December 22, 2025
Hiring out workers in Norway is legal only if:
Without authorisation, hiring out workers is illegal.
The ban covers construction site work and work directly linked to construction contracts. In other regions, labour hire may still be permitted if legal requirements are met.
The obligation to register applies to:
Manufacturing companies may be required to register if hiring out workers becomes a regular part of their activity or if employees are hired primarily to be sent to clients.
Even if less than 50% of employees are hired out, the company may still be classified as a staffing enterprise under Norwegian law.
Authorisation confirms compliance with Norwegian regulations regarding:
Arbeidstilsynet may revoke authorisation if violations are identified.
To register as a staffing enterprise in Norway, a company must:
If you are unsure whether your activity qualifies as hiring out workers or whether registration is required, professional advice is strongly recommended.
Hiring out of employes in Norway means that they are employed by one company but perform work under the direction and control of another company (the client).
This model is legally classified as labour hire and is subject to specific authorisation and registration requirements under Norwegian law.
This model is legally classified as labour hire and is subject to specific authorisation and registration requirements under Norwegian law.
When is hiring out workers legal in Norway?
Hiring out workers in Norway is legal only if:
- the company is authorised by Arbeidstilsynet,
- the company is registered in the Bemanningsforetaksregister,
- the hiring is temporary or based on specialist needs,
- equal treatment rules are followed,
- applicable trade union agreements are respected.
Without authorisation, hiring out workers is illegal.
What is the Bemanningsforetaksregister?
The Bemanningsforetaksregister is the official Register of Staffing Enterprises maintained by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority.
Only companies listed in this register are legally allowed to hire out workers in Norway.
Only companies listed in this register are legally allowed to hire out workers in Norway.
Is hiring out workers banned in Norway?
Hiring out workers is not banned nationwide, but a full ban applies in the construction sector in selected regions of Norway.
Where is labour hire banned in the construction sector?
A complete ban on hiring out workers in the construction sector applies in:
- Oslo
- Akershus
- Buskerud
- Østfold
- Vestfold
The ban covers construction site work and work directly linked to construction contracts. In other regions, labour hire may still be permitted if legal requirements are met.
Who must register as a staffing enterprise in Norway?
The obligation to register applies to:
- all companies hiring out workers in Norway,
- foreign companies, including NUFs (Norwegian branches of foreign companies),
- companies whose activity involves supplying labour, not just recruitment services.
Do manufacturing companies need to register as staffing enterprises?
Manufacturing companies may be required to register if hiring out workers becomes a regular part of their activity or if employees are hired primarily to be sent to clients.
Even if less than 50% of employees are hired out, the company may still be classified as a staffing enterprise under Norwegian law.
What does authorisation by Arbeidstilsynet confirm?
Authorisation confirms compliance with Norwegian regulations regarding:
- employment contracts and working conditions,
- occupational injury insurance,
- equal treatment of hired-out workers,
- health, safety and working environment (HSE) rules.
Arbeidstilsynet may revoke authorisation if violations are identified.
How to register in the Bemanningsforetaksregister?
To register as a staffing enterprise in Norway, a company must:
- Be registered with the Brønnøysund Register Centre (brreg.no),
- Apply for authorisation via Altinn,
- Submit Norwegian-compliant employment contracts,
- Document HSE compliance and equal treatment procedures,
- Provide occupational injury insurance documentation,
- Appoint a Norwegian representative (for foreign companies).
✅ FAQ - hiring out employees in Norway
❓ Do foreign companies need authorisation to hire out workers in Norway?
Yes. Foreign companies, including EU companies and NUFs, must obtain authorisation from Arbeidstilsynet before hiring out workers in Norway.
❓ Is labour hire allowed outside the construction sector?
Yes. Labour hire is generally allowed outside the construction sector, provided the staffing company is authorised and all legal requirements are met.
❓ Is recruitment the same as hiring out workers in Norway?
No. Recruitment agencies that only match candidates with employers and do not employ or supply workers are not considered staffing enterprises.
❓ Can a company be removed from the staffing register?
Yes. Arbeidstilsynet may remove a company from the Bemanningsforetaksregister if it breaches labour law, HSE rules or equal treatment obligations.
❓ What happens if a company hires out workers without authorisation?
Hiring out workers without authorisation is illegal and may result in fines, bans, inspections and reclassification of workers as employees of the client.
📩 Need professional guidance?
If you are unsure whether your activity qualifies as hiring out workers or whether registration is required, professional advice is strongly recommended.
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