One of the least corrupt and most transparent countries in Europe is issuing a warning to foreign professionals, including Portuguese ones. This is Norway, which is facing labor shortages in several sectors. According to EURES, a European employment network that facilitates labor mobility, there are currently around 13,200 job offers available, ranging from roles without the need for qualifications to highly specialized positions.
The Scandinavian country is distinguished by high salaries. According to EURES, the average annual income in Norway reaches 65,675 euros, equivalent to 5,473 euros per month with benefits included. For comparison, the average salary in Portugal is 1,615 euros, showing a salary difference of more than three times between the two countries.
Minimum wages defined by collective agreements
Contrary to what happens in other European states, in Norway there is no national minimum wage.
According to the same source, the values are defined by collective agreements and vary depending on the sector. Hospitality workers aged 20 and over receive a minimum of 204.79 Norwegian kroner per hour (around 17.80 euros), while in cleaning the amount rises to 227.54 kroner (approximately 19.80 euros).
In the construction sector, an unskilled worker with no experience earns 239.61 crowns/hour (around 20.80 euros), increasing to 264.32 crowns/hour (approximately 23 euros) in the case of qualified professionals.
Opportunities for all qualification levels
Opportunities advertised through the EURES portal include cleaning staff for schools, childcare workers upon presentation of a criminal record certificate, early childhood education assistants with open-ended contracts and free accommodation, truck drivers, metal carpenters, mechanics for Oslo, laser cutter operators, restaurant staff with the possibility of temporary accommodation, domestic workers, software developers and medical specialists.
In some cases, companies offer support in finding housing or free accommodation during the first few months, according to EURES.
Working in Norway without a visa for EU citizens
Although it is not part of the European Union, Norway belongs to the Schengen area, allowing EU citizens to work without the need for a visa or prior authorization. According to the Ny i Norge portal, simply notify your presence in the first three months through foreign services in cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger or Kirkenes. The website provides information on residence registration, obtaining an identity number, tax card, as well as guidance on housing, health and education.
An invitation to join a transparent market
Norway’s appeal to foreign workers translates not only into competitive wages, but also into living and working conditions considered excellent.
Second, this is an opportunity to join a market that values qualifications, experience and availability to work in a country recognized for its high standards of transparency.
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