- Overview: Norway
- Work Permit for Hiring Expats via Global EOR
- Global HR Compliance
- Global PEO and payroll
- Expand without a company set up
- Contractor vs. employee: which is better?
Global Employer of Record (EOR) in the Norway
Expanding a business to Norway can be a great opportunity for companies looking to explore new markets, access a highly-skilled workforce, and take advantage of favorable economic conditions. However, entering a new country’s market can also be complex, time-consuming, and risky. One of the key challenges businesses face when entering Norway is compliance with local labor laws, tax regulations, and HR requirements. This is where a Global Employer of Record (EOR) can help. Let’s explore what a Global EOR is, how to choose the best one, and how partnering with one can help address risks and streamline operations in Norway.
What is a Global Employer of Record?
A Global Employer of Record (EOR) is a company that acts as an official employer for a foreign workforce. It manages all aspects of HR, payroll, tax compliance, and legal matters related to employment on behalf of a foreign company. A Global EOR can hire employees locally in Norway and handle all local labor laws and regulations. At the same time, the foreign company maintains control of its employees’ day-to-day activities and operations.
How to Choose the Best Global Employer of Record
Choosing the best Global Employer of Record is critical for any business entering Norway. Here are some criteria to consider when selecting a Global EOR:
Expertise
Look for a Global EOR with extensive experience in Norway’s employment laws, tax regulations, and HR practices. Ideally, the company should have a local presence and a deep understanding of the local business culture.
Compliance
Compliance is critical when it comes to employment in Norway. The Global EOR should be able to ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations, including tax and immigration laws.
Cost
The cost of engaging a Global EOR varies, depending on the services provided. Choose a Global EOR that offers transparent pricing and a pricing model that suits your budget.
Flexibility
The Global EOR should be able to adapt to your business needs, from hiring to payroll management to employee termination.
Customer service
Look for a Global EOR with excellent customer service, including a dedicated team available to answer your questions and provide support whenever needed.
Global Employment Services in Norway
Compliance and legal guidance at every step of the Global Employment Journey. 24/7 local support.
1. Recruitment |
2. Global Mobility |
3. Checks |
4. Onboarding |
5. Payroll Administration |
6. Working Time & PTO Processing |
7. Benefits Administration |
8. Tax Administration & Reporting |
Offboarding |
| Talent skilled in highly-specialized areas | Employee Work Visa and Work Permit sponsorship | Health checks | Employment Agreement drafting | In-country registration with statutory bodies | Working hours | Mandatory Benefits | Tax Reporting frequency and requirements; | Employment agreement termination: |
| Executive search | Dependent Visa | Criminal record checks | Compliant worker onboarding on your behalf | Day-to-day payroll management | Overtime | Health insurance | Employer taxes & contributions | Dismissal – by the employer |
| Contingency workforce | Visa extension | Background checks | Account setup in the payroll and HR system | Monthly pay slips or other pay frequency | Public holidays | Workers’ compensation | Employee taxes & contributions | Resignation – by the employee |
| Application for a sponsor license for a foreign national | Education checks | Employee data entry and records maintenance | Accruals | Annual leave | Unemployment insurance | Withholding tax | Termination by mutual agreement | |
| Relocation assistance | Managing probation periods | Allowances | Parental leave | Voluntary Benefits | Local tax payments and reporting to local authorities | Notice period handling | ||
| 13th and 14th salary | Sick leave | Share plans for executives | End of financial year reporting | Final settlement & severance payments | ||||
| Additional leave | Bonuses & Equipment provision | De-registration with statutory bodies | ||||||
| Expenses reimbursement & business trip processing | ||||||||
| Health insurance, dental treatment |
How a Global Employer of Record can help address risks
When expanding your business to Norway, there are several risks to consider, including permanent establishment risk, employee misclassification risk, under-taxation risk, HR compliance risk, immigration compliance risk, intellectual property rights risk, and vendor management & vetting risk. A Global Employer of Record can help address these risks in the following ways:
| Global Employment Risk | How a Global EOR Can Help |
| Permanent Establishment Risk | A Global EOR can help mitigate the risk of creating a permanent establishment in Norway, which can trigger additional tax obligations and regulatory requirements. |
| Employee Misclassification Risk | A Global EOR can ensure that your employees are properly classified under Norwegian law, helping to avoid costly penalties and legal disputes. |
| Under-taxation Risk | A Global EOR can help ensure you pay the correct taxes in Norway, helping avoid penalties and legal disputes. |
| HR Compliance Risk | A Global EOR can ensure that your HR practices comply with Norwegian law, including employment contracts, benefits, and termination procedures. |
| Immigration Compliance Risk | A Global EOR can ensure that your employees have the necessary work permits and visas to work legally in Norway. |
| Intellectual Property Rights Risk | A Global EOR can help protect your intellectual property rights in Norway, including registering trademarks and patents. |
| Vendor Management & Vetting Risk | A Global EOR can help vet and manage vendors, ensuring they comply with local laws and regulations. |
How a Global Employer of Record Can Replace Multiple Vendors
Partnering with a Global EOR can replace the need for multiple vendors, as they provide a wide range of services necessary for operating a business in Norway. A Global EOR can handle payroll processing, tax withholding, and reporting in compliance with Norwegian regulations, eliminating the need for a separate payroll company. They can also offer comprehensive employee benefits packages, provide HR expertise and support, perform background checks and screening, assist with registering and protecting intellectual property rights, provide tax advice, translation services, legal expertise and support, and immigration support.
Partnering with a Global EOR benefits companies looking to streamline operations and ensure local laws and regulations compliance. It can also be a cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized businesses that may not have the resources to hire multiple vendors for each service.
| Services | How a Global EOR Can Help |
| Payroll Company | Handle payroll processing, tax withholding, and reporting in compliance with Norwegian regulations. |
| Employee Benefits Broker | Offer comprehensive employee benefits packages that comply with local laws and regulations. |
| HR Consultants | Provide HR expertise and support, including recruiting, onboarding, and performance management. |
| Background Checks Vendors | Perform background checks and screening to ensure compliance with local regulations. |
| IP Attorney | Assist with registering and protecting intellectual property rights in Norway. |
| Tax Advisor | Provide tax advice and ensure compliance with local tax laws. |
| Translation Service | Provide translation services to help bridge language barriers. |
| Legal Advisor | Provide legal expertise and support, including contract review and compliance. |
| Immigration Advisor | Provide support with work permits and visas for international employees. |
From M&As to Close-Downs: Benefits of Partnering with a Global EOR for Successful Business Transitions
A Global EOR (Employer of Record) is a company that provides comprehensive employment solutions to businesses that want to expand their operations globally without having to establish a legal entity in each country where they operate. In addition to handling payroll, compliance, and legal matters, a Global EOR can also provide a range of other services to support businesses undergoing transitions, M&A processes, restructuring, or those on the way to establishing their own local legal entities.
| Challenges | Solutions |
| Legal and compliance requirements | A Global EOR can ensure that all legal and compliance requirements are met, including handling payroll, taxes, benefits, and employment contracts in accordance with local laws and regulations. |
| Employee retention and morale | A Global EOR can provide support and guidance to employees during times of uncertainty, helping to ensure that they remain motivated and engaged. They can also help ensure employees are seamlessly transferred to the new organization without disrupting their employment or benefits. |
| Recruitment and onboarding | A Global EOR can support the recruitment and onboarding of new employees, helping ensure that the business has the right talent to support its operations. |
| Cultural differences | A Global EOR can provide valuable insights and expertise on local customs, culture, and business practices, helping to ensure that the business can navigate cultural differences effectively. |
| Cost management | A Global EOR can help businesses manage costs during times of transition by providing a flexible, scalable employment solution that can be tailored to their specific needs. |
| Employment infrastructure | A Global EOR can provide an established legal entity in a target country, allowing the employer to operate legally and compliantly. This can be especially beneficial for businesses that are expanding into new markets or regions, as it allows them to establish a local presence and start operating quickly without the need for significant upfront investment or administrative overhead. |
Spotlight on Norway
Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe whose mainland territory comprises the western and northernmost portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Mainland Norway, and the remote island of Jan Mayen as well as the archipelago of Svalbard from Metropolitan Norway.
- Capital: Oslo.
- Population: 5,372,191.
- Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK).
- Developing Industries: Norway’s economy depends on its natural resources and energy sources (oil, gas, hydraulic energy, forests, and minerals). Shipbuilding, metals, wood pulp and paper, the chemical industry, machinery, and electrical equipment comprise Norway’s main manufacturing industries. Norway also has one of the world’s largest and most modern fleets.
Building Your Next Unicorn: How a Global EOR Can Help Startups Succeed in Norway
With a Global Employer of Record by your side, you can build your next unicorn and take advantage of thriving startup ecosystems like Norway. Despite its reputation for stunning natural beauty, Norway has also become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, producing a number of successful unicorns valued at over $1 billion. These startups have significantly contributed to Norway’s economy and underscore the country’s growing reputation as a hotbed for entrepreneurship.
| Company | Industry |
Valuation (as of 2021)
|
| Kahoot! | Educational technology | over $3 billion |
| AutoStore | Robotics and automation | over $7 billion |
| Cognite | Industrial data analysis | over $1 billion |
| Oda | E-commerce & direct-to-consumer | over $1 billion |
| Remarkable | Internet software & services | over $1 billion |
| Dune Analytics | Data management & analytics | over $1 billion |
| Gelato | Cloud-based printing | over $1 billion |
By partnering with Acumen Global EOR, businesses can leverage Norway’s talent pool and establish a local presence quickly and efficiently, enabling them to take advantage of the country’s innovative and dynamic business landscape. Whether it’s for M&A processes, restructuring, or establishing a local legal entity, a Global EOR can help businesses navigate the challenges of building a successful startup in Norway and ultimately help them achieve unicorn status.
