September 08, 2025
Arbeidstilsynet now has the authority to immediately secure evidence during inspections – for example, documents, working time records, or payrolls. This reduces the risk of evidence being destroyed or concealed.
The new rules allow inspectors to obtain data from the company’s clients, suppliers, and subcontractors. This enables inspections to cover entire supply and subcontracting chains, which is particularly important in the construction and maritime sectors.
In exceptional cases, inspectors – with police support – may gain physical access to company premises, even against the employer’s will.
The statute of limitations for labour law violations has been extended from 2 to 5 years. This allows Arbeidstilsynet to investigate older breaches.
Inspectors may now impose penalty charges directly during a control visit. This is intended to streamline law enforcement and shorten proceedings.
The changes that came into force on July 1, 2025, represent the most significant strengthening of Arbeidstilsynet’s powers in many years. Companies operating in Norway should take them seriously and ensure full compliance with labour law. Prevention and proper documentation are now the key to avoiding heavy fines.
For a long time, Arbeidstilsynet has sought to adapt its control mechanisms to the rapidly changing realities of the labour market. The large number of foreign subcontractors poses a major challenge. From now on, Arbeidstilsynet has more opportunities to sanction irresponsible and dishonest employers.
As of July 1, 2025, important changes to Norwegian labour law have come into force, significantly strengthening the position of Arbeidstilsynet. The new regulations provide the supervisory authority with more effective tools for monitoring businesses.
The aim of the changes is to enhance employee protection and more effectively combat abuses such as social dumping or unlawful working conditions.
The aim of the changes is to enhance employee protection and more effectively combat abuses such as social dumping or unlawful working conditions.
Key Changes in Labour Inspection in Norway
1. Higher Financial Penalties
- Sole proprietors may be fined up to 25G (approx. NOK 3.2 million).
- Companies may be fined up to 50G (approx. NOK 6 million) or up to 4% of annual turnover – whichever amount is higher.
- The maximum penalties are intended to deter serious violations of labour law.
2. Securing Evidence on Site
Arbeidstilsynet now has the authority to immediately secure evidence during inspections – for example, documents, working time records, or payrolls. This reduces the risk of evidence being destroyed or concealed.
3. Access to Information from Third Parties
The new rules allow inspectors to obtain data from the company’s clients, suppliers, and subcontractors. This enables inspections to cover entire supply and subcontracting chains, which is particularly important in the construction and maritime sectors.
4. Physical Access to Premises
In exceptional cases, inspectors – with police support – may gain physical access to company premises, even against the employer’s will.
5. Extension of the Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for labour law violations has been extended from 2 to 5 years. This allows Arbeidstilsynet to investigate older breaches.
6. Immediate Reactions During Inspections
Inspectors may now impose penalty charges directly during a control visit. This is intended to streamline law enforcement and shorten proceedings.
What Does This Mean in Practice for Employers?
- Greater financial risk – high fines can seriously impact a company’s budget.
- Stricter documentation requirements – employment contracts, working time records, and payroll documents must be complete and always available.
- Increased responsibility in the supply chain – hiring subcontractors who do not comply with the law may also have consequences for the main contractor.
- Greater importance of compliance – employers should regularly update internal procedures, conduct training, and monitor company practices.
Summary
The changes that came into force on July 1, 2025, represent the most significant strengthening of Arbeidstilsynet’s powers in many years. Companies operating in Norway should take them seriously and ensure full compliance with labour law. Prevention and proper documentation are now the key to avoiding heavy fines.
Are you certain that your Norwegian company or foreign branch in Norway operates in full compliance with local regulations? Contact our experts!
We will conduct an individual needs analysis so that you gain confidence and peace of mind in your operations in Norway.
We will conduct an individual needs analysis so that you gain confidence and peace of mind in your operations in Norway.
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