Key facts for Norway
Christmas is the main business gifting occasion, with a strong advent tradition.
How companies in Norway give year-end gifts
Norwegian employers commonly give staff a Christmas gift in December, often a practical item or a gift from a catalog, and many hand it out around the company Christmas party (julebord). Non-cash gifts to employees are tax-free up to an annual limit, so budgets are commonly planned to that figure. Advent calendars are a widespread tradition in Norway, and branded calendars work well for staff and clients. Client gifts tend to be modest and practical; Norwegian business culture is egalitarian, and expensive gifts can be uncomfortable for the recipient. Quality, design and sustainability carry weight. Because Norway is outside the EU, shipments need customs clearance and Norwegian VAT is charged on import, so order early.
Gift occasions in Norway
Advent
advent calendars are popular with adults and children
Julebord
company Christmas parties; staff gifts are often handed out around this time
Christmas
main occasion for employee and client gifts
Good practice
- Order early to allow for Norwegian customs clearance
- Keep staff gifts non-cash and within the annual tax-free limit
- Choose practical, well-designed items
- Deliver before the julebord season
Avoid
- Do not ship alcohol: its import and sale are strictly regulated
- Avoid expensive gifts to clients and public employees
Design and wording
Christmas themes are fully appropriate; 'God jul' is standard.
Tax rules on business gifts
| Clients and partners | — |
|---|---|
| Employees | Non-cash gifts from the employer are tax-free up to NOK 5,000 per employee per year (since 2021; cash does not qualify). Figures come from secondary sources; check skatteetaten.no for the current year. |
General information, not tax advice. Check with your accountant. Sources: [1] [2]
Delivery to Norway
Norway is in the EEA but outside the EU customs union: shipments need a customs declaration, Norwegian import VAT applies, and some food products may carry duties. Duties and VAT can be quoted in advance.
Planning dates for Norway
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 13 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 24 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for Norway
Chocolate advent calendars
Twenty-four chocolates and your brand on the front from 1 to 24 December.
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Beauty calendars
A beauty advent calendar is a premium December gift.
Plush & merch calendars
A merchandise advent calendar distributes your branded items across 24 doors: socks, pins, stickers, small plush and treats, each carrying your logo.
Empty calendar boxes
For companies that already have the filling: custom printed advent calendar boxes in bulk, designed around your products and delivered flat or…
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Frequently asked questions
Do corporate gifts sent to Norway go through customs?
Yes. Norway is outside the EU customs union, so shipments from Poland are cleared through customs and import VAT applies. Costs can be quoted in advance.
How much can Norwegian employers give staff tax-free?
Non-cash gifts up to NOK 5,000 per employee per year are tax-free, according to Norwegian accounting sources. This is not tax advice.