Is my child allowed to work in Norway?
Yes, but with clear age limits. Under the Working Environment Act chapter 11, 15 (or completed compulsory school) is the minimum age for ordinary work. Children aged 13–14 can do light work that does not harm safety, health, development or schooling. Under 13, only cultural and artistic work is allowed, and only with prior consent from the Labour Inspection Authority. Written parental consent is required before anyone under 15 starts. For school-age children, working hours are limited to max 2 hours on a school day and 12 hours a week. Young people under 18 must not do ordinary night work.
📋 The rules
- Ordinary work: 15 or completed compulsory school
- Light work allowed from 13
- Under 13: only cultural work with Labour Inspection consent
- Written parental consent required under 15
- School day: max 2 hours, 12 hours a week
🔓 Exceptions
- Light family and farm chores fall largely outside the rules
- Cultural work for under-13s is allowed with prior Labour Inspection consent
- Young people under 18 must not do ordinary night work
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The employer can get orders and fines from the Labour Inspection Authority. Serious breaches can bring a fine or prison under the Working Environment Act.
📎 Official sources
- Working Environment Act ch. 11 · Lovdata →
- Regulation on work by children · Lovdata →
- Labour Inspection · Young people at work →
❓ Frequently asked
From what age can my child work?
Ordinary work requires 15 or completed compulsory school. Light work is allowed from 13.
Can a 13-year-old work?
Yes, light work that does not harm safety, health, development or schooling, and with parental consent.
Is parental consent needed?
Yes. Written parental consent is required before anyone under 15 starts work.
How many hours can a school-age child work?
Max 2 hours on a school day and 12 hours a week. On school-free days more, but still limited.
Can under-18s work at night?
No. Young people under 18 must, as a main rule, not do ordinary night work.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
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