Is this job offer genuine? Would you recommend moving to Norway?

Legitimacy of the Job Offers

The news story describes legitimate job opportunities in Norway promoted through EURES, the European job mobility network in collaboration with Spain's SEPE. Over 13,000 vacancies exist across sectors like hospitality (around €17.80/hour), cleaning (€20/hour), construction (€20+/hour), logistics, mechanics, and skilled roles such as software developers or medical specialists.[1][2][3] Spaniards can work legally without a visa due to EEA agreements, needing only to register residence after three months and obtain a Norwegian ID number.[1][4] No evidence indicates this specific initiative is a scam, though general SEPE impersonation frauds via phone (e.g., 800/807 numbers asking for bank details) are rising—always verify directly on official EURES/SEPE portals.[5][6]

Key Considerations for Moving

Norway's average after-tax salary (€3,813/month) covers 1.7 months of living costs, versus 1.3 months in Spain (€2,027 salary), but expenses are 38-40% higher there (e.g., €1,189 rent for a one-bedroom in Oslo vs. €911 in Spain; beer €10.30 vs. €3.84).[7][8] Free housing is offered initially in some roles, aiding short-term savings, but high ongoing costs for food (€726/person vs. €460), utilities, and transport persist, especially in cities like Oslo.[1][8] English suffices for many jobs, though Norwegian helps integration; winters bring long darkness and cold, potentially challenging for Spaniards.[1][9]

Past Experiences and Risks

Spaniards, including in Bergen shops, have taken Norwegian jobs, often low-skill ones locals avoid due to better options.[9] Historical issues exist: Galician fishermen were denied pensions after years in Norwegian fleets, as employers skipped contributions—highlighting risks for non-EU standardized social security.[ (meneame comments)] Norway mandates employer pension contributions (2% minimum), but verify contracts cover this.[10] No widespread recent pension scams for Spaniards reported, but always confirm contributions and avoid unverified agents to prevent fraud bans.[11]

Recommendation

Moving suits short-term savings (e.g., 3-6 months in low-skill roles) if you tolerate cold/darkness and prioritize earnings over lifestyle, given Spain dissatisfaction. For long-term, target skilled jobs matching your tech/programming background (Python/Rust) via EURES, as unskilled pay erodes with costs.[1][8] Research specific offers on SEPE/EURES sites, contact employers directly, and calculate net savings—Norway ranks high in quality of life (92/100 vs. Spain's 80), but test via temporary stint first.[8]

Citations: [1] Noruega, en colaboración con el SEPE, busca españoles ... https://infoemplea2.com/noruega-en-colaboracion-con-el-sepe-busca-espanoles-para-cubrir-mas-de-13-000-puestos-de-trabajo-con-sueldos-de-hasta-5-500-euros-y-vivienda-gratis-los-primeros-meses/ [2] Noruega busca trabajadores españoles con salarios ... https://www.20minutos.es/lainformacion/economia/noruega-busca-trabajadores-espanoles-salarios-desde-3400-euros-mes-requisitos-como-solicitar-5669995/ [3] Con sueldos de hasta 5.500 euros y ayudas de vivienda ... https://www.20minutos.es/empleo/con-sueldos-hasta-5-500-euros-ayudas-vivienda-noruega-sepe-buscan-espanoles-para-cubrir-mas-11-000-plazas_6664200_0.html [4] Employment in Norway | State Public Employment Service https://www.sepe.es/HomeSepe/en/encontrar-trabajo/empleo-europa/Ofertas-empleo-destacadas-informacion-paises/empleo-noruega.html [5] Watch out for SEPE phone scams in Spain https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/04/23/scammers-posing-as-sepe-are-targeting-people-in-spain-heres-what-to-watch-out-for/ [6] Government employment agency warns of the phone ... https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/the-sepe-warns-the-two-phone-numbers-20250124080257-nt.html [7] EURES fairs and events in Spain https://www.sepe.es/HomeSepe/en/encontrar-trabajo/empleo-europa/eventos-eures.html [8] Norway vs Spain: Cost of Living, Salary & Prices comparison https://livingcost.org/cost/norway/spain [9] Is it true that many Spaniards are going to work in Norway? ... https://www.reddit.com/r/askspain/comments/1od2q74/es_cierto_que_muchos_espa%C3%B1oles_se_van_a_trabajar/ [10] Norway expands occupational pension coverage https://www.mercer.com/insights/law-and-policy/norway-expands-occupational-pension-coverage/ [11] Fraudulent work offers - UDI https://www.udi.no/en/word-definitions/fraudulent-work-offers/ [12] Emigrar a Noruega: anuncian más de 12.000 vacantes de ... https://www.cronista.com/espana/economia-finanzas/emigrar-a-noruega-anuncian-mas-de-12000-vacantes-de-empleos-para-trabajadores-que-hablen-en-espanol/ [13] ¿Eres demandante de empleo en busca de nuevas ... https://www.sepe.es/HomeSepe/va/que-es-el-sepe/comunicacion-institucional/noticias/detalle-noticia.html?folder=%2FSEPE%2F2023%2FFebrero%2F&detail=Eres-demandante-de-empleo-en-busca-de-nuevas-oportunidades-de-trabajo-en-Noruega [14] Desenmascarando Mitos: La Verdad sobre Noruega y el Trabajo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32NJLs8HYzI [15] ¿Hablas español? Noruega lanza 15.000 ofertas de ... https://www.larazon.es/economia/hablas-espanol-noruega-lanza-15000-ofertas-empleo-salarios-2500-euros_2025082868affe826dcbcd3be243d148.html [16] Norway will pay up to 5400 euros for workers who speak ... https://www.lavanguardia.com/mediterranean/20250108/10265589/norway-pay-worker-speak-spanish-experience-job-offer-sector-economy-2025-place.html [17] Oferta de empleo EURES Chef para noruega 2025 https://www.sepe.es/SiteSepe/contenidos/personas/encontrar_empleo/encontrar_empleo_europa/paises/noruega/pdf_noruega/2025/marzo/OferNoruega11marzo_Chef_Geilo.pdf0 [18] Cost Of Living Comparison Between Spain And Norway https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=Spain&country2=Norway [19] Pensions at a Glance 2025: Norway https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/pensions-at-a-glance-2025-country-notes_8a53ef12-en/norway_27c024f4-en.html [20] Cost of living in Barcelona, Spain (Spain) is - Oslo - Expatistan https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/comparison/oslo/barcelona-spain

1 comments

Legitimacy of the Job Offers
The news story describes legitimate job opportunities in Norway promoted through EURES, the European job mobility network in collaboration with Spain's SEPE. Over 13,000 vacancies exist across sectors like hospitality (around €17.80/hour), cleaning (€20/hour), construction (€20+/hour), logistics, mechanics, and skilled roles such as software developers or medical specialists.[1][2][3] Spaniards can work legally without a visa due to EEA agreements, needing only to register residence after three months and obtain a Norwegian ID number.[1][4] No evidence indicates this specific initiative is a scam, though general SEPE impersonation frauds via phone (e.g., 800/807 numbers asking for bank details) are rising—always verify directly on official EURES/SEPE portals.[5][6]
Key Considerations for Moving
Norway's average after-tax salary (€3,813/month) covers 1.7 months of living costs, versus 1.3 months in Spain (€2,027 salary), but expenses are 38-40% higher there (e.g., €1,189 rent for a one-bedroom in Oslo vs. €911 in Spain; beer €10.30 vs. €3.84).[7][8] Free housing is offered initially in some roles, aiding short-term savings, but high ongoing costs for food (€726/person vs. €460), utilities, and transport persist, especially in cities like Oslo.[1][8] English suffices for many jobs, though Norwegian helps integration; winters bring long darkness and cold, potentially challenging for Spaniards.[1][9]
Past Experiences and Risks
Spaniards, including in Bergen shops, have taken Norwegian jobs, often low-skill ones locals avoid due to better options.[9] Historical issues exist: Galician fishermen were denied pensions after years in Norwegian fleets, as employers skipped contributions—highlighting risks for non-EU standardized social security.[ (meneame comments)] Norway mandates employer pension contributions (2% minimum), but verify contracts cover this.[10] No widespread recent pension scams for Spaniards reported, but always confirm contributions and avoid unverified agents to prevent fraud bans.[11]
Recommendation
Moving suits short-term savings (e.g., 3-6 months in low-skill roles) if you tolerate cold/darkness and prioritize earnings over lifestyle, given Spain dissatisfaction. For long-term, target skilled jobs matching your tech/programming background (Python/Rust) via EURES, as unskilled pay erodes with costs.[1][8] Research specific offers on SEPE/EURES sites, contact employers directly, and calculate net savings—Norway ranks high in quality of life (92/100 vs. Spain's 80), but test via temporary stint first.[8]
Citations: [1] Noruega, en colaboración con el SEPE, busca españoles ... https://infoemplea2.com/noruega-en-colaboracion-con-el-sepe-busca-espanoles-para-cubrir-mas-de-13-000-puestos-de-trabajo-con-sueldos-de-hasta-5-500-euros-y-vivienda-gratis-los-primeros-meses/ [2] Noruega busca trabajadores españoles con salarios ... https://www.20minutos.es/lainformacion/economia/noruega-busca-trabajadores-espanoles-salarios-desde-3400-euros-mes-requisitos-como-solicitar-5669995/ [3] Con sueldos de hasta 5.500 euros y ayudas de vivienda ... https://www.20minutos.es/empleo/con-sueldos-hasta-5-500-euros-ayudas-vivienda-noruega-sepe-buscan-espanoles-para-cubrir-mas-11-000-plazas_6664200_0.html [4] Employment in Norway | State Public Employment Service https://www.sepe.es/HomeSepe/en/encontrar-trabajo/empleo-europa/Ofertas-empleo-destacadas-informacion-paises/empleo-noruega.html [5] Watch out for SEPE phone scams in Spain https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/04/23/scammers-posing-as-sepe-are-targeting-people-in-spain-heres-what-to-watch-out-for/ [6] Government employment agency warns of the phone ... https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/the-sepe-warns-the-two-phone-numbers-20250124080257-nt.html [7] EURES fairs and events in Spain https://www.sepe.es/HomeSepe/en/encontrar-trabajo/empleo-europa/eventos-eures.html [8] Norway vs Spain: Cost of Living, Salary & Prices comparison https://livingcost.org/cost/norway/spain [9] Is it true that many Spaniards are going to work in Norway? ... https://www.reddit.com/r/askspain/comments/1od2q74/es_cierto_que_muchos_espa%C3%B1oles_se_van_a_trabajar/ [10] Norway expands occupational pension coverage https://www.mercer.com/insights/law-and-policy/norway-expands-occupational-pension-coverage/ [11] Fraudulent work offers - UDI https://www.udi.no/en/word-definitions/fraudulent-work-offers/ [12] Emigrar a Noruega: anuncian más de 12.000 vacantes de ... https://www.cronista.com/espana/economia-finanzas/emigrar-a-noruega-anuncian-mas-de-12000-vacantes-de-empleos-para-trabajadores-que-hablen-en-espanol/ [13] ¿Eres demandante de empleo en busca de nuevas ... https://www.sepe.es/HomeSepe/va/que-es-el-sepe/comunicacion-institucional/noticias/detalle-noticia.html?folder=%2FSEPE%2F2023%2FFebrero%2F&detail=Eres-demandante-de-empleo-en-busca-de-nuevas-oportunidades-de-trabajo-en-Noruega [14] Desenmascarando Mitos: La Verdad sobre Noruega y el Trabajo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32NJLs8HYzI [15] ¿Hablas español? Noruega lanza 15.000 ofertas de ... https://www.larazon.es/economia/hablas-espanol-noruega-lanza-15000-ofertas-empleo-salarios-2500-euros_2025082868affe826dcbcd3be243d148.html [16] Norway will pay up to 5400 euros for workers who speak ... https://www.lavanguardia.com/mediterranean/20250108/10265589/norway-pay-worker-speak-spanish-experience-job-offer-sector-economy-2025-place.html [17] Oferta de empleo EURES Chef para noruega 2025 https://www.sepe.es/SiteSepe/contenidos/personas/encontrar_empleo/encontrar_empleo_europa/paises/noruega/pdf_noruega/2025/marzo/OferNoruega11marzo_Chef_Geilo.pdf0 [18] Cost Of Living Comparison Between Spain And Norway https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=Spain&country2=Norway [19] Pensions at a Glance 2025: Norway https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/pensions-at-a-glance-2025-country-notes_8a53ef12-en/norway_27c024f4-en.html [20] Cost of living in Barcelona, Spain (Spain) is - Oslo - Expatistan https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/comparison/oslo/barcelona-spain