Foreign wealth holders are feeling the impact of Norway’s wealth tax, as higher liabilities and policy changes influence relocation, investments, and business decisions.
While the policy was intended to promote equality and fund social welfare, it has also sparked debate over its unintended economic consequences, from capital flight to a shrinking investment base.
This article tackles:
- What are the consequences of taxing the rich in Norway?
- Why are taxes in Norway so high?
- Has Norway increased wealth tax?
- Why are Norwegians moving to Switzerland?
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Has Norway increased wealth tax?
Yes. Norway’s government has raised the wealth tax since its 2023 structure, introducing higher rates and recalibrated thresholds by 2025.
These adjustments have intensified public debate, particularly among business owners and investors who argue that the higher tax burden discourages domestic investment.
The policy change has also fueled discussions on capital flight, as many high-net-worth individuals reconsider their residency to minimize exposure.
What is the wealth tax in Norway 2025?
As of 2025, Norway’s wealth tax applies to an individual’s worldwide net wealth exceeding NOK 1.76 million (around $170,000) at a rate of 1%. This threshold was increased from NOK 1.7 million in 2023.
The tax is divided between the state and the municipality where the taxpayer resides:
- 0.475% goes to the state
- 0.525% goes to the municipality
This balance has shifted over time—in 2024, only 0.3% went to the state and 0.7% to municipalities, reflecting a policy move to increase the state’s share.
For individuals with net wealth exceeding NOK 20.7 million, a marginal rate increase of 0.1% applies, with the extra revenue allocated entirely to the state.
To clarify, the tax applies only to the portion of wealth above the exemption threshold.
For example, a person with NOK 2 million in net assets would pay 1% tax on NOK 240,000, not on the entire amount.
What happened when Norway taxed the rich?
The recent adjustments to Norway’s wealth tax have had several significant effects:
- Increased tax burden and concerns among the wealthy. Many high-net-worth Norwegians and business owners raised concerns around the growing tax burden, particularly the increase in marginal rates and the broader base of assets subject to taxation. These concerns have included the impact on business valuations, investment incentives, and long-term wealth growth.
- Relocation of ultra-wealthy individuals. After changes to the tax in late 2022 and beyond, reports show that more than 30 billionaires and multimillionaire Norwegians left the country in 2022 alone, many relocating to Switzerland. One source quotes around 65 wealthy individuals (worth over 47 billion kroner) relocating to Switzerland after the tax hike. Switzerland was repeatedly cited as the leading destination, with other countries also mentioned (though less frequently) such as Italy, Cyprus and Canada. Also, around 80 affluent business owners reportedly left Norway for Switzerland following the 2022–2023 wealth tax hikes.
- Rising tax revenues — but with debate over sustainability. The wealth tax take rose substantially: from about NOK 18 billion in 2021, to around NOK 32 billion in a subsequent year. While this shows the tax is generating revenue, analysts question whether the long-term impact on investment, entrepreneurship and capital migration may reduce future returns.
Why did Norway’s wealth tax fail?
Critics argue that Norway’s wealth tax has struggled to meet its economic and policy objectives despite its political appeal.
- Disincentive to invest and grow businesses: The tax applies to net asset values rather than realized income, which can pressure business owners to withdraw dividends or reduce reinvestment to cover annual tax bills.
- Capital flight and loss of talent: Increases in 2022 and 2023 prompted several high-net-worth Norwegians to relocate abroad, notably to Switzerland, reducing Norway’s domestic investment pool.
- Valuation and administrative challenges: Accurately assessing private company shares and illiquid assets is complex, which undermines fairness and limits the tax’s efficiency.
Still, labeling the tax a failure depends on perspective as it continues to generate substantial revenue and enjoys political backing as a tool for redistribution and equality.
Do wealthy Norwegians flee to Switzerland to evade high wealth taxes with their bankers following?
Credible reports confirm that dozens of wealthy Norwegians have relocated abroad following recent wealth tax increases, with Switzerland being the most frequent destination.
These relocations are described as legal tax avoidance through changes in tax residency, rather than tax evasion, which involves concealing assets or income.
Some private bankers and advisers have assisted clients in managing the transition, according to international financial reports.
Why is Norway so heavily taxed?
Norway’s overall tax burden is high by international standards, reflecting its social welfare model, strong public services, high living standards, and state involvement in the economy.
For example:
- Income tax plus bracket tax can lead to marginal combined rates of about 47% for high incomes.
- The wealth tax is one of several taxes intended to ensure capital owners contribute to the public coffers as well.
- Norway uses its tax revenue to fund universal healthcare, education, social services, and infrastructure, which drives higher rates than many other nations.
How to avoid wealth tax in Norway?
Some legal strategies that have been implemented or proposed include:
- Relocation: Becoming non-resident for tax purposes to reduce taxable wealth in Norway (requires meeting residence rules).
- Use of tax treaties: Some bilateral agreements may limit exposure for non-residents.
- Asset allocation: Holding assets in forms subject to discounts or using deductible debt to reduce net wealth. It’s essential to use professional tax advice as attempts to evade tax may lead to penalties.
Conclusion
Norway wealth tax is a distinctive and consequential part of its tax system: designed to ensure fairness and contribution from asset-rich individuals.
While it continues to raise revenue, it also triggers debate about investment, mobility of the wealthy, and global competition.
Whether it will evolve or be reformed remains a key question for high-net-worth individuals and policy-makers alike.
FAQs
Did billionaires leave Norway?
Yes. Several reports indicate that more than 30 Norwegian billionaires and multimillionaires relocated abroad following wealth tax increases.
The precise number, their motives, and the tax revenue effect are subject to debate.
What is the top 1% income in Norway?
The top 1% of earners in Norway make around NOK 1.8 million per year (approximately USD 165,000). This figure reflects pre-tax income and varies slightly by year and region.
Why are Norwegians so wealthy?
Several factors contribute:
-Strong social and economic institutions, generous welfare and services
-Large sovereign wealth fund derived from oil revenues (Government Pension Fund Global)
-High productivity, advanced economy, stable governance
These combine to give comparatively high living standards and wealth accumulation.
Do Norwegians pay more tax than the UK?
In many respects yes. Marginal tax rates on income, capital gains, and wealth are often higher in Norway compared to the UK, although direct comparisons depend on income level, deductions, property value and other tax regimes.
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