The legal system of Norway
A Nordic civil-law system built on one of the world’s oldest surviving constitutions. Norway is not an EU member but adopts most single-market law through the EEA Agreement.
Legal tradition
Norway belongs to the civil law (nordic) tradition. A Nordic civil-law system built on one of the world’s oldest surviving constitutions. Norway is not an EU member but adopts most single-market law through the EEA Agreement.
How power is divided
Parliamentary government in which the Council of State answers to the Storting, with an independent judiciary headed by the Supreme Court.
Where law comes from
- Grunnloven
- The 1814 constitution as amended.
- EEA law
- Single-market rules incorporated via the EEA Agreement.
- Acts of the Storting
- Primary legislation.
- Regulations (forskrifter)
- Delegated legislation under statute.
The legal profession
The advokat title requires a law degree and practical experience; a separate licence is needed to appear before the Supreme Court.
Law by topic in Norway
- Criminal LawThe 2005 Penal Code, lay judges and a 21-year maximumThe Penal Code of 2005 (in force 2015) governs criminal law, with lay judges sitting alongside professionals. The ordinary maximum sentence is 21 years, extendable by preventive detention (forvaring).
- Constitutional LawThe 1814 Grunnlov, a unicameral Storting and judge-made reviewNorway is governed under the 1814 Constitution, one of the world's oldest. The Storting has sat as a single chamber since 2009, and the courts have long claimed a power to review statutes for constitutionality.
- Human RightsThe Human Rights Act 1999 gives the ECHR precedence over statuteThe 1999 Human Rights Act incorporates the ECHR and core UN covenants and gives them precedence over conflicting Norwegian legislation. A 2014 revision embedded rights in the Constitution itself.
- Business & CorporateThe aksjeselskap (AS) registered at BrønnøysundThe private limited company (AS) is the standard vehicle, needing NOK 30,000 in share capital and registered with the Brønnøysund Register Centre, which issues an organisation number.
- Immigration & NationalityEEA free movement and skilled-worker permits via UDIAs an EEA and Schengen member, Norway grants free movement to EEA nationals. Others need a residence permit under the Immigration Act, administered by the Directorate of Immigration (UDI), with a skilled-worker route.
- Property & LandRegistration in the land register (grunnboka) at KartverketOwnership is recorded in the land register (grunnboka) maintained by the Norwegian Mapping Authority. Transfers are registered without a notary, and a document duty applies.
- Family LawGender-neutral marriage since 2009 and separation-based divorceThe Marriage Act has been gender-neutral since 2009. Divorce normally follows a period of separation, with the County Governor handling the administrative steps.
- Tax LawWorldwide income, a wealth tax and 25% VATResidents are taxed on worldwide income through a flat base rate plus a progressive bracket tax, administered by the Tax Administration. Norway also levies a net wealth tax, and standard VAT is 25%.
- Civil ProcedureThe Dispute Act with mandatory conciliation boardsCivil procedure under the 2005 Dispute Act begins for most private disputes at a local Conciliation Board before the District Courts. Small claims follow a simplified track.
- Employment & LabourStrong protection under the Working Environment ActThe Working Environment Act gives employees robust protection against dismissal, generous rights to permanent employment and strict rules on working time. Collective agreements supplement the statutory floor.
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