Is it rude to ask Norwegians about their salary, religion or politics?
What newcomer guides say about money, faith and politics, and how the public tax lists work.
Short answer
Oslo kommune's guide for newcomers says religion is considered a private matter in Norway and that dwelling on your own success or wealth is generally not well received. At the same time, Skatteetaten publishes tax lists with people's net income, wealth and tax, but searches are logged, so people can see who looked them up.
Why
- Oslo kommune writes that people may not feel comfortable discussing their personal beliefs with strangers or acquaintances.
- In its section on Janteloven, Oslo kommune says Norwegians value being modest and humble and that it is generally not perceived well to elaborate on your own success or wealth.
- The tax lists show net income rather than salary, and searches are not anonymous: Skatteetaten logs whom you searched for, and the person can see the search.
Details
On religion, Gjesdal kommune describes Norway as not very religious compared with many other countries, while Statistics Norway (SSB) counted 60.9 per cent of the population as belonging to the Church of Norway in 2025. On politics, Gjesdal kommune notes that Norway is a democracy where citizens vote in free elections; the official guides used for this answer do not name politics as a topic to avoid.
Tip
If you look someone up in the tax lists, remember that they can see it: you must log in to search, and Skatteetaten logs every search.
Common misconception
Norwegians keep their incomes secret because talking about money is frowned upon.
What actually happens
Net income, net wealth and tax for individual taxpayers are public in Skatteetaten's tax lists. What the guides discourage is boasting: Oslo kommune says elaborating on your own success or wealth is generally not perceived well.
People also ask
- Do Norwegians talk about money?
- Is it rude to ask about salary in Norway?
Sources
- Oslo kommune: Religious diversityChecked at:
- Oslo kommune: Cornerstones of societyChecked at:
- Skatteetaten: The tax lists are published, how to searchChecked at:
- Gjesdal kommune: Culture, traditions and politicsChecked at:
- Statistics Norway (SSB): Church of NorwayChecked at:
Information checked on 20 October 2026.
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