Work with us
Join our team for Norway's unique work-life balance and a meaningful career!
We can offer you an exciting work environment in a vibrant region with beautiful surroundings
To make sure you have a good start, we have collected all the vital information you need on this page.
How to apply for a job with us
You need to apply on vacant positions through our recruitment portal.
The vacancies will be variable. If you want to join us but your specialty is not mentioned here, you can also contact our HR department.
Helse Fonna HF consists of four hospitals located in Haugesund, Stord, Odda, and Valen, and four local psychiatric centers (DPS). Helse Fonna covers a region with 180 000 inhabitants and is located between Bergen and Stavanger on the west coast.
We employ approximately 4200 people whose, mission is to provide the best possible care and treatment to our patients – every single day.
Working in Helse Fonna requires the ability always seeking to learn and improve yourself, commitment to our values and ethics, and the motivation for going that extra mile to give our patients the best care possible.
Our staff is our single most important resource. We are working hard to recruit the very best talent, and want to do our absolute best to ensure that all our employees enjoy their work and perform to the best of their ability.
Requirements for employment in Norway
To be employed as healthcare personnel in Norway, several requirements and procedures need to be fulfilled, depending on your profession and where you obtained your education.
Here is a general overview of language requirements, authorization application, and other useful information related to moving to Norway:
When hiring personnel who do not speak Norwegian well, language training and assessment are added as supplementary elements to the recruitment procedure. All employees must master Norwegian at a level that ensures good interaction and safe professional practice.
Doctors, nurses, psychologists, other health personnel with patient contact (including documentation obligations), and administrative staff with patient contact must master Norwegian orally and in writing at a B2 level (equivalent to the Bergen test).
Platforms like Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise offer Norwegian courses that are engaging and suitable for beginners to intermediate learners. These apps focus on vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Language test
Norwegian language test A1-B2 | HK-dir (hkdir.no)
Courses and test
Norwegian courses (folkeuniversitetet.no)
Placement test (folkeuniversitetet.no)
Practice for the test - Norwegian language test A1-B2 | HK-dir (hkdir.no)
Learn for free
Duolingo - The world's best way to learn a language
Language learning that works (babbel.com)
Lær et språk. Memrise er autentisk, nyttig og tilpasset.
For healthcare professions in Norway, a valid authorization or license from the Norwegian Directorate of Health is required. This confirms that you have the necessary education and qualifications required to practice your profession in Norway. It's important to start the process of securing authorization early, as this can be a time-consuming process.
Authorisation and License for Health Personnel - Helsedirektoratet
To apply for a residence permit in Norway, you must follow a process established by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Here you will find a step-by-step guide on how to proceed.
For certain countries, a visa is also required. Further information about different types of residence permits, visas, regulations and forms can be found at the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). Nordic citizens do not need a residence permit to stay and work in Norway.
Once the application has been processed, you will receive a response. If the application is approved, you will be informed about how and where you can collect your residence permit.
EEA countries
Citizens from EEA countries (EU and EFTA countries) can register in Norway instead of applying for a work residence permit. EEA citizens should register if they plan to stay and work in Norway for more than three months. This scheme is administered by the police. For detailed information about the registration scheme, please consult the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
EEA citizens can pre-register online. Subsequently, they are required to appear at the nearest police authority to provide identification and present documentation for their basis of residence.
The documentation requirements for EEA citizens working in Norway include a valid identity card/passport and proof of employment (a form available on the UDI website, completed by the employer) or a work contract compliant with the Working Environment Act.
For shorter work stays, internships and research
For shorter work stays, internships, and research up to 3 months, there are specific regulations for residence permits and visas. If the individual will be in contact with patients, MRSA testing and a tuberculosis test must be completed.
Countrys outside the EEA
For citizens from countries outside the EEA area, as a general rule, a residence permit must be applied for before arriving in Norway. For some countries, a visa for Norway is also required. For more detailed information, please visit the UDI website. Employment documentation is required from the employer, meaning the hiring authority at the clinic/section must complete a specific form for employment offers found on the UDI website.
Links
Checklists which explain which documents you must hand in with your application - UDI
A police certificate must be provided for positions where it is required for work with children or individuals with developmental disabilities, according to the Health Personnel Act § 20 a.
You can request a certificate online via the police's official website: Police certificate of conduct – Politiet.no.
Upon receipt, the police will issue the certificate digitally. It is then your responsibility to forward or submit this certificate to your supervisor.
It is mandatory to present the police conduct certificate prior to commencing your role. Please ensure the certificate is no more than 3 months old at the start of your employment.
When opening a bank account in Norway, individuals are required to provide their national identity number to the bank. Foreign workers should have a bank account in Norway where their employer can deposit their salary and where authorities can later transfer any overpaid taxes.
Tax card
Foreign nationals without a Norwegian identification number must appear at an ID office so that the Norwegian Tax Administration can conduct an ID check when applying for a tax card. Applications for a tax card should be made as soon as possible. If one cannot present a tax card to the employer, 50% tax will be deducted from the salary. Application form for tax card, requirements for.
Idendification number og D-number
When applying for a tax card for the first time, one receives a registration number: a D-number or a national identity number (11 digits). The number appears on the tax card and is used for identification with public authorities. See information from the Norwegian Tax Administration.
ID-number
In Norway, we use identification numbers to identify persons who have a connection to our country. Many public and private enterprises require that you have a Norwegian identification number to get access to their services. For example, you need a Norwegian identification number to open a bank account.
Links
National identity number - UDI
Identification numbers in Norway - The Norwegian Tax Administration (skatteetaten.no)
Onboarding Helse Fonna
Your new manager and colleagues will warmly welcome you and provide support as you start your new position at Helse Fonna.
It is important that you get the following information registered in the human resource system on your first working day:
- Bank account number
- Telephone number
- Information about next of kind
- Children (with dates of birth)
- Additional employment
Your personal data must always be up to date, and this applies as long as you are employed at Helse Fonna.
Parking for employees
At Haugesund and Stord hospitals, it is possible to enter into an agreement to obtain a parking card at a fixed monthly price. The hospitals have their own guidelines for parking at the hospital. Please contact your manager for more information about parking subscriptions.
Changing rooms
The ID card will grant access to locker rooms and clothing changes. You will be assigned a locker.
ID card
All employees at Helse Fonna are required to have identification cards (ID cards). These are also used for locks and digital solutions. To obtain an ID card, you must fill out a form and bring it to the office for access and security. Here, you will be photographed and issued a card.
Access to PC
Your manager will order all the necessary data accesses you will need to log onto your PC.
Your Guide to Living, Working and Thriving in Norway
Here, we've compiled useful tips on purchasing a home, securing employment, understanding schools and childcare, navigating the healthcare system, and thriving in Norway.
Start by researching the market to understand the types of properties available and their prices. You can se the links on the right to find a property.
Then, secure financing, typically through a mortgage from a Norwegian bank, for which you'll need proof of income and sometimes a down payment. It's recommended to get a 'finansieringsbevis' (financial approval) to show sellers you're a serious buyer.
Next, find properties you're interested in, attend viewings, and when ready, place a bid through the real estate agent handling the sale. If your bid is accepted, there will be a formal purchase process, including signing a contract and transferring the payment. Remember to consider additional costs like stamp duty and legal fees.
When moving to Norway, you can find job vacancies by visiting relevant websites, like www.finn.no or Haugaland Vekst can help you: Kontakt oss - Haugaland Vekst.
Availability
Norway emphasizes early childhood education, and most children aged 1-5 attend kindergarten. It’s important to apply for a spot as early as possible due to potential waiting lists.
Costs
Inform about the monthly fees, which can vary by municipality but are subsidized by the government to remain affordable for all families.
The Norwegian school system starts with primary school (grades 1-7), lower secondary school (grades 8-10), and upper secondary school (grades 11-13).
International Schools
For families preferring education in English, international schools are a viable option. These often offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Language Support
Children of expats may be entitled to additional Norwegian language lessons to help them integrate into the Norwegian school system.
General Practitioner (GP)
All residents in Norway are entitled to register with a GP who provides primary health care services. Your GP is your first point of contact for illness or health concerns.
You can freely choose among available GPs in your municipality and have the option to change your GP up to two times a year.
Health Station
The health station offers free services such as health checks, vaccinations for children, and parenting advice. It’s a crucial resource for monitoring children's development and receiving parental support.
Engagement
Participating in local leisure activities, volunteering, or language cafes can be excellent ways to meet new people and integrate into Norwegian society.
Expats Networks
There are various organizations and groups aimed specifically at expats in Norway, offering support, socialization, and valuable information for newcomers.
Learning Norwegian
For both adults and children, will facilitate integration and everyday life in Norway. Norwegian language courses are available for adults through various channels, including evening classes, online courses, and more intensive language programs.
Dental services in Norway are provided through both private and public sectors, with the system for adults differing from that for children and adolescents:
Free Dental Care
In Norway, dental services are free for all children and adolescents from birth until the year they turn 18. This includes regular check-ups, preventive treatment, and necessary dental care.
Public Dental Clinics
Free dental services for children and adolescents are mainly offered through public dental clinics spread across the country.
The costs for dental treatment can be high, especially for more complex procedures like root canals, crowns, and implants. Therefore, it's advisable to compare prices and services between different dentists.
The climate in Southwestern Norway is generally mild compared to other parts of the country. This area benefits from the Gulf Stream, which brings warmer waters and air to the Norwegian coast.
Temperature
The region experiences mild winters and cool summers. Winter temperatures rarely drop far below freezing, and summer temperatures usually hover around 15-20°C (59-68°F), though they can occasionally reach up to 25°C (77°F) on warm days.
Precipitation
Southwestern Norway is known for its high levels of precipitation. The rain is spread throughout the year, but autumn and winter tend to be the wettest seasons.
Wind
The area can experience strong winds, especially during winter storms coming off the North Sea.
This mild and wet climate influences the lush landscape of the region, contributing to its renowned natural beauty, with fjords, waterfalls, and green hillsides. It also affects daily life and activities, with residents often dressing in layers and always prepared for rain.