Norway: Mandatory digital bookkeeping and e-invoicing requirements enacted
Generally effective January 1, 2027
Norway enacted the Act on Amendments to the Bookkeeping Act and Certain Other Laws in the Financial Market Area (Law-2026-06-19-39) on June 19, 2026, introducing compulsory digital bookkeeping and e-invoicing requirements, along with related changes to several financial sector laws.
Background
Norway has progressively modernized its bookkeeping and invoicing framework to support digitalization, automation, and transparency. The new law introduces mandatory use of electronic accounting systems and e-invoicing for transactions between entities subject to bookkeeping obligations. The amendments also update rules for securities trading, accountants, financial supervision, digital operational resilience, and crowdfunding.
Overview of amendments
- Definitions: The law clarifies key terms, including “mandatory accounting reporting,” “electronic accounting system,” and “electronic invoice.” An electronic invoice is defined as a sales document issued, sent, and received in a structured electronic format suitable for automated processing in the accounting system.
- Mandatory digital bookkeeping: Bookkeeping must be performed in an electronic accounting system, unless the Ministry of Finance provides an exemption by regulation or individual decision. The Ministry may set further requirements for such systems.
- E-invoicing requirement: For sales of goods and services between entities subject to bookkeeping obligations, invoices must be issued and received in an e-invoicing format. The Ministry may specify additional technical requirements or grant exemptions.
- Retention requirements: E-invoices must be retained in their original format. Other accounting material must be kept in Norway for five years (or three years and six months for certain documents). The Ministry may set further requirements for storage media.
- Other financial market laws: The law makes technical and administrative amendments to the Securities Trading Act, Accountants’ Act, Financial Supervision Act, DORA Act, and the Act on Crowdfunding for Commercial Activities.
Implementation timeline
- From July 1, 2026: Amendments to the Securities Trading Act, Accountants’ Act, Financial Supervision Act, DORA Act, and the Act on Crowdfunding for Commercial Activities become effective.
- From January 1, 2027: Key provisions of the Bookkeeping Act become effective, including definitions, e-invoicing requirements, documentation, and retention rules. The e-invoicing mandate applies to all entities subject to the Bookkeeping Act.
- From January 1, 2030: The compulsory use of electronic accounting systems for bookkeeping becomes effective for entities not already covered by the 2027 mandate.
Pending details
Further regulations and technical specifications are expected from the Ministry of Finance. Additional guidance on transitional arrangements and exemptions will be published as available.
Next steps
- Entities subject to bookkeeping obligations need to assess their readiness to comply with the new e-invoicing and digital bookkeeping requirements by January 1, 2027.
- Entities not yet required to use electronic accounting systems should prepare for the January 1, 2030 deadline.
- Monitor for further regulations specifying technical standards, exemptions, and transitional arrangements.
- Review internal processes and IT systems to ensure compliance by the relevant effective dates.
For more information, please contact a KPMG tax professional:
Geir Arne Øien, | geir.arne.oien@kpmg.no
Thor Inge Skogrand | thor.skogrand@kpmg.no
Philippe Stephanny | philippestephanny@kpmg.com
Ramon Frias | ramonfrias@kpmg.com