Norway: Company-Specific Age Limits to be Abolished on 1 January 2026

In Norway’s Law tracker in March 2025, we noted that the government proposed removing the access to set internal company-specific age limits for retirement (lower than the general rule of 72 years of age). The proposal has now been adopted and will enter into force on 1 January 2026.

As a result, all employees will have the right to work until the age of 72. Terminating an employee due to age, especially before 72, will therefore be considered unjustified. However, in professions where specific health and safety requirements apply, a lower age limit may still be permitted.

Employers with internal company-specific age limits may continue to apply these limits and terminate employment relationships accordingly until the end of 2025. Nevertheless, employers should review their policies and notify employees that such internal age limits will be discontinued on 1 January 2026.