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WHAT CHANGES IN NORWAY

Taxes and strikes: Everything that changes in Norway in April 2024

Strikes being called if mediation doesn't work, and a key tax deadline for the majority are among the key changes happening in Norway in April.

Pictured is a house in Flåm.
There are a number of key changes in Norway in April that you need to know about. Pictured is a house in Flåm. Photo by Hongbin on Unsplash

Tax return deadline

By now, everyone should have received their Norwegian tax return. Around five million residents were sent returns this year by the Norwegian Tax Administration.

The main deadline you will need to be aware of is April 30th, when you must submit your tax return.

READ ALSO: What happens if you don’t file your Norwegian tax return on time?

However, you can also apply for a postponed deadline if you wish. This will allow you more time to go over your tax return.

Tax returns in Norway come mostly filled out. However, it is up to residents to check that the information received is correct and add any missing information.

Some taxpayers in Norway may have until May 31st to complete their tax return.

Potential strikes

Wage negotiation talks between the trade union group the United Federation of Trade Unions and the employer organisation the Federation of Norwegian Industry broke down in March.

Finding a resolution was put on hold until after Easter. After Easter, the parties will return to the negotiation table with the help of a national mediator.

If mediation fails to find an agreement between unions and employers, then unions have signalled that they will be willing to strike from as early as April 8th.
The talks concerned the wages of “front-line” workers in industries where Norwegian firms compete with foreign companies.

They usually act as a barometer for wage rises, as the wage rises for workers in this sector need to ensure that Norwegian businesses remain competitive, so they set the bar for other industries.

If a strike is announced, sympathy strikes could pop up in several other industries.

Unions have repeatedly reiterated that they are willing to strike to secure a real wage increase for workers.

Dog leash rules come into effect

As of April 1st, all dogs must be kept on a lead unless in a dog park. This rule will be in effect until August 20th.

The rule is to protect both domestic and wild animals during the birthing, nesting and mating seasons.

The most likely punishment for being caught breaking the leash law will be a reminder to keep your dog on a lead or a fine.

Some parts of Norway may have tighter rules where dogs need to be kept on leads all year round in certain areas. Therefore it’s always worth checking which rules apply in your specific area.

Winter tyres

As is the rule of thumb over Norway, winter tyres will need to be removed the first Sunday after the 2nd day of Easter. We know that’s not very helpful or easy to understand, as the rule is more of a brain teaser or riddle than a set date.

To break it down, winter tyres will need changing in southern Norway from April 7th 2024.

There are no rules stopping you from using winter tyres past this point, but studded ones will be prohibited.

Areas like Oslo may have additional fines or tolls for the use of studded tyres.

Last chance to ski

The beginning of April will represent the last chance for most people in southern Norway to either alpine or cross-country ski.

Alpine resorts will close for the season in April, and snow in cross-country areas will recede to make way for hiking trails.

The mild weather and the typical spring sunshine make it a great time to be outside, enjoying the last of the winter sports season.

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For members

DISCOVER NORWAY

Eight unmissable events happening in Norway in May 2024 

A trio of jazz festivals, a new museum opening, and the seven mountain hike in Bergen are among the best things happening in Norway in May. 

Eight unmissable events happening in Norway in May 2024 

Three different jazz festivals 

May is looking to be a good month for music lovers in Norway, as three different festivals will be held throughout the country.

First up, is Maijazz Stavanger. The festival started in 1989 and is one of the largest events in the Stavanger region. 

The festival begins on May 3rd and runs until May 8th. Tickets are available for individual concerts and shows

This is followed by Jazzfest Trondheim, which commences on May 6th. The festival will run through to the 11th. Jazzfest places a focus on jazz music and musicians from Norway, the Nordics and northern Europe. 

The festival also includes workshops and jam sessions. 

Bergen Jazz Festival then closes out a month of concerts. The week-long festival begins on May 24th and extends into the beginning of June.

New museum in Kristiansand 

A grain silo from 1935 will get a new lease of life when Kunstsilo opens in Kristiansand on May 11th. 

The museum will combine three permanent collections, the Tangen collection, the Sørlands collection and the Christianssands Picture Gallery.

The museum’s collection will comprise the world’s largest collection of Nordic modernism. Visitors can also enjoy international digital contemporary art, temporary exhibitions, lectures, concerts, dining experiences, workshops, function rooms, and events.

May 17th and public holiday galore 

It doesn’t matter where you are in the country. May 17th promises to be a special day across Norway

The country’s national day will see the public dressed in folk costumes and attend parades with marching bands. 

Oslo is set to have the largest parade, which makes its way up Karl Johan Street to the Royal Palace. 

Wednesday, May 1st will see workers off for Labour Day, this is followed by Ascension day on May 9th. 

This is followed by Whit Monday on May 20th, meaning workers in Norway will have a long weekend between Constitution Day and Whit Monday. 

Bergen International Festival 

Norway’s oldest cultural festival (established in 1953), the Bergen International Festival (Festspillene i Bergen), is scheduled to take place between May 22nd and June 5th.

The festival usually offers visitors a blend of theatre, dance, music, opera, and visual art, showcasing both Norwegian and international talent.

Each year, the Bergen International Festival captivates audiences with hundreds of live performances staged both indoors and outdoors.

Seven mountain hike in Bergen 

The annual seven mountain hike in Bergen will see residents and visitors scramble across the seven peaks that sit above the city. The whole day can be used to complete the 30 km-long route.

You can also opt to do just five or three mountains instead. The event begins on May 26th. 

Oslo medieval festival 

The Oslo Medieval Festival is at Akershus Fortress in the capital. Each day promises fun events for the whole family, with the fortress, which dates back to the 1200s, providing plenty of authentic medieval atmosphere. 

Wandering jugglers, jesters, musicians, beggars, historical plays, longbow shooting, and concerts with medieval songs and instruments are all on the itinerary. All this is in addition to the market selling goods from Norway and abroad. 

The festival takes place between May 26th and May 29th. 

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