Looking for jobs in Oslo without experience? It is possible to find entry-level work in Oslo, particularly in hospitality, cleaning, retail, logistics, customer service, seasonal work and other positions where previous professional experience may not be essential.
However, finding a job without experience is not necessarily easy. Your chances depend on the type of job, your right to work in Norway, language skills, availability and whether the employer requires previous experience or specific qualifications.
For many beginners, part-time, temporary and entry-level positions can provide a useful way to gain Norwegian work experience and build a stronger CV.
Yes. Some employers in Oslo recruit people for positions where extensive previous experience is not required. The City of Oslo specifically highlights opportunities for professionals, students and people looking for part-time work, while Norwegian job platforms allow applicants to filter vacancies by requirements such as education and experience.
Your chances can be better if you are flexible about working hours, willing to start with part-time or temporary employment, and able to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues.
The easiest entry points depend on your background and legal right to work. Common areas to investigate include:
Norwegian job listings can be searched through platforms such as NAV's Arbeidsplassen.no, while the City of Oslo also recommends platforms including FINN.no and LinkedIn.
There is no single "entry-level salary" in Oslo because wages vary significantly by occupation, employer, working hours, qualifications and collective agreements.
For jobs covered by Norway's statutory minimum-wage rules, the following rates are useful examples. These are hourly minimum rates rather than average Oslo salaries.
| Sector / Job Type | Applicable Minimum Rate |
|---|---|
| Hospitality – workers over 20 / qualifying experienced workers over 18 | NOK 204.79/hour |
| Cleaning – workers over 18 | NOK 236.54/hour |
| Construction – unskilled workers without sector experience | NOK 239.61/hour |
| Construction – unskilled workers with at least 1 year sector experience | NOK 249.00/hour |
| Construction – skilled workers | NOK 264.32/hour |
The rates above are the statutory minimum rates published by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority and are effective from 15 June 2025 for the listed sectors. Other sectors may not have a statutory minimum wage.
For example, the hospitality starting rate for workers over 20 is currently NOK 204.79 per hour, while the statutory cleaning rate for workers over 18 is NOK 236.54 per hour.
Do not use these figures as guaranteed average salaries for all Oslo jobs. They are minimum rates for specific sectors. Actual pay can be higher depending on the employer, position, experience, overtime, supplements and collective agreements.
Cleaning can be one of the more accessible sectors for people starting without professional experience. However, employers may still expect reliability, physical ability, punctuality and the ability to follow workplace instructions.
Norway has a statutory minimum wage for cleaning work performed for private cleaning companies. For workers over 18, the current minimum rate is NOK 236.54 per hour, with additional rules applying to certain working hours and overtime.
Hotels, restaurants, cafés and catering businesses can provide entry-level opportunities, particularly for people who are comfortable working evenings, weekends or flexible shifts.
Norway has a statutory minimum wage in the hospitality sector. From 15 June 2025, the starting rate for workers over 20, or workers over 18 after the applicable experience period, is NOK 204.79 per hour.
Possible entry-level positions include:
Warehouse and logistics positions can be another option for people seeking their first job. Some vacancies may focus more on reliability, physical ability and willingness to learn than on extensive professional experience.
Depending on the position, employers may require specific qualifications such as a driving licence, forklift certification or previous warehouse experience. Always check the individual vacancy rather than assuming that no experience is required.
Retail employers may offer part-time, temporary and entry-level positions, particularly for applicants who have good communication skills and are comfortable working with customers.
For customer-facing positions, Norwegian language ability can be particularly important because the language requirements are normally determined by the employer and the specific job.
Foreigners can work in Oslo, but the immigration rules are very important. EU/EEA nationals generally have the right to work in Norway under the EU/EEA regulations, while people from outside the EU/EEA normally need an appropriate residence permit before working.
For EU/EEA nationals staying in Norway for more than three months, registration is required. EU/EEA citizens can also move to Norway and start working, subject to the applicable registration rules.
For people from outside the EU/EEA, obtaining a job without experience can be considerably more difficult because the immigration route and residence-permit requirements depend on the type of work and the applicant's qualifications. UDI states that people coming from outside the EU/EEA to work normally need a residence permit and usually need to find a job first.
👉 Check our guide: Jobs in Oslo for Foreigners
Not necessarily. Oslo has jobs where English is the working language, particularly in some international companies and sectors. However, Norwegian can significantly expand the number of positions available to you.
The City of Oslo states that job listings can be in Norwegian, English or both, and recommends checking the language requirements in each advertisement. NAV's job-search system also allows applicants to filter positions where English is the working language.
Before accepting a job, make sure you are legally entitled to work in Norway.
Do not assume that getting a job offer automatically gives you permission to work. Check the requirements that apply to your nationality and residence status before starting employment.
👉 See our guide: Norway Work Visa and Residence Permit
A good strategy is to search broadly and apply consistently rather than relying on one website.
Even if you have no formal work experience, you can create a strong CV by focusing on skills, education, volunteering, internships, projects and other relevant activities.
Norwegian job guidance notes that a CV normally describes your skills, experience, languages, education and certifications, while a cover letter explains why your qualifications match the position
Having no previous experience does not mean you have no employment rights. Norwegian employees have legal protections concerning contracts, pay, working hours and working conditions.
All employees must have a written employment contract, including people working in temporary positions. Workers must also receive a tax deduction card when working in Norway.
Norway has statutory minimum wages in specific sectors, including hospitality, cleaning and construction. In sectors without a statutory minimum wage, pay is generally agreed between the employee and employer or determined by a collective agreement.
Yes. Entry-level opportunities exist, particularly in hospitality, cleaning, retail, logistics, temporary work and some service positions. However, every employer has different requirements.
There is no single easiest job. Hospitality, cleaning, retail, warehouse and temporary positions can be potential entry points, depending on your language skills, availability and right to work.
Yes, but immigration status matters. EU/EEA nationals generally have broader access to the Norwegian labour market, while non-EU/EEA nationals normally need an appropriate residence permit and may face additional requirements.
Not for every job. Some Oslo vacancies use English as the working language, but Norwegian can substantially increase the number of jobs available to you
Norway does not have one general minimum wage covering every occupation. Statutory minimum wage rates apply to specific sectors such as hospitality, cleaning and construction.
Yes. Part-time work is available in Oslo, and the City of Oslo specifically provides job-search information for students and people seeking part-time employment.
Start with NAV's Arbeidsplassen.no, FINN.no, LinkedIn and company career pages. The City of Oslo identifies these among the main resources for job seekers.