May 19, 2025
According to the Norwegian Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven), working time refers to the period during which an employee is at the employer’s disposal. Standard working hours are:
Work that exceeds these limits is considered overtime. In cases of shift work, night work, or Sunday work, the standard weekly working time may be reduced to 38 or 36 hours.
Overtime work is only allowed in cases of special, temporary need and cannot form a permanent part of the company’s operations. An employer may require overtime work within the following limits:
Total working hours must not exceed 13 hours per day or 48 hours per week. The 48-hour limit may be averaged over an 8-week period, meaning that work exceeding 48 hours per week is allowed in some weeks, provided it is offset by reduced hours in others.
In businesses covered by collective agreements, employers and employee representatives can agree to extend the limits for overtime work to:
In such cases, overtime may only be imposed on employees who voluntarily consent. Even with these agreements in place, the total working time must not exceed 16 hours per day.
In exceptional circumstances, the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) may grant an employer permission to extend allowable overtime limits to:
However, the total number of overtime hours may not exceed 400 hours over a 52-week period. As above, this type of overtime may only be assigned to employees who have given their explicit consent.
Employees working overtime are entitled to an overtime supplement of at least 40% of their regular hourly wage. It is not permitted to agree on a lower rate. Flexible working arrangements can be introduced where overtime is compensated with time off, but the 40% overtime supplement must still be paid.
Employers are required to maintain accurate records of employee working hours to ensure compliance with regulations concerning working time and overtime. This documentation must be clear and readily accessible to both employees and supervisory authorities.
Overtime work in Norway is strictly regulated by labour legislation to ensure appropriate working conditions and protect employee health.
Definition of Working Time and Overtime According to the Norwegian Labour Code
According to the Norwegian Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven), working time refers to the period during which an employee is at the employer’s disposal. Standard working hours are:
- 9 hours per day
- 40 hours per week
Work that exceeds these limits is considered overtime. In cases of shift work, night work, or Sunday work, the standard weekly working time may be reduced to 38 or 36 hours.
Conditions for Permissible Overtime Work
Overtime work is only allowed in cases of special, temporary need and cannot form a permanent part of the company’s operations. An employer may require overtime work within the following limits:
- 10 hours per week
- 25 hours over a 4-week period
- 200 hours over a 52-week period
Total working hours must not exceed 13 hours per day or 48 hours per week. The 48-hour limit may be averaged over an 8-week period, meaning that work exceeding 48 hours per week is allowed in some weeks, provided it is offset by reduced hours in others.
Agreements with Employee Representatives
In businesses covered by collective agreements, employers and employee representatives can agree to extend the limits for overtime work to:
- 15 hours per week
- 40 hours over a 4-week period
- 300 hours over a 52-week period
In such cases, overtime may only be imposed on employees who voluntarily consent. Even with these agreements in place, the total working time must not exceed 16 hours per day.
Special Permit from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet)
In exceptional circumstances, the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) may grant an employer permission to extend allowable overtime limits to:
- 20 hours per week
- 200 hours over a 26-week period
However, the total number of overtime hours may not exceed 400 hours over a 52-week period. As above, this type of overtime may only be assigned to employees who have given their explicit consent.
Overtime Pay
Employees working overtime are entitled to an overtime supplement of at least 40% of their regular hourly wage. It is not permitted to agree on a lower rate. Flexible working arrangements can be introduced where overtime is compensated with time off, but the 40% overtime supplement must still be paid.
Employer Obligations
Employers are required to maintain accurate records of employee working hours to ensure compliance with regulations concerning working time and overtime. This documentation must be clear and readily accessible to both employees and supervisory authorities.
Compliance with Norwegian overtime regulations is essential for ensuring the legality and efficiency of business operations in Norway. Employers operating in Norway, as well as those posting employees to the country, should familiarize themselves thoroughly with applicable rules to avoid potential violations and associated legal consequences.
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