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WHAT CHANGES IN NORWAY

KEY POINTS: Everything that changes in Norway in April 2023

Tax deadlines, easier trips into Bergen and new employment laws are among the key happenings in Norway in April.

Published: 27 March 2023 16:27 CEST
Updated: 30 March 2023 15:25 CEST
Pictured is Lofoten in the spring.
Here are all the key changes you need to know about in Norway in April. Pictured is Lofoten in the spring. Photo by Knut Troim on Unsplash

Tax deadline

The deadline for filing your taxes this year is on April 30th 2023, which falls on a Sunday this year. You must meet this deadline to ensure your tax return is on time. 

The date is also the last day you can apply to extend the deadline to submit your taxes. Everyone in Norway should have received their taxes on April 1st. 

The tax return notice you’ll get from the Norwegian Tax Administration isn’t the complete and final version – you need to thoroughly analyse it, change any potential errors, and add any missing information before you submit it.

Regardless of whether you’ll get a return or need to pay extra tax, you need to set aside an hour or two to go through everything.

 READ ALSO: Five things to do once you get your tax return notice in Norway

New labour laws take effect  

New laws that aim to cut down on the use of staffing and temp agencies in the construction sector take effect on April 1st. 

By making it harder for staffing firms in these sectors to operate, the government plans to pen up more permanent positions. 

However, two staffing agencies hope to repeal the law and have complained to the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) as they believe the new laws violate EEA rules. 

Easter holidays 

Easter Sunday is on April 9th this year. The days between Thursday, April 6th and Monday, April 10th, are all public holidays. 

Many love to take the full week off and enjoy the long weekend with either a trip to the cabin or abroad. Meanwhile, many also like to spend time with family. 

Easter favourites in Norway are skiing and Easter crime when many like watching and reading about grisly murder investigations. 

End of the ski season

The end of April should see most ski resorts in Norway shut up shop for the season. However, depending on snow and the weather, many may choose to only remain open at weekends. 

It’s also likely that local authorities will also stop keeping cross-country tracks so well maintained. 

Time to switch out the winter tyres 

A week after the 2nd day of Easter, you will be required to switch your winter tyres for regular ones, unless you live in the north of the country. 

Those driving in and out of Norway’s major cities can expect charges for using studded winter tyres. 

Norway’s domestic football season returns 

As most European leagues draw to a close, Norway’s is just about to get started. On Monday, April 10th, the Eliteserien, the top men’s division in Norway, will return. 

Compared to other countries, tickets to a top-level football match in Norway are actually relatively cheap. The drawback to this is that there are generally lower attendances for all but the biggest games. 

New cycle tunnel in Bergen 

On April 15th, the 2.9km Fyllingsdalstunnelen will open to the public with running and cycling events. The tunnel cuts through the Løvstakken mountain in Bergen.

The tunnel also links the two residential areas of Fyllingsdalen and Mindemyren. The tunnel connects to existing cycling routes to the city’s centre.

Journeys to the city centre on a bike using the tunnel will take around 25 minutes compared to the 40 minutes it currently takes. Meanwhile, those on foot will be able to cross through the tunnel in approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

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WHAT CHANGES IN NORWAY

The key law changes in Norway in July that you need to know about

Updated working laws, new rules on selling second-hand goods, a ban on flavoured vapes, and more consumer-friendly regulations for the energy market are among the changes that take effect from July.

Published: 28 June 2024 11:35 CEST
The key law changes in Norway in July that you need to know about

Changes to energy deal laws

New regulations will be introduced to make things easier for consumers using Norway’s energy market.

Electricity providers face having their operating licences withdrawn if they do not comply with the new consumer-friendly legislation.

Among the changes that take effect from July 1st is a clause that allows customers to leave deals free of charge within 30 days of a supplier changing an agreement to make it worse.

READ ALSO: Everything that changes in Norway in July 2024

It becomes easier to trade second-hand goods

From July, those wishing to sell second-hand goods should have an easier time. They will no longer need to obtain permission from the police to do so.

However, those selling precious metals, precious stones and pearls, cultural objects, works of art, collectables, antiques, cars, and trailers will still need a permit.

Clothes, furniture and sports equipment are among the things that can be sold without a permit.

Working laws get an update

Employees will need to be provided with a written employment agreement within one week of work from next month.

The rules previously allowed companies to wait as long as a month before doing so. The probation period for those in temporary roles has also been reduced to half of the length of the position. Work contracts will also need to be more detailed under the new rules.

Rogue companies will also receive higher fines for violations of the Working Environment Act. The upper limit for fines has been increased from 1.8 million kroner to 6.2 million kroner, or up to four percent of the company’s turnover.

Consumers will now be charged to file complaint cases

If a consumer wishes to escalate their issue with a product or service, they must pay 248 kroner to the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority.

Those who wish to appeal their case will need to part with 1,277 kroner.

Leasing cars will become more expensive

Should you wish to lease a car, then you can expect to pay more VAT on the transaction after July 1st.

However, electric cars priced under 500,000 kroner will be exempt from the new VAT rules.

Ban on flavoured vapes

Norway has pushed back its ban on vapes and e-cigarettes by one year. Still, a ban on flavoured vapes and e-cigarettes was introduced on July 1st.

Such products will now only be sold with a tobacco flavour. Non-nicotine vapes must also no longer contain flavours.

Looking ahead – education changes

There will also be a number of changes to education and childcare from August 1st too.

High school students will have a right to high school education until they have completed it, and they will have the right to change their programme if they change their mind.

The free afterschool care offer will be extended to students in the 3rd grade. The maximum price for kindergarten will be cut to 2,000 kroner per month.

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