Learn how to obtain Norwegian HSE cards (HMS-kort) for posted construction workers. Understand registration steps, timelines, fees, and compliance rules.
In Norway, all employees working on building and construction sites must carry a valid Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) card, also known as an HMS-kort. The requirement applies to both Norwegian and foreign posted workers, regardless of whether they are on long-term or short-term assignments.
Without a valid physical or temporary HSE card, workers are denied access to construction sites. Employers who fail to provide these cards can face work stoppages or fines from the Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet).
The regulation covers a broad range of roles beyond standard construction crews. The rule also covers subcontractors, sole proprietors, cleaning staff, and certain transport workers on construction sites. This means any support staff or independent contractors entering the physical site to perform work must be registered and carry their own card.
Specific transport sectors also face mandatory card requirements when operating on or around these sites. From January 1, 2026, HSE cards became mandatory for companies and drivers transporting goods for others by road using light vehicles up to 3.5 tons, or up to 4.25 tons for electric vehicles. Furthermore, from July 1, 2026, a specific extension requires HSE cards for drivers and assistants transporting others' goods by car with a maximum permissible weight of 2,500 kg.
To obtain HSE cards for posted construction workers, foreign employers must follow a strict sequence of administrative registrations. First, the company must register in the Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities (Enhetsregisteret) to obtain a Norwegian organization number. Staffing enterprises must also register with the Register of Staffing Enterprises. Next, the employer must report the assignment and the posted employees to the Norwegian Tax Administration using form RF-1198, while the client reports the contract using form RF-1199.
Each posted employee must obtain a Norwegian identification number, known as a D-number, and a tax card. To secure these, workers must appear in person at a Norwegian Tax Administration office for a mandatory identity check. If a worker does not have a tax card, the employer must automatically withhold 50% tax from their pay. Furthermore, the employment relationship must be registered in the State Register of Employers and Employees (Aa-registeret) by submitting the monthly a-melding payroll report. Note that on June 15, 2026, Altinn launched a new platform, which has caused automated payroll systems to encounter errors when submitting the monthly a-melding, potentially delaying card approvals.
Once the preliminary registrations and payroll reporting are complete, the employer can officially order the cards. The application process requires specific documentation for each individual worker.
Setting up the required registrations for a newly registered foreign entity in Norway can take up to six weeks. Foreign employers must complete several pre-requisite registrations, such as obtaining a Norwegian organization number and securing worker D-numbers, before they can order HSE cards. Because of these processing times, companies should plan and start the registration process two to three months before the planned project start date.
The standard fee for ordering an HSE card directly from hmskort.no is NOK 139.10 plus VAT, effective from February 1, 2026. These cards are issued by Evry Card on behalf of the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion. Once issued, the physical HSE cards remain valid for a maximum of two years from the date of issue, or until the employment relationship ends.
To prevent project delays while waiting for physical cards to arrive, employers can access digital card options. Upon ordering and validation, a temporary digital HSE card is sent via email and remains valid for 60 days. Workers can also access their digital HSE card via the Jobbkort app by scanning the QR code on either the physical or the temporary card.
Foreign employers sending staff to Norway must manage several administrative obligations alongside the HSE card application. First, employers must secure an A1 certificate for each posted worker from their home country social security institution. This document proves the worker remains covered by their home country's social security system, which prevents double contributions. Additionally, employers must ensure they pay posted workers in accordance with Norwegian minimum wage standards, which apply to universally applicable sectors such as construction and cleaning.
Compliance also requires maintaining specific documentation directly at the Norwegian work site. Throughout the posting period, the employer must keep employment contracts, timesheets, and payslips available at the workplace. These documents must be written in or translated into Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, or English. Having these records accessible is necessary for inspections by Norwegian authorities.
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