International students: working part-time while studying in Norway

part time work

Here you’ll find information on what you must do when you come to Norway to study and maybe work.

You may have to book an appointment with the Tax Administration to report your move to Norway and receive an identification number. This depends on your citizenship.

WORK PERMIT

EU/EEA students: You don't need a work permit and you can work in Norway after you have registered with the Police.

Non-EU/EEA students: You can work 20 hours per week during your first year of study. When granted your Study Permit (temporary Student Residency), you are granted a permit to work 20 hours per week and full-time work during the holidays. The part-time work permit has the same duration as the study permit.

International students – studying and working in Norway

It is possible yet challenging to find a part-time job while being an international student at UiT. Although international students are granted a work permit to seek part-time jobs, students are strongly advised not to completely depend on part-time jobs to fund their stay while studying. Moreover, you must not exceed the permitted number of working hours. This can have negative impact on your academic performance and can also lead to immigration-related repercussions.

Find more information about the regulations for students on this webpage: International students – studying and working in Norway - The Norwegian Tax Administration (skatteetaten.no)

Tax deduction card

If you receive wages from a Norwegian employer you are obliged to pay tax on your earnings in Norway. You must apply for a tax deduction card at the Tax Administration as soon as possible. You can book an appointment online, or drop-in.

As a general rule, you are responsible for procuring your own tax deduction card. If you have not yet obtained one, your employer is required to withhold 50 per cent of your wages.

Useful websites:

International students – studying and working in Norway

Order a tax deduction card (online)

Tax offices in Norway

TIPS: HOW TO FIND A PART TIME JOB

  • It is important to have realistic expectations and understand the importance of thorough preparation to increase your chances in the local job market. If you´re here for several years, it seems to be easier to find a job compared with "visitors" staying just a few months.

  • Be prepared before communicating with potential employers, read up on tax, work permit and make sure you have a Norwegian bank account.

  • Best practice: Ask fellow students! It is up to you and your creativity. You have to promote yourself to them.  In other words: do your “homework” and research on where the different employers are located.

  • Types of part-time jobs: tourist guide, lab assistant, gardening, proofreading (mostly for native English speakers), babysitting (some international working parents need a native speaker from their home country to help babysit their children), fitness instructor, waiter/cook/dishwasher (restaurants, bars & coffee shops), cleaning, newspaper delivery, warehouse work, etc.

  • Job Portals: finn.no, nav.no, www.jobbnorge.no, www.addecco.no, www.manpower.no, EURES

  • It is no secret that networks can be helpful to find available jobs. We encourage you to attend various mingling events and get to know both international and Norwegian students.

  • Print out copies of your CV, dress up in a presentable outfit and pay the different employers a visit. Ask to speak with the manager and present yourself in a nice and polite way.

  • In Norway, the employers for unqualified jobs value flexibility (the ability to step in for work at short notice and working both daytime and evenings), efficiency and a happy mood. So attend with a big smile and positive attitude!

  • Unqualified jobs where you don't need to interact with Norwegian-speaking customers – e.g in the hotel bar, laundries, cleaning and restaurant industry, accept English language skills.

  • The employers that choose to advertise job vacancies usually do so in Norwegian. It is not common to advertise part-time jobs in any other language.

  • You need a tax deduction card to work in Norway – and you need a job contract to get a tax deduction card. Request a tax deduction card from the Tax Office by bringing your Residence Card/Registration Certificate and your job contract to their office. Your employer will expect you to have a Norwegian bank account. Use the website "Work in Norway" from NAV to find updated information.

Ansvarlig for siden: Mustta B. Malharunmi
Sist endret: 15.08.2024 13.58
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