This economy profile presents the Doing Business indicators for Norway. To allow useful comparison, it also provides data for other selected economies (comparator economies) for each indicator. The data in this report are current as of June
1, 2014 (except for the paying taxes indicators, which cover the period January–December 2013).

Overview of Norway Economy – This page summarizes Doing Business 2015 data for Norway. The first section presents the Ease of Doing Business rank (out of 189 economies) and the distance to frontier (DTF)** measure, overall and by topic. The second section summarizes the key indicators for each topic benchmarked against regional averages.

Investment Climate Survey

Much of Norway’s economy depends on the use of its natural resource base. For this reason, Norway is dependent on governmental regulation in order to balance economical and environmental interests. 

This site will give you an overview of relevant information in order to be able to register and run a business in Norway.

This site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Norway from the World Bank.

Principal types of business used in Norway, are mainly companies limited by shares (AS or ASA), fully liable partnerships (ANS), limited partnerships (KS, DA) and sole traders, together with branches of foreign companies.

Depending on the size of the entity, organization form and the minimum share capital, the Norway recognizes two main forms of business: the companies (with private or public limited liability) or the partnerships (general or limited).

The Corporate Tax Rate in Norway stands at 27 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Norway averaged 27.95 percent from 1995 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 28 percent in 1996 and a record low of 27 percent in 2014. Corporate Tax Rate in Norway is reported by the Norwegian Tax Administration.

The corporate tax rate is a flat tax of 27% that applies to the sum of profits and capital gains.

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Norway stands at 39 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in Norway averaged 42.42 percent from 1995 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 47.50 percent in 2000 and a record low of 39 percent in 2014. Personal Income Tax Rate in Norway is reported by the Norwegian Tax Administration.

Tax rates and limits – 2015

The standard rate of VAT is 25 per cent. In the case of domestic sales, VAT is calculated on the sales price, and in the case of imports, it is calculated on the customs value.

The Norwegian VAT is a multi-stage, non-cumulative general tax on consumption of goods and services. 

Visa information for tourists, students and business

Nationals of certain countries need a visa in order to visit Norway for up to 90 days.

Whether you prefer to go by train, by air, by bus or by express boat; in Fjord Norway it is easy to get around using public transportation.

412 tips on getting to and getting around Norway from real travelers and locals.

Telecommunications in Norway are relatively advanced. There are about as many cellular phone subscription as there are inhabitants in the country (4.7 million), while the number of fixed line telephone subscriptions is declining towards 2 million.[

Norway has telecommunications infrastructure is considered to be relatively advanced; however it is not cutting edge.

Norway has been a pioneer in the field of social welfare and is often called a welfare state.

Unemployment benefit constitute a partial compensation for loss of earned income. The benefit is intended to help the recipient to seek or retain work.

The Norwegian labour market is regulated by laws and agreements, such as the Working Environment Act and Annual Holidays Act. The politicians in Parliament pass the laws, while the employers and employees reach agreements through the trade unions.

The Norwegian Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven) regulates the relationship between employers and employees.

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

The cost of living in Norway is known to be one of the highest in the world.

Please note that Norway is an egalitarian society. Please treat male and female colleagues equally. Norwegians also follow Jante’s Law, which emphasizes humility and equality. Be aware of this and do not draw undue attention to yourself or your achievements.

This site highlights some important key areas for consideration when doing business in Norway such as how to meet and greet, communicate and conduct business meeting

Demographic facts and figures

The climate of Norway is much milder than that of most other regions as far north, especially along the country’s west coast. Snow that falls along the coast melts often immediately. The warm North Atlantic Current of the Gulf Stream keeps nearly all the seaports ice-free, even in the northern regions. During winter, Norway’s inland regions are colder than the coast because mountains block the warm west winds from the sea.

Due to warming influences of the northern Gulf Stream, the country enjoys a fairly mild climate. There are five distinct climate zones in Norway, and the weather can change rapidly depending on the time of year and the region of the country being visited.

The Norwegian public education system is one of the best in Europe, and the general level of education in Norway is higher than the European average.

A description of compulsory and secondary education

Schedule of public and defacto holidays

There are 12 national holidays each year in Norway. Nine public holiday celebrations are based on the Church calendar, centering around Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas. The remaining three holidays celebrated are New Year’s Day, May Day and National Day.

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

US Department of State – Go to Safety and Security for updates from the Norwegian government

Health & safety standards in Norway are generally very high.

Import and export regulations from Norway customs

Any goods imported into Norway must be customs cleared. An efficient customs clearance process is dependent upon necessary knowledge of customs clearance rules and regulations

Norway negotiates free trade agreements with other countries through the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The trade agreements secure Norwegian business’ access to international markets and facilitate trade with partner countries. On this site you will find information about EFTA and on the free trade agreements Norway/EFTA has with third party countries.

Norway is the EU’s 5th most important import partner for trade in goods

It is more common in Norway to buy a flat or a house rather than rent accommodation.

This site is a guide to public and private accommodations in Norway

Information from the country’s official travel site

One of the world’s most beautiful countries, Norway has long been a popular cruising destination, famed for its stunning fjords.