7 Mistakes Poles Make in Norway That Most Often Lead to Legal Problems
7 mistakes Poles make in Norway MojaNorwegia
Many legal problems Poles face in Norway do not stem from bad intentions, but from a lack of knowledge about how the local legal system works. We often see situations where someone makes a decision in good faith, only to later discover it has serious legal or financial consequences.
1. "I'll sign it, it's probably a standard contract"
A few months later, it turned out that:
- overtime was not settled as he thought,
- accommodation was deducted from his salary,
- the notice period was three months.
In Norway, a contract has significant legal importance. If something is written in the document, it is very difficult to later rely on verbal agreements.
We very often encounter situations where an employee signed a contract they did not fully understand. After a few months, problems arise and only then does someone start analyzing the document's provisions. Unfortunately, in many cases, it is already too late to easily change the terms of such a contract.
2. "Taxes? But I work in Norway"
Many people believe that since they work in Norway and the employer deducts tax, there is nothing else to worry about. In practice, the tax situation can be more complicated.
Tax residency is key. If someone stays in Norway for more than 183 days a year, they usually become a Norwegian tax resident and must settle taxes according to local regulations.
Norwegian tax residents are required to declare income from other countries as well as assets held outside Norway. In the case of Polish tax residency, only Norwegian income is settled in Norway, and then it must also be declared in the Polish tax return.
- additional tax payments,
- interest,
- and in extreme cases, tax proceedings.
Everyone working legally in Norway must settle the completed tax year—regardless of whether they are a Polish or Norwegian tax resident. Even if they are not entitled to deductions, they should check the preliminary settlement prepared by the office, then accept and return it.
3. "We agreed verbally"
- renting an apartment without a contract
- working "on a handshake"
- arrangements with the employer by phone
- loans between friends
In Norway, such situations can be very problematic. The legal system relies heavily on documents and evidence. If there is no contract or confirmation of arrangements—in a dispute, it is very difficult to prove anything.
In the Norwegian legal system, documents are of great importance. If something has not been written down or confirmed, in the event of a dispute it is very difficult to later prove what the arrangements between the parties were.
- a contract,
- an email with arrangements,
- proof of transfer.
4. Ignoring letters from authorities
A common mistake is postponing matters such as:
- updating your address in the system,
- responding to a letter from an authority,
- reporting a job change,
- tax matters.
In Norway, not responding to a letter from an authority does not stop the process. A decision can be made without the participation of the person concerned.
It happens that someone ignores a letter from an authority because they do not understand its content or postpone the matter. Unfortunately, in Norway, lack of response does not halt the proceedings. The authority can issue a decision that is later more difficult to change.
5. "The law works the same as in Poland"
Norwegian law differs from Polish law in many areas, including:
- family matters,
- property issues,
- administrative matters,
- employment matters.
In many situations, it is also crucial that the Norwegian legal system strongly emphasizes agreement between parties. Only when this is not possible does the case go to court.
We often encounter the belief that if something works a certain way in Poland, it will be similar in Norway. In practice, the differences in regulations and procedures are significant enough that it is worth checking in advance how a given matter is handled in the Norwegian legal system.
6. Problems with renting apartments
One of the most common problems is the issue of the deposit (depositum). In Norway, the deposit should be placed in a special deposit account at a bank—a so-called depositumkonto. Money from such an account cannot be withdrawn without the consent of both parties to the contract.
Meanwhile, many tenants, especially when they need an apartment quickly, hand over the deposit:
- in cash,
- to the landlord's private account,
- without a signed contract.
If you plan to rent an apartment in Norway, it is worth learning the market rules in advance:
7. Lack of knowledge about feriepenger
Many Poles think it is a holiday bonus. In reality, it works completely differently. Feriepenger is money set aside from your salary in the previous year—usually about 10.2% of gross salary—which is paid out during your holiday instead of your normal salary.
Problems arise, for example, when:
- the employee changes jobs,
- the contract ends,
- the employer does not pay the due money.
How to avoid legal problems in Norway?
- Read all contracts before signing.
- Keep documents and correspondence.
- Check your tax situation.
- Respond to letters from authorities.
- If in doubt, consult a lawyer.
Do you need legal help in Norway?
Norwegian law is largely based on formal documents and agreements between parties. However, if a conflict or doubts about your legal situation arise, a lack of knowledge about local regulations can lead to unnecessary problems and costly disputes.
The law firm specializes in helping Poles living in Norway with legal, property, and administrative matters. They combine knowledge of the Norwegian legal system with an understanding of the realities and needs of Polish clients.
Contact them to discuss your situation and make sure your rights are properly protected.
Advokatfirma Nierzwicki & Bluszko ASAdvokatfirma Nierzwicki & Bluszko AS