If your company is planning to hire international talent in Norway, there is an important update to be aware of.
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) has updated the minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker residence permits. While the updated guidance was published on 4 June 2026, the new salary thresholds apply from 1 May 2026.
Updated minimum salary thresholds
For positions where no collective agreement applies, UDI normally requires the following minimum annual salaries:
| Education required for the position | Minimum annual salary (from 1 May 2026) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (minimum 3 years of higher education) | NOK 545,400 |
| Master’s degree or equivalent (minimum 5 years of higher education) | NOK 624,700 |
These replace the previous minimum salary thresholds of:
- Bachelor’s degree: NOK 522,600
- Master’s degree: NOK 599,200
When do these salary requirements apply?
These salary thresholds are used when assessing applications for a Skilled Worker residence permit where there is no collective agreement governing pay.
If the position is covered by a collective agreement, the employee must normally receive the applicable collectively agreed salary.
Where neither of these applies, the salary must not be lower than what is considered normal for the occupation and geographical area in Norway.
In certain cases, UDI may accept a lower salary than the stated thresholds if the employer can provide substantial documentation demonstrating that the proposed salary is standard for the occupation and location. However, this requires strong supporting evidence.
Why this matters
Using outdated salary figures can result in delays or requests for additional documentation during the residence permit process.
Employers currently recruiting international employees should review:
- employment contracts
- job offers
- ongoing Skilled Worker applications
to ensure they comply with the updated salary requirements where applicable.
Need assistance?
Navigating Norway’s immigration rules can be challenging, especially as requirements change over time.
At Relocation AS, we help employers and international employees throughout the entire immigration process—from determining the correct permit type to preparing compliant application documents and supporting employees through their move to Norway.
If you’re planning to recruit international talent, our team is happy to help ensure your application meets the latest UDI requirements.