What are the benefits of working in Norway?

Norway has a high standard of living and is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world. Yet it is also considered one of the happiest countries in the world with a significantly higher average income than the rest of the world

If you have opted to work abroad in Norway and have found a job, the good news is there are many benefits of working in Norway.

 

Norway has a high standard of living and is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world. Yet it is also considered one of the happiest countries in the world with a significantly higher average income than the rest of the world.

 

Here we list some of the benefits of working in this country.

 

Working hours and paid time off

 

The working hours in Norway are 9 hours per workday.  There are ten public holidays. Employees are eligible for 25 unpaid workdays as per the Holidays Act in Norway, but most employees receive five weeks. In place of paid leave, employees get holiday pay.  This pay is accumulated in the year previous to the time when the holiday is taken.

 

 Average salary and taxes

 

The annual average salary in Norway is around 636,688 NOK (69,151 USD). The salary will vary depending on your skill level, experience, age, and also industry. Even though there is no minimum wage, minimum salaries have been introduced in certain sectors such as construction, maritime, agriculture and hospitality.

Employees have to pay income tax based on their salary; the tax percentage is as under:

• 0% -0-180,800 NOK
• 1.9%-180,880-254,500 NOK
• 4.2%-254,500-639,750 NOK
• 13.2%-639,750-999,550 NOK
• 16.2%-909,500 NOK and above

Social security and benefits

 

When you are working and paying taxes in Norway, you will automatically become a part of the National insurance scheme which is run using the funds from social security contributions.

 

The amount of contributions is determined by the Government. You will either get a Norwegian social security number or a D-number (temporary number) when you arrive in Norway — which one you get depends on the amount of time you plan to stay in the country.

 

The social security number is a personal identification number and is a 11-digit number. This number is used to prove your identity to public authorities and other official parties in Norway. Even the D-numbers have 11 digits.

 

For access to services in this country like opening a bank account, you must have a social security or D-number.

 

A Social Security Number will be assigned to someone who stays in Norway (i.e. living for more than six months). When you plan to live here for six months or less you’ll be assigned a D-number.

Benefits of social security: You will get access to a range of benefits that include:

• family benefits;
• Benefits for pregnancy, birth, and adoption
• Care services
• Healthcare services
• Sickness benefits
• Occupational injury and illness benefit
• Disability benefit
• Work assessment allowance
• Retirement pension
• Financial assistance and supplementary allowance
• Unemployment benefit

With numerous social security benefits and an emphasis on work-life balance, Norway is an attractive destination for those looking at an overseas career.

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