Maximum working time in Norway (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Ordinary working time in Norway is at most 9 hours a day and 40 hours a week, with total working time including overtime averaging at most 48 hours a week over 8 weeks. Workers are entitled to 11 hours of daily rest and 35 hours of weekly rest.

RuleWhat applies
Maximum average weekly working timeEmployees (adults) in general employment48 hours [1]
Maximum daily working timeEmployees (adults) in general employmentOrdinary working time is at most 9 hours in 24 hours. Total working time including overtime may not exceed 13 hours in 24 hours; employer and union representatives can agree an exception up to 16 hours in 24 hours. [1]
Minimum daily restEmployees (adults) in general employment11 hours [2]
Minimum weekly restEmployees (adults) in general employmentAt least 35 hours of uninterrupted rest in every period of 7 days. [2]
Normal full-time working weekEmployees (adults) in general employmentOrdinary working time is at most 9 hours in 24 hours and 40 hours in 7 days. For shift, rota, night and Sunday work it is shorter: 38 hours in 7 days for work around the clock on weekdays and 36 hours in 7 days for work around the clock all week. [2]
Individual opt-out from the weekly maximumEmployees (adults) in general employment⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • This limit is on total working time including overtime, averaged over 8 weeks; a single week can be higher with correspondingly shorter weeks elsewhere. Collective agreements and permits can extend the overtime framework.
  • Collective agreements can allow shorter rest by agreement, with compensatory rest. Section 10-8 of the Working Environment Act is the basis named by the authority.
  • Employer and employee, or a collective agreement, can agree shorter ordinary hours; the authority names 37.5 hours a week as a common arrangement.
  • The pages read describe averaging and permits for extended hours, but state nothing on an individual opt-out from the weekly maximum, so none is entered.

Sources

  1. Arbeidstilsynet (Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority): Overtid (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Arbeidstilsynet (Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority): Arbeidstid (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.