Top Jobs in Norway for International Workers in 2025

As Norway continues to experience skill shortages across several essential industries, the demand for international workers has steadily increased. In 2024, Norway sought skilled professionals in areas like information technology, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades. These trends are anticipated to escalate in 2025, with recruitment agencies in Norway actively sourcing talent worldwide to fill critical workforce gaps, relying heavily on the expertise of top staffing companies.

With competitive salaries, strong job security, and high living standards, Norway offers an appealing environment for professionals seeking rewarding careers abroad.

Key Areas of Skill Shortages in Norway for 2025

Norway’s job market faces ongoing talent shortages, especially in highly skilled sectors. Below are some of the primary occupations expected to be in high demand in 2025:

1. Information Technology (IT)
   Software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, and cloud specialists are needed due to Norway’s extensive digital transformation across industries.
2. Healthcare Professionals
   Doctors, nurses, and elderly care specialists are in demand, driven by Norway’s aging population and the expansion of healthcare services.
3. Engineering and Infrastructure
   Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers are essential for Norway’s large-scale infrastructure projects, renewable energy advancements, and technological innovations.
4. Construction and Skilled Trades
   Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and heavy machinery operators are required to meet the rising demand in housing and commercial construction.
5. Renewable Energy Technicians
   With a strong commitment to sustainability, Norway seeks professionals in solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy fields.
6. Education Professionals
   Teachers, particularly in STEM fields, are necessary to address shortages in schools and contribute to a knowledge-based workforce.
7. Hospitality and Tourism
   Chefs, hotel managers, and hospitality staff are needed to support Norway’s expanding tourism industry.

These occupations are projected to face shortages even through 2025, as reported by sources such as Europa, Oslo Business Region, and Regjeringen.

Expected Salary Ranges for High-Demand Roles in 2025

Below are the projected salary ranges for some of the high-demand roles in Norway for 2025:

• IT Professionals: NOK 600,000 – NOK 900,000 per year
• Healthcare Specialists: NOK 500,000 – NOK 850,000 per year
• Engineers: NOK 600,000 – NOK 900,000 per year
• Skilled Tradespeople: NOK 450,000 – NOK 650,000 per year
• Renewable Energy Technicians: NOK 500,000 – NOK 800,000 per year
  References: Udi, Timecamp

Leading Recruitment Agencies in Norway for International Talent in 2025

Here is a list of top recruitment agencies that specialize in hiring international talent for skill-shortage roles in Norway:

1. Adecco Norway
   Specializes in IT, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades, assisting international candidates with work visas and the hiring process. Learn more here.
2. Manpower Norway
   Focuses on IT, finance, and construction roles, offering work visa sponsorship for international workers in shortage areas. Visit Manpower Norway.
3. Kelly Services Norway
   Known for healthcare, education, and IT placements, Kelly Services helps international candidates secure jobs with work visa support. More about Kelly Services.
4. Randstad Norway
   Specializes in engineering, IT, and construction, connecting global talent with Norway’s top employers experiencing skill shortages. Find out more.
5. Top Temp
   Serves both temporary and permanent staffing needs in healthcare, engineering, and administration, assisting foreign workers with visa applications. Explore Top Temp.
6. Experis Norway
   Focuses on IT, engineering, and finance roles, providing staffing solutions and visa assistance for international applicants. More about Experis Norway.
7. Nordic Career
   Specializes in healthcare and skilled trades, closely partnering with Norway’s healthcare institutions to guide foreign applicants. Learn more about Nordic Career.
8. NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration)
   A government-backed service offering job listings and visa resources for skill-shortage occupations. Visit NAV.
9. Jobb Norge
   Focuses on public sector roles in education and healthcare, assisting international applicants with documentation and work permits. Explore Jobb Norge.
10. Personalhuset
    Specializes in hiring across hospitality, construction, and IT sectors, supporting international applicants in meeting work visa requirements. More on Personalhuset.

Steps to Apply for Skill Shortage Jobs in Norway via Recruitment Agencies

Securing a role in Norway’s skill-shortage fields involves a series of steps that, when approached strategically, can lead to a successful career move.

1. Research and Identify Relevant Agencies

Start by narrowing down agencies that specialize in your field, whether IT, healthcare, or engineering. Reach out to a few agencies to access exclusive job postings.

2. Prepare a Norway-Specific Resume

Tailor your resume to Norwegian standards by focusing on concise summaries of experience, relevant skills, language proficiency, and certifications. Learn more about Norwegian resume standards.

3. Directly Contact Agencies

Express your interest in skill-shortage roles and your willingness to relocate. Attach your resume and relevant documents, and inquire about job openings and visa sponsorship opportunities.

4. Create Profiles on Agency Websites

Many agencies, such as Manpower and Adecco, allow applicants to create profiles on their websites. This lets you apply directly for roles and makes your profile visible to recruiters.

5. Prepare for Virtual or In-Person Interviews

Recruitment agencies may conduct initial screenings or arrange interviews with employers. Research Norwegian workplace culture, interview practices, and language expectations.

6. Submit Documentation for Visa Sponsorship

After receiving a job offer, the recruitment agency will guide you through the visa process, which includes submitting proof of employment, qualifications, and other documents.

7. Apply for a Norwegian Work Visa

Once you have a job offer, apply for a Norwegian work visa with assistance from the recruitment agency, ensuring all documentation is complete.

8. Plan Your Relocation

With your visa approved, coordinate relocation with your employer or agency. Agencies often provide initial support with housing and understanding local regulations.

By following these steps, international candidates can successfully secure skill-shortage jobs in Norway, making the most of the opportunities in this rapidly expanding market.

FAQs

1. What are the primary sectors facing skill shortages in Norway in 2025?
Norway is experiencing skill shortages across multiple sectors, including information technology, healthcare, engineering, construction, renewable energy, education, and hospitality. These sectors are expected to continue seeking international talent due to local labor gaps.

2. Why should international professionals consider working in Norway?
Norway offers attractive salaries, job security, high living standards, and an excellent work-life balance. The country’s progressive economy and high demand for skilled professionals make it a desirable destination for career growth.

3. What are some in-demand professions in Norway for 2025?
In-demand professions include software developers, cybersecurity specialists, doctors, nurses, engineers, electricians, renewable energy technicians, STEM teachers, and hospitality staff. These roles are highly sought after due to Norway’s ongoing digital transformation, aging population, infrastructure projects, and sustainable energy initiatives.

4. How much can professionals in high-demand roles expect to earn in Norway?
Salaries for high-demand roles in Norway vary by sector:

• IT professionals: NOK 600,000 – NOK 900,000 per year
• Healthcare specialists: NOK 500,000 – NOK 850,000 per year
• Engineers: NOK 600,000 – NOK 900,000 per year
• Skilled tradespeople: NOK 450,000 – NOK 650,000 per year
• Renewable energy technicians: NOK 500,000 – NOK 800,000 per year

These ranges reflect current estimates and may vary based on experience and specific roles.

5. What recruitment agencies in Norway specialize in hiring international talent?
Several top agencies in Norway specialize in recruiting international workers, including:

• Adecco Norway: Specializes in IT, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades
• Manpower Norway: Offers placement in IT, finance, and construction sectors
• Kelly Services Norway: Recruits for healthcare, education, and IT roles
• Randstad Norway: Focuses on engineering, IT, and construction
• Top Temp: Provides staffing in healthcare, engineering, and administrative roles
• Experis Norway: Offers staffing solutions in IT, engineering, and finance
• Nordic Career: Specializes in healthcare and skilled trades
• NAV: Government-backed agency assisting with skill shortage occupations
• Jobb Norge: Recruits for public sector roles in education and healthcare
• Personalhuset: Caters to hospitality, construction, and IT

6. How can I apply for jobs in Norway through these recruitment agencies?
To apply for jobs through these agencies, follow these steps:

• Research and select agencies specializing in your field.
• Tailor your resume for Norwegian standards, emphasizing relevant experience.
• Contact the agencies directly via their websites or email.
• Register and create profiles on agency websites to apply directly for roles.
• Attend interviews arranged by the agency, preparing for Norwegian interview protocols.
• Follow the agency’s guidance for submitting documentation for work visa applications.

7. Will recruitment agencies help with the work visa application process?
Yes, many Norwegian recruitment agencies provide assistance with the work visa process. They often guide international applicants through the necessary steps, including documentation submission and preparation for immigration interviews, once a job offer is secured.

8. What is the typical process for obtaining a work visa in Norway?
The work visa process involves:

• Securing a job offer in a skill-shortage occupation.
• Following the recruitment agency’s guidance on required documentation.
• Submitting proof of employment, qualifications, and personal identification to Norwegian immigration authorities.
• Attending any necessary interviews.
• Receiving approval and coordinating relocation to Norway.

9. Are there specific requirements for resumes when applying for jobs in Norway?
Yes, Norwegian resumes are typically concise and focused on experience and qualifications relevant to the role. Including language skills and certifications that meet industry standards is beneficial. Sites like VisualCV can help you create a Norway-specific resume.

10. Can I find permanent roles through these recruitment agencies, or are they primarily for temporary work?
Many of these agencies offer both temporary and permanent placements. Adecco, Manpower, and Randstad, among others, provide permanent job opportunities across sectors, catering to the skill shortages in Norway’s job market.

11. Is language proficiency in Norwegian required to work in Norway?
While some sectors, especially in healthcare and education, may require Norwegian language skills, others, like IT and engineering, are often more flexible, especially if the company has an international workforce. It’s advisable to inquire with the recruitment agency about language requirements for specific roles.

12. Do recruitment agencies help with relocation and settling in once hired?
Yes, many agencies offer relocation support, including assistance with housing and local orientation. This helps international workers adapt to Norwegian regulations and integrate more easily into their new environment.