How corporate tax works in Norway
Norway taxes resident companies on worldwide income at 22%, or 25% for financial firms. There is no municipal corporate tax, and losses carry forward indefinitely.
Resource industries pay extra rent taxes: petroleum offshore faces 78% combined marginal, hydropower 57.7% rent tax on top of 22%, and salmon farming and onshore wind face 25% effective rent tax plus 22%.
Groups above EUR 750 million turnover meet the 15% Pillar Two minimum through Norwegian IIR, domestic top-up and UTPR rules. Intra-group dividends are largely exempt under the participation method.
Tax rates at a glance
- Standard rate
- 22%Flat
- Finance rate
- 25%
- Petroleum marginal
- 78%
- Salmon and wind rent
- 25%
- Pillar Two minimum
- 15%
Who benefits most
These profiles tend to benefit most when the rules match their real residence, payroll and business setup.
FoundersHolding companiesRegional operatorsInvestorsCross-border groups
Watch out for
- Resource rent is a second income tax, not a royalty. Petroleum, hydro, fish and wind projects need full-cycle modelling of both layers plus production fees.
- The 25% finance rate catches banks, insurers and holding-type finance firms. Group classification decides which rate applies.
- Interest limitation and CFC rules bite cross-border structures. Debt push-downs and passive low-tax subsidiaries need Norwegian modelling.
- Withholding on outbound dividends is 25% before treaties. EEA corporate shareholders with substance can qualify for exemption rather than mere reduction.
Frequently asked questions
Does Norway have corporate tax?
Yes, 22% flat for ordinary companies and 25% for finance, plus resource-rent taxes for petroleum, hydro, fish farming and wind.
What is the petroleum tax rate in Norway?
Offshore petroleum faces 78% combined marginal: 22% ordinary tax plus special tax computed on the base net of ordinary tax.
Are group dividends exempt in Norway?
Generally yes under the participation-exemption method for qualifying holdings, with EEA extensions for substantive corporate owners.