Have you been asked to register a business to get a job?
It is not sufficient to register a business to be considered a self-employed person. If you find yourself in a situation where someone asks you to register as self-employed to get a job with them, it is important to know that this is not something anyone can decide on your behalf. To be considered a self-employed person, you must have a desire to run a business, and the criteria for being self-employed must be met.
Working for a client
If you are taking on work for a principal that places their equipment at your disposal and decides when and how the work is to be performed, you are likely to be considered as an employee and should have an employment contract and receive salary.
The Norwegian Tax Administration – Employee or self-employed?
The Working Environment Act on employment
The general rule in the Working Environment Act is that workers should be employed on a permanent contract. A permanent contract means that the employment is open-ended without a set termination date, the employee is ensured a predictable number of work hours, and that the rules concerning termination applies. The employment contract should specify how much the employee is supposed to work (for example by specifying a percentage of full-time position). Yet, under certain conditions and in certain situations it is possible employ someone temporarily.
Guidance and assistance
The Labour Inspection Authority have limited authority to instruct in these matters and can generally only provide advice and guidance regarding the provisions of the Act relating to employments. If a conflict arises, you may seek legal assistance. If you are a member of a trade union, you may seek assistance from the union.