Norway’s labour market remains structurally tight. Employers are competing for people in logistics, seafood processing, hospitality, industrial production, cleaning, and skilled trades—often under time pressure and with strict compliance expectations.
At ARA (Association of Recruitment Agencies of Moldova), we specialize in exactly this challenge: delivering vetted Moldovan workers who hold dual citizenship (Moldovan + Romanian/EU)—meaning they can live and work in Norway legally under EEA freedom of movement, without the long delays typically associated with third-country work permits. The operational result is simple: faster mobilisation, lower administrative friction, and dependable staffing capacity.
A Real Example: Trønderdekk Visited ARA in Moldova (January 2026)
From 11–13 January 2026, we hosted three representatives from the Norwegian company Trønderdekk in Moldova. During their visit, they toured multiple ARA recruitment offices in Chișinău—including Bursa Muncii , Agentia Muncii, Birja , and Strand —and attended presentations at ARA’s central office.
Most importantly, we agreed a concrete operational next step: a seasonal workforce order exceeding 100 workers for Norway, and ARA is launching recruitment to deliver this in 2026.
In parallel, we are also evaluating a strategic development: establishing a joint Moldovan–Norwegian staffing/leasing agency in Norway—a structure designed to bring long-term stability, local presence, and high compliance standards.
Why Norway Needs New Labour Sources
Norway’s labour market constraints are not theoretical. The numbers show sustained pressure:
- Unemployment (LFS trend figures): 4.5% in November 2025, according to Statistics Norway (SSB).
- Job vacancies: 90,500 (seasonally adjusted) in Q3 2025, also reported by SSB—evidence of persistent unmet demand.
At the same time, sector shortages remain visible and well-documented. For example, industry estimates point to a shortage of ~38,000 workers in industrial/manufacturing roles, which directly impacts production capacity and delivery timelines.
Conclusion for employers: if you rely only on traditional labour pools, you risk ongoing understaffing. You need a partner with access to a workforce that can mobilise quickly and legally.
The ARA Advantage: Moldovan Workers with Romanian (EU) Passports
Many Moldovans hold Romanian citizenship, giving them EU status. Under the EEA framework, EU citizens can enter Norway and take employment without a work permit, and the residence registration process (for stays beyond 3 months) is straightforward.
For Norwegian employers, this is a major operational advantage:
- Fast start dates (important for seasonal peaks and urgent shortages)
Launching a Norway Staffing Joi… - Predictable compliance pathway (clear legal status and documentation)
Launching a Norway Staffing Joi… - Scalability for larger batches of workers (not just “1–2 candidates”)
ARA already recruits and supplies over 150 workers per year for Norway, primarily EU-passport holders—giving Norwegian companies a proven, recurring pipeline rather than a one-off placement.
Sectors Where Moldovan EU-passport Workers Fit Exceptionally Well
Based on the Norwegian shortage landscape, ARA can support employers in multiple “high-pressure” categories:
- Fish processing & seafood operations (seasonal + stable production roles)
- Manufacturing / industrial production (operators, welders, technicians)
- Logistics & warehousing (forklift, warehouse staff, supply chain support)
- Cleaning & facilities maintenance (steady demand, high turnover)
- Hospitality & tourism (seasonal peaks, staffing volatility)
- Construction (specialists like roofing specialists, bricklayers, concrete specialists, painters)
If you operate outside Oslo-region construction restrictions (more on this below), there are also opportunities in skilled trades—but every solution must be framed correctly under Norway’s rules.
Compliance in Norway: We Build Solutions that Match the Legal Framework
Norway is not a “grey-zone” labour market. It is a highly regulated environment. Serious employers want staffing that is fast and legal.
1) Staffing agencies must be authorised (from 1 January 2024)
Norway requires staffing enterprises to obtain authorisation from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority to legally hire out labour.
2) Hiring-in rules tightened (1 April 2023)
Rules on hiring labour from staffing enterprises were restricted; legal use depends on specific conditions, and there is a prohibition for construction sites in Oslo/Akershus/Buskerud/Østfold/Vestfold.
ARA’s operating philosophy is simple: we do not sell “shortcuts.” We build staffing models that are structured to remain compliant and stable over time—because in Norway, reputation matters and enforcement is real.
ARA’s Delivery Model: what Norwegian Employers Actually Receive
When you place an order through ARA, you receive a full-cycle recruitment and deployment system:
- Workforce specification (numbers, roles, shift pattern, season length, language needs)
- Candidate sourcing at scale across Moldova through ARA’s recruitment network
- Screening & selection (interviews, motivation checks, role-fit validation)
- Document readiness (identity verification, EU passport confirmation, onboarding pack)
- Mobilisation planning (arrival schedule, batch logistics, continuity planning)
- Operational communication with your team (clear workflows, accountability)
This is exactly why Norwegian partners who want scale prefer a structured supplier—not ad-hoc recruitment.
Strategic Next Step: a Joint Moldovan–Norwegian Staffing Company in Norway
During the Trønderdekk visit, we discussed the possibility of creating a joint staffing/leasing agency in Norway—designed to combine:
- ARA’s scalable workforce pipeline from Moldova (EU-passport talent)
Launching a Norway Staffing Joi… - Local Norwegian operational presence, compliance routines, and market access
- A long-term platform for stable deliveries, not just seasonal campaigns
ARA has prepared a detailed study on how such a venture can be built—covering market logic, compliance, and practical steps (including authorisation and operational setup).
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can EU-passport workers start?
EU-passport holders can typically mobilise significantly faster than third-country permit routes because no work permit is required for employment under EEA freedom of movement.
Can you supply construction workers in Oslo?
There are strict prohibitions on hiring-in labour from staffing agencies for construction sites in the Oslo region and certain counties. Staffing must be planned around these restrictions.
Is it legal to use an unlicensed staffing company?
Norway requires staffing enterprises to be authorised; using compliant partners protects your business.
Order Personnel Now (Norway employers)
If you are a Norwegian company that needs reliable, fast, EU-passport workforce supply from Moldova—seasonal or project-based—ARA is ready to deliver. Order Personnel now!
