Norway Raises Minimum Salary Threshold for Work Permits Effective September
Norway Raises Minimum Salary Thresholds for Work Permits Starting September 2025
Key Changes
- From September 1, 2025, Norway will enforce higher salary requirements for foreign workers seeking permits.
- Applicants for bachelor-level positions must earn at least NOK 522,600 (€45,190) per year (up from NOK 469,366).
- Those in master-level roles must now secure NOK 599,200 (€51,802) annually (previously NOK 513,100).
Why the Increase?
Norway adjusts salary thresholds periodically to align with national wage growth. The government stated that past adjustments did not keep pace with rising wages, necessitating a significant update to ensure foreign workers are paid fairly by local standards.
Exceptions to the Rule
- The UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) may accept lower salaries if applicants can prove their pay matches local norms for their profession.
- However, providing sufficient documentation for such exceptions will require substantial evidence.
Recent Changes to Family Reunification Rules
Earlier in February 2025, Norway also raised the minimum income requirement for family reunification visas from NOK 335,000 (€28,572) to NOK 400,000 (€34,116) per year.
These updates reflect Norway’s efforts to balance labor market needs while ensuring fair wages and controlled migration.