Norway has been attracting Poles for years with both attractive working conditions and high pension benefits. Recently, this Scandinavian country has undergone two significant changes to the pension system.
As explained by Europeanpensions.net, in the first quarter of 2026, as many as 19.5 thousand people started receiving benefits – this is the highest result since 2012. Experts predict that this trend will continue.
In Norway, they work even into their seventies
The retirement age for women and men in Norway is identical and is 67 years. However, if the insured person has accumulated a sufficient number of pension points, he or she can start receiving a pension at the age of 62. At the same time, this variant means that the pension will be lower because it is spread over a longer period.
At the same time, in Norway, from January 1, 2026, state employees will be able to work until the age of 72 without having to obtain the employer's consent after turning 70.
Public sector employees born in 1963 or later will be able to freely combine work with receiving a pension and accumulate entitlements until the age of 75.
The new regulations introduce a common age limit for the public and private sectors. The changes will not affect the amount of pensions, and exceptions are provided for professions requiring special health and safety protection.
See also: Average pensions in voivodeships. ZUS payments are the highest there [MAPA]
How long do you have to work in Norway to receive a pension benefit? It is possible to retire early from the age of 62 if you have worked for 40 years. With shorter service, the pension is correspondingly lower. The minimum pension in Norway in 2024 is approximately NOK 160,000 per year, or approximately PLN 60,800.
Changes in the pension system in Norway. They may also affect Poles
Norway offers three pension pillars: a general insurance system (folketrygden), compulsory employment programs and voluntary savings. The amount of the pension depends, among others, on: on the length of membership in the system, earnings and marital status. The calculation rules vary depending on the year of birth.
See also: Black forecasts. Expert: this is how much your pension will be in 30 years
As Europeanpensions.net explains, from January 2025, new rules were introduced in the public sector that were intended to reward longer work. The changes cover people born in 1963 or later and allow for a combination of contractual and general pensions and full-time work. As a result, in 2025 the number of new retirees increased by 5,000. year to year, and in the first quarter of 2026 – by another 750 people.
Not everyone knows that a Norwegian pension can also be collected in Poland. However, before leaving, you must report this fact to the Norwegian NAV and the Population Registration Office.
