Labor Laws
Norway
Pregnancy and Parental Leave in Norway

Pregnancy and Parental Leave in Norway

1. How much leave can a pregnant employee take during pregnancy in Norway?
A pregnant employee is entitled to a leave of absence for up to twelve weeks during pregnancy.

2. What leave must the mother take after giving birth in Norway?
After giving birth, the mother shall have a leave of absence for the first six weeks unless she produces a medical certificate stating that she should resume work.

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3. How long are parents entitled to leave of absence in Norway?
Parents shall be entitled to leave of absence for a total of 12 months pursuant to the provisions of the Act.

4. Does the right to leave depend on receiving parental benefits in Norway?
When parental benefits are paid by the National Insurance, parents shall be entitled to leave of absence regardless.

5. Can parents take additional leave after the first 12 months in Norway?
In addition to the first period, each parent is entitled to leave of absence for up to 12 months for each birth, to be taken immediately after the initial leave.

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6. Who cannot take the additional 12 months of leave in Norway?
An employee who has a partial leave of absence pursuant to section 12-6 is not entitled to the additional leave.

7. Can someone other than the parents take parental leave in Norway?
If the child is not in the care of both parents, the right to leave may be exercised by another person taking care of the child.

8. What right does an employee with sole responsibility for a child have in Norway?
An employee who has sole responsibility for the care of a child shall be entitled to leave of absence for up to two years.

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9. Do adoptive and foster parents have the right to leave in Norway?
Adoptive parents and foster parents are entitled to leave of absence when taking over responsibility for the care of the child.

10. Are there situations where the right to leave does not apply in Norway?
The right to leave does not apply when adopting stepchildren or when the child is over 15 years of age.

11. What right does a nursing mother have to time off in Norway?
A nursing mother is entitled to request the amount of time off necessary for breastfeeding, for example at least 30 minutes twice daily or a reduction of working hours by up to one hour per day.

12. Is breastfeeding time paid in Norway?
Women with time off for breastfeeding are entitled during the child’s first year to pay for a maximum of one hour on workdays with agreed working hours of seven hours or more.

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