Can I leave everything I own in my will in Norway?
No — you cannot will away everything if you have children. Under the Inheritance Act the children (direct heirs) have a right to a reserved share, which is two thirds of the estate, but never more than 15 times the base amount (15G) per child. The rest you may distribute freely in a will. A will must be written, signed and witnessed by two witnesses present at the same time. If you are married, the spouse has a right to a quarter when there are children, with a minimum of 4G. There is no inheritance tax in Norway — it was abolished in 2014.
📋 The rules
- The children's reserved share = two thirds of the estate
- The reserved share is never more than 15G per child
- Will: written, signed, two witnesses together
- Spouse: a right to a quarter, minimum 4G, when there are children
- No inheritance tax in Norway (abolished 2014)
🔓 Exceptions
- A surviving spouse can keep the estate undivided instead of dividing at once
- You can decide how the reserved share is allocated within the value limits
- An emergency oral will is valid only in imminent danger
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A will breaching the reserved share is invalid to that extent. Defects in the witnessing make the will void. Inheritance disputes are heard by the district court.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I disinherit my children?
No. The children have a right to a reserved share, which is two thirds of the estate, but never more than 15G per child.
How much is the reserved share?
Two thirds of the estate, but limited to 15 times the base amount per child.
How do I write a valid will?
It must be written, signed by you and witnessed by two witnesses present at the same time.
What does the spouse inherit?
A quarter when there are children, with a minimum of 4G. Without children the minimum is 6G.
Is there inheritance tax in Norway?
No. The inheritance tax was abolished on 1 January 2014.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I will away everything norway”
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