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VAT refund in Norway: A complete guide to tax-free shopping in Norway for tourists
If you’ve ever considered travelling to Norway, then you are probably a very tasteful traveller. You might be the type who enjoys genuine cultural experiences, beautiful scenery, and a good shopping spree. Even better than a shopping spree is a shopping refund. All of this is available to non-resident shoppers in Norway.
The Scandinavian aesthetic is appealing, from simple and warm-feeling restaurant decor to the fitness level of the average Norwegian. To get an idea, consider that most Oslovians are surrounded by easy-to-access mountains for weekend ski outings. In fact, it is possible to take your skis with you on a public bus in order to ski down a mountainside.
Oslo also makes way for tourists interested in certain luxury buys, including buys that may only be found in Norway. For example, high-end shops in Oslo sell traditional Norwegian jumpers. You can find modern jumpers with soft flannel lining and smart-looking zippers, or you can find more old fashioned jumpers with wooden buttons and unique knit patterns. Of course, Oslo also maintains several luxury goods stores with global names like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Before you start your overseas shopping, be sure to research your VAT return deadlines and the amount of tax you can reclaim on specific shopping items!
This article provides the A-Z on VAT refund in Norway.
How much is VAT in Norway?
The normal rate for value added tax (VAT) is 25%, while foodstuffs can be purchased with 15% VAT and certain other services at 12%. This last category with reduced tax pertains to passenger tickets, cinema tickets, and the letting of rooms.
VAT rates in 2024:
| Rate | Items |
|---|---|
| 25% | Luxury goods and regular shopping items |
| 15% | Foodstuffs and staples |
| 12% | Public transportation, public broadcasting, entry to sporting events, cinemas and activity centres |
How much VAT is refunded in Norway?
To gain a tax refund in Norway as a tourist, you must shop for at least 315 NOK in a single store. You will be eligible to get up to 19% of your purchase back–if you follow all the necessary steps.
To clarify, it is possible to claim VAT for purchases made in multiple stores, but each individual store’s bill must add up to 315 NOK or more.
Who is eligible for tax free shopping in Norway?
Not everyone is eligible for tax free shopping in Norway. In fact, it is only non-residents of Norway who may reclaim VAT. If you are a resident of Sweden, Denmark, or Finland, or if you are a resident of Svalbard or Jan Mayen, then your purchase threshold is higher, and you must evidence having spent more than 1,000 NOK at a single shop. Also, if you are resident of Sweden, Denmark, or Finland, then you may only claim your refund in your home country–not within Norway. You must send the declaration to the vendor in Norway and access your VAT refund from the seller remotely.
On the other hand, if you are resident in another country aside from these three, or if you are NOT a resident in Svalbard or Jan Mayen, then you have a lower threshold, as previously detailed. Before tax, you must spend at least 250 NOK. But since your initial purchase includes tax, you will need to spend more than 315 NOK.
More to follow on how to get your tax refund in this second scenario.
How to get VAT refund in Norway?
Most tourists in Norway are able to access their VAT refund within Norway. The easiest way is to use an agent rather than doing it yourself. The process follows a few simple steps.
Receive the tax free form
When you are out shopping and you are making a purchase greater than 315 NOK, ask the vendor for a tax free form. Fill the form in with all relevant details before you arrive at the airport for travel back home.
Process the forms at the airport
Be sure to export the goods within 30 days of the time of original purchase. When you arrive at the airport or other border crossing, you should present your passport, the tax free form and the unused item to Customs and get your forms validated.
Obtain a VAT refund
Visit the refund office available at the airport to complete the process and get your VAT refunded in your chosen payment method. Please be aware that in some cases agents will charge an extra fee if you prefer to receive the refund in cash. Be sure to check the opening hours of the office as well.
Now just imagine that you’ve completed your trip and are leaving for the airport where you’ll take your time completing the VAT refund process using one of the airport’s available services and that you are finally ready to take home your luxury Norwegian jumper! Are you pleased with your purchase? Are you happy to avoid paying full Norwegian tax on the item? You bet!
You’ve had a glance at the fjord-side villages, the inland mountains and their ski routes, and the arctic reaches of the country, and you’ve even chosen a few gifts and souvenirs to bring back. Now finish up at the airport and fly home. You’re due a tax refund.
If you’re wise with money, then you’ll investigate a Wise debit card, too. These can help you get your VAT refund without a currency conversion fee if you have opened a balance in the currency you intend to receive. And if you haven't , Wise only charges a small fee and converts at mid-market rates without markups. This card allows you to hold 40+ currencies including GBP and NOK so that you can receive your refund in NOK and keep your NOK stashed for a future visit to Norway.
Sources used for this article:
- The Norwegian Tax Administration: Value added tax
- Visit Norway: Global Blue Tax Free
- Norwegian Customs: Reimbursement of VAT to tourists
- Avinor: Tax refund at Avinor airports - Practical information
Sources last checked on 30-Sep-2024.
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This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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