Am I allowed to drive a foreign car in Norway?
Yes, but if you are resident in Norway the car must be registered on Norwegian plates and the taxes paid. You count as resident after staying more than 183 days in a year. You then pay a one-off registration tax (a weight component of 12.71 kr per kg above 500 kg), 25% import VAT, and have insurance. From 1 January 2026 EVs also pay the weight component, while the NOx component is abolished. Tourists and people resident abroad may drive on foreign plates for up to a year. On import you declare in the red zone at the border; customs clearance is normally within a few days. Driving an unregistered car as a resident can bring full tax and seizure.
📋 The rules
- Resident in Norway: the car must be registered on Norwegian plates
- Resident = staying more than 183 days a year
- One-off tax: weight component 12.71 kr/kg above 500 kg
- 25% import VAT applies on import
- Tourists may drive on foreign plates for up to a year
🔓 Exceptions
- Removal-goods relief does not cover cars, but a removal-car scheme can reduce the one-off tax
- EEA commuters and students can apply to drive on foreign plates
- From 1 January 2026 EVs pay the weight component; the NOx component is abolished
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving an unregistered foreign car as a resident can bring full one-off tax and VAT, a surcharge and seizure of the car. No insurance is a criminal offence, and missing the customs deadline brings extra fees.
📎 Official sources
- Road Administration · Vehicle import →
- Tax Administration · One-off tax →
- Customs · Moving to Norway →
❓ Frequently asked
How long can I drive on foreign plates?
If you are a tourist or resident abroad, up to a year. If you are resident in Norway, the car must be registered at once.
What must I pay on import from the EEA?
A one-off tax based on weight, 25% import VAT, and a re-registration fee, plus insurance.
Do EVs pay tax now?
From 1 January 2026 EVs pay the weight component of the one-off tax, while the NOx component is abolished.
How do I register the car in Norway?
You declare in the red zone at the border, complete customs clearance and register the car with the Road Administration.
What happens if I drive unregistered as a resident?
You can get full one-off tax and VAT, a surcharge and seizure of the car.
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