On 1 January 2026, amendments to the Norwegian Working Environment Act entered into force. Pursuant to the changes, companies can no longer include age limitations below 72 in employment contracts or policies, unless special circumstances apply. The aim is to increase the number of employees who work until the official retirement age of 72.
However, the prohibition is not absolute. Companies can still set age limitations below 72 years when certain conditions are met. Such conditions include the necessity of age limitations due to health or safety reasons. Additionally, the limitations must also be objectively justified and proportionate.
The new restrictions apply to all employees turning 70 after 1 January 2026. Existing age limitations in collective agreements will be phased out and remain in effect until the agreement expires or until 1 January 2029, whichever comes first.
iuno’s opinion
Companies could previously set internal age limits as low as 70 years under certain conditions. That included informing employees, applying the limit consistently, consulting employee representatives, and ensuring the employees had satisfactory pension schemes. Going forward, companies must pay closer attention before introducing age limits below 72 years.
iuno recommends that companies review their standard employment agreements and policies and remove age limits below 72 years, unless they can justify them. To avoid misunderstandings, iuno also recommends informing employees that the internal age limit no longer applies.
[Amendments to the Working Environment Act of 15 May 2025]