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Parental leave in Norway: foreldrepenger explained
In Norway, parents who qualify receive foreldrepenger from NAV while they are at home with a new baby. The system is built around quotas for each parent and a shared period, and you choose between a shorter leave with full pay or a longer leave with reduced pay. The details change from time to time, so use this guide as an overview and confirm the numbers on nav.no.
100% or 80% coverage
You choose whether to receive 100% or 80% of your qualifying income. With 100% the leave period is shorter; with 80% it is longer, so the total amount paid is roughly similar but spread over more weeks.
The exact number of weeks has been adjusted over the years, so check nav.no for the current figures. There is also a cap on how much income is covered, which NAV updates regularly.
Mother's quota, father's quota and the shared period
The leave is divided into a mother's quota, a father's quota (or co-mother's quota) and a shared period (fellesperiode) that the parents split as they see fit. The quotas are reserved for each parent and are normally lost if that parent does not use them, so it is worth planning early.
Parents often take their leave in different ways: one after the other, partly at the same time, or combined with part-time work. NAV has rules about when you can take leave at the same time and how much you can work while receiving benefits.
Before and after the birth
The mother can start her leave three weeks before the due date, and these weeks are reserved for her. After the birth, the first six weeks are reserved for the mother for health reasons. The rest of the leave can be arranged between the parents within the rules.
Who qualifies and how to apply
To qualify you generally need to have been in work and earned income for a certain period before the birth. Rules differ for employees, self-employed people, students and those without income, and for some in the last group there is a lump-sum grant instead (engangsstønad).
You apply on nav.no, ideally several weeks before your planned start date. The application involves a plan for how each parent will use the leave, and your employer is asked to confirm your income. Keep an eye on NAV's messages in case they need extra documents.
How parental leave relates to ammefri
Parental leave and ammefri (breastfeeding time off at work) are two separate things. Ammefri applies when you are back at work and still breastfeeding. Planning when the mother returns to work can also influence how long breastfeeding continues, so it can help to read our guides on breastfeeding leave and on how long to breastfeed.
Frequently asked questions
How many weeks of parental leave do you get in Norway?
It depends on whether you choose 100% or 80% coverage, and on whether there are twins or more. The total has been adjusted over the years, so check nav.no for the current figures.
Can the father take leave at the same time as the mother?
In some cases, yes, within rules set by NAV. The father's or co-mother's quota is reserved for that parent, and there are limits on overlapping leave, so check nav.no before you plan.
When should I apply for foreldrepenger?
NAV recommends applying well before your planned start, and you can apply from around the time you are pregnant enough to know your due date. Check nav.no for the current deadlines.
Do I get paid if I have not worked before the birth?
Some parents without sufficient work history receive a lump-sum grant (engangsstønad) instead. Check nav.no for who qualifies and the current amount.
Check the facts: rules, recommendations and products change. Always verify with the manufacturer, official sources such as NAV, Helsedirektoratet and Arbeidstilsynet, and other relevant health authorities before you act.