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Apply for unemployment benefits

Unemployment benefits (dagpenger) are money you can receive from NAV if you have lost your job or been laid off. Here we show you step-by-step how to apply.

How to apply for unemployment benefits

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Before you can apply for unemployment benefits, you must register as a job seeker with NAV. Go to nav.no, log in, and select "Register as a job seeker". Fill in information about your education and work experience.

Tip!

You can register as a job seeker the same day you apply for unemployment benefits.

Important!

You must register as a job seeker BEFORE applying for unemployment benefits, otherwise your application will be rejected.

Who can get unemployment benefits?

To receive unemployment benefits you usually must:

  • Have earned above the minimum income requirement (see nav.no/dagpenger for current amounts)
  • Have had your working hours reduced by at least 50%
  • Be registered as a job seeker and actively looking for work
  • Live in Norway and have the right to work here

Have these documents ready

  • 1Termination letter or layoff notice from your employer
  • 2Employment contract (if you have it available)
  • 3Bank account number where you want payment
  • 4BankID or MinID for login

Important to remember!

Employment status form every 14 days

You must submit an employment status form every 14 days to continue receiving unemployment benefits. Do this at nav.no.

Job searching

You must actively search for jobs and document this. NAV may ask you to show your job applications.

How much will you get?

Unemployment benefits are calculated from your previous income, up to 6G. See nav.no/dagpenger for current rates.

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Official sources

Last checked: 15 February 2026

This guide is independent and based on publicly available information. Always check the official website for binding and up-to-date information.