Norway’s agriculture and fisheries sectors are vital components of the national economy, especially fisheries, which is one of the country’s largest export industries. Working in these sectors means contributing to essential industries that support both local communities and international trade.
There is consistent demand for skilled and seasonal workers in both agriculture and fisheries, especially during peak seasons. This creates opportunities for both local and international workers to find employment with relative ease.
Jobs in these sectors often come with fair wages and labor protections as per Norwegian labor laws. Seasonal workers may also benefit from union support and secure working conditions.
Many agricultural and fishing jobs are located in picturesque rural or coastal areas of Norway. This provides a unique opportunity to experience Norway’s natural beauty while earning a living.
Working in these sectors allows individuals to gain practical skills, understand sustainable practices, and engage with Norwegian culture. It can also serve as a stepping stone for longer-term employment or residence in Norway.
Norwegian employers often emphasize a healthy work-life balance and promote safe, inclusive workplaces. This adds to the appeal for workers looking for both stability and well-being on the job.
Norway is a global leader in sustainable agriculture and fisheries. International candidates can participate in pioneering efforts such as organic farming, precision agriculture, aquaponics, and eco-friendly fishing technologies.
Norway’s fish farming industry, especially salmon farming, is one of the most advanced in the world. It offers roles in marine biology, robotics, underwater drone operations, and data analysis—ideal for those with tech or science backgrounds.
There is a growing demand for digital solutions in farming, such as AI-driven crop monitoring, smart irrigation, and drone surveillance. International workers with IT or engineering expertise can contribute to Norway's transition to high-tech farming.
Beyond raw agriculture and fisheries, Norway invests in food processing and innovation. Roles in product development, sustainable packaging, and bio-based food alternatives offer creative opportunities in the sector.
Many farms and fisheries welcome international seasonal workers, offering more than just jobs—these roles often include cultural exchange, language practice, and community involvement, making the experience uniquely enriching.
Norwegian research institutions and private companies often seek international researchers to work on marine sustainability, fish health, climate adaptation, and bioresource optimization, blending science with real-world application.
Norway supports startups in the green economy. International entrepreneurs with innovative ideas in sustainable agriculture or fisheries can find support through grants, incubators, and government programs aimed at climate-smart solutions.
General labor roles on farms include planting, harvesting, sorting, and packaging crops. These are often seasonal jobs, especially in fruit and vegetable farming.
These roles involve caring for animals such as sheep, cattle, pigs, and poultry. Duties include feeding, cleaning, health monitoring, and sometimes assisting with milking or shearing.
Greenhouse farming is common in Norway for crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and flowers. Workers manage planting, watering, pest control, and harvesting under controlled environments.
Trained operators are needed to handle tractors, harvesters, and other specialized machinery used on farms. Mechanical knowledge and safety training are often required.
Especially in regions like Hardanger and Sogn, fruit pickers are needed during summer and autumn to harvest apples, strawberries, cherries, and other berries.
In the fisheries sector, technicians help manage fish farms, monitor water quality, feed fish, and maintain nets and cages. This is especially relevant in salmon farming.
These jobs involve cleaning, filleting, packing, and freezing fish for export. Processing plants operate year-round, often in coastal areas.
Traditional sea fishing jobs include working on boats to catch cod, haddock, mackerel, and other fish species. These jobs are physically demanding and require safety training.
Professionals in this role ensure that food and fish products meet health and export standards. This includes testing, documentation, and compliance checks.
Specialized roles in marine science focus on sustainability, fish health, ocean ecology, and resource management. These are typically based in research institutions or private sector R&D departments.
Job Profile |
Average Salary (NOK/month) |
USD/month |
INR/month |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Farm Manager |
55,000 |
5,225 |
489,500 |
|
Agricultural Engineer |
60,000 |
5,700 |
534,000 |
|
Livestock Supervisor |
48,000 |
4,560 |
427,200 |
|
Greenhouse Technician |
42,000 |
3,990 |
373,800 |
|
Agricultural Machinery Operator |
45,000 |
4,275 |
400,500 |
|
Seasonal Fruit Picker |
30,000 |
2,850 |
267,000 |
|
Farm Laborer (General) |
32,000 |
3,040 |
284,800 |
|
Dairy Farm Assistant |
38,000 |
3,610 |
338,200 |
|
Aquaculture Technician |
50,000 |
4,750 |
445,000 |
|
Fish Farm Manager |
58,000 |
5,510 |
516,400 |
|
Fish Processing Worker |
36,000 |
3,420 |
320,400 |
|
Fishing Vessel Crew Member |
52,000 |
4,940 |
462,800 |
|
Net Cleaner / Maintenance Worker |
34,000 |
3,230 |
302,600 |
|
Quality Control Inspector (Seafood) |
54,000 |
5,130 |
480,600 |
|
Marine Biologist |
65,000 |
6,175 |
578,500 |
|
Aquaculture Research Scientist |
68,000 |
6,460 |
605,200 |
|
Agricultural Researcher |
62,000 |
5,890 |
551,800 |
|
Hatchery Technician |
46,000 |
4,370 |
409,400 |
|
Agricultural Product Developer |
57,000 |
5,415 |
507,300 |
|
Environmental and Sustainability Expert |
66,000 |
6,270 |
587,400 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Work Permit/Visa |
Non-EU/EEA citizens must obtain a valid work permit through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). EU/EEA citizens can work without a permit but must register. |
|
Job Offer Requirement |
A confirmed job offer from a Norwegian employer is required to apply for a work permit. |
|
Relevant Experience or Skills |
Prior experience in agriculture or fisheries is often preferred, especially for skilled roles (e.g., machinery operator, aquaculture technician). |
|
Educational Qualification |
Formal education may not be required for general labor, but skilled roles may need vocational or higher education (e.g., agricultural engineering, marine biology). |
|
Language Skills |
English is widely used in workplaces. Knowledge of basic Norwegian is an advantage and sometimes required, especially for long-term roles. |
|
Health and Safety Compliance |
Must meet health standards and follow Norway’s strict safety and hygiene regulations, particularly in food processing and fishing. |
|
Age Requirement |
Minimum age is typically 18 years for most positions. Some seasonal jobs may allow younger applicants, depending on labor laws. |
|
Seasonal Work Permits |
Available for short-term roles, mainly in fruit picking and fisheries during peak seasons. Duration is usually up to 6 months. |
|
Police Clearance Certificate |
May be required for certain positions, especially those involving food safety or work on fishing vessels. |
|
Registration with Tax Authorities |
Workers must obtain a Norwegian ID number and register with the Tax Administration to receive wages legally. |
|
Union Membership (Optional) |
While not mandatory, joining a labor union (e.g., Fellesforbundet) provides legal support and wage protection. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. Farm Manager |
Oversee daily farm operations, manage workers, plan crop cycles, monitor finances, and ensure compliance. |
|
2. Agricultural Engineer |
Design and maintain farm equipment, irrigation systems, and advise on sustainable farming methods. |
|
3. Livestock Supervisor |
Manage feeding, health checks, breeding programs, and animal welfare. |
|
4. Greenhouse Technician |
Monitor temperature, humidity, irrigation, and pest control systems inside greenhouses. |
|
5. Agricultural Machinery Operator |
Operate and maintain tractors, harvesters, and other equipment safely and efficiently. |
|
6. Seasonal Fruit Picker |
Harvest fruits during peak seasons, sort produce, and pack for transportation or storage. |
|
7. Farm Laborer (General) |
Assist with planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and maintenance tasks on the farm. |
|
8. Dairy Farm Assistant |
Milk cows, feed animals, clean stalls, and help monitor dairy production and equipment. |
|
9. Aquaculture Technician |
Feed fish, monitor water quality, clean cages, and assist with harvesting and fish health checks. |
|
10. Fish Farm Manager |
Manage fish stock, coordinate operations, maintain equipment, and ensure environmental compliance. |
|
11. Fish Processing Worker |
Clean, fillet, package, and store fish products following hygiene and quality standards. |
|
12. Fishing Vessel Crew Member |
Operate nets and equipment, catch fish, and ensure safety on board during sea fishing trips. |
|
13. Net Cleaner / Maintenance Worker |
Clean fish farming nets, repair equipment, and perform underwater inspections. |
|
14. Quality Control Inspector |
Inspect produce or seafood for quality, test for contaminants, and ensure regulatory compliance. |
|
15. Marine Biologist |
Study marine life, monitor ecosystems, conduct field research, and advise on environmental practices. |
|
16. Aquaculture Research Scientist |
Conduct research on fish health, breeding, nutrition, and sustainable aquaculture practices. |
|
17. Agricultural Researcher |
Study crops, soil, and climate to develop efficient farming techniques and pest control methods. |
|
18. Hatchery Technician |
Manage fish egg incubation, monitor growth, and transfer fry to sea farms or tanks. |
|
19. Agricultural Product Developer |
Create new food or crop products, work on value-added processing, and test quality and shelf life. |
|
20. Environmental & Sustainability Expert |
Advise on eco-friendly farming/fishing methods, track environmental impact, and ensure regulatory compliance. |
Job Profile |
General Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
|
1. Farm Manager |
Degree or experience in agriculture, leadership skills, good English or Norwegian, valid work permit |
|
2. Agricultural Engineer |
Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering or related field, technical expertise, work authorization |
|
3. Livestock Supervisor |
Animal care experience, vocational training in livestock management, basic Norwegian often preferred |
|
4. Greenhouse Technician |
Experience in greenhouse operations, knowledge of climate control systems, seasonal work permit acceptable |
|
5. Agricultural Machinery Operator |
Proven skills in operating farm machinery, relevant certifications, safety training |
|
6. Seasonal Fruit Picker |
No formal education required, physical fitness, seasonal work visa, basic English or Norwegian helpful |
|
7. Farm Laborer (General) |
No formal education required, ability to perform physical tasks, temporary or permanent work permit |
|
8. Dairy Farm Assistant |
Experience in milking or animal care, willingness to work flexible shifts, work permit |
|
9. Aquaculture Technician |
Technical/vocational training in aquaculture, experience with fish farms, health and safety compliance |
|
10. Fish Farm Manager |
Degree in aquaculture or biology, leadership experience, strong language and management skills |
|
11. Fish Processing Worker |
No formal education required, understanding of hygiene standards, shift work flexibility, valid permit |
|
12. Fishing Vessel Crew Member |
Basic seamanship skills, safety certifications (e.g., STCW), physical fitness, permit for sea work |
|
13. Net Cleaner / Maintenance Worker |
Diving or net-cleaning training preferred, safety awareness, ability to work in offshore conditions |
|
14. Quality Control Inspector |
Training in food safety or biology, experience in inspection, understanding of Norwegian/EU quality standards |
|
15. Marine Biologist |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in marine biology, research experience, English proficiency, often requires residence permit |
|
16. Aquaculture Research Scientist |
Advanced degree (MSc/PhD), R&D experience, knowledge of Norwegian regulatory frameworks, work authorization |
|
17. Agricultural Researcher |
Degree in agriculture or plant sciences, analytical skills, eligibility to work in academic or private sectors |
|
18. Hatchery Technician |
Experience with fish breeding, knowledge of hatchery operations, vocational certification preferred |
|
19. Agricultural Product Developer |
Degree in food science or agriculture, creativity in product design, work permit, English fluency |
|
20. Environmental & Sustainability Expert |
Degree in environmental science or sustainability, knowledge of climate policy, research or NGO experience |
Job Profile |
Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
1. Farm Manager |
3–5 years in farm operations, team management, and crop/livestock planning |
|
2. Agricultural Engineer |
2–4 years in agri-machinery, irrigation systems, or farm infrastructure |
|
3. Livestock Supervisor |
2–3 years working with farm animals, knowledge of health and feeding systems |
|
4. Greenhouse Technician |
1–2 years in greenhouse or horticultural environments |
|
5. Agricultural Machinery Operator |
1–3 years of hands-on experience with tractors and other machinery |
|
6. Seasonal Fruit Picker |
No prior experience required; training provided on-site |
|
7. Farm Laborer (General) |
No formal experience needed; physical ability and willingness to learn are sufficient |
|
8. Dairy Farm Assistant |
6 months–1 year in dairy farming or animal care preferred |
|
9. Aquaculture Technician |
1–3 years in fish farming or marine systems operation |
|
10. Fish Farm Manager |
3–5 years in aquaculture, including supervisory experience |
|
11. Fish Processing Worker |
0–1 year; prior food processing experience is a plus |
|
12. Fishing Vessel Crew Member |
1–2 years in commercial fishing or maritime experience preferred |
|
13. Net Cleaner / Maintenance Worker |
6 months–1 year in underwater work or equipment maintenance |
|
14. Quality Control Inspector |
2–4 years in quality control, food safety, or seafood inspection |
|
15. Marine Biologist |
2–5 years in marine research or fieldwork, depending on role complexity |
|
16. Aquaculture Research Scientist |
3–6 years of research experience, usually with postgraduate education |
|
17. Agricultural Researcher |
2–4 years in scientific studies or lab/field research |
|
18. Hatchery Technician |
1–2 years in fish breeding or hatchery operations |
|
19. Agricultural Product Developer |
2–3 years in food or product development |
|
20. Environmental & Sustainability Expert |
3–5 years in environmental science, policy, or sustainability projects |
Company Name |
Sector |
Location(s) |
Known For |
Hiring of International Workers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Marine Harvest (Mowi ASA) |
Fisheries (Aquaculture) |
Bergen, nationwide |
World's largest salmon producer |
Yes – technicians, researchers, processing workers |
|
SalMar ASA |
Fisheries (Aquaculture) |
Frøya, Central Norway |
High-tech fish farming and salmon production |
Yes – farm workers, R&D roles |
|
Cermaq Group AS |
Fisheries (Aquaculture) |
Northern and Western Norway |
Sustainable salmon farming and global exports |
Yes – operations, quality control |
|
Lerøy Seafood Group ASA |
Fisheries & Processing |
Bergen, Northern Norway |
Seafood processing, aquaculture, and distribution |
Yes – processing, maintenance |
|
Skretting AS |
Fisheries (Feed & R&D) |
Stavanger |
Aquaculture feed production and innovation |
Yes – engineers, researchers |
|
Tine SA |
Agriculture (Dairy) |
Nationwide |
Norway's largest dairy cooperative |
Yes – dairy farm workers, seasonal staff |
|
Nortura SA |
Agriculture (Meat) |
Nationwide |
Major meat producer and processor (beef, lamb, poultry) |
Yes – slaughterhouse & factory workers |
|
Bama Gruppen AS |
Agriculture (Produce) |
Oslo, regions of Eastern Norway |
Fresh fruit, vegetable, and flower distribution |
Yes – warehouse, packing, logistics |
|
Hatteland Group (RobotFarm Project) |
AgriTech |
Haugaland and rural areas |
Robotics and smart farming innovation |
Yes – agri-engineers, developers |
|
Felleskjøpet Agri SA |
Agriculture (Input Supply) |
Nationwide |
Supplies equipment, feed, and services to Norwegian farmers |
Yes – service, sales, and farm support roles |
|
Grønt Pakkeri AS |
Agriculture (Fruit/Vegetable Packing) |
Eastern Norway |
Fruit and vegetable sorting, packing, and logistics |
Yes – seasonal packers and sorters |
|
Hardanger Fjordfrukt AS |
Agriculture (Fruit Farming) |
Hardanger region |
Apple and berry orchards, seasonal harvest jobs |
Yes – fruit pickers (seasonal) |
|
Sjøtroll Havbruk AS |
Fisheries (Aquaculture) |
Western Norway |
Integrated aquaculture company specializing in trout |
Yes – fish farm workers, technicians |
|
Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) |
Research (Agri & Environment) |
Ås and multiple locations |
Agricultural and environmental research |
Yes – researchers, PhD candidates |
|
BioMar Group |
Fisheries (Feed & R&D) |
Trondheim and offshore |
Aquafeed development and fish nutrition R&D |
Yes – scientists, lab staff |
|
Trolltind Fruit Farm |
Agriculture (Fruit Farming) |
Fjord Region |
Small-scale farm with seasonal picking jobs |
Yes – seasonal pickers (EU and non-EU) |
|
Norsvin SA |
Agriculture (Livestock Genetics) |
Hamar, Norway |
Pig breeding, genetics, and AI technology |
Yes – animal technicians, researchers |
|
Aker BioMarine |
Fisheries (Krill Industry) |
Oslo, offshore operations |
Antarctic krill fishing and biotechnology |
Yes – maritime crew, technicians |
|
Matvareexpressen AS |
Agriculture (Distribution) |
Oslo and Bergen |
Distribution of fresh produce to food service industry |
Yes – warehouse, delivery, logistics |
|
Grieg Seafood ASA |
Fisheries (Aquaculture) |
Finnmark, Rogaland |
Sustainable salmon farming |
Yes – hatchery, processing, site crew |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (NOK/month) |
Job Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Farm Manager |
55,000 |
3–5 years farm experience, management skills, work permit |
Manage farm operations, budgeting, staff, planning and compliance |
Tine SA, Felleskjøpet Agri, Bama Gruppen AS |
|
Agricultural Engineer |
60,000 |
Degree in agri-engineering, technical skills, fluent in English/Norwegian |
Design and maintain farm systems, machinery, and sustainability practices |
NIBIO, Felleskjøpet Agri, Hatteland Group |
|
Livestock Supervisor |
48,000 |
2–3 years with livestock, animal care knowledge |
Manage animal health, feeding, housing, and breeding |
Nortura SA, Tine SA, Norsvin SA |
|
Greenhouse Technician |
42,000 |
1–2 years in horticulture or greenhouse systems |
Operate irrigation, climate control, pest management |
Grønt Pakkeri AS, Bama Gruppen AS |
|
Machinery Operator |
45,000 |
Machinery certification, 1–3 years experience, safety training |
Operate and maintain tractors, seeders, and harvesters |
Felleskjøpet Agri, Large private farms |
|
Fruit Picker (Seasonal) |
30,000 |
No formal experience; physical fitness, seasonal visa |
Harvest fruits, sort produce, basic farm labor |
Hardanger Fjordfrukt AS, Trolltind Fruit Farm |
|
Farm Laborer |
32,000 |
No experience needed; basic communication skills |
Planting, weeding, harvesting, maintenance |
Bama Gruppen AS, Seasonal farms |
|
Dairy Farm Assistant |
38,000 |
6–12 months animal care experience, flexible hours |
Milking, feeding, cleaning, health checks for cattle |
Tine SA, Nortura SA |
|
Aquaculture Technician |
50,000 |
1–3 years fish farming experience, vocational training |
Feed fish, monitor health, clean nets, ensure water quality |
Mowi, SalMar, Grieg Seafood |
|
Fish Farm Manager |
58,000 |
3–5 years aquaculture experience, leadership skills |
Oversee fish farms, production, staff, compliance |
Cermaq, Lerøy Seafood, SalMar |
|
Fish Processor |
36,000 |
No prior experience; knowledge of hygiene standards |
Clean, fillet, package, and label fish products |
Lerøy, Mowi, Grieg Seafood |
|
Fishing Vessel Crew |
52,000 |
Seafaring license, physical fitness, maritime training (STCW) |
Operate fishing gear, catch fish, handle equipment at sea |
Aker BioMarine, Norwegian trawler companies |
|
Net Cleaner |
34,000 |
Net cleaning or diving experience preferred |
Clean and maintain aquaculture nets and facilities |
Sjøtroll Havbruk, Grieg Seafood |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
54,000 |
Food safety or science background, 2–4 years experience |
Inspect seafood or produce for quality and compliance |
Cermaq, Lerøy, BioMar |
|
Marine Biologist |
65,000 |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in marine biology, research background |
Study marine life, monitor ecosystems, advise on sustainability |
NIBIO, SalMar, NIVA |
|
Aquaculture Scientist |
68,000 |
MSc/PhD, aquaculture R&D experience |
Research fish nutrition, breeding, disease prevention |
Skretting, BioMar, Mowi |
|
Agricultural Researcher |
62,000 |
Degree in agri or plant science, research experience |
Develop farming methods, test crops, conduct field studies |
NIBIO, Universities, Research farms |
|
Hatchery Technician |
46,000 |
1–2 years in hatchery or fish rearing |
Monitor fish eggs, support breeding, track fry development |
Grieg Seafood, SalMar, Cermaq |
|
Product Developer (Agri) |
57,000 |
Degree in food science, R&D or product innovation experience |
Develop new agri/food products, test for quality and market suitability |
Nortura, Bama Gruppen, Bio-based startups |
|
Sustainability Expert |
66,000 |
3–5 years in sustainability/environmental sciences |
Assess environmental impact, develop eco-friendly practices |
Aker BioMarine, NIBIO, Aquaculture firms |
Visa Type |
Eligibility |
Validity |
Key Requirements |
Suitable Job Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Skilled Worker Visa |
Non-EU/EEA citizens with a job offer in a skilled profession |
Up to 3 years (renewable) |
Job offer from Norwegian employer, relevant qualifications, full-time position |
Farm Manager, Engineer, Biologist, Quality Inspector |
|
Seasonal Worker Visa |
Non-EU/EEA citizens with a temporary offer for seasonal work |
Up to 6 months |
Temporary job contract, proof of accommodation, travel insurance |
Fruit Picker, Farm Laborer, Greenhouse Worker |
|
Job Seeker Visa (for skilled workers) |
Non-EU/EEA skilled professionals seeking work in Norway |
Up to 6 months |
Relevant education (minimum bachelor's), proof of funds, intent to find skilled work |
Agricultural Engineer, Marine Biologist, Sustainability Expert |
|
EU/EEA Right to Work |
EU/EEA citizens |
Unlimited (with registration) |
No visa needed; must register within 3 months of arrival |
All roles in agriculture & fisheries |
|
Student Visa with Part-Time Work Rights |
International students studying in Norway |
Duration of study |
Enrolled in accredited institution, part-time job allowed (20 hrs/week) |
Part-time farm jobs, food processing, research internships |
|
Working Holiday Visa (selected countries) |
Youth (18–30) from eligible countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, Japan) |
12 months |
Proof of funds, return ticket, health insurance, informal job-seeking permitted |
Seasonal farm work, fisheries, hospitality-related roles |
|
Family Immigration Permit (Work Rights) |
Family members of a legal resident in Norway |
Linked to sponsor's permit |
Must be spouse/partner or child of a legal worker/resident |
Entry-level or unskilled agricultural or processing jobs |
|
Researcher Visa |
Researchers with a formal invitation from a Norwegian institution |
Project duration |
Research contract, academic qualifications, proof of funding |
Agricultural Researcher, Aquaculture Scientist |