Norway has comprehensive labor laws that protect the rights of domestic workers. These laws regulate working hours, minimum wages, rest periods, and contract terms, ensuring fair treatment and job security.
Domestic workers in Norway generally receive fair and competitive wages compared to many other countries. Wages are often governed by collective agreements or national standards, reflecting the high cost of living and the value placed on labor.
Norway offers legal avenues for domestic workers to be employed with proper documentation and contracts. This legal recognition provides workers with access to social security benefits, healthcare, and pensions.
Norwegian society places a strong emphasis on dignity, respect, and equality in the workplace. Domestic workers can expect safer working conditions and respectful treatment by employers.
Registered domestic workers are entitled to various social benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, and contributions to pension schemes, which add long-term security to the profession.
For foreign domestic workers, legal employment in Norway can be a step toward applying for permanent residency or family reunification, depending on individual circumstances and immigration status.
Working in a Norwegian household provides a unique opportunity to experience the local culture, language, and lifestyle. It can be an enriching experience that promotes both personal and professional growth.
Norwegian families often appreciate domestic workers who go beyond routine cleaning or caregiving tasks. Creative workers—those who can plan engaging activities for children, cook diverse meals, or organize living spaces efficiently—are highly valued for their initiative and added contributions.
International candidates bring fresh perspectives, multilingual abilities, and cross-cultural experiences that enrich Norwegian households. Workers who can incorporate elements of their own culture into caregiving, cooking, or educational play often form deeper connections with the families they serve.
There is a growing demand in Norway for household workers with specific skills such as early childhood education, elder care, nutrition-conscious cooking, or sustainable housekeeping practices. Creative professionals who can combine skill with care are especially sought after.
Household roles in Norway can vary—from nannying and elderly care to house management. International workers who are adaptable and willing to take on diverse responsibilities have more opportunities for long-term employment and professional development.
Norwegian labor culture values work-life balance and healthy employer-employee relationships. International domestic workers are encouraged to work within structured hours, with clear contracts and respect for personal time, allowing space for creativity and autonomy in their roles.
Norway provides legal pathways for international candidates to work in domestic roles through proper visas and employment contracts. This ensures job security, protection under labor laws, and access to benefits such as healthcare and pension contributions.
With language classes, community networks, and support from both employers and municipalities, international domestic workers can gradually integrate into Norwegian society, making the experience more fulfilling and sustainable.
Nannies are responsible for caring for children, often including feeding, bathing, playing, and helping with homework. Some families may prefer live-in arrangements, while others hire part-time or full-time help during working hours.
Housekeepers handle general cleaning duties such as dusting, vacuuming, laundry, and maintaining overall cleanliness. In some homes, housekeepers may also manage shopping and household supplies.
Caregivers assist elderly individuals with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, and companionship. Some roles may require basic medical knowledge or prior experience with elderly care.
An au pair is usually a younger individual who lives with a host family and helps with childcare and light housework in exchange for room, board, and a cultural exchange experience. This is often a temporary arrangement under a specific visa.
Some households hire domestic cooks to prepare daily meals or special dietary dishes. These roles often require knowledge of nutrition, meal planning, and the ability to prepare both local and international cuisines.
Household managers oversee the smooth operation of a home. Duties can include supervising other staff, managing schedules, handling budgets, and coordinating maintenance or travel arrangements for the family.
Live-in workers provide ongoing support within the home, often combining several duties such as cleaning, cooking, and caregiving. They live on the premises and may have flexible schedules based on the family's needs.
In pet-owning households, workers may be hired to walk dogs, feed animals, or provide companionship during the owner's absence. This is often a part-time or supplemental role.
Some families hire domestic workers to maintain gardens, care for plants, mow lawns, or perform other outdoor upkeep tasks around the home.
Job Profile |
Salary (NOK/month) |
Salary (USD/month) |
Salary (INR/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nanny / Childcare Provider |
32,000 |
3,050 |
256,000 |
|
Housekeeper / Cleaner |
30,000 |
2,860 |
240,000 |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
33,000 |
3,140 |
264,000 |
|
Au Pair |
9,000 |
860 |
72,000 |
|
Personal Cook / Family Chef |
35,000 |
3,330 |
280,000 |
|
Household Manager |
40,000 |
3,810 |
320,000 |
|
Personal Assistant (Domestic) |
36,000 |
3,430 |
288,000 |
|
Live-in Domestic Worker |
28,000 |
2,670 |
224,000 |
|
Dog Walker / Pet Care Provider |
22,000 |
2,100 |
176,000 |
|
Gardener / Outdoor Helper |
26,000 |
2,480 |
208,000 |
|
House Maintenance Worker |
34,000 |
3,240 |
272,000 |
|
Laundry / Ironing Specialist |
27,000 |
2,570 |
216,000 |
|
Babysitter (Part-Time) |
15,000 |
1,430 |
120,000 |
|
Elder Companion (Non-medical) |
29,000 |
2,760 |
232,000 |
|
Home Tutor (in-house) |
38,000 |
3,620 |
304,000 |
|
Driver / Family Chauffeur |
33,000 |
3,140 |
264,000 |
|
House Security Personnel |
31,000 |
2,950 |
248,000 |
|
Cleaning Supervisor |
37,000 |
3,520 |
296,000 |
|
Kitchen Helper / Assistant Cook |
25,000 |
2,380 |
200,000 |
|
Multi-task Domestic Helper |
32,000 |
3,050 |
256,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Legal Work Permit / Visa |
Must have a valid work permit or residence visa that allows domestic employment. |
|
Job Offer from a Norwegian Employer |
A formal job contract from a Norwegian household or agency is required. |
|
Minimum Age Requirement |
Must be at least 18 years old. |
|
Language Skills (Recommended) |
Basic knowledge of Norwegian or English is often preferred but not always required. |
|
Relevant Work Experience |
Prior experience in domestic work (e.g., cleaning, childcare, caregiving) is often required or preferred. |
|
Health and Medical Fitness |
Must pass a health check or provide proof of medical fitness (varies by role). |
|
Police Clearance Certificate |
Required to show a clean criminal record (from home country and/or Norway). |
|
Accommodation (For Live-in Roles) |
Employer usually provides housing for live-in positions. |
|
Work Contract Requirements |
Contract must include salary, duties, hours, and terms in accordance with Norwegian labor law. |
|
Immigration Rules Compliance |
Must follow all UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) regulations. |
|
Educational Qualification (Optional) |
Not mandatory for most domestic roles, but helpful in specialized roles (e.g., nanny, tutor). |
|
Duration of Stay & Renewal Terms |
Depending on visa type, duration is typically 1–3 years with renewal options. |
|
Social Security Registration |
Must be registered with Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (if working legally). |
|
Employer Registration |
Employer must register the employment with tax and labor authorities (e.g., Skatteetaten). |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. Nanny / Childcare Provider |
Supervise and care for children, prepare meals, assist with homework, organize activities, ensure safety. |
|
2. Housekeeper / Cleaner |
Perform general cleaning, laundry, ironing, dusting, floor care, and tidying of rooms and common areas. |
|
3. Elderly Caregiver |
Assist with daily routines, personal hygiene, medication reminders, companionship, and light housekeeping. |
|
4. Au Pair |
Support childcare and light household tasks, cultural exchange, participate in family routines. |
|
5. Personal Cook / Family Chef |
Plan and prepare meals, follow dietary needs, shop for ingredients, maintain kitchen hygiene. |
|
6. Household Manager |
Oversee household staff, manage schedules, coordinate maintenance, handle budgets and supplies. |
|
7. Personal Assistant (Domestic) |
Support employer with scheduling, errands, event coordination, personal shopping, and household admin. |
|
8. Live-in Domestic Worker |
Provide comprehensive support including cleaning, cooking, and caregiving while living on-site. |
|
9. Dog Walker / Pet Care Provider |
Walk dogs, feed and groom pets, clean pet areas, provide companionship and exercise. |
|
10. Gardener / Outdoor Helper |
Maintain garden and outdoor areas, mow lawns, plant care, seasonal clean-up, watering. |
|
11. House Maintenance Worker |
Handle basic repairs, oversee technicians, maintain appliances and home safety systems. |
|
12. Laundry / Ironing Specialist |
Wash, dry, fold, and iron clothes, manage delicate fabrics, and organize wardrobes. |
|
13. Babysitter (Part-Time) |
Supervise children occasionally, prepare snacks, play with children, put them to bed safely. |
|
14. Elder Companion (Non-medical) |
Provide companionship, engage in conversation, assist with light tasks, and support mental well-being. |
|
15. Home Tutor (in-house) |
Support children or adults with academic subjects, homework help, language learning, or test preparation. |
|
16. Driver / Family Chauffeur |
Drive family members safely, maintain vehicle condition, run errands and school pick-ups/drop-offs. |
|
17. House Security Personnel |
Monitor property, handle access control, ensure household safety, manage security equipment. |
|
18. Cleaning Supervisor |
Supervise cleaning staff, schedule shifts, inspect quality, and manage supplies. |
|
19. Kitchen Helper / Assistant Cook |
Assist main cook, prep ingredients, maintain cleanliness, clean utensils and cooking area. |
|
20. Multi-task Domestic Helper |
Perform a combination of cleaning, cooking, childcare, and errands depending on family needs. |
Job Profile |
General Job Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
|
1. Nanny / Childcare Provider |
Experience with children, clean background check, basic English/Norwegian, valid work visa, sometimes child care certification. |
|
2. Housekeeper / Cleaner |
Previous cleaning experience preferred, physically fit, basic communication skills, valid work permit, employer contract. |
|
3. Elderly Caregiver |
Experience in caregiving or elder care, medical clearance, patient and empathetic nature, legal stay/work authorization. |
|
4. Au Pair |
Age 18–30, basic English/Norwegian, no children of their own, no criminal record, au pair visa approval by UDI. |
|
5. Personal Cook / Family Chef |
Proven cooking experience, knowledge of dietary restrictions, ability to plan menus, references, valid work visa. |
|
6. Household Manager |
Management experience, strong organization and communication skills, legal work eligibility, background verification. |
|
7. Personal Assistant (Domestic) |
Trustworthy, discreet, organized, good communication, legal right to work, possibly driver’s license. |
|
8. Live-in Domestic Worker |
Willingness to live on-site, general household skills, full-time availability, legal residency status, employer-provided housing. |
|
9. Dog Walker / Pet Care Provider |
Love for animals, physical stamina, basic communication skills, no formal education required, legal work permit. |
|
10. Gardener / Outdoor Helper |
Experience in gardening or landscaping, physical fitness, ability to work outdoors, legal right to work. |
|
11. House Maintenance Worker |
Basic handyman or maintenance skills, physical strength, possibly vocational training, legal employment status. |
|
12. Laundry / Ironing Specialist |
Attention to detail, knowledge of fabric care, physical endurance, basic language skills, work authorization. |
|
13. Babysitter (Part-Time) |
Experience with children, trustworthiness, flexible hours, clean background check, legal ability to work in Norway. |
|
14. Elder Companion (Non-medical) |
Good interpersonal skills, patience, references from past clients, work permit, understanding of elderly care basics. |
|
15. Home Tutor (in-house) |
Educational background, tutoring experience, language proficiency, clean record, legal work status. |
|
16. Driver / Family Chauffeur |
Valid driving license (Norwegian or convertible), clean driving record, local area knowledge, legal work status. |
|
17. House Security Personnel |
Security training (preferred), alertness, trustworthiness, clean criminal record, legal residency. |
|
18. Cleaning Supervisor |
Leadership skills, cleaning experience, scheduling ability, communication skills, work permit. |
|
19. Kitchen Helper / Assistant Cook |
Basic food prep knowledge, hygiene awareness, stamina, ability to follow instructions, valid legal status. |
|
20. Multi-task Domestic Helper |
Versatile skillset in household duties, time management, work ethic, legal right to work in Norway, employer sponsorship. |
Job Profile |
Experience Requirement |
|---|---|
|
1. Nanny / Childcare Provider |
Required – At least 1–2 years of childcare experience; references often needed. |
|
2. Housekeeper / Cleaner |
Preferred – Basic cleaning experience helpful; training may be provided on the job. |
|
3. Elderly Caregiver |
Required – Experience in caregiving or elderly assistance usually necessary. |
|
4. Au Pair |
Not Required – Experience is optional; cultural exchange is the focus. |
|
5. Personal Cook / Family Chef |
Required – 2–3 years of cooking experience; knowledge of dietary needs is a plus. |
|
6. Household Manager |
Required – 3+ years managing domestic staff or home operations preferred. |
|
7. Personal Assistant (Domestic) |
Preferred – Some administrative or personal support experience recommended. |
|
8. Live-in Domestic Worker |
Preferred – Multi-tasking experience in home settings preferred but not always required. |
|
9. Dog Walker / Pet Care Provider |
Preferred – Familiarity with animal care is helpful, especially with multiple pets. |
|
10. Gardener / Outdoor Helper |
Preferred – Basic experience in gardening or landscaping beneficial. |
|
11. House Maintenance Worker |
Required – Proven skills in minor repairs, plumbing, or handyman work. |
|
12. Laundry / Ironing Specialist |
Preferred – Experience with different fabrics and laundry equipment useful. |
|
13. Babysitter (Part-Time) |
Preferred – Some childcare experience or reference is often expected. |
|
14. Elder Companion (Non-medical) |
Preferred – Empathy and past informal or formal care experience beneficial. |
|
15. Home Tutor (in-house) |
Required – Teaching or tutoring experience in relevant subject areas is expected. |
|
16. Driver / Family Chauffeur |
Required – Prior professional driving experience and clean record are essential. |
|
17. House Security Personnel |
Required – Security or surveillance experience preferred; training may be needed. |
|
18. Cleaning Supervisor |
Required – Supervisory and professional cleaning experience (2+ years). |
|
19. Kitchen Helper / Assistant Cook |
Preferred – Basic kitchen or food prep experience is helpful. |
|
20. Multi-task Domestic Helper |
Preferred – Experience in multiple household tasks is a strong advantage. |
Hiring Company / Platform |
Type |
Roles Commonly Recruited |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Adecco Norge |
Recruitment Agency |
Housekeepers, cleaners, live-in helpers |
One of the largest staffing firms in Norway with domestic placements. |
|
Manpower Norge |
Recruitment Agency |
Childcare, household support, elderly care |
Internationally active, provides temp and full-time domestic roles. |
|
Privat Omsorg i Hjemmet |
Care Services Company |
Elderly caregivers, companions, home health aides |
Specializes in in-home care for seniors. |
|
Green House Service AS |
Domestic Staff Agency |
Nannies, housekeepers, family cooks |
Focuses on premium household staffing; accepts international applications. |
|
Jobbsys.no |
Job Portal |
General domestic workers, cleaners |
Norwegian job board with listings open to foreign applicants. |
|
Care.com (Norway) |
Online Platform |
Babysitters, au pairs, pet sitters, elder care |
Widely used for informal and part-time domestic roles. |
|
FINN.no (Job Section) |
Job Portal |
All types of household jobs |
Norway’s largest classified site; domestic jobs listed under “Privat sektor.” |
|
Au Pair Agency Norway |
Au Pair Agency |
Au pairs, cultural exchange childcare roles |
Specializes in matching foreign au pairs with Norwegian families. |
|
Dedicare |
Health & Care Staffing |
Elder caregivers, home assistants |
Focuses on healthcare and support staff, including domestic roles. |
|
HELSEPARTNER Norge AS |
Healthcare Staffing |
In-home elderly and disability care |
Hires foreign caregivers under proper legal frameworks. |
|
Familiehjelp.no |
Private Household Service |
Nannies, babysitters, cleaners |
Offers domestic support services in urban areas like Oslo and Bergen. |
|
Prowork AS |
Staffing Agency |
Cleaners, laundry workers, part-time domestic helpers |
Recruits foreign workers for both private and commercial clients. |
|
Tjenestetorget.no |
Service Marketplace |
Home help, housekeeping, gardener roles |
A portal connecting households with vetted domestic service providers. |
|
Elite Service Partner AS |
Cleaning & Facility Mgmt |
Domestic cleaners, housekeepers |
Offers both residential and corporate cleaning services. |
|
Fretex Jobb og Oppfølging AS |
Social Enterprise |
Domestic helpers, janitors |
Focuses on reintegrating workers into the job market, including immigrants. |
|
HjemmeBest |
Home Service Company |
Babysitters, cleaners, elderly care |
Covers the Oslo region; known for hiring diverse domestic workers. |
|
Nordic Care Services |
Healthcare & Home Support |
Elderly care, home assistance |
Offers legal employment for skilled foreign caregivers. |
|
Oslo Private Cleaning AS |
Cleaning Company |
Housekeepers, apartment cleaners |
Actively recruits experienced domestic workers, including foreigners. |
|
Stendi Norge |
Health & Social Services |
In-home caregivers, support workers |
One of Norway’s largest care service providers. |
|
Barnevaktnett.no |
Babysitting Network |
Babysitters, nannies, child companions |
Platform to connect babysitters with local families, including foreign applicants. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary/Month (NOK) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Nanny / Childcare Provider |
32,000 |
Childcare experience, clean background, basic English/Norwegian |
Care.com, Barnevaktnett.no, Green House Service AS |
Supervise children, prepare meals, organize play, assist with school tasks |
|
2. Housekeeper / Cleaner |
30,000 |
Cleaning experience preferred, physically fit, legal work permit |
Oslo Private Cleaning AS, Elite Service Partner AS |
Clean home areas, dusting, laundry, kitchen/bathroom maintenance |
|
3. Elderly Caregiver |
33,000 |
Caregiving experience, patience, medical fitness, legal permit |
Stendi Norge, HELSEPARTNER Norge AS, Privat Omsorg |
Assist with hygiene, meals, companionship, medication reminders |
|
4. Au Pair |
9,000 |
Age 18–30, no kids, basic English, cultural interest, au pair visa |
Au Pair Agency Norway, Care.com |
Childcare, cultural exchange, help with light housework, live-in arrangement |
|
5. Personal Cook / Family Chef |
35,000 |
Culinary experience, knowledge of dietary needs, references |
Green House Service AS, Jobbsys.no |
Plan and prepare meals, maintain kitchen hygiene, shop for ingredients |
|
6. Household Manager |
40,000 |
Management experience, strong communication, trustworthiness |
Adecco Norge, Manpower Norge |
Manage staff, budgets, scheduling, inventory, coordinate home activities |
|
7. Personal Assistant (Domestic) |
36,000 |
Admin or PA experience, discretion, multitasking skills |
Manpower Norge, Prowork AS |
Schedule management, errands, event planning, personal shopping |
|
8. Live-in Domestic Worker |
28,000 |
Flexible availability, general household skills, live-in adaptability |
Green House Service AS, Oslo Private Cleaning AS |
Cleaning, cooking, care, full-time support while living on premises |
|
9. Dog Walker / Pet Care Provider |
22,000 |
Love for animals, walking experience, reliability |
Care.com, Tjenestetorget.no |
Walk, feed, and clean pets, ensure exercise and companionship |
|
10. Gardener / Outdoor Helper |
26,000 |
Outdoor work experience, plant care knowledge |
Tjenestetorget.no, Jobbsys.no |
Lawn care, planting, seasonal clean-up, trimming, general garden upkeep |
|
11. House Maintenance Worker |
34,000 |
Handy skills, repair experience, physical fitness |
Adecco Norge, Prowork AS |
Home repairs, safety checks, basic plumbing, electrician assistance |
|
12. Laundry / Ironing Specialist |
27,000 |
Fabric care knowledge, ironing and folding skills |
Elite Service Partner AS, Oslo Private Cleaning AS |
Wash, iron, and fold clothes, manage linens, delicate garments |
|
13. Babysitter (Part-Time) |
15,000 |
Childcare experience, flexible hours |
Barnevaktnett.no, Care.com |
Watch children occasionally, prepare snacks, play, bedtime support |
|
14. Elder Companion (Non-medical) |
29,000 |
Empathy, communication skills, companionship background |
Stendi Norge, Nordic Care Services |
Provide social support, monitor well-being, assist in daily conversation |
|
15. Home Tutor (in-house) |
38,000 |
Teaching/tutoring experience, subject knowledge, clean background |
Private Families, Care.com |
Assist with academics, homework help, language instruction, exam prep |
|
16. Driver / Family Chauffeur |
33,000 |
Valid license, clean record, local driving knowledge |
Adecco Norge, Private Employers |
Drive family, pick-up/drop-off, maintain vehicle, run errands |
|
17. House Security Personnel |
31,000 |
Security training preferred, alertness, clean record |
Manpower Norge, Jobbsys.no |
Monitor property, ensure safety, handle emergencies and entry control |
|
18. Cleaning Supervisor |
37,000 |
Leadership experience, cleaning background, scheduling skills |
Elite Service Partner AS, Oslo Private Cleaning AS |
Supervise cleaners, inspect quality, manage supplies, report issues |
|
19. Kitchen Helper / Assistant Cook |
25,000 |
Basic cooking knowledge, hygiene awareness |
Green House Service AS, Prowork AS |
Prep ingredients, assist cook, clean kitchen tools and surfaces |
|
20. Multi-task Domestic Helper |
32,000 |
Versatile household experience, time management skills |
Tjenestetorget.no, Green House Service AS |
Handle cleaning, cooking, childcare, and errands based on family needs |
Visa Type |
Eligibility |
Typical Job Roles Covered |
Duration & Extension |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Skilled Worker Visa |
Job offer in a skilled domestic role (e.g., caregiver, chef, household manager) |
Elderly caregiver, family cook, household manager |
Initially up to 3 years; renewable |
Must meet skill criteria; contract required; allows family reunification |
|
2. Au Pair Visa |
Age 18–30, no children, cultural exchange purpose |
Au pair, child helper |
Max 2 years; non-renewable |
Must live with host family; part-time domestic help; includes cultural allowance |
|
3. Seasonal Work Visa |
Short-term job in domestic or outdoor work; employer must be approved |
Gardener, outdoor cleaner, seasonal house helper |
Up to 6 months |
Limited to non-permanent work; no path to PR |
|
4. Job Seeker Visa (Skilled) |
Completed education in Norway or certain qualifications abroad |
Any skilled domestic field, if qualified |
6 months |
Allows time to search for a skilled job; work not permitted until job secured |
|
5. Family Immigration Permit |
Married to/partner of a Norwegian citizen or resident |
Any domestic job (open work rights after permit approval) |
1 year; renewable, leads to permanent residency |
Allows legal employment in all sectors |
|
6. Refugee / Humanitarian Permit |
Granted asylum or humanitarian protection |
Any job including domestic work |
Initially 1–3 years; renewable |
Includes work rights; depends on case approval |
|
7. Student Visa with Part-Time Work |
Enrolled in a Norwegian educational institution |
Babysitting, part-time cleaning, tutoring |
Valid for study period; up to 20 hours/week work allowed |
Limited hours; not suitable for full-time domestic roles |
|
8. Working Holiday Visa(limited countries) |
Citizens of certain countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Argentina) |
Babysitting, housekeeping, general domestic work |
1 year; non-renewable |
Limited quota and age restriction; not for long-term employment |
|
9. Employer-Sponsored Permit |
Employer applies directly to UDI for foreign worker |
Any domestic role (if justified as skilled/needed) |
Up to 2–3 years; renewable |
Must prove no local workers available; detailed job contract required |
|
10. EU/EEA Citizen Registration |
Citizen of EU/EEA country |
Any domestic job (free labor mobility) |
No visa required; registration needed within 3 months |
Can live and work freely in Norway |