No, squatting in Norway is illegal under the Penal Code § 266, criminalizing unauthorized occupation of property. Civil eviction procedures through the Enforcement Agency (Kronofogdemyndigheten) are swift, with penalties including fines or imprisonment. Recent 2026 amendments tighten enforcement against organized squatting rings, particularly in urban Oslo and Bergen.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Norway
- Penal Code § 266: Unauthorized occupation of residential or commercial property constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by up to 2 years’ imprisonment.
- Enforcement Agency (Kronofogdemyndigheten): Property owners must file for eviction through this state body, which can issue removal orders within days of unauthorized entry.
- 2026 Amendments: New provisions target “professional squatters,” introducing aggravated penalties for repeat offenders and those using coercion to maintain occupation.
Local police (Politiet) prioritize squatting cases in high-demand areas, with Oslo’s Bydel St. Hanshaugen reporting a 40% increase in evictions under the updated framework. Landlords must document ownership via the Matrikkelen (land registry) before initiating eviction, as informal claims are dismissed. Failure to comply with eviction orders risks contempt-of-court charges under the Courts of Justice Act § 21-1.