Tax Number In Norway: An Expats Guide

Tax Number In Norway

Securing a tax number in Norway is a critical step for anyone diving into the Norwegian way of life, be it for work or residency.

In this comprehensive guide, we untangle the intricacies of obtaining your Norwegian tax number, ensuring a smooth transition into your new fiscal responsibilities.

Let’s embark on this journey to fiscal integration in the land of fjords and Northern Lights.

Let’s dive in!

What Is The Tax Number In Norway?

Tax Number In Norway 1

The tax number in Norway is known as the “fødselsnummer” or “D-number.” It is a unique 11-digit identifier assigned to individuals for tax and administrative purposes.

 The fødselsnummer is often based on an individual’s date of birth, typically in the format DDMMYYXXXXX, where DD represents the day, MM is the month, YY is the last two digits of the birth year, and XXXXX is a unique five-digit sequence.

This number is used for various official purposes, including taxation, healthcare, and social services, and it serves as a primary identifier for residents and individuals working in Norway.

It is crucial for anyone living and working in Norway, as it is used for interactions with government agencies, employers, banks, and other institutions to ensure proper taxation and administration.

Where Do You Find Your Norwegian Tax Number?

In Norway, you typically receive your Norwegian Tax Number (fødselsnummer or D-number) when you register with the National Population Register.

What Is The Tax ID In Norway?

Tax Number In Norway 2

The Fodselsnummer is 11 digits in the format NNNNNN NNNNN. The date of birth of the individual is encoded into the number, followed by a serial number and two check digits.

The Norwegian Tax Number is assigned to individuals and is crucial for residents and individuals working in Norway to access services, conduct financial transactions, and fulfill their tax obligations in the country.

Upon registering, you receive it in your post by mail after the required time and it remains the same throughout your stay in Norway meaning you don’t have to change it after any amount of time.

Who Needs Your Tax ID In Norway?

In Norway, your tax identification number, known as the Norwegian Tax Number or “fødselsnummer” (for individuals) and “D-number” (for non-residents or temporary residents), is used in various official and administrative contexts. 

Several entities and organizations may require your tax ID for identification and tax-related purposes. For example, you need a Norwegian identification number to open a bank account.

Your tax ID is essential for all matters related to taxation in Norway, including filing your annual tax return, reporting income, and ensuring accurate taxation based on your financial activities.

Employers use your tax ID for payroll and tax reporting. When you start a job in Norway, your employer will need your tax ID to ensure that your income is correctly taxed at the source.

Where Do You Find Your Norwegian Tax ID?

Your Norwegian Tax ID, also known as the Norwegian Tax Number, can be found on various official documents and is typically issued to you by the Norwegian authorities. Following are some common sources where you can find your Norwegian Tax Number:

  • Notification From Tax Authorities: If you are a Norwegian citizen or a resident, you will typically receive your Norwegian Tax Number automatically from the tax authorities.
  • Residence Permit Or ID Card: If you are a foreign national moving to Norway for work, study, or other purposes, your Norwegian Tax Number may be included on your residence permit or national identity card.
  • Tax Return Documents: If you’ve filed tax returns in Norway, your tax number will be present on the tax return documents or correspondence from the tax authorities.
  • Employment Contracts: Your employer in Norway will also have your tax number on record, and it may be included in your employment contract or payroll documents.

What If You Have Lost Your Norwegian Tax ID?

Tax Number In Norway 3

If you have lost your Norwegian Tax ID (fødselsnummer or D-number), don’t worry; you can take steps to retrieve it. 

The process for recovering your Norwegian Tax ID may vary depending on your specific circumstances, whether you are a Norwegian citizen, a resident, or a foreign national living in Norway.

If you cannot find your tax ID in your documents, the first step is to contact the Norwegian Tax Administration. You can reach out to your local tax office or contact the main branch of Skatteetaten for assistance. 

If you prefer in-person assistance, you can visit your local tax office (Skattekontor) in Norway. Tax office staff can guide you through the process of recovering your tax ID and provide any necessary forms or documentation.

The Norwegian Tax Administration provides online services that may allow you to retrieve your tax ID. You can log in to their website or use their digital services to access your tax information.

What Is The Freelance Tax Number In Norway?

Freelancers and self-employed individuals in Norway are required to report their income and pay taxes using their Norwegian Tax Number, just like employees. The tax system in Norway treats all sources of income, whether from employment, self-employment, or freelance work, in a similar manner.

When you start working as a freelancer or self-employed individual in Norway, you will need to register your freelance business with the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). During this process, you will provide your Norwegian Tax Number and other necessary information. 

What Is The VAT Number In Norway?

Tax Number In Norway 4

In Norway, the VAT (Value Added Tax) number is known as the “Organization Number” or “MVA-Nummer” in Norwegian.

VAT numbers are assigned by the Norwegian tax authorities. To obtain a VAT number, a business must register for VAT and for an organizational number. 

This process involves filling out RF-1198 in order to obtain a tax number, and providing certain information about the business, including its name, address, business activities, and financial details. 

The first two digits represent the country code for Norway, which is “NO” and is used when the company operates abroad. This is mainly used outside of Norway and you are not required to use it.

The next nine digits are the business’s organizational number, which is a unique identification number assigned to the business by the Register of Business Enterprises (Enhetsregisteret).

The last three letters, “MVA”, are an indicator that this is a VAT number.

The VAT system in Norway, as in other countries, is designed to collect tax at each stage of the supply chain, from the manufacturer to the retailer, and then ultimately from the end consumer. 

The VAT number is a key element in ensuring that businesses accurately account for and pay the appropriate amount of VAT on their transactions.

Businesses that are required to register for VAT must do so within three months from the date they first exceeded the threshold for mandatory VAT registration. They must also charge VAT on their taxable supplies from that date.

The business must meet certain criteria, such as having annual taxable supplies exceeding NOK 50,000

Conclusion

With your Norwegian tax number now in hand, you’re ready to fully embrace the opportunities and responsibilities that come with life in Norway.

This guide aims to have made your journey simpler, setting you up for a seamless experience in Norway’s unique financial landscape. Welcome to a new chapter of efficiency and compliance in the heart of Scandinavia!

Financially Integrated!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in following: