At what age are you legally an adult in Norway?
The age of majority and the age limits that differ from it.
Short answer
You become a legal adult in Norway when you turn 18, and from then on you manage your own affairs and money without a guardian. Some age limits differ: you must be 18 to buy beer, wine and tobacco, but 20 to buy drinks with 22 per cent alcohol or more. The age for a car licence is also 18.
Why
- In Norwegian law a minor is anyone who has not reached the age of majority, which has been 18 since 1979.
- Minors normally have their parents as guardians, because they cannot fully decide over themselves and what they own.
- The Alcohol Act sets the age limit at 18 for drinks with less than 22 per cent alcohol and at 20 for drinks with 22 per cent or more.
Details
It is forbidden to sell tobacco products, including snus, to anyone under 18, even if they show a note from an adult. If staff are unsure of your age, they have the right and the duty to ask for ID. A class B licence for cars can be taken from 18. From 26 November 2028, 17-year-olds can also get one, but they must drive with an accompanying person until they turn 18.
Tip
If you look young, carry photo ID: shop staff must ask for it when they are unsure whether you are old enough to buy tobacco.
What may differ
The right to vote in the Storting election depends on citizenship as well as age: Norwegian citizens can vote if they turn 18 by the end of the election year and are or have been registered as residents in Norway.
Common misconception
At 18 you can buy any kind of alcohol in Norway.
What actually happens
At 18 you can buy drinks with less than 22 per cent alcohol, such as beer and wine, but drinks with 22 per cent or more are sold and served only to people aged 20 or over.
People also ask
- What is the legal age in Norway?
- What is the age of majority in Norway?
Sources
- Store norske leksikon: MinorChecked at:
- Norwegian Directorate of Health: Alcohol Act, section 1-5, age limitsChecked at:
- Norwegian Directorate of Health: Sale of tobacco to persons under 18 is forbiddenChecked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Accompanied drivingChecked at:
- Norway in Myanmar: Storting and Sámediggi elections 2025Checked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet) before you travel.
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