Contracting and Norway

scheffels · 18th July 2008, 11:54

Hello,
Is anybody out there contracting in Norway ?
Just curious about how others operate....
Can't seem to find any other solution but to work via Umbrella and taxed 100% here in Norway, with no concessions for expenses/divis etc. Means a double whammy with Social Security and therefore net gain of a very poorly 54 % or so....

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Turion · 18th July 2008, 16:06

If you think that tax is bad, this is even worse - beer is £8+ a pint!

My advise = don't go, unless you're crap and can't get anything anywhere else!

scooterscot · 18th July 2008, 16:31

I just completed my contract out in Norway at the end of May -

I billed my Norwegian client with my UK Ltd company in GBP.

PS: It is worth talking to your client about the situation; my client was very considerate and fronted the cost of rent + flights to mitigate the excess expenses.

scooterscot · 18th July 2008, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turion

If you think that tax is bad, this is even worse - beer is £8+ a pint!

My advise = don't go, unless you're crap and can't get anything anywhere else!

Whilst living out Norway I found food to be more expensive than alcohol. Shop out of town for food, much cheaper avoid the 711 way expensive! Don't by drink from the pubs instead go to the government shops the price is more in line with normality. Plus the wine sold tends always to be the good stuff you'll not find that awful £5 bottles you can by in Tescos that give you a splitting headache the next day, generally the wines were balanced.

As for the Norwegians, I found them to be a very friendly lot with a somewhat very relaxed attitude to work. Nothing can prepare you for the change especially coming from a work obsessed country like the UK.

scheffels · 28th July 2008, 11:23

thanks for info Scooterscot. I love it out here and starting to find my way, shopping around certainly makes a big difference.

As for 'don't go unless you're crap' comment, nothing like broadening your horizons, aye.

Will · 21st August 2008, 14:21

Hi Scheffels and Scooterscot,

I agree - I've been working here for a while now and really enjoy it.

Scheffels - I've got a very good accountant who might be able to help with your tax situation - please let me know if you'd like me to email over his details. If he can't help I can ask a Norwegian friend who reckons his accountant is good. Can also give some advice on keeping food costs to a minimum if that would be helpful!

Looking for some advice myself - current contract is coming to a successful conclusion in a few weeks but I'm finding very few Norwegian contracts on Jobserve - does anyone know of any Norwegian job sites that are good for contract jobs? Does anyone know of any good Norwegian agencies as well (so far friends have recommended Manpower, Elan, Adecco, Jobzone and TopTemp)?

(I'm Scottish as well so maybe us Scots have an affinity for the Scandinavian way of doing things!)

Will

scheffels · 28th August 2008, 13:27

Hi Will,

I have found a pretty good compliant solution now thanks, around 70% retention and it does not involve any offshore ebt or anything. As for contracts, what's your flavour of speciality ?? The three biggies here are Aker Solutions, Statoil and the Government who have a huge IT operation. I may have some contacts for you. Also try Darwin Recruitment based in Billericay, Essex.
Mail me for further info.....and yes, the Scandinavian way of doing things, beats the mad British way !! and it's far more aestetic to boot

scooterscot · 28th August 2008, 15:26

Have you considered approaching your client directly for work?

I'm in the process of doing this myself. Got the surprise of my working life with a phone call a couple of weeks back. My old Norwegian client would like to make more use of my services and we're in the process of negotiating a direct contract!

Put away the agent become the tycoon.

scheffels · 29th August 2008, 10:22

The Edinbra Tycoon, I like it

I am actually tied with the usual contract clause re: not working at client site for 6 months after end of contract etc...and as Agent preferred supplier it's not really feasible at this client. Anyways, Scoot and Will are you in Oslo by chance, fancy beering one night, swapping tales etc...?

scooterscot · 29th August 2008, 12:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by scheffels

Anyways, Scoot and Will are you in Oslo by chance, fancy beering one night, swapping tales etc...?

I'm back in Bergen next week or so I've not decided yet. 8 hours on the train from Oslo I recommend it amazing landscape.

Bergen gateway to the fjords you know. Vist Voss on the way lovely this time of year especially approaching Christmas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voss