Norway has amended its restructuring framework to restore priority treatment for tax claims in proceedings initiated from 1 July 2026, ending the temporary COVID-era exemption under the Bankruptcy Act. The Ministry of Finance will continue reviewing whether the exemption should become a permanent rule.
On 9 June 2026, the parliament adopted new rules on reconstruction in the Bankruptcy Act. The rules will replace the temporary Reconstruction Act when they enter into force.
The announcement was made by the Norwegian government in a Ministry of Finance release on 25 June 2026, following approval by the Parliament (Storting) on 9 June 2026.
The Temporary Reconstruction Act, introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 period, suspended the preferential treatment of tax claims in restructuring proceedings. The rules have now been amended so that this exemption only applies to reconstruction negotiations initiated before 1 July 2026. Tax claims will retain preferential status in proceedings opened after that date.
The Ministry of Finance will further assess whether a permanent exemption from preferential rights for tax claims in restructuring and bankruptcy cases should be introduced.
