As a result of UK’s strict policy focusing on not allowing seconded employees into the UK without a full application for work permit, the Norwegian government has implemented the same requirements for seconded employees who are citizens of the UK and employed by a company resident outside of Norway. In other words, seconded employees, employed by a non-Norwegian company, need a residence permit to take on assignments in Norway. And you must apply for residence permit, and as a main rule, you are not allowed to work until the permit is granted.
Relevant permits for seconded employees
- Residence permit as an international company employee that is to be commissioned by the Norwegian part of the company. You must have a skilled competence.
- Employed by a company abroad that is to have an assignment in Norway. Employed by a non- Norwegian company holding an assignment in Norway. You must have skilled competence.
Also read: Brexit's impact on Norwegian corporations with UK management
Special requirements related to education/qualifications and employment relationship:
- You must have at least 3 years at upper secondary school level, or a degree from a university.
- The qualifications as a skilled worker must be relevant for the work position. The pay and working conditions must not be less beneficial than normal in Norway. If the work is in an industry in which a collective agreement applies, your salary will be compared and cannot be less than normal for the occupation.
- Bachelor’s degree – Annual salary NOK 397 100
- Master’s degree – Annual salary NOK 428 200
Documents needed to apply:
- Personal information, passport, passport photo
- A contract between the Norwegian client and the foreign enterprise
- Employment contract
- CV
- Documentation of education and work experience
- Documentation that you have a place to live in Norway
- Offer of assignment form
The application fee is 6 300 NOK.
The processing time is minimum 8 weeks.

Ragnhild Myren Stephansen - Associate Lawyer
Ragnhild’s core expertise lies in immigration matters, including applications for residence permits for work in Norway, as well as national and international taxation. She provides advisory services to both domestic and international individuals and companies. With over 17 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, Ragnhild has extensive knowledge in the necessary registrations, reporting, self-assessment of taxes (such as tax returns), and handling of appeals. She specializes in personal taxation related to seafarers and offshore workers. Before joining Magnus Legal in 2024, Ragnhild worked as a tax lawyer/senior tax lawyer at the Norwegian Tax Administration (individuals/foreigners) from 2019 to 2023. From 2015 to 2018, she was an associate attorney at Magnus Legal, and from 2007 to 2014, she worked as a tax lawyer at Advanced Solutions.