Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Norway Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Norway Property Pack
Yes, US citizens can legally buy residential property in Norway in 2026, and there is no nationwide ban preventing Americans from purchasing homes.
The main restrictions in Norway are tied to property type and location, not your nationality, so most urban apartments and houses are open to foreign buyers.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest rules and market conditions.
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 Norway.
Can a US citizen legally buy residential property in Norway right now?
Can I buy a home in Norway as a US citizen in 2026?
As of early 2026, US citizens can legally purchase residential property in Norway without any nationality-based restrictions, meaning the process is largely the same as it is for Norwegian buyers. The standard buying process involves finding a property, making a bid through an agent, signing a purchase agreement, paying a 2.5% stamp duty at registration, and completing the title transfer through Kartverket (the Norwegian Mapping Authority). However, the one Norway-specific element you need to watch for is whether the property triggers "concession" rules, which typically apply to rural or agricultural properties and may require municipal approval or even a residency obligation called "boplikt."
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing all the foreigner rights regarding properties in Norway.
Are there many Americans buying property and living in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, approximately 10,000 to 12,000 US citizens are estimated to be living in Norway, representing a small but established expat community. American property owners and expats tend to concentrate in major cities like Oslo (particularly neighborhoods such as Frogner, Grunerløkka, Majorstuen, and St. Hanshaugen), Bergen (Nordnes and Sandviken), Stavanger (Eiganes and Våland), and Trondheim (Bakklandet and Ila). The top reasons Americans choose to buy property in Norway include career opportunities in the energy and tech sectors, the high quality of life with excellent healthcare and education, and the appeal of Norway's natural landscapes and outdoor lifestyle. The American expat community in Norway has remained relatively stable over recent years, driven by continued demand from professionals in multinational companies and those seeking a Scandinavian lifestyle.
Do foreigners have the same buying rights as locals in Norway?
In Norway, foreign buyers including US citizens generally have the same property buying rights as locals for most residential properties, especially urban apartments and standard houses on residential plots. The main restrictions that apply to both foreigners and Norwegians alike involve rural or agricultural properties, which may require concession approval from the municipality, and some areas have special local rules ("nullgrense") that can impose residency obligations to prevent homes from becoming holiday properties.
We cover all these things in length in our pack about the property market in Norway.
Can I buy property in Norway without a residence permit?
You do not need a residence permit to buy property in Norway, as the purchase process is entirely separate from immigration status. Buying property while living abroad as a non-resident follows the same legal process as for residents, though you may need to arrange a power of attorney for someone in Norway to sign documents on your behalf and handle practical matters. It is important to know that purchasing a home in Norway does not grant any visa or residency rights, so owning property will not help you obtain a residence permit. The main practical challenge non-resident buyers face is managing the documentation and banking requirements remotely, especially opening a Norwegian bank account and providing proof of funds for anti-money laundering compliance.
Can US citizens own land in Norway?
US citizens can legally own land in Norway, but the key factor is the classification of the property rather than the buyer's nationality. Norway primarily uses a freehold ownership system for typical residential property, meaning you register direct ownership rather than holding a long lease, though you should also be aware of housing cooperative shares (borettslag) which involve a different cost and ownership structure. The geographic zones or land categories where ownership becomes more complicated are rural or agricultural properties, where the Concession Act may require approval from the municipality, and some areas impose "boplikt" (residency obligation) to ensure homes are used as primary residences.
Please note that we have a dedicated blog article about the land buying process in Norway here.
What documents will I need to buy in Norway?
To purchase property in Norway as a US citizen, you will need a valid passport for identification, proof of funds and source of funds documentation for anti-money laundering checks, and signed deed registration documents (handled through the agent or settlement process). A Norwegian tax identification number (D-number or national ID number) is not strictly required for the purchase itself, but you will need one for related activities like banking, utilities, and tax reporting if you rent out the property, so it is worth obtaining early. A local bank account is not legally mandatory but is highly practical for handling settlement payments, utility bills, and mortgage arrangements if applicable. Banks and the registration authority will typically require proof of funds showing where your money comes from, and while a local address is not legally required for ownership, having one makes banking and receiving official correspondence much easier.
We have a whole section dedicated to all the documents you need in our Norway property pack.
Can a foreign-owned company buy property in Norway?
Foreign-owned companies can legally purchase residential property in Norway, but whether this makes sense depends heavily on your individual situation and goals. Americans sometimes consider using an LLC-style structure to hold property, but Norway does not have a direct equivalent, and using a Norwegian company (AS) or foreign entity adds accounting and compliance complexity without automatically reducing taxes. In fact, owning residential property through a company structure in Norway generally does not lower taxes compared to personal ownership for a simple home purchase. The main drawbacks of company ownership include ongoing accounting requirements, potential complications with mortgage financing (banks often prefer lending to individuals for residential property), and the fact that concession rules can still apply depending on the property type.
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What taxes and fees will I pay in Norway in 2026?
What are buyer taxes in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main buyer tax when purchasing property in Norway is the stamp duty (dokumentavgift) at 2.5% of the property's sales value, so for a home priced at 5 million NOK (roughly 450,000 USD or 420,000 EUR), you would pay around 125,000 NOK (about 11,250 USD or 10,500 EUR) in stamp duty. This stamp duty is the only significant buyer tax component in Norway, as there is no separate transfer tax or acquisition tax beyond this 2.5% charge. One important note is that buyer tax rates do not differ for foreigners versus locals, but the ownership structure matters: if you buy a housing cooperative share (borettslag) instead of a freehold property (selveier), stamp duty may not apply in the same way.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a page detailing all the property taxes and fees in Norway.
What are other closing costs in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, you should budget approximately 0.1% to 0.7% of the purchase price for closing costs beyond the stamp duty, meaning for a 5 million NOK property (around 450,000 USD or 420,000 EUR), expect an additional 5,000 to 35,000 NOK (roughly 450 to 3,150 USD or 420 to 2,940 EUR). The main closing cost categories in Norway include land registration fees (tinglysingsgebyr) at 545 NOK per document (about 50 USD or 45 EUR), with one fee for the deed and another if you have a mortgage, plus optional legal fees if you hire a lawyer for extra due diligence, which can range from 5,000 to 30,000 NOK (450 to 2,700 USD or 420 to 2,520 EUR). Real estate agent fees are typically paid by the seller in Norway, so this is not a buyer closing cost, though some administrative or settlement charges may apply depending on the arrangement. The closing cost item that tends to surprise foreign buyers the most is the documentation and compliance work required for international fund transfers, which can add unexpected delays and sometimes administrative fees from banks.
Are there hidden fees foreigners miss in Norway right now?
Foreign buyers in Norway commonly overlook fees and complications totaling 10,000 to 50,000 NOK (roughly 900 to 4,500 USD or 840 to 4,200 EUR), depending on the property type and their preparation level. The top three hidden or unexpected costs that foreign buyers often fail to budget for are: concession application fees if buying a rural property that requires municipal approval (typically 2,000 to 5,000 NOK or 180 to 450 USD), international wire transfer fees and currency conversion costs (often 3,000 to 15,000 NOK or 270 to 1,350 USD depending on your bank), and legal translation or document authentication costs if required. After purchase, ongoing annual costs that foreign property owners often underestimate include municipal property tax (kommunal eiendomsskatt) which varies by municipality but can reach 0.4% to 0.7% of the property's assessed value, plus building insurance and common charges (fellesutgifter) in apartment buildings, which together can total 30,000 to 80,000 NOK annually (2,700 to 7,200 USD or 2,520 to 6,720 EUR).
Getting surprised by hidden fees is one of the pitfalls people face when buying real estate in Norway.
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.
Can I get a mortgage as a US citizen in Norway in 2026?
Do banks lend to US citizens in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, Norwegian banks do lend to US citizens, but getting approved is considerably harder if you are a non-resident with income paid abroad, and much easier if you live in Norway, earn in NOK, and have an established banking relationship. US citizens generally receive similar treatment to other foreign nationals, though Americans specifically face extra compliance steps because banks must report US persons under FATCA (the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), which creates additional paperwork. The main reason some Norwegian banks hesitate to lend to American borrowers is this FATCA compliance burden, combined with the difficulty of verifying foreign income and assessing currency risk. The typical success rate for US citizens depends heavily on residency status: those living and working in Norway have a reasonable chance of approval, while non-residents applying from abroad often face rejection or significantly stricter terms.
There is a full document dedicated to mortgage for foreigners in our pack covering the property buying process in Norway.
What down payment do American people need in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, the minimum down payment required for a mortgage in Norway is 10% of the property value under the current lending regulation, so for a 5 million NOK property (roughly 450,000 USD or 420,000 EUR), you would need at least 500,000 NOK (about 45,000 USD or 42,000 EUR) as equity. However, the typical down payment range for foreign buyers in Norway is 20% to 40%, because banks often require more equity from non-residents or those with foreign income to offset perceived risk. Putting down a larger down payment does improve your chances of approval and can result in better interest rates, as banks view lower loan-to-value ratios as less risky and may offer more favorable terms.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Norway.
What interest rates do US citizens get in Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, US citizens obtaining a mortgage in Norway can expect interest rates in the range of 4.5% to 6.0%, with the exact rate depending more on your financial profile than your nationality. Interest rates for foreign buyers are generally comparable to those offered to local residents, provided you meet the same creditworthiness criteria, though non-residents or those with complex income situations may be quoted rates at the higher end of the range. Both fixed-rate and variable-rate mortgages are available in Norway, with variable rates being more common for residential buyers, and typical loan terms range from 20 to 30 years. The single factor with the biggest impact on the interest rate you will be offered is your loan-to-value ratio: borrowers with larger down payments (lower LTV) consistently receive better rates.
Can I use US income to qualify in Norway right now?
Norwegian banks do sometimes accept US-sourced income for mortgage qualification, but the acceptance level varies significantly depending on whether you are a resident of Norway and how stable and verifiable your income appears to the bank. Banks in Norway typically require extensive documentation of US income, including two to three years of tax returns, recent pay stubs or employment contracts, and sometimes letters from your employer confirming salary and position. If standard US documentation is insufficient, some banks may accept alternative verification such as bank statements showing regular deposits over 12 to 24 months, or they may require a co-borrower or guarantor with Norwegian income.
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How do US taxes interact with owning property in Norway?
Do I have to declare the property to the IRS from Norway?
Owning property in Norway does not by itself require a specific IRS form, but US citizens must report any income connected to the property, such as rental income, expenses, and capital gains upon sale, on their regular tax returns. The relevant IRS forms depend on what you do with the property: rental income is reported on Schedule E, and if you sell at a profit, you report capital gains, with potential foreign tax credits claimed on Form 1116. Simply owning a property in Norway without generating income or selling it does not trigger special reporting, but the Norwegian bank accounts you use for the purchase, rent collection, or expenses can trigger FBAR and FATCA reporting requirements.
Will I pay tax twice in the US and Norway in 2026?
As of early 2026, the risk of true double taxation for US citizens owning property in Norway is reduced by available relief mechanisms, though you need to plan carefully to take advantage of them. There is a tax treaty between the United States and Norway that covers income taxes including those on rental income and capital gains, providing a framework to avoid being taxed fully by both countries on the same income. The Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) allows you to offset taxes paid to Norway against your US tax liability, so if you pay Norwegian tax on rental income, you can generally claim a credit to reduce what you owe the IRS. Whether property taxes paid in Norway are deductible on your US federal return depends on your specific situation and current tax rules (especially for personal-use versus rental property), so this is a question to discuss with a CPA familiar with expat taxation.
Do I need FATCA reporting when buying in Norway?
FATCA reporting is generally triggered by foreign financial accounts and assets rather than the physical property itself, so buying a home in Norway does not automatically create a FATCA filing requirement. The specific FATCA threshold (Form 8938) depends on your filing status and residency: for US residents, you must report if your foreign financial assets exceed 50,000 USD at year-end or 75,000 USD at any point during the year, with higher thresholds for expats living abroad. FATCA (Form 8938) differs from FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) in important ways: FBAR applies if your aggregate foreign financial accounts exceed 10,000 USD at any point in the year and is filed separately to FinCEN, while FATCA covers a broader range of assets and is filed with your tax return. Yes, consulting a US CPA before buying property in Norway is strongly recommended, and specific questions to ask include: what forms will I need to file, how do I claim the Foreign Tax Credit, will my Norwegian bank account trigger FBAR, and what records should I keep for future sale.
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.
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 Norway, 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) | Norway's official tax authority explaining rules in plain language. | We used it to state the 2.5% stamp duty rate and what it applies to. We also flagged exemptions that buyers should check early in the process. |
| Norwegian Mapping Authority (Kartverket) | Kartverket runs Norway's land registration system. | We used it to explain the registration workflow and concession checks. We also referenced their practical signing and witnessing requirements. |
| Government of Norway (Concession Act) | The Norwegian government publishing the law framework in English. | We used it to explain when concession approval may be required. We framed restrictions as property-based, not nationality-based. |
| Finanstilsynet (Financial Supervisory Authority) | Norway's financial supervisory authority describing binding lending rules. | We used it to explain why banks focus on equity and affordability limits. We framed mortgages for non-residents as a policy and risk issue. |
| Statistics Norway (SSB) | Norway's official statistics agency for economic data. | We used it to anchor typical mortgage interest rates to official statistics. We justified our rate range estimates for early 2026. |
| Norges Bank (Central Bank) | Norway's central bank surveying banks directly on lending practices. | We used it to explain credit standards and mortgage demand. We supported predictions about bank behavior in 2026. |
| SSB Population Statistics | Official population-by-citizenship data from Statistics Norway. | We used it to estimate how many US citizens live in Norway. We grounded the American expat community size with hard data. |
| IRS (US-Norway Tax Treaty) | The IRS-hosted treaty text used in practice by taxpayers. | We used it to confirm the treaty exists and covers income taxes. We explained how double taxation relief generally works. |
| IRS (FATCA Guidance) | IRS guidance for FATCA self-reporting requirements. | We used it to explain when Form 8938 applies. We warned that bank accounts often trigger reporting, not the property itself. |
| IRS (FBAR Guidance) | The IRS page directing taxpayers on FBAR requirements. | We used it to state the 10,000 USD threshold for foreign accounts. We created a practical checklist for expat compliance. |
| Lovdata (Registration Fee Regulation) | Official publishing channel for Norwegian laws and regulations. | We used it to confirm the 545 NOK fee per registered document. We avoided relying on unofficial sources for fee numbers. |
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