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With summer wedding season in full swing and Pride celebrations taking place across the country, the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) reminds all couples planning to marry that no wedding is valid without an official certificate of no impediment, known as a “prøvingsattest”.
Whether planning a spontaneous ceremony during Pride or organizing a traditional wedding, this certificate is a mandatory prerequisite under Norwegian law.
What is the “Prøvingsattest”?
A prøvingsattest is a legal certificate issued by Skatteetaten confirming that a couple meets all legal requirements to marry under the Norwegian Marriage Act (Ekteskapsloven). These include:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old
- Neither party may already be married
- The couple must not be close relatives
Fast and Digital Processing
The fastest way to apply is via the digital portal on Skatteetaten’s website. According to Roar Sellevoll, Director of the Population Register:
“Half of all digital applications are processed automatically, with instant confirmation in many cases.”
Couples who are both Norwegian citizens and have not been previously married often receive immediate approval.
When Should You Apply?
While digital applications may be processed within seconds, manual reviews – required when one or both individuals have been previously married or are foreign nationals – may take 5–6 weeks. This applies when:
- Divorce documentation or probate papers are needed
- Foreign civil status certificates or birth records must be verified
Couples should plan accordingly, as wedding ceremonies cannot take place without the prøvingsattest in hand.
Validity and Delivery
Once issued, the prøvingsattest is valid for four months and is delivered digitally via Altinn, Norway’s public communication platform. Couples must forward it to the officiant conducting the wedding.
Pride Weddings: Same Rules Apply
Spontaneous or symbolic weddings at Pride events are becoming increasingly popular in Norway, but couples must still ensure legal compliance. Skatteetaten confirms that no legal exceptions apply during Pride — all required documents must be in place in advance.
Why This Matters to Advisors and Expatriates
This policy update is vital for:
- International HR departments arranging employee relocations to Norway
- Immigration and family lawyers helping expat couples navigate cross-border marriage regulations
- Same-sex couples and non-Norwegian residents planning to marry in Norway during Pride or the summer months
Delays in documentation can postpone legal recognition of the marriage, affecting tax status, residency, and joint financial planning.
For further details, clarification, contributions, or any concerns regarding this article, please get in touch with us at editorial@tax.news. We value your feedback and are committed to providing accurate and timely information. Please note that our privacy policy will handle all inquiries.
