Norway faces labor shortages across key sectors

Norway is experiencing significant labor shortages, with a Nav survey in spring 2025 estimating that businesses lacked approximately 39,000 employees. While this figure represents a decrease from the peak in 2022, recruitment remains a primary challenge for the national economy.

The health and social services sector faces the largest deficit, with a shortage of approximately 11,450 workers. Other critical gaps exist in construction, industry, and transport, particularly for roles requiring certified vocational training. The agricultural sector remains heavily dependent on an estimated 40,000 seasonal workers annually for manual harvesting.

A primary driver of this shortage is demographic shifts, as population growth is concentrated among those over the age of 60. In regions like Haugesund, local leaders are calling for better integration of immigrant talent to address these gaps. Advocates suggest that simplifying the recognition of foreign education and experience could prevent highly skilled individuals from being underemployed or excluded from the workforce.