Dreaming of a good job as a construction worker in Norway? Norway has beautiful mountains, fjords, high pay, and strong worker rights. Many people want to work here in building houses, roads, or big projects. But for people from outside Europe (non-EU/EEA), it is not easy. You must follow strict rules to get a legal job.
This simple guide explains everything you need to know to get a construction job in Oslo, Bergen, or other places in Norway. We talk about the visa, salary, safety card, and how to apply.
The Only Route: Norway’s Skilled Worker Visa
If you are not from the EU or EEA countries, the only real way to work long-term as a construction worker in Norway is the Skilled Worker Visa (called “Residence Permit for Skilled Workers” by UDI – the immigration office).
To be called a “skilled worker” in Norway, you must meet one of these three things:
Vocational Training (The Most Common Way for Construction Workers)
This is the normal way for carpenters (tømrer), bricklayers (murer), plumbers (rørlegger), welders (sveiser), concrete workers, and many others.
- You finished at least 3 years of vocational school in your country.
- Your certificate must be the same level as the Norwegian “Fagbrev” (trade certificate).
- The job offer must match your training. Example: If you studied carpentry, the job must be carpentry work.
University or College Degree
If you have a bachelor or master degree in civil engineering, construction management, or similar, you can use this way. Many site managers (byggeleder or formann) use this path.
Special Qualifications (Experience Only – Very Hard)
If you have no school papers but many years of real work experience (normally 6 years or more full-time in the same trade), you can try this way.
- You need very good work certificates from past employers.
- The certificates must show you can do the job as well as someone with a Fagbrev.
- This way is difficult and often rejected if papers are not perfect.
Most Important Rule: You MUST have a real, full-time job offer from one Norwegian company BEFORE you apply for the visa. No job offer = no visa.
Guaranteed Pay: Meeting the Minimum Salary Requirement
Norway protects all workers. Foreign workers must get the same (or better) pay and conditions as Norwegian workers. The construction industry has special minimum wages that change every year.
From 15 June 2025, the legal minimum hourly pay is:
| Job Category | Minimum Hourly Pay (NOK) |
|---|---|
| Skilled construction worker (with Fagbrev) | 264.32 |
| Unskilled worker (no experience) | 239.61 |
| Unskilled worker (1+ year experience) | 249.00 |
| Skilled electrician | 270.45 |
Your employer MUST pay at least this amount. If the job offer pays less, UDI will refuse the visa.
You also get paid overtime (normally 50–100 % extra), holiday pay (12 % extra), and good working hours (normally 37.5 hours per week).
Mandatory Site Compliance: The HMS Card
In Norway, NO ONE can work on a building site without a valid HMS Card (Health, Safety and Environment Card). This rule is for Norwegian and foreign workers – everyone.
What is the HMS Card?
- It is a plastic ID card you wear on site every day.
- It shows your name, photo, employer, and that you pay tax in Norway.
- It stops illegal work and keeps workers safe.
Who orders the HMS Card?
Your Norwegian employer orders it for you. You cannot order it yourself.
How to get the HMS Card (step by step)
- You get a D-number (temporary Norwegian ID number).
- You get a tax deduction card.
- Your employer orders the HMS card at the official website hmskort.no.
- The card arrives in the mail in a few days.
Without this card you cannot enter any building site – the foreman will send you home.
The Application Steps (for People Outside EU/EEA)
Here is the simple step-by-step plan:
- Find a real job offer Look for full-time jobs that pay at least the minimum wage. Good places: Finn.no, NAV.no, or serious recruitment agencies.
- Collect your documents
- Passport (valid for at least 6 more months)
- CV in English or Norwegian
- All school certificates and trade diplomas
- Work experience letters (if you use the “special qualifications” way)
- If your job needs approval in Norway (example: electrician), get that approval first.
- Apply online at UDI website Go to udi.no, choose “Residence permit for work – skilled worker”, and fill the form.
- Pay the fee and visit embassy/VFS Pay the application fee (around NOK 6,300 in 2025). Book appointment at the nearest Norwegian embassy or VFS Global center to give fingerprints and photo.
- Wait for answer Normal waiting time is 1–4 months (sometimes faster if everything is perfect).
- Come to Norway When you get the approval letter, buy your plane ticket. Within 7 days after you arrive, go to the local police station to order the plastic residence card.
After you have the residence card and HMS card, you can start work!
Actionable Tips to Get the Job Faster
- Learn some Norwegian – Even basic Norwegian (A2 or B1 level) makes employers like you more. Many companies help you learn for free after you start.
- Look in the right places Big cities (Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim) and big infrastructure projects always need workers. Oil & gas platforms and tunnel projects also pay very well.
- Put your CV on NAV.no Many Norwegian construction companies check NAV database when they need people.
- Use only serious companies Never pay money to an agency or employer to get a job. In Norway the employer pays everything (visa costs, flight ticket, first accommodation – good companies do this).
- Get help with certificate recognition If you are not sure your school certificate is accepted, contact NOKUT (nokut.no) before you apply.
- Start applying early Good jobs can take 6–12 months from first contact to starting work in Norway. Start today!
Norway is a great place to build your future. The pay is high, the country is safe, nature is beautiful, and workers have strong rights. If you have real skills, a clean record, and follow the rules, you have a very good chance.