What are the benefits of working in Norway?

 If you have opted to work overseas 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  

 

Maternity leave

The mother is entitled to a three-week leave of absence before giving birth. Unless she presents a medical document declaring that it is healthier for her to continue work, the mother must take a six-week leave of absence after giving birth.

 

Paternity leave

After childbirth, the father is entitled to a two-week leave of absence. If the parents do not live together, another person who aids the mother can exercise this right to leave. Under the National Insurance Act of February 28, 1997, No. 19, this leave is unpaid and does not qualify for financial assistance.

 

Caretaker leave Children:

The employee is entitled to ten days of leave per calendar year if the child is unwell, and fifteen days if the employee is caring for two or more children. Employees who are solely responsible for their children are entitled to twice the amount of time off. The employee is entitled to a maximum of 20 days of leave per year if the child has a chronic or long-term sickness or impairment.

 

Close relatives-A n employee who is caring for a close relative who has a terminal disease is entitled to a 60-day leave to care for the patient.

 

Parents, spouse, or registered partner- Each calendar year, an employee is entitled to a ten-day leave of absence to give necessary care to a parent, spouse, or registered partner.

 

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

Unemployment benefits

When you start working and residing in Norway, you are automatically covered against unemployment through membership in the National Insurance Scheme. If you lose your job, you can be eligible for unemployment payments.  During a layoff, you are temporarily relieved of your need to report to work, while your employer is relieved of the obligation to pay your wages. However, the employee-employer connection remains intact, and the layoff is presumed to be temporary. The employee must be given notice if the position is not temporary. A layoff must always be based on factual reasons related to the organization, not the employee.

 

Sickness benefits

If you have worked in Norway for four weeks and are unable to work due to illness or accident, you are normally eligible to sickness benefits. In general, illness benefits are available for up to a year. With a personal declaration or a sick leave certificate, you must be able to prove why you are unable to work. A personal statement can be used to alert an employer of an employee's illness. Benefits for sickness can be paid for up to a year. If you are on long-term sick leave, however, your employer, doctors, and NAV will monitor you to ensure that you return to work as soon as possible. If you are an employee, your employer is in charge of keeping an eye on you and devising a strategy to get you back to work. NAV is accountable for this if you do not have an employment. If you are still unable to work after a year, you may be eligible for benefits such as a work assessment allowance or disability compensation. You may be eligible for social security payments if you become ill or injured as a result of working conditions and now have an approved occupational injury. The employer must report the accident to NAV within one year of the date of the injury. With numerous social security benefits and an emphasis on work-life balance, Norway is an attractive destination for those looking at an overseas career.