I’m Moving to Norway – What Should I Know?

Norway is an attractive destination to many Americans hoping to move overseas, due to its beautiful scenery, free education and low crime rate. However, if you’re considering a move to Norway, there are a few financial considerations you should be aware of before you start packing your bags.

#1 – Norway’s Taxes Are Typically Higher Than U.S-Based Taxes

Some U.S. expats are surprised to discover that they must pay significantly more in taxes while living in Norway. Before moving, take time to understand your potential tax obligations related to the following.

Income tax

Norway has complex rules for determining tax residency; however, as a general rule, you may be considered a tax resident after you’ve lived in the country for 183 days within a 12-month period. Once you’re considered a tax resident, you must file tax returns in both Norway and the United States.

Norway uses a dual tax approach, which imposes a flat rate tax of 22% on general income with an additional progressive tax of up to 17.7%.

Capital gains tax

Norway’s capital gains tax rate varies based on the type of asset sold. Investment gains and dividends are taxed at 37.84%, while other assets, such as investment real estate, are taxed at 22%.

Wealth tax

In 2025, Norway imposes a wealth tax on global assets that exceed NOK 1.76 million ($176,096) or NOK 3.52 million ($346,192) for spouses. The wealth tax rate varies between 1% and 1.1%.

No estate, inheritance or gift tax

While Norway heavily taxes its residents in most areas, it gives them a break when it comes to gifts and inheritances, as it doesn’t impose estate, inheritance or gift taxes.

#2 – Residents Must Pay National Insurance Payments

In addition to taxes, Norwegian residents must contribute a portion of their salary to the county’s national insurance scheme. The following rates apply:

• General rate (for those ages 17-69) – 7.7% on earned income, illness benefits and primary businesses related to fishing, hunting and childcare
• Reduced rate (for those younger than 17 or older than 69) – 5.1%
• Other business income (for those self-employed) – 10.9%
• Lower income rate – No contributions are required for individuals whose personal income is less than NOK 99,650 (in 2025)

Consider purchasing private insurance

While U.S. expats living in Norway who pay into the healthcare system are eligible for care (up to an annual limit), many experience long wait times and difficulty being seen by specialists. That’s why it often makes sense to purchase private insurance in addition to public coverage. This is another expense you should plan for prior to moving to Norway.

#3 – Your Estate Plan May Not Function Effectively in Norway

Before moving to Norway, it’s important to carefully evaluate your estate planning strategies to determine if they’ll continue to meet your needs once you’re living abroad. Your international wealth manager and estate planning attorney can help you review the following.

Wills

U.S.-based wills don’t always operate as intended in Norway. You may need to establish a situs will to cover your Norwegian assets. Your situs will should be designed to work alongside your primary, U.S.-based will to cover all your assets.

Another option is to create a multijurisdictional will to help ensure your estate planning wishes are recognized across various jurisdictions. This is a complex strategy, so it’s important to work with an international estate planning attorney who has experience addressing the succession laws of both Norway and the United States.

Trusts

Trusts are a uniquely American estate planning tool. The provisions of your U.S.-based trust may not be recognized in Norway, due to its tax and probate laws. Work with your international wealth manager and estate planning attorney to evaluate the potential effectiveness of your trust(s) before moving to Norway.

Forced heirship rules

Like many European countries, Norway has forced heirship rules that dictate how a deceased individual’s assets must be divided among certain heirs. It’s important to understand how these heirship rules work, as they may override your estate planning wishes. An experienced international estate planning attorney can help ensure your assets are passed along to your desired heirs.

How Creative Planning International Can Help

Could you use help planning for your move to Norway? Creative Planning International is here for you. We help U.S. expats and cross-border families navigate a wide range of challenges as they make plans to move overseas.

To learn more, request a meeting with a member of our team.