Strategies for Expanding Your Professional Network in Norway

Published on November 13, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Navigating the business world as an expatriate can be challenging, but Norway offers fertile ground for those looking to expand their professional network. With a thriving economy and an environment that values innovation and collaboration, this Scandinavian country provides an ideal setting for broadening connections.

In this article, discover how to leverage Norwegian professional relationships, characterized by a climate of trust and direct communication. Whether you’re here for a short stay or long-term settlement, the shared tips and strategies will help you master cultural nuances and build a strong, diverse network that can propel your career to new heights.

Participating in Professional Events in Norway

Participating in professional events in Norway offers multiple opportunities for expatriates looking to integrate into the local and international economic fabric.

Popular Types of Professional Events

• Conferences
• Seminars
• Trade Shows
• Workshops

Organizing Industry Sectors

Sector	Examples of Annual or Regular Events
Energy & Maritime	Nor-Shipping (maritime industry)
Technology & IT	ISTQB® Foundation Exam and Training Course
Automotive	Oslo Motor Show
Architecture	ARCHITECT@WORK – Norway
Agriculture	Agroteknikk
Real Estate & Business	Real Estate & Business Expo
Coaching & Innovation	International Coaching Certification, NCE Seafood Innovation
Environment & Fisheries	ESPP workshop on Nutrients in Aquaculture and Fisheries

Specific Examples of Professional Events

• Nor-Shipping: International maritime industry exhibition, biennial in Oslo/Lillestrøm
• Oslo Motor Show: Annual automotive show in Lillestrøm
• Bygg Reis Deg: Construction and architecture exhibition, biennial
• ARCHITECT@WORK: Event for architects and designers
• Agroteknikk: Major agricultural exhibition, triennial
• Real Estate & Business Expo: Expo dedicated to real estate and business in Oslo
• Strategy Summit: Corporate strategy conference
• International Coaching Certification: Coaching certification seminar in Oslo
• ISTQB® Foundation Exam and Training Course: Training and exam for IT professionals

Opportunities for Expatriates

• Expanding professional networks locally and internationally
• Discovering industry trends and major innovations
• Meeting experts, decision-makers, and recruiters
• Accessing practical workshops to develop new skills
• Integrating into Norwegian business culture where trust, equality, and transparency are valued

Registration and Participation Tips

• Register in advance through official event websites or platforms like Eventbrite or Tradefest
• Prepare a clear professional profile (updated CV, LinkedIn)
• Actively participate in networking sessions and practical workshops
• Observe Norwegian cultural codes: punctuality, direct communication, respect for diversity
• Prioritize authentic exchange over aggressive sales approaches
• Take advantage of coffee breaks (“kaffepause”) to engage in informal conversation

Specific Cultural Advantages

Professional events in Norway foster an informal and egalitarian atmosphere: it’s common for all participants, regardless of hierarchical rank, to interact freely.

• Emphasis is placed on collaboration, transparency, and sustainability
• Norwegians value efficiency and punctuality; arriving on time and keeping commitments is a sign of professionalism
• Networking opportunities are often naturally integrated during meals or outdoor activities, facilitating contacts in a relaxed setting

Impact on Professional Network Development

• Participating in these events helps create strong, lasting connections thanks to the importance placed on trust and reciprocity in Norwegian culture
• The collaborative approach encourages expatriates to actively contribute to discussions, potentially leading to new projects or partnerships
• Regular participation in sector events provides increased visibility among key players in the Norwegian market

Tip: Always reserve your spot in advance and inquire about the dress code and specific cultural expectations for each event to maximize your experience and networking opportunities.

Joining Expatriate Associations and Clubs

Joining associations and expatriate clubs in Norway is a key lever for developing professional networks, facilitating integration, and accessing opportunities often unavailable otherwise.

The concrete benefits of these networks include:

• Professional Integration Support: Access to practical workshops on recruitment procedures, Norwegian labor market codes, and entrepreneurship.
• Job Opportunity Sharing: Regular distribution of job offers, member recommendations, advice on applications and local interviews.
• Practical Advice Exchange: Information on daily life, administrative procedures, and adaptation to Norwegian customs.
• Social and Professional Networking: Regular meetups, after-work events, conferences, and themed breakfasts that foster lasting connections.

Examples of Expatriate Associations and Clubs in Oslo and Norway

Association/Club	Main City	Specificity
French-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce	Oslo	Networking, employment workshops, entrepreneur support
Union of French Abroad (UFE)	Oslo	General support, networking events
Français du Monde-ADFE	Oslo	Employment workshops, integration support, mutual aid
Club V.I.E Norway	Oslo	Network for young professionals and international volunteers
Stavanger Accueil	Stavanger	Social activities, mutual aid, and community building
Facebook/Meetup Expatriate Groups	Oslo, Bergen…	Informal exchanges, event announcements, experience sharing

Positive Impact of Membership in These Groups

The positive impact of membership in these groups manifests in several ways:

• Accelerated Integration: According to testimonials collected during workshops organized by Français du Monde-ADFE, participants who followed the support sessions significantly increased their chances of finding employment or starting their own business.
• Opening Professional Doors: Many expatriate professionals testify that recommendations from association networks were decisive in securing interviews or gaining visibility with local employers.
• Social Network Development: Organized networking events (breakfast meetings, after-work gatherings, conferences) allow meetings with both long-term expatriates and Norwegians, facilitating information exchange and key contact building.

Statistics and Feedback

• During the first employment/entrepreneurship workshops of Français du Monde in Oslo, 100% of participants found the experience useful, and several found jobs or launched projects through established contacts.
• According to a survey of French-speaking expatriates in Norway, nearly 70% believe their association network played a major role in their professional success.

Networking Events

After-work events, themed conferences, and practical workshops are privileged opportunities to expand professional circles, obtain personalized advice, and meet recruiters.

Actively participating in these meetings, even informal ones, often provides access to unpublished job offers and benefits from expatriate community solidarity.

Key Takeaway: Getting involved in local community life multiplies your chances of successful professional and social integration in Norway, while benefiting from concrete support and unique opportunities.

Understanding Norwegian Business Etiquette

Punctuality and Respect

In Norway, punctuality is an essential principle of business etiquette. Arriving on time, or even a few minutes early, is perceived as a sign of respect toward your counterparts. Being late to a meeting or appointment is often considered a lack of consideration, potentially damaging trust and professional credibility.

Modesty and Simplicity in Exchanges

Norwegian professional culture strongly values modesty and simplicity. Inspired by the “Law of Jante” (“You’re not to think you are anything special!”), this approach translates to communication without excess, where humility prevails and self-promotion or exaggerating achievements is frowned upon. These values influence professional exchanges, fostering relationships based on equality, discretion, and authenticity.

Greetings and Use of Titles

In the Norwegian professional context, using first names is the norm from the first contact, regardless of hierarchical level. Academic or professional titles are rarely used in greetings, reflecting a desire for egalitarianism and proximity. During meetings, a firm, brief handshake accompanied by eye contact is generally sufficient.

Situation	Typical Greeting Form	Use of Titles
First Meeting	First Name + Handshake	Rare
Written Communication	First Name	Exceptional
Meeting Introductions	First Name	Rare

Direct and Factual Communication

Norwegian communication is characterized by a direct, factual, and concise approach. Business discussions prioritize clarity, honesty, and absence of ambiguity. Expatriates should avoid exaggerations, superlatives, and overly emphatic expressions, which could be perceived as insincere or unprofessional.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is a pillar of Norwegian society. Work hours are generally respected, with a tendency to start early and finish early in the afternoon. Contacting colleagues outside work hours is frowned upon unless there’s a genuine emergency. This organization results in clear expectations regarding availability and pronounced respect for personal time.

Essential Principles of Norwegian Business Etiquette:

• Strict Punctuality: shows respect and reliability.
• Modesty and Simplicity: foster trust and egalitarian relationships.
• Use of First Names: from the first contact, symbolizes equality.
• Direct and Factual Communication: avoids exaggerations.
• Respect for Work-Life Balance: fixed hours, limited availability outside work.

Building Business Relationships in a Multicultural Context

Understanding cultural differences is fundamental to succeeding in the Norwegian business world. The Norwegian professional environment is based on specific values that influence communication, negotiation, etiquette, and how to establish strong networks.

Main Cultural Values in Business:

• Equality: Hierarchy is flat and decision-making is often consensual. Everyone has a say, regardless of status or position.
• Modesty: The Law of Jante, which values humility, strongly permeates behaviors. Self-promotion is frowned upon, and success is displayed discreetly.
• Frankness: Communication is direct, clear, and factual. Norwegians prefer honesty over excessive diplomacy.

Comparative Table: Communication and Negotiation in Norway

Aspect	Norwegian Practice	Key Particularities
Oral Communication	Direct, few frills, factual	Avoid exaggeration, prioritize clarity
Politeness	Simple phrases, common use of first names	Few marks of deference
Small Talk	Minimal at meeting start	Small talks are kept to a minimum
Negotiation	Consensus-seeking, avoids conflict	Collective decisions, few confrontations
Technology	Emails and digital tools preferred	Quick responses, traceability appreciated
In-Person Meetings	Appreciated for important discussions	Prefer punctuality, respect agenda

Politeness Norms and Professional Etiquette:

• Punctuality: Arriving on time is essential; any delay must be justified in advance.
• Limited Formality: Exchanges are informal, even with superiors; first name usage is the norm.
• Respect for Privacy: Invitations to private events are rare and reserved for close contacts.
• Use of Technology: Norwegians prefer email for formal and quick communications. Digital tools facilitate contact initiation and meeting organization.
• Preference for In-Person Meetings: Strategic or sensitive discussions preferably occur face-to-face, but video conferencing is also well accepted.

The Role of Small Talks:

• Norwegians practice little to no small talk during professional meetings. Informal exchanges are brief and focused on neutral topics (weather, hobbies).
• Conversation quickly gets to the point; this isn’t a sign of coldness but respect for everyone’s time.

Equality and Modesty:

• Equality: Differences in social or hierarchical status are rarely expressed, and decisions are made collectively.
• Modesty: Demonstrations of personal success or ambition are poorly perceived. It’s appropriate to remain humble in speech and attitude.

Practical Tips for Developing a Strong Network:

• Participate in local professional clubs and networking events.
• Join relevant Norwegian professional organizations to access opportunities and better understand local expectations.
• Attend international seminars or workshops organized in Norway.
• Respect the Norwegian preference for discretion: avoid persistence or excessive demonstration during initial contacts.
• Prioritize a long-term approach based on trust and reliability.

Key Takeaway:

Understanding Norwegian culture means adopting direct communication, valuing equality and modesty, and prioritizing relationship quality over quantity. Success relies on reliability, discretion, and the ability to integrate into a professional fabric where trust is built gradually.