Norway Job Interviews: Employers Cannot Ask About Nationality or Ethnicity
PublishedEditorial policy
Norwegian law strictly prohibits employers from asking about nationality, ethnicity, religion, or political views during job interviews. This rule ensures hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications and experience, with rare exceptions only when citizenship is legally mandated for a specific role.
Key takeaways
- Employers cannot ask about nationality, ethnic origin, religion, or political views – this is law, not a recommendation.
- Exceptions are possible only if citizenship is objectively required by law for a specific position.
- If you are asked a prohibited question, you have the right to refuse to answer and contact anti-discrimination authorities.
Understanding Interview Rights in Norway
Norwegian law explicitly restricts what employers can ask during job interviews. Questions regarding nationality, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, political views, or trade union membership are strictly forbidden. Hiring decisions must be based solely on a candidate's qualifications and experience.
Exceptions are rare and apply only if citizenship is legally required for the position by law or international agreement, and this requirement must be directly relevant to the nature of the work. For individuals relocating to Norway, it's crucial to know your rights. If you encounter questions about your nationality or background during an interview, it is not standard practice, and you are not obligated to answer. You have the right to refuse to answer such questions or report them to the relevant anti-discrimination authorities.
Source: The Local Norway — https://www.thelocal.no/20261012/can-companies-in-norway-ask-about-your-nationality-or-ethnicity-in-a-job-interview
Sources
Based on Emigro corridor reporting. Primary links below.
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