Contracting in Norway

Why work as a contractor in Norway?

The per capita GDP of Norway is the fourth highest in the world, and its inhabitants enjoy one of the highest standards of living anywhere, partly thanks to an integrated social welfare system. The economy is centred around the oil and gas industry, in which large numbers of expatriates work, but shipping and fishing are important secondary industries.

Despite the significant foreign earnings generated by the Norwegian oil and gas sector, there is a growing recognition that the country needs to reduce its reliance on natural resources and diversify the economy.

What are the benefits of working in Norway as a contractor?

The top four benefits of working in Norway most often cited to us by UK contractors are:
1

It’s one of the strongest economies in the world

2

The social security system is highly developed

3

English is spoken widely as a second language, partly why Norway is ranked an impressive 6th out of 190 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, with an increasingly lower rate of taxes in recent years

4

It’s the world’s 6th least corrupt country

Why use Kanopi for your Norway assignment?

Kanopi have been providing contract management and payroll for contractors working in Norway for many years. In addition, we work closely with Norwegian tax and legal advisers who operate “in country” meaning we are always fully up to date with all relevant legislation. We work closely with most of the largest and most respected agencies operating in Oil and Gas and renewables sector.

We will assist with the process of registering with the Norwegian tax authorities so even if you are on your first assignment, you can rest assured that you will be set up quickly and in accordance with all local requirements. Our onboarding process is fast and efficient and we keep you in the loop at every step of the way.

All deductions are determined directly by our link to the Norwegian Tax Authority processing system, meaning that you will know exactly where you stand and how much you will be earning. All tax deductions are held in a separate Norwegian Tax Deduction account – this is a legal requirement. When we make payment to you, you will receive a comprehensive breakdown which will show all deductions made and that they have been made to the Norwegian authorities.

How it Works

You will be engaged by Kanopi on a self-employed Contract for Services and you will only be deemed as employed in Norway to the extent that is required for tax purposes. We can’t therefore assist you with the provision of a U1 or advise you on Norwegian benefits etc. Our partners in Norway may be able to however.


In order to be compliantly taxed in Norway, you will need to register for a D Number (similar to a UK National Insurance Number). Your D Number will allow you to have a tax deduction card in Norway and we will guide you through the requirements to apply for a D Number.


The Norwegian tax authorities will determine your tax base and the amount of tax you will pay. They will not share any information with us around how they arrive at your tax deduction amounts.


Our Norwegian payroll process is operated monthly and this may not coincide with your agency’s payroll dates though we will do everything we can to make sure it does.


Your payslip will be issued in Norwegian Kroner and will summarise your gross pay and all deductions. It will also show your tax position and the accumulation of tax and earnings for the year.

Transparency is our watchword so there will not be any hidden charges

Here’s a quick summary of what we will do for you:

Onboard you with the Norwegian Tax Authorities

Guide you through the D Number application process

Manage the contractual process with ourselves and your agency

Invoice your agency for your work and chase for payment

Process your payment when it comes in from your agency

Calculate and pay the correct deductions from your pay

Provide you with a comprehensive, compliant payslip

All of the above for an inclusive monthly margin of £129.00