Working in Bergen

Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city and is home to one of the country’s biggest ports. With picturesque mountains and fjords, Bergen has a local economy that's just as diverse as its natural landscape. Expats working in Bergen are in for an exciting and multifaceted experience, with a high quality of life to boot.

Job market in Bergen

The oil and gas and renewable energy sectors are the biggest employers in Bergen, since the city is the main landing port for North Sea oil and gas. With the Royal Norwegian Navy base a mere 10 miles (34km) from Bergen, shipping is another major player in the city’s economy. 

Bergen’s geography makes the city a perfect location for aquaculture and the use of subsea technology, so expats with engineering and marine science qualifications will be well placed to find employment in Bergen.

With several higher education institutions across the city, Bergen's education sector is a key contributor to the city’s job market. Tourism, media and finance are other important players in Bergen’s economy.

Finding a job in Bergen

It can be challenging to find a job in Bergen when you're new to the city, as many jobs aren't advertised. News of job openings is often spread by word of mouth, so making connections here is key. If you need to find a job prior to moving to Bergen, the best way to do so is to make use of platforms such as LinkedIn and FINN.no.

Useful links

• LinkedIn
• FINN.no

Work culture in Bergen

As a university city with cross-cultural influences, Bergen is one of Norway’s most open-minded cities. Still, some aspects of Norwegian work culture remain ubiquitous.

Egalitarianism and objectivity are essential in Bergen – this means that every employee’s voice matters. Rather than a system of hierarchies, workplaces are run with equality in mind. Expats should also be aware that this egalitarian quality means that self-representation in Bergen is typically pared down as Norwegian culture frowns on boastfulness.

Family is highly valued by Norwegians, so a good work-life balance is considered essential.