Starting a business in
🇳🇴Norway
Checked November 9, 2026 · How we score
Corporate tax
22%
Top income tax
47%
Setup from
$1,500
all-in, first year
Time to form
14 days
visit usually needed
What is the corporate tax rate in Norway?
The headline corporate tax rate in Norway is 22% in 2026, and individuals pay up to 47%. Flat 22% corporate income tax on net profit (the rate is 22% for 2026; financial companies pay a higher rate). Dividends received by Norwegian companies from other companies are 97% exempt under the participation exemption. Dividends paid out to a foreign parent company in the EEA that is genuinely established there are exempt from withholding tax.
| Corporate income tax | 22% Flat 22% corporate income tax on net profit (the rate is 22% for 2026; financial companies pay a higher rate). Dividends received by Norwegian companies from other companies are 97% exempt under the participation exemption. Dividends paid out to a foreign parent company in the EEA that is genuinely established there are exempt from withholding tax. |
|---|---|
| Personal income tax (top) | 47% Ordinary income is taxed at 22%, plus progressive bracket tax and 7.7% national insurance on wages, giving a top marginal rate of about 47%. Dividends and gains on shares are taxed at an effective 37.84% (22% on 172% of the amount). Wealth tax of about 1.0% (state plus municipal) applies to net wealth above roughly NOK 1.9 million. |
| Tax system | Worldwide income |
| Capital gains tax | 37.84%Gains on shares are taxed at an effective 37.84% (22% x 1.72 uplift) for resident individuals; a risk-free-return allowance (skjermingsfradrag) reduces the taxable amount. Non-residents are generally not taxed on Norwegian share gains. |
| Dividend withholding (non-residents) | 25% |
| VAT / GST | 25% |
| Social security | Employers pay 14.1% payroll tax (lower in some regions) on salaries; employees pay 7.7% national insurance. |
Forming a company in Norway
| Usual entity | AS (private limited company) |
|---|---|
| Minimum capital | $2,800 |
| Setup cost (all-in) | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Annual running cost | $4,000–$12k |
| Time to incorporate | 14 days |
| Form remotely as a foreigner | No |
| Local director required | No |
| Local address required | Yes |
| Owners on public register | Yes |
| Statutory audit for small companies | No |
| Business banking for non-residents | Hard |
Residency and visas
Non-EEA founders need a residence permit (skilled worker, self-employed or start-up route) before they can easily get a Norwegian ID number, a bank account and register an AS. EU/EEA citizens can register their residence on arrival and work freely.
| Digital nomad visa | No |
|---|---|
| Golden visa | No |
| Ease of residency for founders | 4/5 (1 = easiest) |
Taxes for individuals living in Norway
Residents are taxed on worldwide income and wealth, with a credit for foreign tax paid. There is no remittance or territorial regime.
| Foreign income of residents | Taxed |
|---|---|
| Income tax structure | Progressive rates |
| Inheritance / estate tax | 0%Inheritance and gift tax was abolished in 2014; heirs inherit the original cost basis, so capital gains tax can be triggered on later sale. |
| Wealth tax | Yes |
| Annual property tax on your home | Yes |
| Exit tax when you leave | Yes: Emigrating individuals are taxed on unrealised gains on shares and financial assets above NOK 500,000, with the tax deferred if they move within the EEA, and dividends paid after leaving can face very high rates. |
| When you become tax resident | Tax resident if you stay in Norway more than 183 days in any 12-month period, or more than 270 days over 36 months. |
Special tax regimes
Participation exemption (fritaksmetoden)
97% of dividends and gains on shares held by Norwegian companies are tax-free, which suits holding companies.
Pros and cons
Why founders pick Norway
- 22% corporate tax with a 97% participation exemption on dividends and gains
- Very strong reputation with banks, investors and customers
- Stable institutions and transparent, digital tax administration
- No inheritance tax
Watch out for
- Top personal marginal rate of about 47% plus a net wealth tax
- 37.84% effective tax on dividends and share gains
- Hard for non-residents to open a bank account without a Norwegian ID number
- Exit tax on unrealised share gains when you emigrate
- 25% VAT and 14.1% employer payroll tax
Best for: Founders already living in Norway or the EEA · Energy, maritime and seafood businesses · Companies wanting a top-tier reputation
Norway: common questions
Is Norway a tax haven?
No. Norway is a normal-tax country: companies pay 22% corporate tax and the top personal income tax rate is 47%.
What is the corporate tax rate in Norway?
The corporate tax rate in Norway is 22% of net profit for 2026. Financial companies pay a higher rate. Dividends paid to genuinely established EEA parent companies are exempt from withholding tax, and 97% of dividends received by Norwegian companies are tax-exempt.
How much does it cost to register a company in Norway as a foreigner?
Expect roughly USD 1,500–4,000 in the first year. The Brønnøysund registration fee is about NOK 5,000–6,000, the minimum share capital is NOK 30,000 (about USD 2,800), and an accountant or agent costs extra. Setup takes about two weeks but needs a Norwegian ID number and local bank account to deposit the capital.
Does Norway have a wealth tax?
Yes. Residents pay about 1.0% (state plus municipal) on net wealth above roughly NOK 1.9 million, with a lower valuation of homes and shares. Wealth held abroad counts for residents, and the topic is under political review, so check current rates with Skatteetaten.
Does Norway have an exit tax?
Yes. Individuals who stop being Norwegian tax residents are taxed on unrealised gains on shares and financial assets above NOK 500,000. Moving within the EEA can defer payment, but gains realised later and dividends paid after leaving can still be taxed in Norway.
How much tax do I pay on income in Norway?
Ordinary income is taxed at 22%, plus bracket tax and 7.7% national insurance on wages, so the top marginal rate is about 47%. Dividends and share gains are taxed at an effective 37.84%.
Sources
- Skatteetaten (Norwegian Tax Administration)
- Brønnøysund Register Centre
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries – Norway
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Not tax or legal advice. Rates and rules change; we check official sources and update every page, but verify with a licensed adviser in the country before acting. Spotted something out of date? Use the correction form below.