How To Get Seasonal Job Offers in Norway?
How to Get Seasonal Job Offers in Norway: Visa Types, Procedures, Job Offers, and Salaries
1. Overview of Seasonal Jobs in Norway
Seasonal jobs in Norway are typically available in agriculture, fishing, tourism, and hospitality industries. These jobs offer temporary work opportunities to meet labour demand during peak seasons, often for a few months.
2. Visa Types for Seasonal Work in Norway
a. Seasonal Work Permit
- Purpose: For non-EU/EEA citizens to work in Norway temporarily for a specific job and period.
- Duration: Valid for up to 6 months.
- Renewal: Not renewable consecutively; a cooling-off period of 6 months is required before applying again.
- Requirements:
- Valid job offer from a Norwegian employer.
- Employment must align with the seasonal nature of the job (e.g., farming, forestry, tourism).
- Adequate housing provided or arranged by the employer.
b. Schengen Visa (Type C)
- Purpose: For short-term stays (up to 90 days).
- Eligibility: Citizens of countries requiring a visa for entry into Norway.
- Use: Not typically for employment but may apply for very short-term seasonal work agreements.
3. Procedure to Apply for a Seasonal Work Permit in Norway
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Secure a Job Offer:
- Obtain a formal employment contract from a registered Norwegian employer specifying job role, salary, duration, and housing arrangements.
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Prepare Required Documentation:
- Valid passport.
- Job offer or employment contract.
- Proof of accommodation (provided by the employer or independently arranged).
- Evidence of financial means (if housing and meals are not provided).
- Completed visa application form.
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Submit Application:
- Submit the seasonal work permit application through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) online portal or via the nearest Norwegian embassy/consulate.
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Processing Time:
- Generally takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the embassy workload.
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Attend Biometrics Appointment:
- Visit the Norwegian embassy/consulate for biometrics and submission of additional documents, if required.
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Receive Permit and Travel:
- Upon approval, receive your seasonal work visa, allowing you to travel and start work in Norway.
4. Seasonal Job Offers and Salaries in Norway
Here’s a breakdown of popular seasonal jobs, average salaries, and responsibilities:
| Job Role | Industry | Salary (Monthly) | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm Worker | Agriculture | NOK 20,000–25,000 | Planting, harvesting, and maintaining crops. |
| Fishing Crew | Fishing Industry | NOK 25,000–30,000 | Catching, processing, and sorting fish/seafood. |
| Hotel Staff (e.g., waiter) | Hospitality/Tourism | NOK 22,000–27,000 | We serve guests, clean, and assist in operations. |
| Ski Resort Assistant | Tourism | NOK 23,000–28,000 | Ski lift operations, ticket sales, and guest services. |
| Forestry Worker | Forestry | NOK 22,000–26,000 | Tree planting, pruning, and general forest maintenance. |
| Fruit Picker | Agriculture | NOK 20,000–24,000 | Picking and packaging fruits (e.g., apples, berries). |
5. Benefits of Seasonal Work in Norway
- High Wages: Norway offers competitive pay even for temporary work.
- Cultural Experience: Exposure to Norway’s unique lifestyle and work culture.
- Housing and Meals: Employers provide free or subsidised accommodation and meals.
- Work Experience: Gaining experience in industries such as agriculture or hospitality in a well-organized system.
6. Tips to Secure Seasonal Jobs in Norway
- Search on Job Portals:
- Use platforms like NAV.no and Finn.no to find job postings.
- Apply Early:
- Seasonal jobs often open months in advance. Apply early to increase your chances.
- Network:
- Connect with Norwegian employers through professional networks or recruitment agencies.
- Prepare Your Resume:
- Highlight relevant skills, especially physical endurance, language abilities, or prior seasonal work experience.
- Ensure Documentation:
- Keep all required documents ready for visa application.
7. Seasonal Jobs in Norway: Start Time, Duration, and Validity
1. Start Time for Seasonal Jobs in Norway
- Seasonal jobs in Norway typically align with the country’s peak labour demand in specific industries. The start time depends on the nature of the job:
- Agriculture:
- Spring planting season: March to May.
- Harvesting: June to October.
- Fishing Industry:
- High demand during Norway’s fishing seasons: January to April and August to October.
- Tourism and Hospitality:
- Winter season: November to March (for ski resorts and winter tourism).
- Summer season: May to September.
- Forestry:
- Active period: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
- Agriculture:
2. Duration and Validity of Seasonal Jobs
- Maximum Duration:
- Seasonal work permits in Norway are valid for up to 6 months.
- The exact duration depends on the employment contract offered by the Norwegian employer.
- Cooling-Off Period:
- After completing a seasonal job, there is a mandatory 6-month cooling-off period before reapplying for another seasonal work permit.
- Work Days:
- Most seasonal jobs follow a standard 5–6 day workweek, with 7–8 working hours daily. However, industries like fishing and agriculture may have varying schedules depending on workload and weather.
3. Permit Validity
- Seasonal work permits are tied to:
- The specific job and employer mentioned in the application.
- The duration of the employment contract is up to a maximum of 6 months.
- If the job ends earlier than expected, the permit may be voided, and the worker must leave Norway unless they have another valid reason to stay.
Summary Table: Seasonal Jobs in Norway
| Industry | Start Time | Duration | Permit Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | March to October | Up to 6 months | Tied to the specific job and employer |
| Fishing | January to April, August to October | Up to 6 months | Linked to seasonal demand |
| Tourism (Winter) | November to March | 4–6 months | Based on the contract duration |
| Tourism (Summer) | May to September | 4–6 months | Based on the contract duration |
| Forestry | Spring and Autumn seasons | Up to 6 months | Limited to the job and employer |
Note: Always ensure your work permit aligns with the job’s timeline and that your employer complies with Norwegian labour regulations. For more details or assistance with seasonal job applications in Norway, contact AtoZ Serwis Plus for expert support.
Conclusion
Seasonal jobs in Norway provide an excellent opportunity for temporary employment in a high-wage economy. Following the outlined visa procedures and targeting industries with high demand, you can successfully secure a seasonal job in Norway. Contact AtoZ Serwis Plus for expert guidance on job applications and visa processes for Norway.
