20 Careers That Could Lead to a Norwegian Work Visa
Key Takeaways
1. Norway is experiencing labor shortages across 193 occupations, including roles in cleaning, food preparation, hospitality, healthcare, and construction.
2. Norway is among the top EURES countries with the highest reliance on foreign-trained doctors.
3. The Norwegian language is considered one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn.
Norway is facing significant labor shortages in 193 professions, as highlighted in the 2023 EURES report on workforce gaps.
These shortages span various sectors such as cleaning, food preparation, hospitality, personal services, IT, healthcare, construction, and engineering.
Norway, along with the Netherlands, Belgium, Romania, Slovenia, and France, is among the six EU countries with the most acute shortage of skilled workers, accounting for over half (53 percent) of the identified shortage occupations.
This situation suggests that foreign professionals in high-demand fields might have better chances of securing employment and obtaining a Norwegian work visa.
Additionally, English speakers may find learning Norwegian relatively straightforward compared to other languages.
Some of the occupations currently in demand in Norway include:
- Garbage and recycling collectors
- Kitchen helpers
- Crane, hoist, and related plant operators
- Butchers, fishmongers, and related food preparers
- Structural metal preparers and erectors
- Floor layers and tile setters
- Security guards
- Service station attendants
- Waiters
- Contact center information clerks
- Religious associate professionals
- Veterinary technicians and assistants
- Musicians, singers, and composers
- Systems administrators
- Personnel and career professionals
- Special needs teachers
- Specialist medical practitioners
- Mechanical engineers
- Education managers
- Policy and planning managers
Conversely, Norway also reports a surplus in seven occupations, including freight handlers, vehicle cleaners, building caretakers, beauticians, stock clerks, receptionists, and graphic and multimedia designers, making these roles more competitive.
High Dependence on Foreign Doctors
Norway stands out among EURES countries for its heavy reliance on foreign-trained doctors. The country also relies on foreign professionals for midwifery and nursing roles. Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland have the highest dependence on foreign-trained doctors, while Ireland, Switzerland, and Austria rely significantly on foreign-trained nurses.
Living Costs in Norway
According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly cost of living for a single person in Norway is approximately €1,100 (NOK 12,981), excluding rent. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around €812 (NOK 9,570) outside the city center and €1,112 (NOK 13,106) within the city center. Family living costs will vary based on the number of members, apartment size, and location.