Oil and Gas Jobs in Norway for Foreigners: How to Apply

Explore oil and gas jobs in Norway for foreigners. Learn about visa sponsorship, top employers, salaries, in-demand roles, and step-by-step application tips for 2026. Norway is one of Europe’s leading countries in the oil and gas industry, offering highly competitive salaries, state-of-the-art technology, and opportunities for international professionals. For foreigners seeking lucrative careers abroad, oil and gas jobs in Norway are an excellent pathway to gain global experience, earn well, and work in a country known for its high quality of life.

This guide provides an in-depth overview of the Norwegian oil and gas sector, top employers, visa pathways, in-demand roles, salaries, and a step-by-step strategy to secure your dream job.

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Why Norway is Ideal for Oil and Gas Careers

Norway’s oil and gas industry has been a cornerstone of its economy for decades, with exploration, production, and engineering operations driving demand for skilled professionals. Here’s why you should consider a career in this sector:

• High Salaries and Benefits: Professionals in oil and gas can earn €60,000–€120,000 annually, with offshore positions offering higher compensation.

• Visa Sponsorship Opportunities: Many Norwegian companies hire skilled foreign workers through work permits and skilled immigration programs.

• Technologically Advanced Industry: Norway invests heavily in offshore technology, safety, and environmental standards.

• Work-Life Balance: Norwegian companies emphasize health, safety, and work-life balance, making it a comfortable environment for expatriates.

• Multicultural Work Environment: English is widely used in the industry, easing integration for international professionals.

Norway’s strong economy, stable political environment, and welcoming policies for skilled workers make it a top destination for foreign oil and gas professionals.

High-Demand Oil and Gas Roles in Norway

The oil and gas sector offers diverse roles for foreign professionals. Here are some of the most in-demand positions:

1. Petroleum Engineer

• Responsibilities: Design, develop, and optimize oil and gas extraction processes.

• Skills Required: Reservoir engineering, drilling techniques, production optimization, MATLAB/Simulink.

• Average Salary: €70,000–€110,000 per year

2. Drilling Engineer

• Responsibilities: Plan and supervise drilling operations onshore and offshore.

• Skills Required: Drilling software (Landmark, Petrel), safety management, project planning.

• Average Salary: €65,000–€100,000 per year

3. Offshore Rig Worker / Technician

• Responsibilities: Maintain offshore rigs, monitor equipment, and ensure operational safety.

• Skills Required: Mechanical/electrical skills, safety certifications, offshore experience.

• Average Salary: €60,000–€120,000 per year

4. Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Officer

• Responsibilities: Ensure compliance with safety regulations, conduct risk assessments, and implement safety measures.

• Skills Required: HSE certifications, risk management, environmental compliance, offshore safety standards.

• Average Salary: €65,000–€100,000 per year

5. Geologist / Geophysicist

• Responsibilities: Analyze subsurface data to identify oil and gas reserves.

• Skills Required: Seismic interpretation, Petrel, reservoir modeling, GIS tools.

• Average Salary: €60,000–€95,000 per year

6. Project Engineer / Manager

• Responsibilities: Manage oil and gas projects, coordinate teams, and ensure timely delivery within budget.

• Skills Required: Project management (PMP), engineering knowledge, leadership, budgeting.

• Average Salary: €70,000–€120,000 per year

Top Companies Hiring Foreign Oil and Gas Professionals in Norway

Norway is home to multinational oil and gas companies, service providers, and offshore operators:

1. Equinor – Norway’s largest oil company with multiple international operations.

2. Aker Solutions – Engineering and offshore services.

3. Shell Norway – Upstream and energy solutions.

4. ConocoPhillips Norway – Exploration, production, and energy services.

5. TechnipFMC – Oilfield services and project management.

6. Subsea 7 – Offshore engineering and construction.

7. TotalEnergies Norway – Exploration and energy projects.

Tip: Apply directly on company career portals and filter for positions open to international applicants or with visa sponsorship.

Visa Options for Foreign Oil and Gas Professionals

Foreign professionals usually require a work permit to work legally in Norway:

1. Skilled Worker Visa

• Eligibility: Job offer from a Norwegian employer with qualifications matching the role.

• Duration: Up to 3 years initially, renewable.

• Requirements: Relevant education, work experience, and salary above minimum threshold.

2. Seasonal Worker Visa (Short-term Roles)

• Eligibility: Short-term or contract-based positions in oil and gas or support services.

• Duration: Usually 6–12 months.

3. EU/EEA Blue Card

• Eligibility: Highly skilled professionals with recognized degrees and a high salary threshold.

• Benefits: Allows mobility across EU/EEA countries and long-term residency options.

Most large oil and gas companies in Norway provide visa sponsorship and guidance for international candidates.

How to Apply for Oil and Gas Jobs in Norway

Securing a role in Norway’s oil and gas sector requires preparation and strategy. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1: Build a Norwegian-Style Resume & LinkedIn Profile

• Keep your resume concise (2 pages max), highlighting technical skills, certifications, and measurable achievements.

• Include offshore experience, safety certifications, and language skills if applicable.

2: Earn Relevant Certifications

• Increase employability with certifications such as:

  • Offshore Safety & Survival Training (BOSIET)

  • HSE Management

  • Project Management (PMP)

  • Specialized software (Petrel, Landmark, AutoCAD)

3: Search for Jobs

• Use trusted Norwegian and international job portals:

  • Finn.no

  • Indeed Norway

  • LinkedIn Jobs Norway

  • Company career portals (Equinor, Aker Solutions, Shell)

4: Tailor Your Applications

• Write a personalized cover letter emphasizing technical expertise, offshore experience, and willingness to relocate.

• Highlight problem-solving skills, safety awareness, and teamwork in challenging environments.

5: Prepare for Interviews

• Expect technical assessments, scenario-based questions, and safety compliance queries.

• Prepare for behavioral interviews assessing teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills.

6: Secure Visa & Relocate

• After receiving a job offer, your employer typically assists with work permit applications and relocation logistics.

• Prepare for living in Norway: housing, cost of living, healthcare, and understanding local culture.

Tips to Stand Out as a Foreign Oil and Gas Professional

• Gain hands-on experience in offshore and onshore operations.

• Obtain internationally recognized HSE and technical certifications.

• Stay updated with Norwegian oil and gas regulations, technology, and safety standards.

• Network with professionals via LinkedIn, industry events, and forums.

• Highlight multilingual abilities, as English is widely used but Norwegian knowledge can be advantageous.

Final Thoughts

Oil and gas jobs in Norway offer lucrative salaries, advanced technology exposure, and long-term career growth for foreign professionals. By obtaining relevant certifications, targeting companies that provide visa sponsorship, and preparing thoroughly for technical and behavioral interviews, international candidates can successfully build a rewarding career in this sector.

Whether your goal is to work offshore, in engineering, project management, or HSE, Norway’s oil and gas industry is eager to welcome skilled talent from around the world.