In this article, we will discuss different types of contracts in Norway. I will also explain what you can expect when you sign them.
Don’t want to read? Watch video version HERE:
First, it’s essential to see if the employer is hiring for a ‘Fast’ job or ‘Vikariat/Vikar.’ This will tell you whether the job is permanent or temporary.
Permanent contract (Fast)
If you get a permanent contract, the agreement specifies the hiring date. They hire you for 100%, 80%, 50%, or 20%, depending on the full or part-time schedule you agreed on. There’s a trial period of 1 to 3 months. This contract doesn’t have an end date and will last until either you or your boss decides to end it.
Here are some things to know:
– If you get a part-time job it doesn’t mean your contract isn’t permanent.
– If you’re paid by the hour, the employer must give you the agreed number of hours. This is required even if there’s no work. For example, if they want to send you home from your shift, they still have to pay you by low.
– You have the right to a minimum wage and the agreed hours. You are entitled to a schedule two weeks in advance. You should also receive payment for sick leave, even if you work shifts.
All permanent contracts usually have a trial period. During this period, either you or your employer can end the working relationship. After the trial period is over, there must be a legit reason for firing you. Such reasons include economic problems in the company. This must be documented to the government.
It’s better to have a permanent contract, even part-time, as it gives you more benefits. For example, if you want to get a loan for a house, having a permanent contract is beneficial. If you’re a woman and get pregnant, you keep your place while you’re on maternity leave.
If you’ve been working on a temporary contract and there’s an opening for a permanent job, your employer should offer it to you first if you’re interested.
If you’ve worked for more than 3-4 years on a temporary contract, you can demand a permanent one.
Temporary Contract (Vikariat)
One of the most popular forms of temporary contracts is ‘Vikariat’ in Norwegian.
The main difference from a permanent contract is that your contract is time-bound, and you can be fired after it expires.
You still have the same rights and welfare benefits. These include jobless money, sick leave, single parent benefits, and parental benefits. However, your employer doesn’t need to keep your place if you’re pregnant and go on parental leave.
You have the right to pension and vacation money. People with permanent contracts also have this right. Your employer should fix this for you.
Vikariat is very popular in companies where a worker specialist is absent, for example, due to parental or sick leave. You will get a date in your contract when you are done, and another employee comes back to the same position.
Extra Help (Ekstrahjelp/Tillkalingshjelp/Ringevikar)
This is a bit tricky because you work when your boss calls you if they need extra people.
This works good for people who don’t want to bind themselves with responsibilities. You can always say no when they call you to work. This contract is fine if you need to get work quickly, for example, to apply for parental benefits. NAV don’t care about type of your contract as long as you have payslips and paid taxes.
Seasonal Jobs, Summer Jobs, or Project Work
These jobs are for a short period. They are mostly good for people who come from other EU countries for just 3-6 months and go back to their home country.
If you don’t plan to live in Norway permanently, you can get a special tax card called ‘kildeskatt’ or PAYE. You can also get this card before living there for one year. With this card, you pay 25% tax (for up to 700 000 NOK).
Also if it’s less than 70,000 NOK a year, you don’t have to pay taxes from your income. If you want to know more about PAYE tax card check out this video:
Working Practice (Praksisarbeid)
This is popular for people who need to return to work after a long break, have limited abilities, or new immigrants who lack experience.
In a nutshell, you get a job in two ways. You either find it yourself or get help from NAV. NAV agrees to pay your employer for your work. This practice can’t last more than a year. After one year, the employer needs to decide if they will give you a contract or let you go.
With this type of contract you get experience in the Norwegian market, often in your desired specialty.
Working for Recruiting Companies
Here you can have temporary or permanent contracts. The recruiting company pays your salary and vacation money. It can hire you to work for different companies. Working for such companies can be a good start to finding a permanent job in a place you like.
I worked for one of these companies as an assistant in kindergarten. I secured a permanent job in one of the places afterward.
I hope this article clarified some things for you. I often see that workers are unaware of their rights. They don’t fully understand what they are signing, especially when they are new to Norway. Knowing your rights and the benefits you are entitled to can significantly improve your work experience.