Norway – End of Life Issues

What end of life care options are available in Norway, and how does the system work?

Palliative care in Norway forms an integral part of the national public healthcare system. A series of official reports and government action plans have driven the incremental development of palliative care across every tier of the health service: at the tertiary level, dedicated palliative medicine units operate within university hospitals; at the secondary level, hospital-based consultation teams, inpatient wards, and outpatient facilities are available; and at the primary level, home-based care and designated palliative units within nursing homes serve patients in their communities.

The Norwegian healthcare system is publicly funded and grounded in the principle of equity — that equal needs should result in equal access to services. It operates across three distinct tiers. At the primary and community care level, family practitioners and home care services manage patients living at home and hold responsibility for nursing home residents. This structure broadly resembles those found in Denmark and Sweden, although Norway’s particular emphasis on delivering care as close to the patient’s home as possible stands as a defining characteristic of its approach.

Norwegian palliative care is built on a decentralised philosophy, in which treatment and support are provided as near to the patient’s own home as practicable. The national palliative care guideline describes a model founded on close collaboration between providers at every level. In the community, GPs and district nurses deliver palliative care to patients remaining at home, while designated beds in nursing home inpatient units serve those who need residential care. At the hospital level, specialist palliative care teams conduct ward consultations and make ambulatory visits to surrounding municipalities.

A central objective of Norwegian policy is that people should remain in their own homes for as long as possible, with home healthcare services offered before any transition to a nursing home environment. In practice, around half of all older people in Norway die in nursing home settings.

What is palliative care in Norway, and who is eligible for it?

In Norway, palliative care encompasses all patients living with life-limiting conditions, regardless of diagnosis. Eligibility is therefore not confined to those with cancer — people managing heart failure, dementia, chronic respiratory conditions, or any other serious life-limiting illness have an equal entitlement to palliative services within the public system.

Under Norway’s national palliative care guideline, the GP occupies a central position in delivering primary-level palliative care. The GP bears responsibility for medical treatment and care coordination, while the oncology nurse is assigned a complementary coordinating function and acts as the main point of contact for specialist palliative care teams. For expats registered with a Norwegian GP (fastlege), the pathway to palliative care runs through that practitioner.

Palliative care is formally recognised within Norway’s healthcare policy framework, as set out in the Report to the Storting (Norwegian Parliament), White Paper No. 26 (2014–2015), titled “The Primary Health and Care Services of Tomorrow — Localised and Integrated,” which includes a dedicated chapter on palliasjon. The Norwegian Directorate of Health has appointed a Senior Advisor with specific responsibility for palliative care and maintains a dedicated section on its website to provide current and comprehensive information.

Expats enrolled in Norway’s national insurance scheme (Folketrygden) through residency or employment enjoy the same rights to palliative care as Norwegian nationals. EEA citizens covered by their home country’s social security system may also be entitled to necessary healthcare during their time in Norway. Those who fall outside these arrangements should ensure that their private health insurance provides adequate coverage for end-of-life care.

Are there hospices in Norway, and how do you access them?

Norway does not operate an extensive network of freestanding hospices comparable to those found in some other countries. Specialist palliative care services within hospitals play an important role, but a substantial proportion of patients spend their final weeks either at home or in nursing homes. Strengthening the quality of end-of-life care within these community settings has therefore been a primary focus of efforts to embed palliative care throughout the Norwegian health system.

The Norwegian Red Cross provides hospice care and support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Betanien Hospital in Bergen offers palliative care for patients with serious and life-limiting conditions. Dedicated palliative care wards are also found in hospitals across the country.

Four regional university hospitals host regional advisory units in palliative care. Of Norway’s 19 public hospital trusts, 17 operate a dedicated palliative care service for children, alongside one hospice-style department at Nordre Åsen. Several “advanced hospital-at-home” teams attached to the paediatric departments of larger hospitals also deliver palliative care to children in their home environments.

Access to hospice-style or specialist inpatient palliative care is normally arranged through a GP or hospital specialist. Where inpatient palliative care is deemed clinically appropriate, a GP can refer the patient to the relevant specialist team or unit. The Norwegian Directorate of Health’s website (helsedirektoratet.no) provides a useful starting point for identifying services in your area.

Is palliative or hospice care covered by public health insurance, or does it need to be funded privately?

Palliative care in Norway sits within the publicly funded healthcare system. For individuals enrolled in Folketrygden — Norway’s national insurance scheme — palliative care delivered in hospitals, at home, or in designated nursing home units is state-funded, and patients are not required to pay directly for these services. This contrasts with the private-pay models that exist in some other European countries, where patients may face substantial out-of-pocket costs for specialist palliative care.

Residents fully enrolled in the Norwegian national insurance system through employment or long-term residency are covered as a matter of right. EEA/EU nationals holding a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to necessary medical treatment, which may extend to some palliative care in urgent circumstances, though the EHIC is unlikely to cover sustained long-term palliative care — always seek clarification from Helfo (helsenorge.no) and your home country insurer.

Expats from outside the EEA who are not enrolled in Folketrygden should hold comprehensive private health and medical insurance that explicitly includes end-of-life and palliative care. Some international health insurance policies may also provide access to private palliative services in addition to the public system. Reviewing your policy terms thoroughly before any health situation develops is essential.

What legal documents should expats have in place before the end of life in Norway?

Arranging the appropriate legal documents well in advance of a serious illness or the end of life is strongly recommended. Norway’s legal framework provides clear mechanisms for several key instruments, and having these in place means your healthcare and personal wishes will be respected while sparing your loved ones unnecessary difficulty.

Advance directive (forhåndsdirektiv / livstestament): An advance directive — sometimes called a living will — enables you to record your wishes about medical treatment in circumstances where you are no longer capable of making those decisions yourself. For example, you may wish to state that you do not want life-prolonging interventions if there is no realistic prospect of recovery. Such documents are legally recognised in Norway, and healthcare providers are expected to give them serious weight when reaching clinical decisions.

Power of attorney (fullmakt): A general or healthcare power of attorney authorises a trusted person to act on your behalf in relation to your property, finances, or medical care. Norway has a framework for a lasting power of attorney (fremtidsfullmakt), introduced under the Guardianship Act. This document must be drawn up in writing, signed before two witnesses, and registered with the Norwegian Guardianship Authority (Statsforvalteren) to take full legal effect.

Healthcare proxy: Norway does not use the term “healthcare proxy” as a distinct legal category in quite the same way as some other countries. However, the next-of-kin (nærmeste pårørende) has a formally recognised role under the Norwegian Patient Rights Act (Pasient- og brukerrettighetsloven), which permits a patient to designate a named individual as their primary relative for healthcare decision-making purposes. Expats are strongly advised to formally inform their GP and any treating hospital of who their designated next-of-kin is, particularly if that person lives outside Norway.

Will (testament): A valid Norwegian will must be made in writing, signed by the person making it, and witnessed simultaneously by two people. Without a valid will, Norwegian intestacy rules will govern the distribution of your estate. Expats with assets spread across more than one country should seek cross-border legal advice, as both Norwegian law and the law of your country of origin may bear on how your estate is handled.

Are documents such as advance directives or powers of attorney made in another country legally recognised in Norway?

Foreign legal documents including advance directives, powers of attorney, and wills may be recognised in Norway, but the position is nuanced and depends on the nature of the document and its country of origin.

Foreign wills: Rules governing the formal validity of wills executed abroad apply in Norway. Norway is a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Law Applicable to Succession, though the EU Succession Regulation does not apply since Norway is not an EU member state. As a general rule, a will validly executed in the country where it was made will be formally valid in Norway. Its substantive content must nonetheless comply with applicable legal provisions, and specialist legal advice is indispensable where assets are held in both Norway and another country.

Foreign powers of attorney: A power of attorney drawn up abroad may be accepted by Norwegian authorities provided it has been properly legalised. Documents originating in countries party to the Hague Apostille Convention (1961) require an apostille stamp from the relevant authority in the country of origin. Documents from non-Hague countries may require full consular legalisation. Norwegian banks and public bodies are also likely to require a certified translation into Norwegian.

Foreign advance directives: No specific Norwegian legislation compels the recognition of foreign advance directives, but Norwegian healthcare providers are generally expected to take account of a patient’s clearly expressed wishes. A well-drafted advance directive, translated into Norwegian and shared with your GP and treating hospital, will carry significant moral and practical weight. It is advisable to supplement any foreign document with a Norway-specific advance directive prepared with local legal guidance.

Always consult a Norwegian-qualified lawyer (advokat) and, where relevant, your country’s embassy or consulate in Oslo, to confirm that your documents will be valid and enforceable under Norwegian law.

What are the laws around euthanasia or assisted dying in Norway?

Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are unlawful in Norway. Active euthanasia — in which a doctor or other individual deliberately ends a patient’s life — and physician-assisted suicide — in which a doctor supplies the means for a patient to take their own life — are criminal offences under the Norwegian Penal Code (Straffeloven). This aligns Norway with the majority of European nations, distinguishing it from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland, which operate legal frameworks permitting assisted dying under tightly defined conditions.

What Norwegian law does permit is the withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment where a patient has expressed this wish or where further intervention is considered futile. Palliative sedation — the administration of sedative medication to alleviate otherwise unmanageable suffering at the end of life, without any intention of hastening death — is also permitted within Norwegian clinical guidelines.

Debate about the potential introduction of assisted dying legislation has continued in Norwegian public life and periodically attracts attention in the Storting (Norwegian Parliament). As of 2025, however, no legislative change to the legal status of euthanasia or assisted dying has been made. Expats should note that the laws of their home country on this subject have no application in Norway, and arrangements made legally in a country that permits assisted dying cannot be carried out on Norwegian territory.

What are the local customs, traditions, and religious practices around death and dying in Norway?

Norway has historically been a predominantly Lutheran Christian country, with the Church of Norway (Den norske kirke) playing a central role in funeral rites and commemorations. Secularisation has, however, progressed substantially over recent decades, and non-religious or humanist ceremonies have become increasingly widespread. The Human-Etisk Forbund (the Norwegian Humanist Association) offers secular funeral ceremonies and is widely used across the country.

When a death occurs in Norway, certain customs and practices come into play, though these vary according to regional traditions and the family’s cultural and religious background. It is standard practice to place a death announcement in the local newspaper, informing the community of the passing and providing details of the funeral arrangements. Online memorial notices (dødsannonser) published on newspaper websites have now become routine.

Norwegian funerals are typically held within a week of the death and tend to be quiet, composed occasions attended by close family and friends. The tone is generally dignified and restrained. Dark or subdued clothing is customary for mourners, and flowers — particularly simple wreaths — are the most common form of tribute. A brief period of private viewing (liksyning) may be arranged for close family members before the funeral takes place.

A traditional church service typically includes hymns, a sermon, and eulogies, often with candles lit and the coffin present throughout. Following the service, a reception (sorgselskap or gravøl) is usually held at the family home or a local venue, bringing together those who attended to share food, coffee, and recollections of the person who has died.

Norway is home to Muslim, Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, and numerous other religious communities, particularly in Oslo and other major cities, each with distinct traditions and burial requirements. Most municipalities maintain designated sections within public cemeteries for non-Christian burials, and some faith communities operate their own burial grounds. Expats from non-Lutheran backgrounds should contact their local municipality (kommune) or faith community early in the planning process to ensure that appropriate arrangements can be made.

What must you do when someone dies in Norway? Who do you notify, how quickly, and in what order?

The administrative steps that follow a death in Norway are relatively well-structured, with formal registration largely carried out automatically by medical professionals. The steps below set out what families and next-of-kin need to do:

1. Contact a doctor to certify the death. If the person died at home, contact their doctor, who will attend and certify the death. If the person died in a hospital or hospice, the medical staff will handle this. Where the cause of death is unclear or there is any suspicion of unnatural circumstances, the death must also be reported to the police.
2. The doctor reports the death to the National Population Register. In Norway, it is the attending doctor who reports a death to the National Population Register. The doctor issues the death certificate and submits the notification — families are not required to register the death themselves.
3. NAV is automatically notified. Where the deceased was a member of the Norwegian national insurance scheme, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) is normally informed of the death by the National Population Register. This automatically triggers the cessation of any benefits or pension payments.
4. The district court is notified. On receiving notification of the death from the National Population Register, the district court contacts the beneficiaries to begin the process of estate administration.
5. Contact a funeral director (begravelsesbyrå). Once the death has been certified, funeral arrangements can begin. You may work with a funeral director or manage the arrangements independently. A funeral director can also assist with notifying other relevant parties.
6. Notify the deceased’s bank and insurance companies. Inform the deceased’s bank of the death to freeze accounts pending estate administration. Contact life insurance providers and any private health or travel insurers promptly, as notification deadlines may apply to claims.
7. Notify the deceased’s employer or pension provider, if applicable, so that salary, pension, or other employment-related entitlements can be properly managed.
8. If the deceased was a foreign national, notify their home country’s embassy or consulate in Oslo as soon as practicable — particularly if repatriation of the remains is being considered.
9. Apply for NAV’s funeral grant if the deceased was enrolled in Folketrygden. This means-tested grant may be available where the deceased was a member of the Norwegian national insurance scheme. Contact NAV directly for current details.

How is a death officially registered in Norway, and what documents are needed?

When a person dies in Norway, the attending doctor is required to submit the death certificate to the National Population Register at the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). The death certificate constitutes the doctor’s formal declaration of death and may be submitted electronically or in paper form.

Where there is any suggestion that the death was not from natural causes, the matter must be reported to the sheriff or police. In such circumstances, the authorities may order a post-mortem examination (obduksjon).

Families are not required to take any separate action to register the death with the population register, as this responsibility rests with the attending physician. However, the family or the estate will need official copies of the death certificate (dødsattest) for various practical purposes — including closing bank accounts, initiating probate proceedings, and making insurance claims. Certified copies can be requested from the National Population Register through Skatteetaten’s website (skatteetaten.no).

When managing the affairs of a foreign national who died in Norway, certified and translated copies of the Norwegian death certificate will typically be required by foreign authorities, banks, and insurance companies in the deceased’s home country. A certified translation carried out by a sworn translator into the appropriate language may be necessary.

What happens if a foreign national dies in Norway — what are the specific steps for notifying their home country’s embassy or consulate, and what role does the consulate play?

The death of a foreign national in Norway sets in motion a specific set of responsibilities for both Norwegian authorities and the deceased’s home country. Acting without delay helps prevent hold-ups in repatriation, estate administration, and benefit claims.

The immediate priority is to contact the deceased’s home country’s embassy or consulate in Norway as soon as the death has been certified. Most major countries maintain an embassy in Oslo, and many have a consular duty line accessible outside business hours for emergencies including deaths. The embassy will request key information: the deceased’s full name, date of birth, passport number, location of death, and the name and contact details of the next-of-kin both in Norway and abroad.

The consulate’s typical functions include: formally confirming the death to home country authorities and next-of-kin; issuing or facilitating the consular documentation required for repatriation; providing guidance on local legal requirements; and, where necessary, assisting in locating and informing family members. The consulate may also be able to recommend lawyers, funeral homes experienced in repatriation, and certified translators. It should be noted that consulates do not generally fund repatriation — costs fall to the estate, the family, or the deceased’s insurer.

Norwegian authorities cooperate with foreign consulates in such situations. Special rules apply where a death occurs outside Norway. If a Norwegian citizen or foreign resident dies abroad, the associated costs — which may include storage, transport of the coffin or urn back to Norway, and other related expenses — are typically met either by the deceased’s insurer or by the estate and family. Contacting your insurer and, if needed, a funeral director experienced in international cases, is advisable at the earliest opportunity.

It is important to obtain several certified copies of the Norwegian death certificate, as these will likely be needed by the embassy, the airline handling repatriation, foreign banks, and insurance providers.

How are funerals typically arranged in Norway, and what are the usual options for burial or cremation?

Both burial and cremation are widely practised in Norway. In normal circumstances, burial or cremation takes place within ten days of the death. Where cremation is chosen, the ashes must be interred or scattered within six months.

The funeral is arranged by the relative entitled to do so (gravferdsrett). If no family member steps forward to make arrangements, the municipality in which the deceased was living at the time of death assumes responsibility. Where the deceased was not resident in Norway, the municipality in which the death occurred takes on this role.

Every person in Norway has the right to a free grave. Burials should take place within 10 working days of the death. The local parish council (menighetsråd) is the appropriate point of contact for information about funerals, cremations, and burials. Graves in public cemeteries are maintained by the municipality, though plot leases are typically granted for an initial period of around 20 years, after which renewal may be required.

Funeral services may be religious — conducted by a Church of Norway minister or a representative of another faith — humanist, conducted by a representative of Human-Etisk Forbund, or non-denominational and led by the family. Among the decisions to be made are: which family member holds the right to arrange the funeral; which funeral director to engage; whether to proceed with coffin burial or cremation followed by interment or scattering of ashes; which cemetery to use; and the timing, venue, and content of any ceremony, including whether to place a death notice in the press.

What are the approximate costs of a funeral in Norway, and are there any state or insurance-based funds that can help cover them?

Norway’s high cost of living is reflected in the price of funerals. A straightforward funeral typically costs in the range of NOK 15,000–30,000 (approximately €1,300–€2,600 as of 2025), though more elaborate services involving premium coffins, larger gatherings, and additional catering can be considerably more expensive. Body transportation, chapel hire, officiant fees, death notices, and headstones are frequently itemised separately. Always obtain a detailed, itemised quote from a funeral director before committing to any arrangements.

The entitlement to a free grave removes one of the more significant potential costs. Headstones, memorial upkeep, and any private cemetery arrangements remain the responsibility of the family.

A funeral grant (begravelsesstønad) from NAV is designed to contribute towards the necessary costs of a funeral. It is means-tested and available only where the deceased was a member of the Norwegian national insurance scheme. For current maximum grant amounts, check directly with NAV (nav.no), as these figures are subject to periodic revision.

Where the deceased was a member of the national insurance scheme and the body must be transported over a significant distance, relatives may be able to claim a contribution towards transport costs. An allowance for transporting the deceased is available in cases where the distance involved exceeds a specified threshold.

Travel insurance, life insurance, and some private health insurance policies may also cover funeral costs or repatriation expenses. The deceased’s policies should be reviewed as quickly as possible after death, since many insurers impose strict notification deadlines. Employers and occupational pension schemes may additionally provide death-in-service benefits.

What is the process for repatriating the remains of a foreign national from Norway to another country?

Repatriation — transporting human remains from Norway to another country — is a legally and logistically complex undertaking. It requires the coordinated efforts of Norwegian funeral directors, the deceased’s home country consulate or embassy, Norwegian health authorities, and international transport operators. Starting the process promptly is essential, as meeting the necessary requirements takes time.

Embalming is commonly required when human remains are transported internationally. Norwegian funeral homes typically employ certified in-house embalmers capable of meeting the standards required for repatriation to destinations across all continents. Specialist repatriation teams maintain detailed records of documentation requirements and associated costs for countries worldwide, enabling them to provide timely and accurate information to families.

The documents typically required for repatriation from Norway include: the Norwegian death certificate (certified and translated); a certificate of embalming; a certificate of freedom from infectious disease; documentation from the receiving country’s embassy or consulate confirming authorisation to accept the remains; and, in some cases, transit permits from intermediate countries. Norwegian authorities — the local police or county authority — may also need to issue an exit permit for the remains.

Norwegian funeral homes with repatriation expertise work in close collaboration with insurance and repatriation companies, international repatriation specialists, and foreign embassies and consulates. Using a funeral home with proven experience in international repatriation is strongly advised — for example, Jølstad Funeral Homes in Oslo, which offers dedicated international repatriation services.

Repatriation costs vary considerably depending on the destination country, the distance involved, air freight charges, and any requirements at the receiving end. Costs can range from NOK 30,000 to over NOK 100,000 (roughly €2,600–€9,000 as of 2025). Travel insurance with repatriation cover, taken out before any illness arises, is the single most important financial safeguard a family can have in this situation.

What happens to the estate of someone who dies in Norway — how does probate or estate administration work, and are there inheritance taxes?

Norway abolished inheritance tax for all estates arising from deaths that occurred on or after 1 January 2014. The same applies to gifts made on or after that date. This represents a significant benefit for expats holding assets in Norway — there is no inheritance tax on property or bequests received from a person who died on or after that date.

Estate administration in Norway is managed by the district courts. Unlike Finland and Sweden, where a formal estate inventory (bouppteckning) provides a centralised record of the deceased’s assets and liabilities, Norway does not operate an equivalent system. When the district court receives notification of a death from the National Population Register, it contacts the relevant beneficiaries to initiate the process.

Several methods of distributing a deceased person’s estate are available, though the underlying rules remain broadly consistent across all of them. Private division — where the inheritors agree among themselves on the allocation of assets — is the most common approach. It is therefore important to identify the actual beneficiaries and to establish whether a valid will exists.

The death must be reported to the local court, and one of the heirs must accept responsibility for the funeral arrangements and for any debts left by the deceased. The court may appoint a trustee to administer the estate, or the heirs may engage a Norwegian solicitor to assist with the distribution of assets.

While inheritance tax has been abolished, a surviving estate may still be liable for ordinary wealth tax and income tax on income generated by the estate before distribution takes place. Until the estate has been settled and distributed, it is treated as a separate legal entity for tax purposes. The heirs carry personal liability for the deceased’s tax obligations where the estate has been assumed under private administration, and the estate is taxed at the same rates that apply to individual taxpayers.

If an expat dies without a will in Norway, what happens to their assets under local intestacy laws?

Where an expat dies in Norway without a valid will, the estate is distributed in accordance with Norwegian intestacy law (arveloven — the Inheritance Act). The rules establish a clear order of priority based on family relationships.

Children and their descendants are first-line heirs and inherit the entire estate if the deceased was not married and had no registered partner. Where the deceased had direct descendants, a surviving spouse inherits one-quarter of the estate, with a minimum entitlement of four times the basic amount (G). As of 2025, four G equals NOK 520,640. The surviving spouse also has the option of retaining undivided possession of the estate (uskifte) with the deceased’s direct descendants, effectively deferring the division of assets until the surviving spouse’s own death.

Where the deceased had no direct descendants, the inheritance passes to the deceased’s parents and their descendants. If no relatives in that line survive, the estate passes to the deceased’s grandparents and their children.

A cohabitant (samboer) does not enjoy the same legal protections as a spouse. If the deceased had a cohabitant with whom they shared children, or who was expecting their child, the cohabitant is entitled to an inheritance equivalent to four G. Cohabitants who have no children together have no automatic inheritance rights under Norwegian law — making the preparation of a will essential for unmarried couples.

Expats with assets in more than one country face additional complexity. The EU Succession Regulation does not apply to Norway as a non-EU member state, meaning that cross-border estate matters may be governed by the laws of multiple jurisdictions simultaneously. Seeking legal advice from a Norwegian advokat with expertise in international succession before any health situation arises is strongly recommended.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use foreign health insurance to cover palliative or end-of-life care in Norway?

Whether foreign private health insurance covers end-of-life care in Norway depends entirely on the terms of your specific policy. You should verify whether your insurer includes palliative care, hospice-type stays, and long-term nursing care in Norway within its scope of cover. EU/EEA nationals holding a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to necessary state-provided healthcare, but the EHIC is unlikely to extend to sustained long-term palliative care — always seek clarification from Helfo (helsenorge.no) and your home country insurer. Those covered by Folketrygden through residency or employment receive palliative care within the public system at no direct personal cost.

Are documents written in a language other than Norwegian legally valid in Norway?

Norwegian authorities generally require documents to be in Norwegian or to be accompanied by a certified Norwegian translation. Advance directives, wills, and powers of attorney drawn up in a foreign language will typically need to be translated by a sworn translator (statsautorisert translatør) before Norwegian hospitals, banks, or courts will accept them. It is advisable to have Norwegian-language versions of all key documents prepared, ideally with the assistance of a qualified Norwegian lawyer.

How long does it typically take to repatriate remains from Norway?

The repatriation process generally takes between one and three weeks from the date of death, though the precise timeframe depends on the destination country, the completeness of the required documentation, and the availability of embalming and transport. Destinations with complex import requirements or located outside Europe may take longer. Engaging an experienced Norwegian funeral home that specialises in international repatriation and holding travel insurance with repatriation cover will help keep delays and costs to a minimum.

What support is available to bereaved family members in Norway?

Bereaved family members in Norway can access a range of support services. Many municipalities provide bereavement counselling through the public healthcare system — ask your GP for a referral. The Church of Norway and other religious communities offer pastoral care, regardless of the individual’s faith background. Specialist organisations such as Landsforeningen uventet barnedød (for bereaved parents) and the Norwegian Red Cross provide dedicated support. Survivors may also be entitled to a survivor’s pension or transitional benefits — payments designed to provide a basic income for a spouse or cohabitant following the death of their partner. Contact NAV to discuss your financial entitlements after a bereavement.

Does Norway recognise a living will (advance directive) I made in another country?

There is no specific Norwegian legislation requiring the formal recognition of foreign advance directives, but Norwegian healthcare providers are generally expected to respect the documented wishes of their patients. A foreign advance directive — particularly one that has been certified or notarised — will carry real practical weight in clinical discussions. For the strongest possible protection, have the document translated into Norwegian and provide a copy to your GP and any treating hospital. Where feasible, also prepare a Norwegian-language advance directive with the help of a local lawyer.

Is there inheritance tax to pay if I inherit from someone who dies in Norway?

Norway abolished inheritance tax for all inheritances arising from deaths occurring on or after 1 January 2014, and the same applies to gifts made on or after that date. As of 2025, there is therefore no inheritance tax in Norway. Be aware, however, that ordinary wealth tax may apply to the estate before distribution, and income tax may be due on income generated by the estate during administration. If you are tax-resident in another country, that country’s inheritance or estate tax rules may still apply to assets you receive — consult a tax adviser in your country of residence.

What happens to the body if no family member in Norway arranges the funeral?

Where no family member arranges the funeral, the municipality in which the deceased was living at the time of death takes responsibility for doing so. If the deceased was not resident in Norway, the municipality in which the death occurred assumes this role. The municipality may seek reimbursement of the funeral costs from the deceased’s estate. The arrangement will typically be a simple and dignified burial in the local cemetery. Family members abroad should contact the relevant Norwegian municipality (kommune) as soon as possible.

As an expat, do I need a Norwegian will, or is a will from my home country sufficient?

If you hold assets in Norway — such as property, bank accounts, or investments — it is strongly advisable to have a Norwegian will (testament) prepared by a qualified Norwegian lawyer, alongside any will you may hold in your home country. While a foreign will may be formally valid in Norway if it was properly executed under the law of the country in which it was made, a Norwegian will drafted in Norwegian, witnessed in accordance with Norwegian law, and lodged with the Norwegian courts will be considerably easier for your beneficiaries to act upon. Cross-border succession planning is a specialist field — always seek advice from professionals with qualifications in both relevant jurisdictions.