Norway has a very advanced social security system covering statutory sick pay, maternity pay, child benefit, pensions, unemployment, disability and other benefits.

Anyone who is working and paying tax in Norway, apart from employees of foreign states or inter-governmental organisations, is covered by the Social Insurance Scheme, and is eligible to claim benefits. Any dependents living with them in Norway are also entitled to the same benefits.

Anyone living in Norway on a residence permit for a year or more, even if they are not working, is also covered by the scheme.

7.8% of tax payments go to the social security scheme and are normally deducted direct from salaries.

Norway has reciprocal social security arrangements with EU/EEA countries which mean that social security contributions made in one country can be transferred to the other.