Guidance for expats, work immigration and employment in Norway
Foreign companies must consider several issues when assigning or hiring employees to work in Norway. Magnus Legal is the professional partner that assists both foreign employers and expatriates, as well as working immigrants, with Norwegian compliance obligations.
Secure and efficient processes for using foreign labor force
When employing foreign workers in Norway, it's crucial to determine if a residence permit is necessary for their specific role.
Our immigration team provides comprehensive support to employers and employees navigating work requirements in Norway. We assist both Norwegian and international entities and individuals with visa and residence permit inquiries, including obligations related to police reporting and exemptions from residence permit requirements.
Staying current with regulations and best practices ensures efficient and secure processes, benefiting your company and employees alike. As a versatile business law firm experienced in facilitating successful ventures in Norway, we also offer payroll, tax, and social security services tailored to support your personnel throughout their assignments in the country. This holistic approach covers all aspects of hiring foreign labor in Norway
Our work immigration services:
- Evaluation of the need for a residence permit.
- Visa application.
- Residence permit application.
- Renewal of residence permit application.
- Family reunification application.
- Assistance with reporting obligations in connection with exemptions from the requirement for a residence permit.
- General advice on the use of skilled foreign labor.
- Assistance with registration certificates for EU/EEA.
Our work in Norway services:
- Employer’s registration of a contract and of an employee.
- Employee’s application for a tax deduction card.
- Application for a Norwegian ID-number and identity check.
- ID-cards for construction workers.
- Payroll routines and salary withholding tax compliance.
- National Insurance Scheme and social security contribution.
- Individual income tax computations and tax equalisation.
- Filing of individual tax return.
- Labour Law.
Navigating compliance and legal obligations when working in Norway
When supplying personnel to work in Norway, all parties—contractors, subcontractors, and principals—are jointly responsible for tax withholding and contributions to the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme.
Understanding the applicable laws and regulations requires extensive research and can be time-consuming. Any errors, even minor ones, during an audit can result in penalties or fines for both your company and your employees.
By entrusting Magnus Legal with your reporting obligations for activities in Norway, including payroll services, you ensure accurate compliance with the Norwegian Tax Authorities. You won't have to worry about choosing the right deductions or keeping up with legal updates.
Additionally, we resolve legal matters concerning Norwegian tax, social security contributions, employment contracts, labor law, and other relevant aspects of commercial law
Key legal obligations for expats in Norway
Moving to Norway as an expat involves important legal obligations. Before your arrival, securing residence permits and visas is crucial. Once here, obtaining a Norwegian ID-number (“personnummer” or “d-nummer”) and a tax deduction card are essential steps.
Temporary residents working for foreign employers in Norway, including those on the Norwegian continental shelf, must have a tax deduction card issued by Norwegian tax authorities.
Tax liability in Norway can arise from residency or employment. Expats with taxable capital or income must submit a tax return under Norwegian Taxation Act requirements.
For optimal compliance, we advise seeking professional guidance before filing your annual tax return, particularly if you've only worked part of the year in Norway or have global tax considerations.
Our expat services:
- Tax deduction cards.
- Submission of the tax return.
- Review of tax settlement.
- Assistance to offshore workers (both offshore installations and ships).
- Seafarers' deduction.
- Assistance to foreign employers.
- Interpretation of tax treaties.
- Membership in the National Insurance Scheme.
- Emigration.
- One man limited.
- Labour hiring.
- Settlement rules.
- EU / EEA commuting.
- Report changes in postal address.
- Assistance to Norwegians abroad.
WEBINAR
Navigating the Norwegian work permit process
Want to learn more about the Norwegian work permit process? Watch our webinar.
GUIDE
Hiring foreign skilled workers
A global mobility guide for Norwegian companies.