Global mobility often involves navigating complex cross-border rules—especially when employees move between countries within the European Economic Area (EEA). Norway is not a member of the European Union (EU), but it is part of the EEA. This gives citizens of EU/EEA countries the right to live and work in Norway without needing a work permit. However, if they stay for more than three months, they must register with the Norwegian immigration authorities.
But what happens if you're a non-EU citizen holding a residence permit in an EU/EEA country? For instance, if you are a British citizen living and working in Ireland, does your Irish residence permit give you the right to work in Norway? Can such a permit grant residence rights in other EEA countries?
Working in Norway with a residence permit from another EEA country
If you are not a EU/EEA citizen but have a residence permit from an EEA country, you do not automatically have the right to work in Norway. Whether or not you can work in Norway on a residence permit from another EU/EEA country depends on your situation. Below, we describe the rules that apply in various situations:
- Moving to Norway to seek employment: If you do not have a job offer in Norway but want to move here and search for work, your residence permit from another EU/EEA country does not normally allow you to settle in Norway. You will need to apply for a Norwegian residence permit before relocating.
- You will be working for a Norwegian employer: If you have received a job offer from a Norwegian employer, your EU residence permit does not grant you the right to work in Norway. To live and work legally in Norway, you will need to apply for a Norwegian residence permit. You can read more about applying for a residence permit to work in Norway for a Norwegian employer in our other blog posts.
- Working in Norway as a posted worker: If you are employed by a company in another EU/EEA country and are sent to work temporarily in Norway as a posted worker, different rules apply. In some cases, you may be able to work in Norway without a Norwegian residence permit.
- Can I work in Norway on an EU permit as a posted service provider? A non-EU national posted to Norway as part of a service provision may have the right to stay in Norway, provided that:
- You are an employee performing work in Norway on behalf of a company established in another EEA or EFTA country that conducts genuine business activities there.
- You are a posted to Norway for a limited period pursuant to Norwegian labor law rules on posted workers.
- You have lawful residence with the right to work in the posting country and the right to return there after your assignment in Norway.
- Can I work in Norway on an EU permit as a posted business starter? A non-EU national who is sent to Norway in connection with the establishment of a business in Norway may have residence rights if:
- You are employed in a company established in another EEA or EFTA country.
- You hold a leadership position or possess special competence that is essential for the establishment of the company in Norway.
- You have lawful residence with the right to work in the posting country and the right to return there after the assignment in Norway.
- What do I have to do to work in Norway as a service provider or business starter? If you are working in Norway as a posted service provider or business starter for less than three months, you are not required to apply for a residence card. However, you must register with the Norwegian tax authorities.
Additionally, you may be asked to provide documentation proving that you meet the criteria for working in Norway as a posted worker using your permit from another country. A Norwegian lawyer can provide support in the process of registering with Norwegian tax authorities and help ensure that your documentation is in order.
If your work in Norway as a posted service provider or business starter extends beyond three months, you will need to apply for a residence card. While this means more formalities than for stays less than three months, the process is still simpler and less resource intensive than when applying for a full Norwegian residence permit. Again, a Norwegian lawyer could provide the necessary advice and support to ensure compliance and smooth processing.
Need help moving your employees to Norway?
When managing international assignments and employee mobility, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of residence and work rights across borders—even within the EEA. While some exceptions apply for posted workers and business starters, non-EU citizens with residence permits in other EEA countries do not automatically have the right to work in Norway. The rules vary depending on the employee’s situation, the nature of the assignment, and its duration.
To avoid compliance risks, delays, or unnecessary complications, we recommend you discuss this with your employer and seek legal guidance early in the planning process. A Norwegian legal advisor can help you assess your specific case, ensure proper registration, and assist with the correct documentation—so your business can stay mobile and compliant across borders.