Norway has always been a magnet for skilled workers looking for high salaries, world-class working conditions, and a lifestyle surrounded by breathtaking fjords. In 2025, the country’s oilfield and maritime sectors are opening their doors wider than ever to foreign professionals, offering €60,000+ annual salaries, free housing, and the potential for Permanent Residency (PR) within three years.
Whether you’re an offshore engineer, maritime technician, or a skilled welder, major employers like Equinor, Aker Solutions, and Wilh. Wilhelmsen are actively seeking international talent. This guide will walk you through the opportunities, requirements, lifestyle benefits, and the PR pathway that makes Norway a prime destination for career growth.
Why Norway’s Oilfield & Maritime Jobs Are Booming
Norway is one of the world’s top exporters of oil and gas, and its shipping industry is among the most advanced globally. In recent years, a combination of retiring workforce, new offshore projects, and green maritime innovation has created a skills shortage.
Here’s why demand is at an all-time high in 2025:
- New offshore fields in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea are under active development.
- Norway is investing heavily in sustainable shipping technology, such as electric ferries and hybrid cargo vessels.
- Expansion of offshore wind farms requires overlapping skills with oilfield engineering.
- The government’s push for international recruitment due to the shortage of qualified local workers.
Major Employers and Roles Available
1. Equinor
Norway’s largest energy company, operating in over 30 countries, is hiring for roles including:
- Offshore production operators
- Drilling engineers
- Subsea technicians
- Environmental safety officers
2. Aker Solutions
Specializing in subsea engineering and field development, their openings include:
- Mechanical engineers
- Welders and fabricators
- Project managers
- ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) operators
3. Wilh. Wilhelmsen
A leader in global shipping and logistics, they offer:
- Marine engineers
- Deck officers
- Cargo coordinators
- Vessel maintenance specialists
For up-to-date listings, you can explore Norway’s official job portal to find postings directly from these companies.
Salary and Benefits Overview
| Role | Average Annual Salary (€) | Housing Provided | Other Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offshore Production Operator | 62,000 – 75,000 | Yes | Travel allowance, offshore bonuses |
| Subsea Engineer | 70,000 – 85,000 | Yes | Training programs, health insurance |
| Marine Engineer (Shipping) | 60,000 – 72,000 | Yes | Rotation schedules, free meals |
| Welder/Fabricator (Oilfield) | 58,000 – 65,000 | Yes | Overtime pay, certification upgrades |
Work-Life Balance: More Than Just a Job
Life in Norway is about more than high salaries. Employees enjoy:
- Standard 37.5-hour work weeks
- At least 25 days of paid vacation
- Strong workplace safety culture
- Equal opportunity employment policies
Norway’s work culture values family time, outdoor activities, and personal well-being. Living in cities like Stavanger or Bergen means easy access to nature, while still having modern urban conveniences.
Eligibility and Requirements for Foreigners
Most oilfield and maritime jobs in Norway require:
- Relevant qualifications – Engineering degrees, maritime licenses, or technical certifications.
- Work experience – Typically 2–5 years in a related field.
- English proficiency – Norwegian is beneficial but not always required; many offshore teams operate in English.
- Safety training – Courses like Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are essential.
The hiring companies often sponsor work visas for skilled workers. You can find full visa details on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration website.
The PR Pathway in 3 Years
One of Norway’s biggest draws is its clear and relatively quick path to permanent residency:
- Year 1–3: Work under a skilled worker visa. Maintain full-time employment with tax compliance.
- Year 3: Apply for Permanent Residency. You must have resided in Norway for at least three years, passed a basic Norwegian language test, and met income requirements.
- After PR: You can work without restrictions, change employers freely, and eventually apply for Norwegian citizenship after seven years in total.
How to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Research roles on official company websites and job boards.
- Prepare a Norwegian-style CV – concise, skills-focused, and tailored to the role.
- Highlight offshore safety certifications and relevant project experience.
- Submit applications directly to employers or via trusted recruitment agencies.
- Be ready for video interviews – many employers now hire remotely before relocation.
Final Thoughts
Norway’s oilfield and maritime sectors in 2025 are not just offering jobs – they’re offering career-defining opportunities. With €60K+ salaries, free housing, and a fast PR track, the benefits go far beyond the paycheck.
For skilled professionals willing to work in challenging but rewarding offshore and maritime environments, this could be the career move of a lifetime.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to work abroad in a high-paying, secure industry, this is the year to take action – because these positions won’t stay open for long.