Employment contracts in Norway

All employees in Norway must have a written employment contract. The employer is responsible for preparing the contract, and there are no general exceptions to the requirement for a written agreement.

The employment contract should contain important information about the employment relationship. This includes the names and addresses of the employer and employee, the workplace, a description of the work or position, the date employment starts and, where relevant, the expected duration of temporary employment.

The contract should also state whether the employment is permanent or temporary, the employee's right to holiday and holiday pay, the notice period, the agreed salary and other payments, normal working hours and arrangements for changing shifts or working hours.

The contract should also provide information about applicable rules for breaks, overtime, pension arrangements and insurance where relevant.

For employment lasting more than one month, the written employment contract must be ready as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the employee starts work. For employment lasting up to one month, the contract must be provided no later than the first day of employment.

Read the employment contract carefully before signing it. Make sure that the salary, working hours, position, start date and other important conditions are what you agreed with the employer.

If the employer asks you to work under conditions that are different from the written contract, ask for clarification and make sure important changes are documented in writing.

A written employment contract is important because it makes the terms of your employment clear and can help you if there is a disagreement with your employer.

You can contact the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) for information about employment contracts and workers' rights.

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