Tax system in Norway
Norway taxes residents on worldwide income through a dual system. A flat 22% applies to net general income, five step-tax layers add 1.7% to 17.8% on gross salary, and a 7.6% social contribution tops it off.
Shareholders pay 37.84% effective on dividends and gains above a risk-free shielding allowance. Net wealth above NOK 1.9 million pays 1%, rising to 1.1% above NOK 21.5 million, with shares valued at 80%.
Companies pay 22% flat, while petroleum, hydropower, salmon farming and wind power face resource-rent taxes up to 78% marginal, and VAT runs at 25%, 15% or 12%. There is no inheritance or gift tax.
Tax rates at a glance
- Income tax
- About 30% - 47%Combined marginal
- Wealth tax
- 1% - 1.1%
- Inheritance tax
- 0%
- Capital gains tax
- 37.84%
- Corporate tax
- 22%
- Dividend tax
- 37.84%
- VAT
- 25% / 15% / 12%
Who benefits most
These profiles tend to benefit most when the rules match their real residence, payroll and business setup.
EmployeesExpatsInvestorsFoundersCross-border groups
Watch out for
- Norway is the only Nordic country with a real wealth tax. Portfolios above the allowance pay yearly simply for existing, which changes holding math versus Sweden and Denmark.
- Residence sticks to long stayers. People resident ten of the last fifteen years stay globally liable for three more years unless days and dwellings stay minimal.
- Exit tax deems share gains realised on departure above the thresholds. EEA movers can defer with a twelve-year payment cap, but the bill does not vanish.
- Resource and payroll layers add up. Employer costs, wealth tax and 25% VAT mean the system feels heavier than any single headline suggests.
Frequently asked questions
Is Norway a high-tax country?
Yes. Top salaries face about 47.4% at the margin, shares pay 37.84%, wealth pays 1% to 1.1% yearly, and VAT is 25%.
Does Norway have a wealth tax?
Yes, the only general Nordic one: 1% above NOK 1.9 million and 1.1% above NOK 21.5 million, with valuation discounts on shares and homes.
Which taxes matter most in Norway?
The main ones are step tax plus 22% general income tax, the shareholder model on capital, 22% corporate tax, yearly wealth tax and VAT.