Property
Norway — Property: Foreign Ownership
Most Norwegian property purchases need no concession, buyers file a self-declaration instead, and the Concession Act treats Norwegian, EEA and third-country citizens equally.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceLandbruksdirektoratet — The Norwegian Concession ActLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- Most property acquisitions are concession-free; the buyer sends a self-declaration confirming the exemption.
- The municipality decides concession cases; the appeal body is the county governor or Landbruksdirektoratet.
- Built property up to 100 decares with no more than 35 decares of cultivated land can be acquired without concession, as can plots for housing, holiday homes or boathouses.
- The Act says Norwegian, EEA and third-country citizens have equal opportunity to obtain concession; the buyer has four weeks to apply where one is needed.
Steps
- Review Property Law — Understand the relevant laws and regulations regarding foreign ownership.
- Check Municipality Rules — Some municipalities have specific rules for foreign ownership. Consult local authorities.
- Apply for Approval — Submit an application to the Norwegian Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation.