Norway to Raise Salary Requirements for Work Permit Applicants Starting September 2025

Starting September 1, 2025, Norway will implement higher minimum salary requirements for foreign nationals applying for work permits. The move comes as part of a broader effort to align immigration policies with current wage growth and ensure that salaries for foreign workers match national standards.

According to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), the previous annual salary adjustments did not reflect the actual pace of wage increases across the country. The upcoming changes are designed to better protect foreign workers and maintain fair labour conditions in the Norwegian job market.

“To be granted a residence permit to work in Norway, your salary and working conditions must be in line with what is normal in Norway,” the UDI stated.

New Salary Thresholds for Skilled Workers

Under the new regulations:

• Applicants for roles requiring a bachelor’s degree must earn a minimum annual salary of NOK 522,600 (approximately €45,190).
  • This is an increase from the current requirement of NOK 469,366 (approx. €40,587).
• Applicants for positions requiring a master’s degree must be offered at least NOK 599,200 per year (approx. €51,802), up from NOK 513,100 (approx. €44,358).

For sectors covered by a collective agreement, employers must offer wages that comply with the negotiated rates outlined in those agreements, regardless of education level.

Possible Exemptions for Lower Salaries

While the general rules will require higher wages, the UDI has confirmed that exceptions may apply. Applicants may be eligible for a work permit even with a lower salary, provided they can submit strong documentation showing that the offered salary is standard for their occupation and geographic location in Norway.

“We may accept a lower salary if you can document that this is normal for your occupation in the place where you will be working. However, it takes substantial evidence to provide documentation for this,” UDI clarified.

Higher Income Requirement for Family Reunification

In a related move, Norway has also raised the income threshold for family immigration. As of February 2025, those applying for family reunification must show a minimum income of NOK 400,000 (about €34,116) annually, up from the previous threshold of NOK 335,000 (approx. €28,572).

These policy adjustments reflect Norway’s ongoing efforts to regulate its labour market, protect foreign workers, and ensure that wages remain competitive and fair.