What do we mean by seasonal work?
Seasonal work or seasonal activities is defined as work that can only be carried out during a limited time of the year.
Examples of seasonal work is work in the agricultural industry, the forestry industry, the fishing industry, and the horticulture industry. Work such as carpentry, painting and other maintenance or restoration work is not defined as seasonal work. Work such as barn work and general farm work, which must be carried out throughout the year, is not defined as seasonal work.
The restaurant, hotel and tourism industry can be considered seasonal during high seasons, primarily in the period from May to September.
Working as a holiday substitute for a permanent employee can also be considered seasonal work. To qualify as seasonal work, you must document that you are going to replace an employee who is on ordinary holiday leave. For example, you can work as a holiday replacement for a worker in the health care sector who is going on holiday leave.
The need for seasonal workers from countries outside the EU/EEA – for seasonal work outside agriculture – must be assessed by NAV. The employer must obtain confirmation from NAV that it is not possible to find workers from Norway or the EU/EEA for the position.