Work at Helse Fonna
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are you considering a career at Helse Fonna and planning a move to Norway? Here you can find answers to some of your questions.
How do I send a job application to Helse Fonna?
You apply for any vacant positions by using our online job portal: Jobs at Helse Fonna HF.
If you cannot find a job that suits you, you are welcome to contact us. If you have general questions about working at Helse Fonna, just send us an e-mail at po@helse-fonna.no, and we'll reply as soon as we can.
Do I need a Norwegian authorisation to work as a doctor, nurse og any other medical position in Norway?
Do I need authorisation to work as a doctor, nurse, or in any other regulated healthcare profession in Norway?
Yes, you need valid authorisation or a medical license to work in regulated healthcare professions such as doctor, nurse, psychologist, or biomedical scientist.
How do I apply for authorisation in Norway?
You must submit an application for authorisation to the Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet). Visit their website to find information on how to apply, which documents you need to provide, and the rules that apply to your profession.
Authorisation and licensing of health personnel - Helsedirektoratet
How long is the application process?
The processing time varies depending on your profession, your education, and whether additional documentation is required. You should therefore regularly check the status of your application at Helsedirektoratet.no.
What are the language requirements?
To work safely and responsibly in the healthcare services, you must be able to communicate well in Norwegian. For positions involving patient contact, Helse Fonna generally requires Norwegian language skills at level B2, both oral and written.
How does the recruitment process work for international applicants?
You normally start by applying for an advertised position. You may then be invited to an interview and we would assess your qualifications. If you are offered a position, all necessary steps related to authorisation, documentation, registration with public authorities, and onboarding must be completed before you start.
Would the interview be in person og digital?
Many interviews can be carried out digitally; however, this may vary depending on the positionand the recruitment process.
If I'm an EU/EEA citizen, can I start work right away?
Yes. EU/EEA citizens have the legal right to work in Norway. However, if you live and work in Norway for more than three months, you must follow the registration rules that applyto EU/EEA nationals.
Visit the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration for more information: Employee who is an EU/EEA national - UDI
Do the same rules apply to Nordic citizens?
As a Nordic citizen you have fewer requirements. You are not required to register with the police in the same way, but you must report your new address to the National Population Register when relocating to Norway.
What documents do I need as an EU/EEA applicant?
You will usually need a valid passport or national ID card, and documentation confirming your work offer or employment. You may also be required to provide documents related to your education, authorisation, and registration with public authorities.
- Requirments for employment in Norway - Helse Fonna HF
- Checklists for required documentation for applications - UDI
What if I'm from a non-EU/EEA country?
If you come from a country outside the EU/EEA, you normally need to apply for a residence permit before you can start working in Norway. Visit the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration's website for more information about work and residence permits:
Can we help you get started in Norway?
Helse Fonna has an English-language webpage with practical information about living, working and settling in Norway. Here you can find guidance on housing, schools, daycare, health services, and everyday life.
Your guide to living, working and thriving in Norway - Helse Fonna HF
Where can I get help to register in Norway?
Helse Fonna provides information about practical matters, such as registration, tax cards, identification numbers, and starting work. The actual registration process are handled by the public authorities, such as the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), the police (Politiet), and the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten).
You can also find information here:
- Requirments for employment in Norway - Helse Fonna HF
- Residence permit, registration or visitor visa - Politiet.no
- I am a foreign employee - The Norwegian Tax Administration
Can my family join me in Norway?
Yes, in many cases your spouse, live-in partner, and children may join you in Norway. The rules that apply depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen or come from a country outside the EU/EEA.
Can my partner get help finding a job?
On Helse Fonna's webpage, you will find information on living and working in Norway, as well as links to websites where you can search for jobs or learn more about the region. Many partners use these resources to look for work and to build a local network.
Useful links:
- Your guide to living, working and thriving in Norway - Helse Fonna HF
- Forside - Haugaland Vekst
- FINN.no – mulighetenes marked
What are common working hours in Norway?
Under the Norwegian Working Environment Act, normal working hours are generally limited to up to 9 hours within 24 hours and up to 40 hours within 7 days. For shift work, night work, and Sunday work, the limits may be lower. You working hours will also be regulated by your employment contract and any applicable collective agreements.
How do shift schedules and duty rotas work?
If your working hours vary, you will receive a work schedule showing when you are expected to work. The structure of the rota will depend on your profession, the department, and the type of position you have.
What happens when I start working at Helse Fonna?
We have a dedicated onboarding webpage for new employees. When you start, practical information must be registered, such as your bank account number, contact details, and next of kin. You will also receive information about ID cards, system access, and practical matters at your workplace.
Are there opportunities for professional development, courses or specialisation?
Yes. Helse Fonna is part of the specialist health service and has strong professional environments across many fields. Opportunities for development vary between professions and departments, but professional growth is an important part of working with us.
What pension scheme applies?
As an employee in the public healthcare sector in Norway, you will normally be covered by an occupational pension scheme in addition to the national insurance scheme. You will receive more detailed information when you are hired.
What salary can I expect?
Your salary will depend on your profession, seniority, qualifications, working hours, and the applicable collective agreements. You will find more information in the job advertisement or receive it during the recruitment process.
Will I receive additional pay for specialisation?
This depends on your profession, position, and the relevant agreements. If this is applicable to the position you are applying for, you will receive more information during the recruitment process.
Do I need a tax card and a Norwegian identification number?
Yes. Everyone who works in Norway must have a tax card and a Norwegian identification number, either a D-number or a national identity number (fødselsnummer).
Identification numbers and electronic ID - The Norwegian Tax Administration
Can I open a bank account right away?
To open a bank account in Norway, you normally need a Norwegian identification number. Additional requirements vary between banks.
Requirments for employment in Norway - Helse Fonna HF
Do I need to provide a police certificate?
For certain positions, you must submit a police certificate before you start. This applies to roles where you will be working with children or people with intellectual disabilities. The certificate must be no more than three months old when you begin.
Requirments for employment in Norway - Helse Fonna HF
What is it like to live and work in the Helse Fonna region?
Helse Fonna is located in a region with easy access to fjords, mountains, coastline, and beautiful nature. Here, you can combine a meaningful career in healthcare with great opportunities for outdoor activities, family life, and leisure. We have workplaces in Haugesund, Stord, Odda, Valen, and surrounding areas.
- Our hospitals and work locations - Helse Fonna HF
- About us - Helse Fonna HF
- Work at Helse Fonna - Helse Fonna HF
What public services are available for families?
There is a wide range of public services available for families, including schools, daycare centres, and healthcare services. On our webpage you will find practical guidance for families who are moving to the region, including how to access daycare, school placement, health services, and everyday support.
Your guide to living, working and thriving in Norway - Helse Fonna HF
Are there networks or support services for newcomers?
Yes. There are various activities, meeting places, and networks that can help you get to know the local community. Helse Fonna also refers to useful resources and regional organisations that support newcomers in settling in.