In Norway, employees are entitled to 21 working days of paid annual leave per year under the Holiday Act (Ferieloven). Employees aged 60 and above are entitled to 25 working days. Leave accrues during one year and is taken during the following holiday year.

Statutory entitlement

21 working days of annual leave. 25 working days for employees aged 60 and above.

Eligibility

All employees are entitled to annual leave. Leave accrues during one year and is taken during the following holiday year.

Employer obligations

  • Grant 21 working days of paid annual leave per year (25 days for employees aged 60+).
  • Pay holiday pay (feriepenger) of at least 10.2% of the previous year's earnings.
  • Allow the employee to take annual leave during the holiday year.
  • Pay for unused annual leave on termination of employment.

Employee rights

  • Right to 21–25 days of annual leave.
  • Right to holiday pay (feriepenger) of at least 10.2% of previous year's earnings.
  • Right to paid leave payout on termination.

Common pitfalls

  • Not paying holiday pay (feriepenger) — this is a mandatory entitlement.
  • Not increasing leave for employees aged 60+ — the entitlement increases to 25 days.

Holiday pay (feriepenger)

Employees receive holiday pay of at least 10.2% of the previous year's earnings (12.5% for employees aged 60+). This is paid when the employee takes their annual leave.

Frequently asked questions

What is feriepenger?

Feriepenger is holiday pay — a percentage of the previous year's earnings paid to employees during their annual leave.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.