Consultancy agreement in Norway: Template, Key Clauses and Local Law (2026)

What a consultancy agreement is in Norway A consultancy agreement engages an individual or firm to provide expert services to a client as an independent contractor rather than an employee. It is used for management consultants, IT and engineering specialists, interim leaders and advisers. Norway has no dedicated consultancy statute, so the agreement rests on general contract law, with wide freedom of contract between businesses. But three local issues deserve real attention: the line between a consultant and an employee, VAT, and ownership of the work produced. This page is general information, not legal advice. For a significant engagement, have a qualified professional review the agreement. ## The local rules that shape a Norwegian consultancy - Contractor or employee. This is the central risk. The Working Environment Act gives employees strong, non-waivable protections, and Norwegian authorities look at the real substance of the relationship, not the contract label, when deciding whether someone is an employee or a genuine self-employed contractor. Recent clarifications have tightened this assessment, so a consultant who works like an employee can be reclassified.

• VAT (MVA). Consultancy services are generally subject to 25 percent VAT once the provider is VAT registered, so the agreement should state whether fees are inclusive or exclusive of VAT.
• Intellectual property. Work by an independent consultant does not pass to the client automatically. Ownership of deliverables must be assigned or licensed expressly.
• Good faith and fairness. The general duty of loyalty and section 36 of the Contracts Act mean grossly one sided terms can be adjusted by a court. ## A consultancy agreement template you can adapt ``` CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT Date: [date] Client: [name, organisation number, address] Consultant: [name, organisation number, address] 1. SERVICES The Consultant will provide: [scope of advice or services and any deliverables, referenced to an Appendix if needed]. 2. TERM This agreement runs from [date] [until completion / for [period]] and may be ended under clause 9. 3. FEES AND VAT Fees are [day rate / fixed fee / retainer]. Fees are [inclusive / exclusive] of VAT at 25 percent. Invoices are payable within [number] days, with late payment interest under the Late Payment Interest Act. 4. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR The Consultant is an independent contractor, not an employee, is responsible for its own tax, VAT and social contributions, and is not entitled to employee benefits. The Consultant may work for others where there is no conflict. 5. PERFORMANCE The Consultant performs with professional skill and care. 6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IP created for the Client is [assigned to the Client on payment / licensed to the Client]; the Consultant keeps its background IP. 7. CONFIDENTIALITY The Consultant keeps the Client's confidential information private during and after the engagement, including any trade secrets under the Trade Secrets Act. 8. DATA PROTECTION Where personal data is processed, the parties comply with the GDPR and the Personal Data Act. 9. TERMINATION AND LIABILITY Either party may terminate on [period] notice or for material breach not remedied within [number] days. [Liability cap, reasonable and clear.] 10. GOVERNING LAW This agreement is governed by Norwegian law. Signed: Client ____________ Consultant ____________ Date ______