 +0000

Hello. I moved Oslo last August and have beend actively looking for a job since October. I was majored mechanical engineering in South Korea, However, it is very hard to get a job. I applied for lots of companies but I never got a chance for job interview. I have been applying only to job postings in Norway where Norwegian is not listed as a mandatory requirement, but I have consistently been unsuccessful. People around me often say that because I am a mechanical engineer, I should be able to find a job relatively easily. However, based on my own research and what I have read recently, the Norwegian job market does not seem to be as strong as many people assume. I have seen multiple accounts saying that even newly graduated Norwegian students are struggling to find jobs at the moment.

Because of this situation, I am considering a different approach. Instead of continuing to apply for jobs immediately, I am planning to apply for a master’s program next year. After completing a master’s degree, I plan to re-enter the job market with stronger qualifications. During my master’s studies, I also intend to focus on improving my Norwegian, as I know language skills are an important factor for long-term career opportunities in Norway.

As a non-EU/EEA citizen, I would like to ask for advice on how to realistically improve my chances of finding a job in Norway. Specifically, what strategies would help a non-EU applicant leverage their academic background and professional skills more effectively? Are there particular steps—such as internships, part-time work, networking, or industry focus—that are especially important for non-EU candidates in engineering fields?

Any practical tips or insights would be greatly appreciated.

By: D

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 12:15:11 +0000

In reply to Solfrid Cristina Hammersmark. Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Qatar, UAE, etc. There are many. International working language is a thing. Thats why countries like the ones mentioned are growing and Norway isnt. You can be insular and close the door to these opportunities or you can find a way to make it work to grow your business internationally and talent pool with it.

By: Solfrid Cristina Hammersmark

Solfrid Cristina Hammersmark — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:51:17 +0000

In reply to Atlantis. Which country do you come from where you can easily get jobs at PhD levels without speaking the language?

By: Dav

Dav — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 16:27:41 +0000

In reply to Kevin O'connor. I often think the "lack of Norwegian" is an excuse. Usually for most posts they already have their candidate whether its a friend or family member as the nepotism is rife and they will always choose an underqualified friend/ local over a qualified foreigner. Twice ive been employed and it was in a rush as they needed someone for a project but when the dust settled they would go back to employing their friends, family, etc.

By: Atlantis

Atlantis — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:00:22 +0000

It is no wonder the most educated leaves the first. When you are young, healthy, and smart, there is probably much more reward in other countries like Switzerland, UK, or USA.

In my field, software engineering, the “packages” are far behind other countries . You can find companies in Netherlands, Germany, UK, Switzerland where remote working 1-2 months from abroad are allowed, with salaries that put you above the median generously. Not to mention the weather and sunlight in those countries are already better.

What Norway does the best is that, it kinda “secures” your spot. You probably won’t lose your job to anyone working “too hard”. As long as you fit in, learn the language, and go out and socialize, there will be jobs for you. It is an exclusive society with an ethnic agreement.

The ones that are unhappy are probably looking for a society with a civic agreement, rather than an ethnic one, like US, Canada, Switzerland, UK.

Still, Norway is a good place for an entry level professional, less attractive if you know a lot to sell as over-achievers in this country are frowned upon.

By: Kevin O'connor

Kevin O'connor — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 02:13:09 +0000

H David. Like tilvik from the UK and live in Trondheim. My wife works, I am a carer for my son. But I want to work part time. From personal experience I find life hard here, but recently I’ve become involved as a guest speaker at DIGs in sentrum. I’m trying to help PhD students obtain employment.
I think there’s a small issue that the Kommune are aware off, that see’s them acknowledging there is a skills shortage, yet, there seems to be a focus to have a good standard of Norsk, over the academic ability, with a PhD to obtain a job.
Fancy meeting for a coffee, I’d be curious to get your onsite in to this…..
As you said in your article, simply being here, is assumed as success intergration. It’s not, and I think Trondheim and Norway need to flex a little, to understand more, about assimilation in to a culture, as it isn’t straight forward. At times it can feel very isolated.