No general minimum wage, but legally binding minimum pay in nine sectors – from cleaning and construction to hotels and restaurants – and a written contract for every job. In 2026 Norwegian businesses were short of about 34,000 workers, above all in health care, industry and construction. Find out where to look, how to register and how tax works in your first weeks.
In its 2026 business survey (Bedriftsundersøkelsen, May 2026), the public employment service Nav estimates that Norwegian businesses are short of about 34,000 workers. The biggest gaps:
The shortage is largest in Vestland county (6,300), Rogaland (3,750) and Nordland (2,950).
EURES also lists building trades workers (except electricians), science and engineering professionals and teachers as the groups with the most frequent shortages, and regional shortages of nurses, health care assistants, medical specialists, cooks, electricians and welders. There are more jobseekers than jobs for cleaners and helpers, labourers and clerks.
For graduates, the best chances are in health care, engineering and teaching.
Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.
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