Sales Tax Refund in Norway: A Guide for International Visitors

Shopping in Norway can be expensive, but international visitors may be able to claim a refund on sales tax, making that special souvenir purchase a little more affordable.

Whether it’s a hand-knitted wool jumper that keeps you warm for years to come or a sleek piece of Scandinavian design, shopping in Norway often means bringing home something more than a souvenir.

These purchases can be lasting reminders of your time in the country, combining practical use with personal memory.

While prices when shopping in Norway are often high, there is some good news for international visitors. In many cases, you can claim back part of the sales tax you paid.

Norway operates a tax-free shopping scheme that allows foreign visitors to receive a partial refund of the value-added tax (VAT), known locally as merverdiavgift (MVA), on goods purchased in the country. To be eligible, the items must be exported unused within 30 days of purchase.

The scheme is available only to travellers who are in Norway on a short-term basis and does not apply to residents of Norway or neighbouring Nordic countries including Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

What to Look For When Shopping

Participating stores will display a “Tax Free” logo in their window or at the payment counter. The vast majority of shops selling Norwegian souvenirs are enrolled in one of the two main refund schemes, operated by Global Blue and Planet. If you're unsure, simply ask a member of staff before making a purchase.

When you make a qualifying purchase, the shop assistant will provide you with a tax refund form. This requires some basic information including your name and passport details, and you must sign the form before leaving the shop.

Some retailers now offer digital tax-free processing, which speeds up the paperwork and removes the need for printed forms, although paper-based refunds are still widely used and accepted.

To qualify for the scheme, you must spend at least NOK 315 in a single transaction, excluding the VAT. If you are buying food items, a slightly lower threshold of NOK 290 may apply, though food is not always included in tax-free refund schemes depending on the operator.

The goods must be for personal use and must be taken out of Norway unused within 30 days of purchase.

How to Claim the Refund

Importantly, although you begin the refund process in the shop, you will not receive any money until you are leaving the country. When you depart Norway, you must present the goods along with the completed form and your passport at an official refund or customs validation point.

These refund points are located at most international airports, ferry terminals, and border crossings. If you are flying out of Norway, be sure to leave extra time at the airport before your flight, as queues at refund desks can be lengthy, especially during peak travel periods.

For those leaving Norway by road or ferry, staffed customs offices are available at some land border crossings and major ports.

Travellers departing by cruise ship should be aware of a slightly different process. Typically, a representative from one of the tax refund companies boards the ship in the final Norwegian port, a few hours before departure. Passengers are then invited to visit the refund desk on board with their purchases, passport, and paperwork.

This is a convenient solution for cruise passengers who may not otherwise pass through a customs point when leaving the country.

Regardless of your mode of departure, the goods you are claiming VAT on must be unused and available for inspection. That means keeping tags on clothing, not using electronic devices, and carrying the items with you in your hand luggage.

If the items are packed in checked luggage or show signs of use, the refund may be denied without exception.

Receiving Your Refund

Once validated, your refund will be processed either as a cash payment (usually in the local currency), a credit card refund, or a digital transfer. Service fees apply, so you will not receive the full VAT amount.

Typically, you can expect a refund of around 12 to 19 percent of the purchase price, depending on the nature of the goods and the method of refund.

It’s worth noting that from 2025, Norway introduced a new reduced VAT rate of 11.11 percent for wild-caught seafood, while the standard VAT rate remains at 25 percent. However, most tourists will primarily encounter the standard rate when shopping.

Final Tips on Sales Tax Refunds

To ensure a smooth refund experience, always ask for the form at the point of purchase, double-check your details, and don’t use or pack away your items before claiming the refund.

Keep in mind that digital systems are becoming more common, and some stores may now send forms directly to your email or link them to an app.

While the savings may not be enormous, the tax refund scheme is still a helpful way to offset some of the high prices in Norway, especially if you're making a number of purchases or buying high-value items.

For full details, or to check the latest rules and refund rates, visit the websites of the two main providers: Global Blue and Planet.