International Recruitment Agency in Norway

Balkans Recruitment is a leading international recruitment agency in Norway, connecting employers with qualified professionals, skilled workers, and general workforce talent from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and other countries across the Balkan region.

As Norwegian businesses continue to seek qualified employees, experienced professionals, and dependable workforce talent, international recruitment provides an effective way to access a broader labor market. Balkans Recruitment helps employers address recruitment challenges by identifying, attracting, evaluating, and connecting them with suitable international candidates.

Whether your company needs professional talent, technical specialists, skilled workers, temporary employees, seasonal staff, or a larger general workforce, we provide tailored recruitment solutions designed around your specific business requirements.

With an extensive international candidate database, a strong network of recruitment partners, and international sourcing capabilities across the Balkan countries, Balkans Recruitment helps Norwegian companies expand their recruitment reach, fill specialized talent gaps, and build qualified, diverse, and reliable workforces.

Your International Recruitment Partner in Norway

Finding and hiring the right employees is essential for business growth, operational efficiency, and long-term success. However, relying exclusively on the domestic labor market can sometimes limit access to suitable candidates, particularly when companies require specialized expertise, experienced professionals, skilled workers, or significant workforce numbers.

Working with an experienced international recruitment agency in Norway allows employers to expand their candidate search beyond domestic borders and access additional international talent markets.

Balkans Recruitment assists Norwegian employers in finding, attracting, and hiring exceptional staff and workforce talent efficiently across a wide range of industries and professional categories.

We connect employers with international candidates from:

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Kosovo
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Serbia
• Other countries across the Balkan region

Our international recruitment network helps Norwegian businesses access a broader talent pool, address recruitment challenges, fill specialized positions, and identify suitable candidates for professional, technical, operational, and general workforce roles.

Our mission is to deliver tailored recruitment solutions, connect employers with international talent, and provide end-to-end hiring support that meets each employer’s unique workforce needs.

Whether you are a small business, an established organization, or a large company with continuous recruitment requirements, we work to develop international recruitment strategies that support your business and workforce objectives.

Industries We Serve in Norway

Balkans Recruitment provides international recruitment and workforce solutions across a wide range of industries in Norway.

We recognize that every industry has different workforce requirements, professional standards, qualifications, and hiring challenges. Our recruitment approach is therefore tailored to the specific needs of each employer and sector.

We assist Norwegian companies operating in the following industries:

1. Accommodation and Food Services

We help hotels, restaurants, catering companies, hospitality groups, and tourism-related businesses recruit employees for operational, service, and support positions.

Our international recruitment solutions can support businesses experiencing seasonal demand, workforce shortages, business expansion, and ongoing staffing requirements.

2. Administrative and Support Services

We connect organizations with administrative professionals, office personnel, business support employees, and other candidates who contribute to efficient business operations.

3. Construction

We assist construction companies, contractors, and infrastructure businesses in finding skilled workers, technical professionals, experienced tradespeople, and general workforce candidates.

Whether your company needs additional personnel for a specific construction project or a long-term workforce expansion, our international recruitment network helps broaden your access to construction talent.

4. Electricity, Gas, Water, and Waste Services

We support companies operating in essential utility and environmental service sectors by identifying suitable technical professionals, operational personnel, skilled workers, and other workforce candidates.

5. Health Care

We help healthcare employers access international professional talent for relevant vacancies, subject to applicable professional qualification recognition, registration, licensing, language, and employment requirements.

Healthcare recruitment involves specific professional standards and regulatory procedures, making appropriate qualification assessment an essential part of the recruitment process.

6. Real Estate

We support real estate companies, property businesses, and related organizations with recruitment for administrative, commercial, operational, property management, and other professional positions.

7. Retail Trade

We assist retailers and commercial businesses in finding dependable employees for sales, customer service, store operations, inventory management, and other retail workforce requirements.

8. Telecommunications

We help telecommunications companies identify technical specialists, qualified professionals, operational personnel, and other employees required to support their business activities.

9. Transport, Postal, and Warehousing

We provide recruitment support to logistics companies, transport operators, postal businesses, distribution centers, and warehousing organizations.

Our recruitment solutions cover skilled, operational, and general workforce positions according to employer requirements.

10. Wholesale Trade

We help wholesale businesses recruit employees for commercial operations, distribution, logistics, administration, and other related business functions.

Across these industries, our objective is to connect employers with candidates whose qualifications, professional experience, practical skills, and expectations match their workforce requirements.

Why Choose Balkans Recruitment as Your International Recruitment Agency in Norway?

Selecting the right international recruitment partner can make a significant difference in the efficiency and success of your hiring process.

International recruitment requires more than identifying available candidates. Employers need access to international talent pools, effective sourcing strategies, professional candidate evaluation, and an understanding of the practical requirements involved in cross-border employment.

Balkans Recruitment has built an extensive network of recruitment partners, employers, and industry specialists, enabling us to deliver tailored workforce solutions across countries, industries, and professional levels.

Access to an Extensive International Candidate Database

Our extensive database of international candidates is a valuable resource for companies seeking to expand globally, fill specialized talent gaps, and build a diverse, skilled workforce.

We help Norwegian employers access candidates from multiple Balkan countries, broadening the reach of their recruitment campaigns.

Through our international candidate sourcing capabilities, employers can consider professionals, technical specialists, skilled workers, and general workforce candidates for a wide variety of positions.

Recruitment Across Multiple Balkan Countries

Balkans Recruitment connects Norwegian employers with candidates from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and other countries across the Balkan region.

Our regional recruitment network provides access to different candidate markets and helps businesses expand their recruitment search beyond Norway’s domestic labor market.

Tailored International Recruitment Strategies

We recognize that every country, organization, industry, and candidate has unique requirements and expectations.

That is why we take a tailored approach to international recruitment rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.

We consider the employer’s industry, vacancy requirements, qualifications, professional experience, language expectations, workforce numbers, workplace location, and recruitment objectives when developing an appropriate sourcing and selection strategy.

Comprehensive Recruitment Support

Our involvement extends beyond candidate sourcing.

We assist employers throughout the recruitment process, from understanding workforce requirements and identifying suitable international candidates to evaluating applications, preparing shortlists, coordinating interviews, and supporting the hiring process.

International Reach and Local Market Understanding

Our approach combines international reach with in-depth knowledge of different labor markets.

We understand that international recruitment requires consideration of local employment practices, professional qualifications, language requirements, candidate expectations, and applicable administrative procedures.

For Norwegian employers, this includes understanding Norwegian workplace expectations, employment legislation, collective agreements, professional qualification recognition, and relevant immigration procedures.

By combining our international recruitment network with a tailored approach, we work to establish productive connections between employers and candidates.

We listen. We understand. We search. We evaluate. We connect. And we stay involved every step of the way.

Our International Recruitment Services in Norway

Balkans Recruitment provides complete workforce solutions tailored to the specific requirements of companies operating in Norway.

Our comprehensive recruitment services support organizations at different stages of growth, from filling individual vacancies to recruiting large numbers of employees for ongoing operations, seasonal demand, and new projects.

01. Permanent Recruitment

Our permanent recruitment service helps Norwegian employers identify, evaluate, and place qualified professionals into permanent positions.

We work to understand the requirements of every vacancy and identify candidates whose professional experience, qualifications, technical abilities, and career objectives align with the position.

Our permanent recruitment support can include:

• Candidate sourcing and identification
• Application screening and evaluation
• Professional experience assessment
• Qualification and skills verification
• Candidate shortlisting
• Interview coordination
• Recruitment and hiring support

Our objective is to help companies find employees who can contribute to their organizations over the long term.

02. International Recruitment

Our international recruitment service helps Norwegian companies access qualified talent beyond their local labor markets.

We connect employers with professionals, skilled workers, technical specialists, and general workforce candidates from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and other countries across the Balkan region.

International recruitment can help organizations broaden their candidate search, address specialized talent shortages, and identify suitable employees for positions that may be difficult to fill through domestic recruitment alone.

We tailor each international recruitment campaign to the employer’s requirements, industry, workforce needs, and hiring objectives.

03. Temporary and Seasonal Staffing

Workforce requirements can change throughout the year depending on business activity, seasonal demand, project schedules, and operational priorities.

Balkans Recruitment provides temporary, seasonal, project-based, and fixed-term staffing solutions for companies experiencing:

• Seasonal demand
• Business expansion
• New projects
• Workforce shortages
• Urgent recruitment requirements
• Temporary employee replacements
• Large-scale staffing requirements

Our flexible staffing solutions help employers access additional personnel when they need to increase workforce capacity, manage temporary shortages, or maintain business continuity.

Temporary and seasonal employment arrangements involving international workers must satisfy the relevant Norwegian residence and work authorization requirements.

For staffing arrangements in which an agency employs workers and supplies them to a client that directs their work, Norwegian authorization and hiring restrictions must also be considered.

04. Executive Search and Headhunting

Recruiting senior professionals and highly specialized experts often requires a targeted and confidential recruitment strategy.

Our executive search and headhunting service focuses on identifying:

• Senior professionals
• Executives
• Managers
• Directors
• Department heads
• Highly specialized experts

We identify potential candidates whose leadership experience, professional background, expertise, and capabilities correspond to the employer’s requirements.

Our objective is to help organizations secure experienced talent for important leadership, management, and specialist positions.

05. Workforce Outsourcing

Balkans Recruitment provides scalable workforce outsourcing solutions designed to help companies manage recruitment and workforce-related activities more efficiently.

Depending on the employer’s requirements and the agreed scope of services, our solutions can include:

• Recruitment and candidate sourcing
• Workforce administration
• Employee coordination
• Employment documentation support
• Personnel administration
• Ongoing workforce support

Our outsourcing approach helps employers streamline workforce operations and access coordinated recruitment and administration services through an external partner.

Workforce supply arrangements involving employees working under a client’s direction must be structured in compliance with Norwegian staffing enterprise authorization requirements and restrictions on hiring temporary labor.

06. Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO)

Companies managing continuous, recurring, or high-volume recruitment requirements can benefit from Recruitment Process Outsourcing.

Our RPO solutions integrate Balkans Recruitment specialists directly into your hiring operation to support recruitment activities and improve internal hiring capacity.

Depending on the agreement, our RPO services may include:

• Recruitment planning and coordination
• Candidate sourcing
• Application screening
• Candidate evaluation
• Shortlisting
• Interview coordination
• Ongoing recruitment support

RPO is particularly suitable for organizations managing multiple vacancies, recurring recruitment campaigns, rapid business expansion, or large-scale workforce requirements.

07. Skilled and General Workforce Recruitment

Balkans Recruitment recruits candidates across a broad range of professional and operational categories.

Professional Talent

We identify qualified professionals, specialists, managers, technical personnel, and experienced employees for positions requiring specific qualifications, expertise, and professional experience.

Skilled Workforce

We recruit candidates with practical experience, vocational training, technical abilities, and occupation-specific skills.

General Workforce

We help employers access general laborers, operational employees, production personnel, and other candidates for positions requiring a dependable workforce.

Our recruitment approach considers the specific qualifications, practical experience, language skills, and capabilities required for each role.

For non-EU/EEA candidates, the position must also satisfy the applicable Norwegian immigration requirements. In particular, a standard skilled worker residence permit is generally available only when the position requires skilled worker qualifications and the candidate possesses those qualifications.

08. Immigration and Work Permit Support

International recruitment involves documentation, administrative procedures, and applicable immigration and employment requirements.

Balkans Recruitment supports employers and candidates with the documentation and administrative processes required for international employment, working alongside appropriate legal and governmental channels.

For international recruitment into Norway, work authorization requirements depend on the candidate’s nationality, existing residence status, qualifications, employment circumstances, and the position being offered.

Norway is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), although it is not a member of the European Union.

Citizens of EU/EEA countries generally do not need a residence permit to work in Norway. Those planning to work and live in Norway for more than three months must register under the applicable EEA rules.

Candidates from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia are generally considered non-EU/EEA nationals for Norwegian employment purposes, unless they also hold another qualifying citizenship or residence status.

Several immigration routes may be relevant depending on the candidate’s qualifications and employment circumstances.

Skilled Worker Residence Permit

The Norwegian Skilled Worker Residence Permit is one of the principal immigration routes for qualified non-EU/EEA professionals and skilled workers.

To qualify, the candidate must generally have one of the following:

• Completed vocational training of at least three years at upper secondary school level, corresponding to a Norwegian vocational qualification.
• Completed higher education, such as a university or university college degree.
• Special qualifications acquired through extensive professional experience, generally requiring at least six years of relevant work experience and detailed supporting documentation.

The candidate must also:

• Have a concrete job offer from a specific Norwegian employer.
• Have a position that requires skilled worker qualifications.
• Possess the qualifications required for the position.
• Normally have a full-time job offer, although positions of at least 80% can be accepted.
• Receive pay and working conditions that are not poorer than normal in Norway.
• Obtain professional authorization or recognition where the occupation requires it.

This distinction is particularly important for employers recruiting general workforce candidates. A standard job requiring no vocational or higher-level qualifications will generally not qualify for a Skilled Worker Residence Permit.

Salary and Employment Conditions for Skilled Workers

Norwegian immigration authorities require salary and employment conditions to be consistent with normal Norwegian standards.

Where an applicable collective agreement exists, the relevant collective wage rate must be paid.

Where no collective agreement applies, the salary must not be lower than what is normal for the occupation and workplace location.

For positions requiring a higher education qualification where no collective agreement applies, the current UDI salary benchmarks are:

These figures are not universal minimum wages for all Norwegian workers. They are relevant to positions requiring the respective educational qualifications where no collective agreement applies. A lower salary may be considered where the employer can provide substantial documentation showing that it is normal for the occupation and location.

Seasonal Worker Residence Permit

Norway also offers a specific Seasonal Worker Residence Permit for non-EU/EEA nationals.

This route is intended for employment that can only be carried out at a particular time of the year or for temporary holiday replacements of permanent employees.

Applicants generally must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a concrete offer of full-time employment.
• Work in an eligible seasonal occupation or as a holiday replacement.
• Receive pay and employment conditions consistent with Norwegian standards.
• Meet the applicable immigration requirements.

The employer generally needs confirmation from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) that sufficient workers cannot be recruited from Norway or the EEA. This confirmation is not required for work in agriculture or forestry.

A seasonal work permit cannot normally exceed six months within a twelve-month period.

Importantly, ordinary construction trades such as carpentry and painting are not considered seasonal work under this immigration category.

Other Residence and Work Permit Considerations

The correct immigration route depends on the candidate’s qualifications, job offer, nationality, and employment circumstances.

Some candidates may qualify under other residence categories or existing immigration permissions that provide employment rights.

Employers should verify the individual’s immigration status and authorization before agreeing on a starting date.

Our objective is to assist employers and candidates with the administrative coordination involved in international employment while working alongside appropriate legal and governmental channels.

Official information:

• Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) – Skilled Workers
• UDI – Pay and Working Conditions in Norway
• UDI – Seasonal Workers
• UDI – EU/EEA Employees Working in Norway

09. Relocation Services

Moving to another country for employment involves practical arrangements beyond accepting a job offer.

Our relocation support helps international employees transition more smoothly into their new professional and personal environment.

Depending on the agreed service, relocation assistance can include preparation, communication, documentation coordination, and support with practical arrangements associated with moving to Norway for employment.

Our objective is to help international employees begin their new professional opportunities with greater confidence while assisting employers with the coordination of international workforce relocation.

Recruiting International Workers for Norway: Important Considerations

Successful international recruitment requires an understanding of both employer requirements and the practical considerations involved in employing candidates from other countries.

For Norwegian businesses recruiting internationally, several factors should be considered during the recruitment and selection process.

1. Work Authorization and Residence Requirements

International employees must have the appropriate legal authorization to work in Norway.

EU/EEA citizens generally have the right to work in Norway without applying for a Norwegian work permit, although registration is required when they work and reside in the country for more than three months.

Candidates from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia generally need an appropriate residence permit to work in Norway unless they already have another qualifying right to work.

Employers should assess the candidate’s nationality, immigration status, qualifications, employment circumstances, and applicable permit category before finalizing recruitment arrangements.

2. Norwegian Language Requirements

Norwegian is the principal language of everyday life and many workplace environments in Norway.

However, English is also widely used in international companies and certain professional sectors.

Language requirements depend on the position, employer, industry, and responsibilities involved.

Some customer-facing, healthcare, administrative, and regulated professional positions require Norwegian-language proficiency. Other technical, operational, construction, and international business roles may have different language expectations.

Balkans Recruitment takes employer language requirements into consideration when identifying and evaluating candidates.

3. Professional Qualifications and Recognition

Certain occupations in Norway are regulated and require specific professional qualifications, authorization, or formal recognition before candidates can legally perform the relevant work.

This is particularly important in healthcare, where doctors, nurses, and other regulated healthcare professionals may need authorization from the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

Some technical occupations may also require specific certificates, licenses, or recognition of foreign qualifications.

Employers should establish the relevant recognition and authorization requirements before finalizing international recruitment.

4. Salary and Employment Conditions

Norwegian employers must ensure that international employees receive employment conditions consistent with applicable Norwegian legislation.

Norway does not have a single statutory national minimum wage covering every industry. However, legally binding minimum wage rates apply in specified sectors through the general application of collective agreements.

These include sectors such as:

• Construction
• Hospitality
• Cleaning
• Agriculture and horticulture
• Freight transport by road
• Electrician work
• Automotive industry
• Other specifically regulated sectors

In other industries, salaries are generally established through individual employment agreements or applicable collective agreements.

Employers should also consider:

• Applicable collective labor agreements.
• Working hours and overtime.
• Holiday entitlement and holiday pay.
• Employment responsibilities.
• Pension arrangements.
• Insurance and employment benefits.
• Industry-specific minimum rates and supplements.

For international employees applying under a work-related residence permit, the offered salary must also satisfy the relevant immigration requirements.

Official reference: Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority – Minimum Wage and Pay Requirements.

5. Temporary Staffing and Employment Agency Authorization

Norway has specific legislation regulating staffing enterprises and the hiring of temporary agency workers.

Since 1 January 2024, staffing enterprises that hire out employees in Norway must obtain authorization from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority.

A staffing enterprise is generally an organization that employs workers and supplies them to another company that directs their work.

Hiring employees from staffing enterprises is also restricted under Norwegian law. As a general rule, companies may use staffing agency workers in certain permitted circumstances, such as replacing temporarily absent employees or where the relevant collective agreement conditions and employee representative agreements are satisfied.

There are also restrictions on hiring workers for construction activities in certain counties.

These rules are particularly important when structuring temporary staffing and workforce outsourcing services.

Balkans Recruitment’s recruitment and workforce solutions must be structured according to the applicable authorization and employment requirements.

Official references:

• Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority – Staffing Enterprise Authorization
• Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority – Hiring Labour from Staffing Enterprises

6. Relocation and Employee Integration

International employees may need assistance with accommodation arrangements, documentation, registration procedures, and adapting to a new working environment.

Employees relocating to Norway may need to arrange relevant registrations, including a Norwegian identification number, tax information, and other practical requirements depending on their circumstances.

Planning these arrangements in advance can help employers and employees manage the transition more effectively.

By considering these factors from the beginning, Norwegian businesses can develop a more structured and effective international recruitment strategy.

How Our International Recruitment Process Works

At Balkans Recruitment, we follow a structured recruitment process designed to connect Norwegian employers with suitable international candidates.

Every recruitment assignment is different, so our approach is adapted to the position, industry, candidate profile, and workforce requirements.

Step 1: Understanding Your Workforce Requirements

We begin by understanding your company, industry, vacancies, required qualifications, professional experience, number of employees, workplace location, and expected hiring timeframe.

Step 2: Developing a Recruitment Strategy

Based on your requirements, we develop a recruitment strategy that considers the target candidate profile, suitable sourcing markets, recruitment methods, and selection criteria.

Step 3: International Candidate Sourcing

We use our extensive candidate database, recruitment partnerships, and international sourcing network to identify potential candidates from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and other Balkan countries.

Step 4: Candidate Screening and Evaluation

We assess candidates according to the requirements of the position, considering professional background, qualifications, practical experience, technical skills, language proficiency, and other relevant criteria.

Step 5: Shortlisting and Interview Coordination

We present suitable candidates to the employer and assist with interview coordination, communication, and the selection process.

Step 6: Candidate Selection and Hiring Support

Once the employer identifies the preferred candidate, we assist with the next recruitment and hiring stages according to the agreed service.

Step 7: Documentation and Relocation Coordination

Where included in the recruitment agreement, we support the administrative coordination associated with international employment and relocation, working alongside appropriate legal and governmental channels where necessary.

Our approach focuses on effective communication, professional candidate evaluation, and consistent support throughout the recruitment journey.

International Recruitment Agency Fees in Norway

Understanding recruitment agency fees is an important consideration when selecting an international recruitment partner.

At Balkans Recruitment, recruitment fees are based on different commercial models, depending on the position, recruitment requirements, level of exclusivity, and scope of service.

The two most common recruitment fee models are Contingency Recruitment Fees and Retained Search Fees.

1. Contingency Recruitment Fees

How it works: Under a contingency recruitment agreement, the employer pays Balkans Recruitment only if we successfully place a candidate who starts the job.

If no candidate is successfully placed, no placement fee is charged under this model.

Typical cost: 10% to 15% of the candidate’s first-year base salary.

Contingency recruitment is commonly suitable for standard professional positions, specialist recruitment, and workforce requirements where employers prefer a success-based payment arrangement.

Depending on the agreement, employers may also work with multiple recruitment agencies under this model.

2. Retained Search Fees

How it works: Under a retained search agreement, an employer engages an exclusive recruitment agency to conduct a dedicated candidate search.

Payment is generally made in staggered installments, often divided into three stages:

• An upfront installment when the recruitment assignment begins.
• A second installment when the candidate shortlist is delivered.
• A final installment upon successful hiring.

Typical cost: 15% to 25% of the candidate’s first-year base salary.

Retained search is particularly suitable for executive recruitment, senior management positions, confidential hiring assignments, and highly specialized vacancies that require a dedicated search strategy.

Which Recruitment Fee Model Is Right for Your Company?

The most appropriate recruitment fee model depends on your hiring objectives, vacancy requirements, recruitment timeline, and the level of search commitment required.

Contingency recruitment is often suitable when employers prefer to pay only after a successful placement.

Retained search is generally more suitable when a company requires an exclusive recruitment assignment, targeted executive search, or dedicated sourcing for a difficult-to-fill position.

Balkans Recruitment can discuss your hiring requirements and propose a suitable commercial arrangement. All applicable fees, payment schedules, recruitment services, and conditions are confirmed in the recruitment agreement.

The recruitment fees described above are employer-client fees. They are separate from any charges to individual job seekers, which must comply with applicable Norwegian employment agency regulations.

How Long Does International Recruitment Take in Norway?

Recruitment timelines depend on several factors, including the position, industry, required qualifications, candidate availability, employer selection procedures, and any applicable work authorization or relocation requirements.

Across general industries, the average time to fill a vacancy through Balkans Recruitment is approximately one month, or around 20 business days.

This represents a typical recruitment benchmark rather than a guaranteed hiring timeframe. Executive positions, highly specialized vacancies, regulated professions, and complex international recruitment assignments may require additional time.

It is also important to distinguish between the recruitment period and the complete international employment process.

For candidates requiring a Norwegian residence and work permit, the overall timeline may include:

• Confirmation of the employment offer.
• Preparation and verification of candidate documentation.
• Submission of the residence permit application.
• Processing by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration.
• Professional qualification recognition where applicable.
• Relocation and employment preparation.

Immigration processing can therefore extend the period between candidate selection and the employee’s first working day.

Our usual recruitment volume is approximately 10 to 15+ placements per week, depending on active recruitment assignments, employer demand, candidate availability, and the positions being filled.

Our focus is to combine efficient international candidate sourcing with appropriate evaluation and selection processes to help employers achieve their recruitment objectives.

Recruiting Talent from the Balkans for Norwegian Companies

The Balkan region provides Norwegian employers with access to an additional international talent pool of professionals, skilled workers, technical specialists, and general workforce candidates.

Through our extensive recruitment network, Balkans Recruitment connects Norwegian businesses with candidates from:

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Kosovo
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Serbia
• Other countries across the Balkan region

Our objective is to help Norwegian companies broaden their candidate search, address recruitment challenges, fill specialized talent gaps, and build a qualified and diverse workforce.

For employers, international recruitment creates additional sourcing opportunities when domestic recruitment does not provide sufficient candidates or when specific professional experience and practical skills are required.

For candidates, international recruitment creates opportunities to pursue professional careers abroad, develop new skills, and apply their experience in different industries and working environments.

We believe successful international recruitment depends on understanding employer requirements, identifying suitable candidates, conducting professional evaluations, maintaining transparent communication, and developing productive long-term relationships.

Whether your company needs one specialist, a team of skilled workers, temporary employees, or a larger general workforce, Balkans Recruitment is ready to discuss a recruitment solution aligned with your business objectives.

Contact Balkans Recruitment – Let’s Build Your Workforce

Whether you are an employer looking for international talent or a professional searching for your next opportunity, the Balkans Recruitment team is ready to help.

For Employers

Are you looking for qualified professionals, skilled workers, or general workforce talent in Norway?

Tell us:

• What positions you need to fill.
• Which qualifications and experience are required.
• How many employees you need.
• Where you need talent.
• When you need your workforce.

Our recruitment team will review your requirements and discuss the most suitable international recruitment approach for your organization.

For Candidates

Are you interested in international employment opportunities in Norway or other European countries?

Tell us about your skills, professional experience, qualifications, preferred destination, and career goals.

Our international recruitment network connects candidates with potential employment opportunities across different industries and labor markets.

Balkans Recruitment – Your International Recruitment Partner in Norway and Across the Balkans.

Contact our team today to discuss your recruitment requirements and discover how we can help you connect with qualified professionals, skilled workers, and general workforce talent from across the Balkan region.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Recruitment in Norway

1. What does an international recruitment agency in Norway do?

An international recruitment agency helps Norwegian employers identify and hire candidates from other countries. Services can include international candidate sourcing, application screening, professional evaluation, shortlisting, interview coordination, hiring assistance, and support with employment documentation and relocation.

2. Which Balkan countries does Balkans Recruitment recruit from?

Balkans Recruitment connects employers with qualified professionals, skilled workers, and general workforce candidates from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and other countries across the Balkan region.

3. Which industries does Balkans Recruitment serve in Norway?

We support employers across accommodation and food services, administrative and support services, construction, electricity, gas, water and waste services, health care, real estate, retail trade, telecommunications, transport, postal and warehousing, and wholesale trade.

4. What recruitment services does Balkans Recruitment offer?

Our services include permanent recruitment, international recruitment, temporary and seasonal staffing, executive search and headhunting, workforce outsourcing, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, skilled and general workforce recruitment, immigration and work permit support, and relocation services.

5. How much do international recruitment agencies charge in Norway?

Recruitment agency fees depend on the commercial model, position, and scope of service. Balkans Recruitment’s typical contingency fee is 10% to 15% of the candidate’s first-year base salary, while retained search fees are typically 15% to 25%.

6. How long does it take to recruit international employees in Norway?

The average time to fill a vacancy through Balkans Recruitment is approximately one month, or around 20 business days, across general industries. Actual timelines depend on candidate availability, vacancy requirements, employer selection procedures, and applicable immigration and administrative requirements.

7. Can Balkans Recruitment provide large-scale workforce recruitment in Norway?

Yes. We provide skilled and general workforce recruitment, temporary and seasonal staffing, and Recruitment Process Outsourcing solutions for companies with high-volume and recurring recruitment requirements. Our usual recruitment volume is approximately 10 to 15+ placements per week, depending on active assignments and employer demand.

8. Does Balkans Recruitment assist with Norwegian work permits and immigration procedures?

Yes. We support employers and candidates with documentation and administrative processes related to international employment, working alongside appropriate legal and governmental channels. Work authorization requirements depend on the candidate’s nationality, qualifications, employment circumstances, and applicable Norwegian immigration regulations.

9. Can Norwegian employers recruit workers from Albania and other Balkan countries?

Yes. Balkans Recruitment connects Norwegian employers with potential candidates from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and other countries across the Balkan region.

Candidates from these six named countries generally require a Norwegian residence and work permit unless they already have another qualifying right to work.

10. What is a Skilled Worker Residence Permit in Norway?

The Skilled Worker Residence Permit allows eligible non-EU/EEA nationals with appropriate professional qualifications to work in Norway. Applicants generally need a concrete job offer from a Norwegian employer, a position requiring skilled worker qualifications, and pay and employment conditions consistent with Norwegian standards.

11. What qualifications are required for a Norwegian Skilled Worker Residence Permit?

Applicants generally need completed vocational training of at least three years at upper secondary level, higher education such as a bachelor’s degree, or special qualifications acquired through extensive professional experience.

The job must require those qualifications, and the candidate must possess the relevant skills and documentation.

12. What salary is required for skilled workers in Norway?

Salary requirements depend on the applicable collective agreement, occupation, and qualifications required for the position.

Where no collective agreement applies, UDI’s current salary benchmarks are NOK 624,700 annually for positions requiring a master’s degree and NOK 545,400 annually for positions requiring a bachelor’s degree. These are not universal minimum wages for every occupation.

13. Do international workers need to speak Norwegian to work in Norway?

Norwegian-language requirements depend on the employer, industry, and position. Some customer-facing, healthcare, administrative, and regulated professional roles require Norwegian-language proficiency, while other technical and international business positions may have different language expectations.

14. Can Norwegian companies recruit general workers from the Balkans?

Norwegian companies can recruit international candidates for eligible positions when the candidates have the appropriate right to work or qualify for a relevant immigration route.

However, the standard Skilled Worker Residence Permit generally requires a position that demands skilled worker qualifications. Ordinary general labor positions will not normally qualify under this route.

15. Does Norway offer seasonal work permits?

Yes. Norway offers a Seasonal Worker Residence Permit for eligible jobs that can only be performed during a specific period of the year, or for temporary holiday replacements.

Applicants must have a concrete full-time job offer and meet the applicable requirements. The permit cannot normally exceed six months within a twelve-month period.

16. Does Norway have a national minimum wage?

No. Norway does not have a single statutory national minimum wage covering all industries. However, legally binding minimum wage rates apply in specific sectors through the general application of collective agreements. Other salaries are generally determined by individual contracts or applicable collective agreements.

17. Can international staffing agencies supply temporary workers in Norway?

Yes, but Norway has strict rules governing temporary agency employment. Staffing enterprises that hire out workers must obtain authorization from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority. The circumstances in which companies can legally hire workers from staffing enterprises are also restricted.

18. Why should Norwegian companies work with Balkans Recruitment?

Balkans Recruitment provides access to an international candidate database, a regional recruitment network across the Balkan countries, tailored candidate sourcing, and a comprehensive range of recruitment and workforce solutions. Our objective is to help Norwegian employers access suitable international talent and meet their workforce requirements.

19. How can Norwegian employers contact Balkans Recruitment?

Employers can contact our team with information about their vacancies, required candidate profiles, workforce numbers, workplace location, and expected hiring timeline. Our recruitment specialists will review the requirements and discuss a suitable international recruitment solution.

Looking for a reliable international recruitment agency in Norway? Contact Balkans Recruitment and connect your business with qualified professionals, skilled workers, and general workforce talent from across the Balkans.