Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Norway Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Bergen's property market is included in our pack
If you're a foreigner looking to buy residential property in Bergen in 2026, you'll find that Norway is one of the most open countries in Europe for foreign buyers.
This guide covers everything from what you can legally own, to the buying process, taxes, and financing options available to non-residents in Bergen.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest housing prices and regulations in Bergen to keep you informed.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Bergen.
Insights
- Foreign buyers in Bergen pay a 2.5% stamp duty on freehold properties (selveier/eierseksjon), but often pay near zero on cooperative apartments (borettslag), making ownership type a major cost factor.
- Bergen's mortgage rates for foreigners in January 2026 typically range from 4.7% to 5.6%, with non-residents often quoted at the higher end due to perceived risk.
- Norway requires at least a 15% down payment by law, but banks routinely ask foreigners for 20% to 40% when income is earned outside Norway.
- The biggest ownership mistake foreigners make in Bergen is buying a borettslag apartment expecting full rental flexibility, then discovering strict subletting rules after closing.
- Bergen levies annual property tax (eiendomsskatt), typically costing a low-to-mid four-figure NOK amount for apartments and potentially more for detached houses.
- Foreigners can buy property in Bergen on a tourist visa, but owning property does not grant any residency or immigration rights in Norway.
- Short-term rentals in Bergen (under 30 days) face building-specific restrictions, especially in cooperatives, making Airbnb-style letting difficult in many buildings.
- The entire buying process in Bergen, from accepted offer to registered ownership, typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on financing and settlement logistics.
- You can verify title and liens for any Bergen property through Kartverket's official Land Register (Grunnboken), which is legally binding and publicly accessible.
- Non-residents can obtain a D-number through Kartverket specifically for land registration purposes, solving the ID hurdle that often slows down foreign purchases.
What can I legally buy and truly own as a foreigner in Bergen?
What property types can foreigners legally buy in Bergen right now?
In January 2026, foreign individuals in Bergen can legally buy the same residential property types as Norwegian citizens, including apartments, freehold condos (eierseksjon/selveier), cooperative units (borettslag), townhouses, semi-detached homes, and detached houses.
The most important thing to understand is not about nationality restrictions, but about the legal form of ownership, because a freehold unit (selveier) gives you registered property rights, while a cooperative (borettslag) gives you a share plus an occupancy right.
This distinction matters because borettslag properties often come with rules limiting how you can rent out or modify your unit, while selveier properties give you more flexibility as a registered owner in the Land Register (Grunnboken).
Norway does have a concession (permission) system for certain property types like agricultural land, but this rarely applies to typical residential purchases in Bergen city.
Finally, please note that our pack about the property market in Bergen is specifically tailored to foreigners.
Can I own land in my own name in Bergen right now?
Yes, if you buy a house (enebolig, tomannsbolig, or rekkehus) or a freehold condo unit (eierseksjon) in Bergen, you can hold the ownership interest in your own name and it will be registered through Kartverket in the official Land Register.
This applies to virtually all standard residential land in Bergen city, though there is an exception for agricultural or forestry land that may require a concession (permission), which is rare in urban Bergen but more common in the wider Vestland region.
When buying a cooperative apartment (borettslag), you technically own a share in the cooperative rather than the land itself, but this is still a secure and common form of ownership in Bergen.
As of 2026, what other key foreign-ownership rules or limits should I know in Bergen?
As of early 2026, there are no foreign-ownership quotas for apartments or condos in Bergen, meaning buildings do not limit how many units can be sold to non-Norwegians.
However, one practical hurdle is that you will likely need a Norwegian identification number (D-number) to complete the purchase smoothly, handle banking, and register ownership with Kartverket.
Kartverket offers a specific process for foreigners to obtain a D-number for land registration purposes, which solves this problem without requiring residency.
There have been no major regulatory changes in 2025 or early 2026 that specifically target foreign buyers in Bergen, so the rules remain stable and foreigner-friendly.
What's the biggest ownership mistake foreigners make in Bergen right now?
The single biggest mistake foreigners make in Bergen is buying a borettslag (cooperative) apartment thinking it works like a regular condo, only to discover after closing that the building's rules severely restrict subletting or short-term rentals.
If you make this mistake, you may find yourself unable to rent out your apartment on Airbnb, or even unable to sublet for longer periods without board approval, which can completely undermine an investment plan.
Other classic pitfalls in Bergen include underestimating the importance of the condition report (tilstandsrapport), not verifying liens in the Land Register before bidding, and assuming that all buildings allow renovations without realizing that cooperative bylaws or zoning plans may restrict changes.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Norway. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which visa or residency status changes what I can do in Bergen?
Do I need a specific visa to buy property in Bergen right now?
No, you do not need a specific visa to buy property in Bergen in January 2026, and you can legally purchase while visiting Norway on a tourist visa, though owning property does not give you any right to stay beyond your normal immigration allowance.
The most common administrative hurdle for non-residents is obtaining a Norwegian identification number (D-number), which is needed for banking, signing documents, and registering ownership at Kartverket.
You do not need a local tax ID before buying, but getting a D-number early in the process makes everything smoother, and Kartverket offers a specific application for foreigners who need one for land registration.
A typical document set for a foreign buyer includes a valid passport, proof of funds or mortgage pre-approval, and (once obtained) your D-number for registration and banking purposes.
Does buying property help me get residency and citizenship in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, buying property in Bergen does not help you obtain residency or citizenship, because Norway does not have a "golden visa" or property-investment immigration scheme.
If you want to live in Norway long-term, you will need a residence basis such as work, study, or family ties, and you apply through Norway's standard immigration system (UDI).
Citizenship in Norway generally requires at least seven years of legal residence and meeting Norwegian language requirements, so property ownership alone does not create a path to staying permanently.
Can I legally rent out property on my visa in Bergen right now?
Your visa status does not prevent you from renting out property you own in Bergen, and non-residents can legally earn rental income from Norwegian real estate even while living abroad.
You do not need to live in Norway to rent out your property, but you will need to report rental income to the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) and pay tax on your net rental profit.
The most important detail for foreigners is that short-term rentals (under 30 days) face building-specific restrictions, especially in cooperatives (borettslag), so you must check the building's bylaws before assuming you can do Airbnb-style letting.
We cover everything there is to know about buying and renting out in Bergen here.
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How does the buying process actually work step-by-step in Bergen?
What are the exact steps to buy property in Bergen right now?
The standard buying process in Bergen follows these steps: choose your property type (selveier vs borettslag), get financing sorted (cash proof or mortgage pre-approval), attend viewings and review the sales materials, participate in the bidding round (budrunde), sign the purchase contract, complete settlement and payment, and finally register ownership at Kartverket.
You do not have to be physically present for every step, and many foreign buyers handle viewings remotely or with the help of a representative, though you must be able to participate in bidding, sign documents correctly, and satisfy bank identity checks.
The deal typically becomes legally binding when both parties sign the purchase contract (kjøpekontrakt), after which neither side can easily walk away without consequences.
From accepted offer to final registration at Kartverket, the entire process in Bergen usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on financing arrangements and settlement logistics.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the whole buying process our pack about properties in Bergen.
Is it mandatory to get a lawyer or a notary to buy a property in Bergen right now?
In Bergen, using a notary is not mandatory for property purchases, and the role of the notary is less central than in many other European countries because title security comes from registration at Kartverket rather than notarization.
The key difference is that a notary in Norway mainly handles authentication tasks, while a lawyer can advise you on the contract terms, review title issues, and protect your interests if complications arise.
If you hire a lawyer, make sure their engagement explicitly includes reviewing the purchase contract, verifying title and liens in the Land Register, and ensuring that settlement terms protect your deposit and timing.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Norway versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What checks should I run so I don't buy a problem property in Bergen?
How do I verify title and ownership history in Bergen right now?
The official registry for verifying title and ownership history in Bergen is Kartverket's Land Register (Grunnboken), which you can access through the property register portal at eiendomsregisteret.kartverket.no.
The key document to request is a Land Register extract (grunnbokutskrift), which shows the registered owner, property identifiers, and any recorded rights or encumbrances.
Buyers in Bergen typically look back at least 10 to 20 years of ownership history to spot any patterns of disputes, frequent sales, or unresolved claims.
A clear red flag that should stop or pause your purchase is if the seller's name does not match the registered owner, if there are unresolved court orders, or if there are registered claims that were not disclosed in the sales materials.
You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Bergen.
How do I confirm there are no liens in Bergen right now?
The standard way to confirm there are no liens or encumbrances on a Bergen property is to pull a Land Register extract (grunnbokutskrift) from Kartverket, which lists all registered mortgages, charges, easements, and other recorded claims.
One common type of encumbrance to specifically ask about is existing mortgages (panteheftelser), which must be paid off and removed at settlement before you take clean title.
The best proof of lien status is the official grunnbokutskrift from Kartverket, which is legally authoritative and shows exactly what is recorded against the property at the time you pull it.
How do I check zoning and permitted use in Bergen right now?
The authority to check zoning and permitted use in Bergen is Bergen kommune (the municipality), and you can search binding plans by address using their official "Finn planer" portal at bergen.kommune.no.
The key document that confirms zoning classification is the reguleringsplan (regulatory plan), which specifies what uses are allowed, building restrictions, and any change-of-use limitations.
A common zoning pitfall that foreign buyers miss in Bergen is assuming they can renovate, extend, or convert a property without realizing that the reguleringsplan or building bylaws restrict such changes, especially in older central neighborhoods and hillside areas.
Buying real estate in Bergen can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner in Bergen, and on what terms?
Do banks lend to foreigners for homes in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, Norwegian banks do lend to foreigners for homes in Bergen, but approval is often harder if you are a non-resident or your income is earned outside Norway.
Foreign borrowers in Bergen typically see loan-to-value (LTV) ratios between 60% and 85%, with the lower end applying to non-residents or those with foreign income, and the higher end reserved for residents with Norwegian employment.
The single most important eligibility factor is stable, documented income that the bank can verify, ideally from a Norwegian employer or at least income that is easily convertible and traceable.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Norway.
Which banks are most foreigner-friendly in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three banks most commonly mentioned as foreigner-friendly for mortgages in Bergen are Sparebanken Norge (formerly Sparebanken Vest), DNB, and Nordea, all of which have established processes for customers without Norwegian BankID.
What makes these banks more foreigner-friendly is that they have clear onboarding steps for foreign nationals, can handle identity verification without BankID, and have English-speaking staff available for mortgage inquiries.
These banks can lend to non-residents, but approval is not guaranteed, and non-residents typically face stricter income documentation requirements and lower LTV limits than residents with Norwegian employment.
We actually have a specific document about how to get a mortgage as a foreigner in our pack covering real estate in Bergen.
What mortgage rates are foreigners offered in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical mortgage interest rates for foreigners in Bergen range from about 4.7% to 5.6%, with the exact rate depending on your down payment size, income stability, and whether you qualify for the bank's best customer tiers.
Variable-rate mortgages are more common in Norway and typically offer slightly lower starting rates, while fixed-rate products (usually for 3 to 10 years) come at a small premium but provide payment predictability.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Norway compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What will taxes, fees, and ongoing costs look like in Bergen?
What are the total closing costs as a percent in Bergen in 2026?
For freehold properties (selveier/eierseksjon) in Bergen in 2026, total closing costs typically run between 2.7% and 3.3% of the purchase price, while cooperative apartments (borettslag) often have much lower closing costs of around 0.5% to 1.5%.
This range covers most standard transactions in Bergen, though exact costs depend on the property value and specific fee structures.
The main fee categories that make up closing costs in Bergen are stamp duty (dokumentavgift), registration fees (tinglysingsgebyr), and minor administrative costs for title transfer.
By far the largest contributor is the stamp duty at 2.5% of the property value, which applies to freehold properties but generally not to borettslag share transfers.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Bergen.
What annual property tax should I budget in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, annual property tax (eiendomsskatt) in Bergen typically costs a low-to-mid four-figure NOK amount for apartments (roughly 2,000 to 6,000 NOK, or about 170 to 520 EUR / 180 to 550 USD), with detached houses potentially paying more depending on assessed value.
Bergen calculates property tax as a percentage of the property's assessed tax value, with the rate and deductions set locally by the municipality each year.
How is rental income taxed for foreigners in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, net rental income from Bergen property is taxed at 22% for non-resident foreign owners, with this rate applying to your profit after deducting allowable expenses like maintenance, insurance, and mortgage interest.
Foreign owners must file an annual tax return with Skatteetaten reporting their rental income, and there is no withholding at source, so you are responsible for calculating, reporting, and paying the tax yourself.
What insurance is common and how much in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical annual insurance costs in Bergen run from about 1,500 to 4,000 NOK (roughly 130 to 350 EUR / 140 to 370 USD) for contents insurance (innboforsikring), and around 6,000 to 20,000 NOK (roughly 520 to 1,740 EUR / 550 to 1,850 USD) for building insurance on a house.
The most common type of property insurance that owners carry is building insurance (bygningsforsikring) for houses or the shared building insurance for apartments, plus individual contents insurance to cover personal belongings.
The biggest factor that makes insurance premiums higher or lower in Bergen is the property's location and construction type, with older wooden buildings in certain areas costing more to insure than newer concrete apartments due to fire and weather risk.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Bergen
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Bergen, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) - Stamp Duty | It's the official tax authority explaining the stamp duty you pay when registering ownership. | We used it to confirm the 2.5% stamp duty rate and what triggers it. We used it to anchor closing-cost estimates for freehold (selveier) homes in Bergen. |
| Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) - Rental Income | It's the official rulebook for how rental income is taxed in Norway. | We used it to describe how Norway taxes rental income and what Skatteetaten expects you to report. We used it to keep the rental section practical for non-residents. |
| Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) - Capital Income Rate 2026 | It's Skatteetaten's published rates for the 2026 income year. | We used it to confirm that capital income (including rental profits) is taxed at 22% in 2026. We used it to provide a confident baseline for rental taxation. |
| Kartverket - Registration Fees (Tinglysingsgebyr) | Kartverket is Norway's land registration authority and publishes the official fee schedule. | We used it to pull the exact registration fee levels as of the first half of 2026. We used it to separate fixed fees from percentage-based taxes in closing-cost calculations. |
| Kartverket - Property Register (Eiendomsregisteret) | This is the official portal for ownership, registered rights, and property identifiers. | We used it to explain how you verify the registered owner and recorded encumbrances. We used it as the core "how to verify title and liens" workflow. |
| Kartverket - D-number Application | It's an official path for foreign buyers who need an ID number for land registration. | We used it to show that foreigners can complete registration even without existing Norwegian ID. We used it to answer the tax ID question concretely. |
| Bergen Kommune - Property Tax | It's the municipality's official guidance for Bergen's property tax (eiendomsskatt). | We used it to confirm Bergen levies property tax and that details are set locally. We used it to frame the annual property tax budget section. |
| Statistics Norway (SSB) - Property Tax Statistics | SSB is Norway's official statistics agency documenting how property tax works nationwide. | We used it to provide national context on municipal discretion and legal basis. We used it to validate Bergen's guidance within the national framework. |
| Norges Bank - December 2025 Rate Decision | Norges Bank is the central bank and sets the policy backdrop for mortgage pricing. | We used it to ground why Norwegian mortgage rates sit where they do in early 2026. We used it to keep the mortgage rate estimate realistic and current. |
| Statistics Norway (SSB) - Interest Rates in Banks | It's the official dataset for average lending rates across Norwegian institutions. | We used it to triangulate a confident mortgage rate range for early 2026. We used it to anchor our mortgage section in published averages. |
| Ministry of Finance - Lending Regulation | It's the government explaining the binding mortgage lending rules in Norway. | We used it to describe the rules of the game (down payment, stress tests) that affect foreigners. We used it to explain why banks can say no even if you have income. |
| Lovdata - Lending Regulation Legal Text | Lovdata is the official publication of Norwegian laws and regulations. | We used it as the legal backstop for the lending rule summary. We used it to avoid relying on secondary commentary for lending constraints. |
| Regjeringen - Concession Act (Konsesjonsloven) | It's the government's published English version of the law on property acquisition permissions. | We used it to explain rare cases where concession may be needed (mainly rural land). We used it to clarify that Norway is generally open with a few exceptions. |
| Bergen Kommune - Find Plans (Finn Planer) | It's the municipality's official entry point to binding plans by address or property. | We used it to show exactly where a buyer checks zoning and plan status in Bergen. We used it to make "check zoning" a practical step with the right local tool. |
| Finanstilsynet - Risk Outlook December 2025 | It's the financial regulator commenting on mortgage lending outcomes and risk constraints. | We used it to add real-world context on LTV and banks' risk appetite going into 2026. We used it to explain why foreigners often face stricter terms. |
| Sparebanken Norge - Foreign Customer Onboarding | It's a major local bank documenting practical steps for foreign citizens without BankID. | We used it to show what foreigner-friendly banking looks like in practice. We used it as an example of the admin friction points that affect buying. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Norway. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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