What Global Companies Need to Understand About Payroll in Norway

Norway's payroll system has its own unique set of regulations. As an employer, you must follow all of these regulations to remain compliant. It’s crucial to understand the specific payroll methods, tax obligations, and employment laws in the country.

Let's explore the key elements you need to know about payroll in Norway. Here is what you need to know, from payroll methods and employment contracts to taxes, social security, and benefits.

Payroll methods in Norway

When hiring employees in Norway, you can choose from several payroll methods. Remote payroll methods include local payroll, internal payroll, and fully outsourced payroll. Each option has distinct advantages depending on the size of your business. More importantly, your choice will affect the level of involvement you wish to have in managing payroll.

Under Norwegian law, companies must register a local subsidiary to manage payroll. Alternatively, they can hire a payroll service provider to handle this remotely. If you want to, you can opt for a remote payroll company that can help you manage payroll without needing a physical presence in Norway.

Remote payroll

Remote payroll is ideal if you have a foreign company that employs Norwegian workers. By hiring an Employer of Record (EoR) or a remote payroll provider, you can outsource a significant part of your payroll.

These providers handle essential tasks like monitoring employee work hours and calculating commissions. They also process benefits and issue payslips. These services ensure that employees are paid correctly while complying with labor laws.

Local payroll

Companies paying employees through local payroll must have a legal presence in Norway. Typically, this involves registering your business locally or setting up a foreign subsidiary. Local payroll can also be managed remotely. However, it requires legal registration and full compliance with Norwegian tax and employment laws.

If you choose to set up a legal entity in Norway, you can register your company as one of several types of partnerships or corporations. You may choose to register a limited liability company (Aksjeselskap - AS) or fully liable partnerships. These business structures differ in terms of liability, ownership, and management responsibilities.

Employers opting for local payroll must also ensure compliance with Norwegian employment regulations. These revolve around employee contracts, working hours, and compensation.

Internal payroll

Internal payroll is best suited for large companies with the resources to establish a payroll department in Norway. This method requires setting up a Norwegian entity. It also means hiring HR personnel to manage payroll and ensure compliance with local tax and employment laws. It can be more costly and complex than other methods, but it provides complete control over payroll operations.

You’ll need local legal counsel and accounting experts to ensure tax reporting and employee withholdings is by Norwegian law. Internal payroll requires detailed attention to compliance. Failing to follow procedures can lead to audits and penalties.

Fully outsourced payroll and employment

For small businesses, fully outsourcing payroll and employment might be the best option. An EOR can handle all payroll, compliance, and HR needs for your Norwegian employees. Outsourcing payroll would allow you to focus on growing your business.

By outsourcing, you ensure payroll accuracy, compliance with tax laws, and employee benefits. All this gets handled without having to establish a full legal presence in Norway. This is particularly beneficial for companies that want to expand quickly. Managing the complexities of Norwegian payroll regulations without a partner can slow you down.

Taxes and social security contributions

Norway’s tax system is straightforward but thorough. You must withhold taxes and make social security contributions for their employees. Also, you must ensure compliance with income tax, national insurance contributions, and other applicable payroll taxes.

Income tax

The income tax in Norway is progressive, meaning higher earners pay a greater percentage of their income. Employers must withhold these taxes from employee wages and remit them to the Norwegian tax authorities. The highest income tax bracket in Norway can reach up to 47%.

Corporate income tax and other taxes

Corporate income tax in Norway is currently set at 22%. Employers also need to pay payroll taxes and national insurance contributions. You are required to contribute to the national insurance scheme. This scheme funds public health services and social security benefits for your employees.

Social Security contributions

Both you and your employees must contribute to Norway’s social security system. For most workers, the total social security contributions range from around 25% to 30% of their salary. These contributions fund employee benefits like healthcare, pensions, and disability coverage.

Employee benefits and perks

When hiring in Norway, you are expected to provide more than just wages to your employees. Offering competitive benefits can help attract and retain talent. Complying with mandatory benefits is essential for legal reasons.

Pension contributions

Pensions are a crucial component of employee benefits in Norway. There are two pension funds you should know about.

The Basic Pension (Folketrygd). This is a state-funded pension system that provides a basic pension to all residents who have contributed to the system. The contribution rate for this scheme is 8.2% of your taxable income.

Obligatorisk tjenestepensjon (OTP). The mandatory pension system requires employers to contribute at least 2% of the employee's gross salary. However, you may choose to contribute higher amounts to offer more competitive packages.

Paid leave and holidays

Norwegian workers are entitled to at least 25 days of paid leave annually. There are also several public holidays where employees have the right to take time off without losing wages. You should be aware of holidays such as New Year's Day, Easter, Labor Day, and Constitution Day. It's important to account for these days when planning your payroll.

Termination procedures and severance pay

If you need to terminate employees in Norway, you must handle it carefully. Norwegian labor laws are designed to protect workers. Employers must provide notice in writing. Notice periods range from one month to six months, depending on the length of employment.

Severance pay is not mandatory in most cases. However, if an employee is fired without just cause, employers may be liable for extra compensation. You want to ensure your termination procedures follow local laws is crucial to avoid costly disputes and penalties.

Payroll compliance audits

Norwegian authorities take payroll compliance seriously. The authorities conduct regular audits to ensure that companies are compliant. They investigate whether your company is withholding taxes, making social security contributions, and adhering to employment regulations. You should keep accurate payroll records. Also, ensuring compliance with all laws is critical to avoiding fines and penalties.

Payroll in Norway

Payroll in Norway involves more than just paying wages. It also covers taxes, social security contributions, employee benefits, and legal compliance.

When handling payroll, you can choose a remote payroll provider, handle it internally, or outsource it entirely. Still, understanding the key elements of Norway’s payroll system is essential for managing a Norwegian workforce. Partner with experienced providers and stay up to date with local regulations to ensure your payroll operations are on point.

FAQs:

What are the main payroll methods available in Norway?

Companies can choose between remote payroll, local payroll administration, and internal payroll. You can also fully outsource payroll and employment.

What employee benefits are mandatory in Norway?

Employers must provide a pension plan and are responsible for contributing to social security. Employees also receive at least 25 days of paid leave annually.

How are taxes handled in the Norwegian payroll?

Employers must withhold income tax from employee wages and make social security contributions on their behalf. The corporate tax rate is 22%.