Work in Norway without Norwegian
- working language
- English
- NOK per hour
- 229–300
- industries, no Norwegian
- 6
- Legal minimum
- 239.61 NOK/h
- Typical rate
- 270–300 NOK/h
- Schedule
- Long-term, all year
- Who can apply
- EU and EEA citizens
Arbeidstilsynet, verified · 2026-08-08
≈ €25–€27 · with our partner employers
37.5 h week · overtime at least +40 %
no visa or work permit needed
Why Norwegian isn't required
In construction, fish plants, warehouses and forestry the work is practical, and what counts is what you can do. The working language on site is English: the safety briefing is in English, the supervisor speaks it, the paperwork is in it. There's no language test. You need to follow instructions and ask when something isn't clear.
You don't need any Norwegian for the application or for your first day. Many crews have Latvians and Poles on them, so day to day English is a safety net rather than a hurdle. Pick up Norwegian on the job and higher-paid positions open up later.
In practice
- Working language: English
- No Norwegian for the application or the start
- Safety briefing in English
- Latvians and Poles on many crews
- Full rate from day one
- Same rights as locals
Industries where English is enough
In all of these you can work without Norwegian, with basic English.
Construction
270–300 NOK/h
Carpenters, drywall installers, construction workers, renovation specialists
Fish Factory
228.65 NOK/h
Fish processing, packaging, quality control, fishing boat work
Warehouse
Rate set by the employer
Sorting, loading, unloading, logistics
Forestry
Rate set by the employer
Timber preparation, forest work, equipment operators
Drivers
229 NOK/h
Truck drivers, couriers, transport services
Seasonal Work
Rate set by the employer
Agriculture, tourism, hotels, harvesting
Questions About Language
Can I work in Norway without speaking Norwegian?
Yes. Construction, fish plants, warehouses, forestry and transport don't ask for Norwegian, and the working language is English.
Do I need English?
Yes, the basics. The safety briefing, the supervisor and the paperwork are all in English. There's no language test. You need to follow instructions and ask when something isn't clear.
Is working abroad without the language realistic?
In Norway, yes, as long as you have basic English. This page lists the industries where you can start without Norwegian and the rates the law sets.
Which industries hire without Norwegian?
Construction, fish plants, warehouses, forestry, seasonal work and transport. All six are described above.
Does Norwegian help me earn more?
Yes. Pick it up on the job and better-paid positions open up, foreman work for one.
What happens after you apply
A chat with TANA
Our own AI, TANA, may start the conversation. It asks about your trade and the work you are after.
We read it and get in touch
Our team goes through your application and the chat. If a job fits, we contact you personally. If we do not get in touch right away, you stay on file and we may write a month or two later.
We put you forward
Your profile goes to the Norwegian employer and we set up the call.
Contract and travel
Your contract is with the Norwegian employer. We meet you in Norway and take you to your place.
Every application gets an answer within a month.
Start working without Norwegian
Apply for work in Norway. No Norwegian needed, basic English is.