Paid Time Off

Norway PTO Compliance: A Guide for Employers

Paid Time Off in Norway is regulated by the Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven). The law outlines clear rules for annual vacation, sick leave, and public holidays to ensure employee well-being and workplace transparency. Employers must align their leave practices with these national standards to remain compliant and support a balanced work culture.

Norway pto compliance

Understanding PTO Requirements in Norway

Key legal entitlements for time off in Norway.

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Statutory Vacation Days

Employees in Norway are entitled to 25 working days of paid vacation per calendar year. Saturdays are considered working days, so this typically equates to four full weeks off. Employees aged 60 and above receive an extra six days annually. Many collective agreements provide more generous vacation entitlements, often up to five weeks. Vacation pay is usually 12% of the previous year’s gross earnings and is paid out when leave is taken.

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Sick Leave Regulations

Employees are entitled to up to one year of sick leave with full pay. The employer covers the first 16 days, after which the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) assumes responsibility. Employees must present a doctor’s certificate for absences longer than three calendar days unless a self-declaration policy is in place.

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Public Holidays

Norway observes 10 to 12 public holidays annually, including Christmas Day, Constitution Day, and Ascension Day. Employees are generally entitled to paid leave on these days if they fall on regular workdays. Working on a public holiday requires overtime pay, typically regulated by collective agreements.

PTO Carryover Rules

Employees are expected to use their annual leave within the year, but unused vacation can be carried over for up to one year (until the end of the following year). Any unused vacation must be granted or compensated upon termination of employment, based on the employee’s accrued entitlement.

Norwegian Paid Time Off Overview

Key Considerations For Employees And Employers

Understand your obligations and rights under Norway’s Working Environment Act.

Employers

  • Grant a minimum of 25 working days of paid vacation per year
  • Pay out vacation based on the prior year’s earnings (usually 12%)
  • Provide sick leave for up to a year, coordinating with NAV
  • Observe public holidays or compensate with overtime
  • Track unused leave and compensate upon termination

Employees

  • Receive four weeks and one day of paid vacation annually
  • Can carry over unused leave for one year
  • Must provide a doctor’s note after three days of sick leave
  • Are entitled to paid public holidays on working days
  • Must use prior year’s income to calculate vacation pay

PTO in Norway is regulated under the Working Environment Act. This content is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult an HR or legal expert for case-specific advice.

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Best Practices for Managing PTO in Norway

Optimize leave tracking and ensure compliance with these strategies.

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    Why Compliance Matters

    Complying with Norway’s PTO laws isn’t just about avoiding legal penalties—it’s about supporting a fair, balanced, and trusting workplace culture.

    1

    Keep a Clean Record

    Failing to comply with vacation pay, carryover rules, or sick leave documentation can result in disputes, audits, or financial penalties. By properly tracking paid time off and meeting obligations under the Working Environment Act, employers protect their credibility and reduce legal risk.

    2

    Employee Satisfaction

    Employees who know their time off is respected and fairly managed are more likely to feel valued, motivated, and engaged. A structured PTO system leads to fewer disputes, improved retention, and higher overall satisfaction.

    3

    Positive Workspace

    Transparent and consistent leave practices build trust between employees and leadership. When people feel empowered to take time off without complications, they return to work more focused, leading to a healthier, more productive environment.

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    How TrackingTime Can Help

    Learn more about how we can help you optimize your PTO policies and ensure compliance with German labor laws.

    Effortless Organization

    Say goodbye to messy email chains and manual tracking. With a streamlined PTO management system, you can keep all requests and records in one place, making it easy to approve time off and manage employee schedules efficiently.

    • Quick Approvals – Manage PTO requests fast.
    • Clear Records – Access all time-off data easily.
    • Team Sync – Keep schedules aligned effortlessly.

    Custom Time-Off Policies

    Every company has unique needs, and your PTO policies should reflect that. Customize your time-off rules to match your team’s structure, ensuring fairness and clarity while maintaining flexibility.

    • Flexible Rules – Tailor policies to your team’s needs.
    • Clear Guidelines – Keep everyone informed.
    • Smooth Management – Set rules that work for all.

    Real-Time Transparency

    Give your employees the confidence to plan their time off without uncertainty. By providing real-time access to balances and request statuses, you create a more transparent and trusting workplace.

    • Instant Access – Check balances anytime.
    • Live Updates – Track requests in real time.
    • Boost Trust – Keep everyone informed.

    INTEGRATIONS

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    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Get answers to all your questions about our service and plans.

    What is the minimum annual leave in Norway?

    According to the Norwegian Annual Holidays Act, employees are entitled to a minimum of 25 working days (equivalent to 4 weeks + 1 day) of paid vacation each year.

    Is paid vacation mandatory in Norway?

    Yes. Paid vacation is mandatory under Norwegian law, and employers must ensure employees receive at least the statutory minimum of 25 working days annually.

    Are public holidays included in annual leave in Norway?

    No. Public holidays are not counted as part of the statutory vacation days and are treated separately. Employees are usually paid for these holidays in addition to their vacation time.

    Which law governs PTO in Norway?

    The Annual Holidays Act (Ferieloven) is the primary legislation regulating paid leave and vacation entitlements in Norway for all employees.

    Is vacation pay required in Norway?

    Yes. Vacation pay (feriepenger) must be paid and is typically calculated as 10.2% of the employee’s gross salary from the previous year, or 12% if the employee is entitled to extra leave days.

    Can employees carry over unused vacation days in Norway?

    Yes. Employees can carry over up to two weeks of unused vacation days into the next calendar year unless a different arrangement is made in writing with the employer.

    Are older employees entitled to extra vacation in Norway?

    Yes. Employees aged 60 or older are entitled to one additional week of paid vacation per year under the Annual Holidays Act.

    How is vacation pay taxed in Norway?

    Vacation pay is generally tax-free in the month it is paid out, typically June, but it is considered part of total taxable income for the year and may affect annual tax calculations.

    Can part-time employees get full vacation in Norway?

    Yes. Part-time workers are entitled to the same number of vacation days as full-time employees, but the amount of vacation pay is adjusted based on their actual earnings.

    Is PTO accrual based on calendar year or employment anniversary in Norway?

    PTO accrual in Norway is based on the calendar year. Employees earn vacation pay based on their income from the previous year and take the leave in the following year.

    Can Norwegian employers decide when vacation is taken?

    Yes. Employers may determine the timing of vacation but must consult employees and provide at least two months’ notice before the vacation period starts.

    Can vacation be split into smaller periods in Norway?

    Yes. While the main vacation period should be at least three consecutive weeks, the remaining days can be split into shorter periods by agreement between employer and employee.

    Is it common to receive more than 25 days of vacation in Norway?

    Yes. Many Norwegian employers offer additional days beyond the statutory 25 as part of collective agreements or employee benefits, especially in the public sector.

    What happens to unused vacation at termination in Norway?

    Upon resignation or termination, employees must be paid for any unused vacation days as part of their final settlement, based on the standard vacation pay calculation.

    Do employers in Norway need a written leave policy?

    While not legally required, it is strongly recommended that employers outline leave procedures, accrual, and scheduling rules in employee contracts or internal policies for clarity and compliance.