You can resign from your job in Norway at any time. Submit your resignation in writing. The notice period is usually 1 month, calculated from the first day of the following month. You work through the notice period, receive your holiday pay, and have the right to a certificate of employment.
How to resign from your job in Norway
You always have the right to resign from your job. You do not need to give any reason. A resignation means that you yourself end the employment relationship. It is different from the employer dismissing you.
Your resignation should be in writing. The Working Environment Act (the law about a safe and good working environment) does not require a specific form. An oral resignation is also valid. But a written resignation is easy to prove. Then it is clear when you resigned, and what you agreed on.
Write briefly and clearly. Include:
- your name and the date
- that you are resigning from your position
- your last day of work, if you know it
You do not need to write why you are leaving. Deliver the resignation in person, or send it by registered mail. This way you avoid doubt about when the employer received notice. Always keep a copy for yourself. A resignation by email is also considered written.
How to do it step by step
It is easy to resign from your job when you follow these steps:
- Read your employment contract and find your notice period.
- Write a short, written resignation with date and name.
- Deliver it to your nearest manager, in person or by registered mail.
- Work through the notice period and get your salary as usual.
- Ask for a certificate of employment and check that your holiday pay is paid out.
How long is the notice period?
The notice period is the time from when you resign until your last day of work. During this period you work as usual and receive your normal salary.
The standard notice period in Norway is 1 month. The period runs from the first day of the month after you resigned. An example: if you resign on 10 March, the period starts on 1 April. Your last day of work will then be 30 April.
Always check your employment contract. Your employment contract can have a longer notice period than the law requires. It cannot be shorter than what the Working Environment Act § 15-3 says.
If you have worked for a long time at the same company, the notice period becomes longer. This table shows the most common notice periods:
| How long you have been employed | Notice period |
|---|---|
| Less than 5 years | 1 month |
| 5 years or more | 2 months |
| 10 years or more | 3 months |
If you are over 50 years old and have worked for more than 10 years, even longer notice periods apply. But this is only when the employer dismisses you. If you resign yourself, the notice period is never longer than 3 months.
If you are in a probation period, the notice period is often shorter, usually 14 days. This should be stated in the contract. You and your employer can also agree on a shorter notice period when you leave. The rules are the same whether you work full-time or part-time.
Resignation or dismissal — what is the difference?
A normal resignation means that you leave after the notice period. You work and receive your salary until the period is over.
Dismissal is something different. Then you have to leave immediately. The employer can only dismiss you if you have done something very serious, such as theft or gross violence. This happens rarely.
If you resign yourself, it is always a resignation with a notice period. You cannot be forced to leave on the same day because you resigned.
What are you entitled to when you leave?
You have several rights when the employment relationship ends. Here are some of the most important worker rights:
- Salary through the notice period. You receive your normal salary until your last day of work.
- Certificate of employment. The Working Environment Act § 15-15 gives you the right to a written certificate. It should show your name, date of birth, what the job involved and how long you were employed.
- Holiday pay. The holiday pay you have earned will be paid in the final salary settlement. Read more about holidays and holiday pay.
- Sick pay. If you become ill during the notice period, you keep your right to sick pay.
You can also ask your employer for a regular certificate with more details about the work you did. Such a certificate is useful when you apply for a new job.
Can you withdraw your resignation?
No, not without further action. Once the employer has received your resignation, you cannot withdraw it on your own.
You can ask the employer if you can continue in the job. But the employer does not have to say yes. Therefore, you should be quite sure before you submit your resignation.
Think through your finances first. It is wise to have a new job or a plan ready before you resign. If you are unsure, you can ask for advice from a trade union or a lawyer before you make up your mind.
What happens with unemployment benefits from NAV?
NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) pays unemployment benefits to people who become unemployed. But if you resign yourself without a good reason, you can receive an extended waiting period. Then you have to wait up to 18 weeks before you receive unemployment benefits.
A "reasonable reason" could be, for example, health problems or bullying at work. Then you must send documentation to NAV, for example a doctor's certificate. To receive unemployment benefits, you must register as a job seeker and apply at nav.no. Read more about unemployment benefits after job termination.
If you want to check the rules yourself, you can find them at arbeidstilsynet.no, lovdata.no and snl.no (Store norske leksikon). The Labour Inspection Authority also answers questions by phone.
Working life is part of the curriculum
Rules about work and resignation are part of civic knowledge. This is a topic you will encounter in the Citizenship Test and in the State Citizenship Exam.
With SamfunnPrep you practice exactly these topics. You get questions about working life, rights and Norwegian society — in simple language. SamfunnPrep explains each answer, so you understand why it is correct.
