Norwegian VAT on e-services

Norway introduced VAT on electronic services (VOES) for non-resident companies in July 2011. This requires foreign providers of digital content and related services to VAT register in Norway as well as charge, collect and remit local VAT to the tax authorities.

The Norwegian VAT regime on e-services follows the same principles as the EU VAT Directive.

Examples of e-services subject to Norwegian VAT include sales of: streaming video, music and games; downloads of e-books and other online publications, including news services; software; and apps. Income from online games of chance and gambling are exempt from VAT. Also, services which merely rely on electronic delivery (e.g. tailored advice provided by e-mail) are outside of the scope of e-services.

Norway provides a simplified registration process for non-resident operators of e-services. This includes simplified VAT reporting records, due on a quarterly basis. There is no requirement to appoint a local tax representative. The simplification regime means providers may not deduct any input VAT incurred – although this may be reclaimed through a VAT recovery claim.

The e-services VAT registration threshold in Norway is NOK 50,000 per annum.