Foreign Buyers Info

In recent years, Norway has seen a significant rise in tourism. Stunning natural landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and improved accessibility have contributed to this growth. Many travelers seek Norway’s breathtaking fjords, northern lights, winter activities and activities at sea.

In the summer, Norway offers mild temperatures, making it a popular alternative to Southern Europe, which struggles with heatwaves and wildfires. Norwegian culture, sustainability, and world-class seafood further enhances the destination’s appeal.

Improved flight- and ferry connections have also made Norway more accessible. As demand for sustainable and immersive travel grows, Norway remains a top destination for nature and adventure seekers.

Combined with a weak Norwegian krone, favorable tax policies, and no entry barriers, we believe it is advantageous for international buyers to secure a piece of Norway’s mountain or coastal landscape now.

Here, we will explain why, as well as provide you, as an international buyer, with better information on how to fulfill your cabin dream in Norway.

Well-connected by roads, ferries and airports.

There are many alternative ways to travel to Norway. For our customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, and surrounding countries, we find that driving combined with a car ferry is the most popular option. This way, you can easily bring everything you need for a longer stay at the cabin. Below, we have listed the most popular travel routes.

Travelling by car and/or ferry

There are several ferry companies offering efficient travel between Norway and the rest of Europe. To reach our destinations, the following options are the most relevant:

• Drive through Denmark to Hirtshals and take a fast ferry to Larvik or Kristiansand. From there, you are only about 1 to 1.5 hours away from our destinations by car.

• Take Color Fantasy (an overnight cruise ship) from Kiel in Germany to Oslo and drive just under three hours from Oslo to our destinations.

Travelling by plane

• From Amsterdam or Copenhagen, flights to Kristiansand (KRS) or Sandefjord Torp (TRF) take 1 to 1,5 hours. Once at Kristiansand or Sandefjord, it takes approximately 1-1,5 hours to reach all our cabin destinations. Both airports offer car rental services and long-term parking for those with a vehicle in Norway. Alternatively, train and bus transportation is available from the airports.

• Alternative: Fly to Oslo (OSL), then take a train or car. Oslo Airport is approximately a three-hour drive from our projects. There are more frequent flights to Oslo compared to Kristiansand and Torp. Additionally, a wide range of airlines offer direct flights from most major European cities to Oslo.

Cabin in Norway – High flexibility and low taxes

In Norway, there are no barriers to entry and very low taxes for foreign investors who wish to purchase and own plots of land or holiday homes. This contrasts with countries such as Denmark, where foreigners are prohibited from buying property unless they have a special connection to the country. You may also use your property flexibly, whether it is for vacation, rental income, or long-term investment.

An overview of relevant taxes in Norway:

• In Norway, buyers pay a document fee calculated based on the plot price, which is 2,5% and applies equally to both Norwegian and foreign buyers.

• Norway has a symbolic and minimal property tax. For a plot of land, this typically amounts to €200–300 per year. For a completed project (plot of land with cabin), the annual property tax would add up to not more than €1000.

• When selling a plot or holiday home at a profit, the gain is tax-free if the property has been used personally as a holiday home for 5 out of the last 8 years. If this condition is not met, the portion of the income classified as profit is taxed at 22%. However, expenses for upgrades, maintenance, and sales costs can be deducted, significantly reducing the taxable profit. If one chooses to acquire land plots as a passive investment through a limited company (AS) and later sell the company, this 22% tax can be avoided.

Through previous sales to foreign buyers, both Fjellstø Group and the property agents we work with for international real estate transactions have gained solid expertise in this area. This allows us to assist international buyers with a seamless and hassle-free transaction, handling all the necessary paperwork on their behalf.

Strong rental market and full-service companies

We are seeing more and more customers cover part or all of their costs of owning a cabin through rental, and this is also relevant for international buyers. We have created a dedicated guide for rentals, where we also suggest companies that are well-established in our areas and can assist with everything from cleaning services to maintenance and security services.

Buying plots as an investment

We have developed a great setup for investors who want to secure one or more plots in our attractive areas. Investment can be made either through a passive real estate investment in one or more plots or by building cabins for rental. We believe this is especially attractive along the coast, where the scarcity of new plots is high, and the likelihood of new large cabin areas being zoned is low. Contact us for more information on how to make an exciting real estate investment in Norway. We are happy to tailor a proposal for an investment case for you or your company.