Norway offers opportunities for foreign workers to engage in seasonal employment under specific conditions. If you are considering applying for a seasonal work permit, it is essential to understand the requirements, job-related conditions, employer obligations, and the rules regarding the length of stay. 

General Requirements for Seasonal Workers

To qualify for a seasonal work permit in Norway, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Application Fee: All applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee when submitting their permit request.
• Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be eligible.
• Return Likelihood: You must demonstrate that your personal and professional circumstances in your home country make it likely that you will return after completing your work in Norway.

Job Offer Requirements

A valid job offer is a crucial component of the application process. The following conditions apply to the employment:

• Concrete Employment Offer: You must receive a formal, full-time job offer from a Norwegian employer. If you have multiple employers, each must provide a separate offer.
• Type of Work: The job must qualify as either seasonal work (such as in agriculture, tourism, or forestry) or a temporary holiday stand-in position.
• Wages and Conditions: The pay and working conditions must meet or exceed the standard labor conditions in Norway. A minimum hourly wage must be guaranteed.

Employer Obligations

Employers offering seasonal work must adhere to specific regulations to support the application process:

• Recruitment Confirmation: For most industries, the employer must obtain confirmation from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) proving that there are not enough workers available from Norway or the European Economic Area (EEA).
• Exemptions: Employers in the agriculture or forestry sectors are not required to secure confirmation from NAV.

Disqualification Periods: Length of Stay Rules

Norway enforces strict regulations regarding the duration a seasonal worker can stay in the country:

• Six-Month Limit: Seasonal workers can hold a permit for a maximum of six months within a twelve-month period.
• Mandatory Exit Period: After holding a seasonal work permit for six months, you must leave Norway for at least six months before reapplying for a new permit.

Examples:

• If you work for three months under a seasonal permit, you may immediately apply for a new permit covering an additional three months.
• If you work for two months, you are eligible to apply for a new permit extending your stay by four months.

Rights and Obligations of Seasonal Workers

While a seasonal work permit grants temporary employment rights, it does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or family reunification:

• Permanent Residence: Time spent in Norway under a seasonal work permit does not count toward the residency period required to apply for permanent residence.
• Family Members: Seasonal workers are not entitled to bring family members to live with them during their stay in Norway.

Obtaining a seasonal work permit in Norway requires meeting specific personal and professional criteria, securing a valid job offer, and adhering to the country’s employment standards. Understanding the obligations for both workers and employers is essential to ensure compliance with Norwegian immigration regulations. By following these guidelines, you can successfully navigate the process and take advantage of seasonal work opportunities in Norway.