Tourist tax and guest registration in Norway A complete guide
Famous for its majestic fjords, Arctic wonders, and rich seafaring heritage, Norway offers a stunning blend of natural splendor and urban charm, from vibrant cities like Oslo and Bergen to the remote beauty of the Polar Circle. Our tax guides provide up-to-date information on tourist tax status and guest registration, so you can stay informed about the latest regulations in Norway.
Is there a tax on tourism in Norway?
Norway does not currently have any form of tourist tax. While many European countries have already implemented a tourist or lodging tax, and others are considering introducing one, Norway has not taken such measures.
For hosts
Guest registration in Norway
When you are a host - or accommodation provider – in Norway, accommodation providers are required to collect and maintain specific information about all their guests, Norwegian and foreign nationals, to comply with national regulations. This practice ensures both safety and adherence to legal obligations.
Guest registration requirements in Norway
In Norway, operators of a hotel, guesthouse, lodging house, campsite and the like need to keep a register of all those who stay overnight, according to Utlendingsforskriften (Immigration Regulations), Section 20. There are mandatory guest registration requirements for accommodation providers, including hotels, holiday home owners, and campgrounds. These requirements are based on this law and apply to guests from outside the Norway but also for Norwegians themselves.
According to this law the guest shall personally complete and sign a declaration form stating the information below. Accommodation providers need to make sure to register:
- guest's name
- date of birth
- position
- residence
- nationality
- date of arrival
- type of the travel document
- number of the travel document
Accommodation providers are required to verify their guests' identity using a valid identification document, such as a passport or national ID card.
Guest registration of children in Norway
If the guest is travelling with children under the age of 18, the children's names and dates of birth need to be noted on the form.
Guest registration for travelling in a group
For participants in a group travel group there is no need for the accommodation provider to have guests sign the declaration or to verify each guest's identity with a travel document or national ID card. All other registration requirements do apply though.
Storing of guest registration in Norway
There is no specific period that accommodation providers need to store guests' registration forms specified legally in Norway. However, it's worth noting that in other European countries, retention periods for such data typically range from a few months to several years. Also keep in mind that Norwegian Police can demand specific information about foreign guests of accommodation providers.
Constant monitoring of developments in Norway
While Norway does not have a tourist tax, we are keeping a close watch on any developments that might lead to its introduction. In Europe, countries like the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Italy already impose such a tax. Will Norway also implement it?
Frequently asked questions from hosts
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Do I need to register my guests in Norway?
Yes, as a host or accommodation provider in Norway, Norwegian law requires this, Also the Police can demand accommodation providers for a list of all foreign overnight guests with the exception of Nordic citizens. This applies to all types of accommodations, from hotels to short-term rentals.
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What guest details am I required to collect?
You need to record specific guest details, including:
- Guest's last name and first name
- Date of birth
- Position
- Nationality
- Residence
- Arrival and departure dates
- Type and number of the identity document presented
- Guest’s signature and the date of signing
Accommodation providers are required to verify their guests' identity using a valid identification document, such as a passport or national ID card. -
How long do I need to keep guest registration records?
There is no specific period that accommodation providers need to store guests' registration forms specified legally in Norway. However, Norwegian Police can demand specific information about foreign guests of accommodation providers. In other European countries, retention periods for such data typically range from a few months to several years.
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Do I need to report guest details to authorities?
No, this is not required. However, if requested by the Norwegian Police, accommodation providers need to provide the police with a list of all foreign overnight guests with the exception of Nordic citizens.
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Do I need to charge my guests a tourist tax in Norway?
No. Unlike many European countries, Norway does not currently have a tourist tax. However, regulations can change, and we’re keeping a close eye on any developments.
How Trippz helps hosts
Organize your administration simply
Classifying your accommodation, keeping a guest registry, collecting and remitting the correct amount of tourist tax; besides taking good care of your guests' travel, there is a lot of administrative work involved in renting out your accommodation. Work that you may not have even thought of initially when you started, and that you probably want to spend as little time on as possible. Therefore, you want to organize your administration as simply as possible.
And fortunately you can, with Trippz!
All in one overview
Trippz is here to make your life as easy as possible, while complying with all regulations. Through our (web)app you automate your guest registration, and you can even prepare your administration for the tourist tax. You don't have to worry about collecting the tourist tax either. Because we keep track of all local regulations, we know exactly what rate your guests have to pay. On arrival day, your guests will automatically receive a message from us to pay their tourist tax. At the end of their stay, the money will be automatically deposited into your account. All you have to do is periodically transfer the total amount to the municipality. Simple!
Automatically sync all Airbnb bookings
You can now synchronise all your Airbnb bookings with Trippz on your account. This means you have to do even less yourself. Ideal for hosts who rent out a lot via Airbnb. Do you rent through another platform? We expect to complete more integrations in the near future. Get in touch to find out if your platform will soon be added to Trippz
Frequently asked questions about Trippz
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Is it difficult to start using Trippz?
Not at all! Trippz is designed to be user-friendly. It is developed as a web application, so you do not need to download an app. You can start right away!
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What does the use of Trippz cost?
At the moment, it is free of charge!
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Can I import all my bookings from Airbnb?
Yes, you can! We have worked on an integration with airbnb, through which you can automatically import all your bookings. Thereby, the messages about guest registration will also be send automatically through our platform.
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Can I import all my bookings from my own booking system?
After the integration with Airbnb, we are now working on all other sorts of integrations. Integrating your own platform is not yet available, but will be in the future!
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What if a guest doesn’t want to register digitally?
This is an unfortunate situation, that does happen from time to time. If a guest does not want to enter digitally, you can manually enter their details into Trippz afterwards.
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What if my municipality changes the tourist tax rates?
At Trippz, we actively follow all tax rates in areas that we cover. When a new tax rate is implemented, we will update the rates accordingly. Still missing something? Please reach out to us!
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What happens if my municipality collaborates with another one?
No problem. As said, we actively follow all municipalities and their rules. We will automatically update this for you. If you want to be sure, you can always message us in advance, so we are even more on top of things!
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How does it work if another organization manages the tax in my municipality?
With Trippz, you can export all the information you need. You can easily copy the needed information towards the file the tax organization requires from you.
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