Given Norway’s well-known tax complexity and high fiscal pressure, understanding the country’s corporate tax regime is essential for any company operating in or considering an entry into the Norwegian market. This overview provides a data-driven summary of Norway’s corporate income tax framework, applicable rates for various sectors, and special considerations for 2025.
Norwegian Corporate Tax Overview for 2025
Norwegian companies are subject to a nationwide corporate income tax. The standard tax rate applies broadly, but businesses engaged in certain sectors encounter additional surcharges that significantly increase their total tax liabilities. All figures below refer to the year 2025, as confirmed by current regulations.
Standard Corporate Income Tax Rate
| Tax Type | Tax Base | Rate (%) | Currency (NOK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Income Tax (CIT) | Corporate Profits | 22% | NOK |
All resident and most non-resident companies carrying out business in Norway are taxed at a flat rate of 22% on their taxable profits.
Surtaxes for Specific Industries
Several Norwegian industries face substantial sector-specific surtaxes, dramatically increasing the total marginal tax rate. The following table summarizes these additional taxes, applicable on top of the standard 22% CIT:
| Industry | Surtax Rate (%) | Total Marginal Rate (%) | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial sector (selected entities) | 3% | 25% | Certain financial companies |
| Upstream petroleum (Norwegian Continental Shelf) | 56% | 78% | Petroleum extraction and pipeline transport |
| Hydropower production | 57.7% | 67% | Hydropower revenues |
| Onshore wind power production | 25% | 47% | Onshore wind businesses |
| Aquaculture (salmon, trout, rainbow trout in sea phase) | 25% | 47% | Sea-phase aquaculture production |
No Tax Brackets, Flat Rate System
Norway operates a flat corporate tax regime, meaning there are no progressive brackets based on taxable profit levels. Every qualifying company pays the same rate as per its sector, with surtaxes applied strictly based on eligible sectors and activities.
Special Assessment Basis and Thresholds
The assessment basis is corporate, meaning the tax is calculated on the profits generated by the company as a legal entity. There are no published minimum or maximum holding periods specifically impacting the general corporate income tax rate. Sector-based surtaxes are determined according to defined industry activities, as clarified above.
Effective Corporate Taxation: Summary Table (2025)
| Company Type / Sector | Total Marginal Tax Rate (%) | Applied on | Currency (NOK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard companies | 22% | General corporate profits | NOK |
| Certain financial sector companies | 25% | Financial profits | NOK |
| Upstream petroleum activities | 78% | Profits from petroleum extraction | NOK |
| Hydropower production | 67% | Hydropower revenues | NOK |
| Onshore wind power production | 47% | Onshore wind profits | NOK |
| Aquaculture (sea phase) | 47% | Aquaculture profits | NOK |
Key Points on Norwegian Corporate Taxation
- Flat corporate income tax rate: All standard corporations are taxed at 22% on profits.
- Sector-specific surtaxes: Sectors such as petroleum, hydropower, and aquaculture face significantly higher marginal rates ranging from 25% to 57.7% (totaling up to 78% in some cases when combined with CIT).
- No progressive brackets: The regime is flat; the same rate applies to all profits within a sector.
- Currency of payment: All corporate taxes are assessed and paid in Norwegian kroner (NOK).
Pro Tips for Navigating Norwegian Corporate Tax in 2025
- Identify the precise classification of your business activity. Company activities that fall within petroleum, hydropower, wind, or aquaculture sectors trigger significant surtaxes—ensure your corporate filings accurately reflect your operations.
- Review annual budget changes closely each year. While rates are stable for 2025, the Norwegian government can adjust surtaxes or introduce new industry classifications with little notice.
- Allocate resources for compliance and documentation. Given Norway’s complex sector-specific tax rules, robust record-keeping is essential, especially for companies operating in multiple business lines.
- Monitor foreign exchange impacts if reporting in other currencies. Fluctuations in the NOK/USD or NOK/EUR rate can have a material impact on your overall financial reporting and effective tax rate internationally.
Additional Resources
For further details and the latest regulatory updates, consult the official Norwegian government portal: https://www.regjeringen.no/en/
Corporate tax in Norway for 2025 is consistent with the country’s reputation for robust fiscal collection, particularly for sectors viewed as benefiting from national resources. The main takeaways: a standard flat CIT rate of 22%, significant surtaxes in major natural resource and financial sectors, and strict delineation of qualifying activities. Companies should stay alert to sector changes and ensure compliance with evolving government regulations.