Norway Corporate Tax Rate 2026

The standard corporate income tax (CIT) rate in Norway is 22% for 2026. This flat rate applies to both resident and non-resident companies on their Norwegian-sourced income. There are no municipal or county-level corporate taxes — 22% is the only rate you need to plan for in most cases.

Who Pays Corporate Tax in Norway?

Norwegian resident companies pay CIT on their worldwide income. Non-resident companies pay CIT only on income that is conducted or managed from Norway. This distinction is important for foreign companies operating in Norway without setting up a local entity.

Special Tax Rates

Not all companies pay 22%. The following special regimes apply:

Financial sector companies pay 25% CIT, plus a 5% financial activities tax — an effective rate of 30%.

Petroleum companies operating on the Norwegian Continental Shelf pay a combined marginal rate of 78%, comprising the standard 22% CIT plus a 56% special tax.

Onshore wind power producers pay 22% CIT plus an effective 25% resource rent tax — a combined marginal rate of 47%.

Shipping companies operating under the tonnage tax regime pay effectively zero tax on shipping income, which is permanently exempt.

Capital Gains and Dividends

Capital gains are generally taxed at the standard 22% CIT rate. Dividends received by Norwegian companies from other Norwegian companies are largely tax-exempt under the participation exemption (fritaksmetoden), with an effective rate of 0.66%.

For individual shareholders, the tax rate on gains and dividends in 2026 is 37.84%, calculated by multiplying the actual gain by a factor of 1.72 and then applying the 22% rate.

Withholding Tax

Norway levies withholding tax (WHT) on dividends paid to foreign shareholders at a standard rate of 25%. However, this is frequently reduced under Norway's extensive network of double taxation treaties (DTTs). Many treaty countries benefit from rates as low as 0–15%. Companies must apply for treaty benefits through their Norwegian tax filings and provide a certificate of tax residency from their home country.

Interest and royalty payments are generally not subject to WHT in Norway.

Tax Filing and Payment

The Norwegian fiscal year follows the calendar year — 1 January to 31 December. Corporate tax returns must be submitted to Skatteetaten (the Norwegian Tax Administration) by 31 May in the year following the income year.

Corporate losses can be carried forward indefinitely, which is a significant advantage for foreign companies in the early stages of Norwegian operations.

VAT Registration

Companies selling goods or services in Norway must register for VAT once annual turnover exceeds NOK 50,000. The standard VAT rate is 25%, with reduced rates of 15% for food and 12% for certain services such as passenger transport and accommodation.

R&D Tax Incentives

Norway offers the SkatteFUNN scheme, which provides a tax deduction of 19% on qualifying R&D costs. This is administered by the Research Council of Norway and is available to both Norwegian and foreign-owned companies operating in Norway.

How ECOVIS Norway Can Help

Corporate tax compliance in Norway involves more than just filing a return. Transfer pricing rules, permanent establishment risk, payroll tax obligations, and treaty applications all require specialist knowledge. ECOVIS Norway's tax team helps foreign companies structure their Norwegian operations efficiently and remain fully compliant with Skatteetaten requirements.

Contact us for a free consultation.

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