They’ll Pay Dearly for Staying Too Long in Norway. Authorities Reveal Attempts to Circumvent the Law

In recent years, many Norwegians have sold their homes and declared a move to countries offering more favorable tax conditions. The regulations allow a person considered a resident abroad to spend a maximum of 61 days per year in Norway.

However, findings show that some individuals exceeded this limit, staying in the country much longer. The Norwegian Tax Administration conducted a discreet audit, which led to the discovery of numerous violations.

Odd Woxholt from the Norwegian Tax Administration stated that in many cases, officials found the number of days reported by taxpayers to be inconsistent with the facts. He emphasized that this was not a misunderstanding, but rather deliberate actions.

The audit also included people who moved their residence to countries other than Switzerland. The cases varied in nature, and the scale of violations turned out to be significant.

Over five years, 60 cases concerning tax residency were reviewed. In 26 of them, administrative decisions have already been made.

Woxholt explained that these concern individuals who, as a result of the audit, became liable to pay tax in Norway on their entire global income and assets. Several other cases are still ongoing.

So far, the findings indicate that the most serious irregularities involve deliberate attempts to circumvent the regulations. The Norwegian Tax Administration notes that similar patterns of behavior are emerging in major cases.

The authority continues its audits to determine whether the violations are more widespread. In the coming months, further decisions may be made regarding individuals who have exceeded the permitted stay limits.