How do I get a tax-free VAT refund in Norway?
Who qualifies, the NOK 315 minimum, the 30-day rule and where you get the money.
Short answer
If you live outside Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, you can get VAT back on purchases over NOK 315 in a tax-free shop when the goods leave within 30 days. You show the goods, form, passport and ticket at a refund point run by Global Blue, Planet or PIE VAT. Global Blue refunds up to 19%.
Why
- Avinor and Global Blue offer tax-free refunds to everyone who lives outside Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, including residents of other EU countries.
- You must spend over NOK 315 in the same affiliated shop, and the goods must leave Norway within 30 days of purchase.
- Norwegian Customs (Tolletaten) does not pay the refund itself: the money comes from the private tax-free company when you leave the country.
Details
Ask for a tax-free form in the shop, because Global Blue says you cannot get the refund without it. At the airport, bring your passport or ID card and flight ticket, and have the goods checked before you check in your luggage. A refund to your card can take a few weeks to appear in your account.
Tip
Do not pack tax-free goods in your checked luggage until they have been validated at the refund point, as Avinor advises.
What may differ
Residents of Sweden, Denmark and Finland follow a different scheme: they pay Norwegian VAT, declare the item and pay VAT at home, then send the customs receipt to the Norwegian seller. Each item must then cost at least NOK 1,000 excluding VAT.
Common misconception
EU citizens cannot get tax-free refunds in Norway.
What actually happens
What counts is where you live, not EU membership: anyone living outside Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland can use tax-free shopping.
People also ask
- How does tax-free shopping work in Norway?
- What is the minimum purchase for a tax-free refund in Norway?
- Can I get the VAT back in Norway?
- Can EU citizens get a tax-free refund when shopping in Norway?
Sources
- Norwegian Customs: Reimbursement of VAT to touristsChecked at:
- Avinor: Tax refund at Oslo AirportChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Global Blue Tax FreeChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Norwegian Customs (Tolletaten) before you travel.
Tax free and duty free in NorwayRelated questions
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How do I find the IBAN for my Norwegian bank account?
You find the IBAN for your Norwegian account in your bank's online bank or app under the account details, and also on your account statement.
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Why did my hotel or car rental company block money on my card in Norway?
Hotels and car rental companies reserve money on your card as security, and the reservation is released once the final amount is settled.
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How do I pay a Norwegian invoice with a KID number from abroad?
To pay a Norwegian invoice from abroad, make an international transfer to the payee's IBAN and BIC and enter the KID number as the payment reference.
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Do Norwegian banks charge an annual fee for debit cards?
Yes, banks such as DNB charge an annual fee for an adult debit card, currently NOK 295 a year, while cards for children and young people are free.