Norway Tax Refund Guide: VAT Refund for Tourists

Flying to Norway for a holiday and cannot escape from shopping clothes, souvenirs or other goods?

But did you know that you can be able to claim back your Norwegian VAT before leaving back to your country.

The Norway tax refund scheme is available to eligible visitors who live outside Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

What Is the Norway Tax Refund?

Norway has charges the international tourists of value-added tax (VAT) or known as merverdiavgift (MVA) on most of their goods and services.

The tax refund in Norway is generally handled by private refund companies such as Global Blue and Planet but not the Norwegian Customs Authority itself.

That's why you cannot get back the full amount of tax refund because the amount that you receive depends on the purchase and the refund provider's service fees that has been deduct.

Who Can Claim a Norway VAT Refund?

Norway Tax Refund Minimum Purchase

The tax refund through Global Blue or Planet, the minimum purchases must be NOK 315 include VAT from the same store while for food purchases is subject to 15% of VAT rate with a minimum purchases of NOK 290.

Global Blue states that eligible shoppers can receive up to 19% of the purchase amount as a refund.

You can approach to ask the shop first before paying whether they are joining the tax free programme and if you are qualify purchases of tax refund.

What Can You Buy Tax-Free in Norway?

These are the common goods that you can get a tax refund however, not every purchase qualifies because items such as certain books and stamps are not eligible for tax refund.

In addition, services such as restaurant bills, taxi fares and tickets also are excluded.

• Clothing and shoes
• Bags and accessories
• Sports equipment
• Electronics
• Jewellery and watches
• Souvenirs

How to Claim a Norway Tax Refund

Step 1: Shop at Participating Store

You can look for the shop that has sign displayed Global Blue or Planet Tax Free.

Before shopping, you can ask in advance whether the store offers tax free shopping for international tourists.

Step 2: Show Passport

You can show your passport or verification ID when making purchases.

The store staff will use your details to prepare the tax free documentation

Step 3: Request a Tax Free Form

You can also ask a staff at the store for the Tax Free Form or tax refund check before making purchases.

You can check the form whether the personal details are correct

Step 4: Keep Purchases and Receipts

You must keep the purchases receipt or tax free forms until flying back to your country.

But the most important, do not keep the purchased goods in the checked luggage as the customs or the refund provider may need to see the items before approve your refund.

If the goods will be placed in checked luggage, you should present them for inspection before checking in your luggage.

Step 5: Go to the Tax Refund Counter at the Airport

You can go to Global Blue or Planet tax refund counter at the airport and then present passport, boarding pass, tax free form, original receipts of goods and purchased goods.

You can claim the tax refund within 30 days of the purchase date for the tourist tax free scheme.

Step 6: Receive Your Tax Refund

Once validated, the refund can be transferred to the credit card or other refund method.

Do remember that the refunds that are paid to a card will take several weeks to process.

Norway Tax Refund at Oslo Airport

If you are flying from Oslo Airport, tax-refund services are available for eligible international travellers.

At Oslo Airport, the Global Blue counter is located in the departure hall around check-in area 8, before security. The Planet counter is around check-in area 7, also before security.

This is important if your tax-refund purchases are going into your checked baggage. Complete the refund validation before checking in the luggage containing those items.

Norway Tax Refund at Other Airports

Tax-refund services are also available at selected Norwegian airports.

Depending on the airport, Global Blue, Planet or a local representative may handle the refund process. Avinor advises travellers to check the specific airport and refund provider before travelling.

If you are leaving Norway from Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim or another airport, check where the tax-refund counter is located before arriving at the terminal.

Final Thoughts

Norway tax refund can be worth to claim if you are planning to do shopping in bulk or large volume shopping trips.

Rules and refund-provider procedures can change, so check the latest information from Avinor, Norwegian Customs and the refund company shown on your tax-free form before your trip.