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Recognition of education and professions from abroad
Draft, translated: translated from the Norwegian original with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is the authoritative one. See the Norwegian original →
Do you have education from another country? For most jobs, recognition is not required, but it can help. For regulated professions, such as doctor, nurse and teacher, you must have it. How to apply to HK-dir.
Norwegian original last checked against official sources: 16 October 2026. Rules and figures change, so always check the official site before you act.
Many people who come to Norway have education and work experience that is not being used. Recognition can make it easier to get a job that fits.
Do you need recognition?
According to HK-dir (the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills), recognition is usually not required to work in Norway. It is only required if the profession is regulated.
- Regulated professions, for example doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, pharmacist and teacher, require recognition. Each profession has its own recognition authority. HK-dir has a list showing where to apply. For health professions it is the Norwegian Directorate of Health.
- For other professions, you can use a recognition from HK-dir when applying for jobs, but it is the employer who decides whether they require it.
- You normally do not need recognition to apply for admission to studies in Norway.
What HK-dir recognises
HK-dir handles, among other things, higher education (bachelor, master, PhD), tertiary vocational education, vocational education and training, and recognition as a teacher and as a head or pedagogical leader in a kindergarten.
According to HK-dir, it is free to apply for recognition of vocational education and training, but you must pay for translation of documents yourself.
How to apply
- Apply in HK-dir's digital application portal. Applications by e-mail are not accepted.
- Upload all the documents HK-dir requires, such as diplomas, transcripts and ID.
- Documents that are not in English or a Nordic language must be translated into Norwegian or English by an approved translator. Translations you have made yourself are not accepted.
Processing time according to HK-dir: about 4 to 6 months for higher education, 3 to 5 months for tertiary vocational education and 2 to 3 months for vocational education and training.
Tip: Ask NAV or the introduction programme for help with the application, and with finding out what work you can do while you wait. Read the introduction programme.
Sources
- HK-dir. I have education from abroad (Norwegian)
- HK-dir. Useful to know when applying for recognition (Norwegian)
- HK-dir. Regulated professions in Norway (Norwegian)
- HK-dir. Recognition of vocational education and training (Norwegian)
Kontaktpunkt24 gives general information, not legal advice. If you need help with your own case, contact a lawyer, a legal aid service, or the relevant authority.
This page is translated from Norwegian with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is always the authoritative one.