Payroll Software in Norway

Written by Global Payroll Team

Last updated April 27, 2026

Expert Reviewed

Mercans Payroll Software is a strong solution for efficient, compliant, and streamlined payroll management in Norway. Designed to meet the practical requirements of Norwegian payroll, our system helps employers manage payroll processing, statutory reporting, deductions, and employee payments in line with national rules. Mercans Payroll Software is a native SaaS payroll platform that digitizes and automates payroll workflows while supporting Norwegian tax, reporting, and employment requirements.

Trusted the world over

Supports Norwegian payroll reporting via Altinn

Altinn Integration (Norway)

Mercans Payroll Software is designed to support Norwegian payroll reporting workflows through Altinn, Norway’s digital platform for reporting to public authorities. This supports employer processes for salary reporting, withholding tax, employment information, and employer National Insurance contributions through A-melding workflows, helping HR and finance teams maintain accurate and timely submissions.

Why Choose Mercans

Native SaaS and Payroll platform
Trusted by Fortune Global 500 and multinationals
Manage All Employment Types – Employees, Freelancers, Contractors, Expats
More than 100 inbound and outbound integrations are available today
Suitable for enterprise businesses
GDPR aligned, SOC 1 & SOC 2 Compliant
Global presence and multi-country payroll capabilities
ISO 20000 & ISO 27001 Certified
OWASP ASVS aligned
Supports Multiple Currencies

Payroll Software Modules

Mercans Payroll Software in Norway offers managers and employees a powerful and user-friendly portal designed to simplify payroll and HR activities. The modules are built with advanced functionality to deliver compliance, efficiency, and a seamless user experience. Learn about them here:

Manager Self Service

Enables managers to manage HR tasks such as approvals, performance monitoring, and employee administration directly through the platform.

Employee Self Service

Provides employees with direct access to their personal records, payroll information, and HR tools, ensuring transparency and convenience.

Employee Help Desk

Creates a single point of contact for employees to resolve payroll or HR questions quickly, improving communication and satisfaction.

Data Exchange

Ensures smooth integration with Altinn and other connected systems through reliable data exchange that reduces errors and streamlines processes.

eDrive and Workflows

Automates HR operations with configurable workflows and digital document handling, helping businesses maintain compliance and efficiency.

Time and Attendance

Records working hours, overtime, and productivity with precision and connects seamlessly to payroll calculations.

Leave Management

Covers different types of employee leave under Norwegian regulations, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave, with automated approval processes and accurate tracking.

Loans and Expenses

Processes employee loans and expense reimbursements accurately and integrates them directly into payroll for proper financial management.

Payroll Features Norway

Mercans’ Global Payroll Software for Norway efficiently manages various aspects of payroll reporting, employment administration, and social security related workflows. This encompasses:

Collective Agreements

Mercans Payroll Software is equipped to manage a wide variety of collective agreements (tariffavtaler) and work regulations under Norwegian law. Employers can maintain full control of salary scales by rank, seniority, and currency. The system also supports individual pay arrangements, giving businesses the flexibility to manage both standardized contracts and personalized agreements with ease.

Automated Compliance

The payroll platform is maintained in line with Norwegian tax and employment rules. Statutory submissions can be supported through A-melding workflows that cover salary, deductions, employment information, and employer National Insurance contributions. This helps organizations manage reporting toward authorities such as Skatteetaten and NAV with greater accuracy and timeliness.

Salary Calculation

Mercans payroll software for Norway handles wage calculations for hourly and salaried staff. It manages salary adjustments, holiday pay (feriepenger) accruals, overtime and shift allowances, pension deductions, and bonus structures. Every payroll run produces accurate gross-to-net calculations with statutory deductions applied according to configured payroll rules.

Integration Capabilities

The system connects seamlessly with HR, finance, and third-party platforms, allowing smooth data flow across departments. It is compatible with major accounting solutions in Norway and integrates securely with banks and pension providers, minimizing errors and duplication.

Salary Module

The salary module covers all aspects of payroll management in Norway. Daily routines include account maintenance, reporting, and accounting integration. Monthly processes can handle A-melding submissions, NAV related reimbursement workflows, pension contributions, and salary disbursements through Norwegian banks. End-of-period routines are managed by the user, with rollback and control options available. Mercans’ automated salary engine applies collective agreements and employee contracts consistently and accurately.

Bank Transfers

Payments are processed through secure banking workflows. Employee salaries and related transfers can be sent with required information such as account numbers, IBAN, SWIFT codes, and beneficiary details handled within the platform.

International Payroll Routines

For multinational organizations, Mercans provides international payroll modules tailored to Norway. Reporting can include A-melding submissions via Altinn, salary payments through banks, and pension contribution workflows with relevant providers.

Tax Management

The payroll system supports Norwegian tax compliance by importing and applying electronic tax cards (skattekort) issued by Skatteetaten. The correct tax rates and deductions can then be applied for each employee, with updates processed throughout the year to reflect changes in individual tax status.

Holiday Pay (Feriepenger)

Mercans software supports payroll handling in line with the Norwegian Holiday Act (Ferieloven). The system can accrue 10.2 percent of the holiday pay basis as the statutory minimum, while employees over 60 are entitled to at least 12.5 percent, and collective agreements may provide 12 percent or other arrangements. Holiday pay calculations and reporting can be automated according to configured payroll rules.

Payroll Processing and Adjustments

The system supports partial payroll runs for corrections, retroactive adjustments for salary increases or backdated changes, and final settlements for departing employees. It also enables consolidated reporting across multiple departments and entities.

Pension Contributions

Occupational pension contributions (OTP) are mandatory for many private sector employers in Norway. Mercans payroll software supports employer pension contribution calculations and integration with relevant pension providers according to configured pension arrangements.

Other Mandatory Deductions

The system manages statutory employer social security contributions (arbeidsgiveravgift), which vary by region, as well as deductions for court orders, union fees, and other agreed withholdings.

Benefits in Kind

Norwegian payroll requires taxation of certain employee benefits, including company cars, housing allowances, and employer-paid insurance premiums. Mercans supports correct valuation, taxation, and transparent display of these benefits on payslips.

Leave and Absence Management

Absence handling in Norway is complex and Mercans simplifies it with automated tracking and compliance support. Sick leave can be processed with the employer covering the first 16 calendar days in the employer period for continuous absence, with NAV related reimbursement workflows thereafter where applicable. Maternity, paternity, adoption, and parental leave can be managed in line with NAV rules. Public holidays and vacation leave are aligned with Ferieloven, with balances and reimbursements updated in real time according to configured payroll rules.

Payroll Dashboard

The Payroll Dashboard for Norway gives administrators full visibility of payroll cycles. It allows payroll runs to be monitored, retried, or rolled back, tracks A-melding submission readiness, and generates reports, statistics, and exception alerts. This supports greater accuracy, faster reconciliation, and stronger control over payroll management.

Employment Features

Holiday Pay (Feriepenger)

Payroll Processing and Adjustments

Pension Contributions

Employee life cycle

Other Mandatory Deductions

The system manages statutory employer social security contributions (arbeidsgiveravgift), which vary by region, as well as deductions for court orders, union fees, and other agreed withholdings.

Benefits in Kind

Leave and Absence Management

Dashboard

Payroll Dashboard

Payroll Implementation in Norway

Mercans’ payroll implementation process in Norway is built to ensure a seamless transition into our system. Each project is adapted to the client’s unique requirements, with timelines and deliverables shaped by factors such as data readiness, complexity, and the number of parallel test runs. The process is designed to provide structure, clarity, and confidence at every step.

Implementation Planning

The project begins with assigning resources and defining responsibilities. A kick-off meeting confirms objectives and scope, followed by a detailed implementation calendar and welcome package with all project details. Weekly progress reviews keep all parties aligned, and the scope is formally signed off to set the foundation.

Requirements Gathering

Workshops are held to understand client-specific needs in depth. A full business blueprint is created, capturing requirements and highlighting any gaps. Customization needs are documented, and sign-off ensures alignment on all payroll-specific requirements before moving forward.

System Configuration

The payroll system is configured in line with Norwegian requirements and adapted to client needs. Wage types and pay components are customized, interfaces for data integration are established, and reporting is tailored to meet regulatory standards. Employee and Manager Self-Service features are also set up for a smoother user experience.

Data Migration

Employee and payroll master data is migrated with thorough accuracy checks. Clients review and sign off on migrated data to confirm completeness and correctness before moving into testing.

Test Payroll Run

Simulation runs validate the configuration, supported by parallel testing with the client’s existing systems. End-to-end and user acceptance testing confirm reliability, with issues resolved prior to final approval.

Payroll Transition and Go-Live

A clear transition plan ensures a smooth move into live payroll operations. Comprehensive training is provided for users, supported by a hypercare and escalation plan for immediate post-go-live needs. A fallback plan is prepared for additional assurance, and a final checklist is completed before sign-off.

Payroll Integration in Norway

Mercans stands out in Norway with integrations and data exchange workflows connected with Altinn, the national platform used for tax, employment, and statutory reporting processes. With operations across more than 160 countries, Mercans combines global reach with local payroll knowledge, helping employers keep payroll accurate, timely, and aligned with Norwegian regulations.

Recognised Trust Sources

Our integrations are designed to support secure payroll operations and statutory workflows, underscoring our commitment to compliance, security, and efficiency in every payroll cycle.

Integration with HCM, HRMS and Workforce Management Platforms

Mercans Payroll Software integrates effortlessly with leading HCM and HR platforms, creating one smooth experience from HR administration to payroll reporting. Employees can use self-service features to log hours, request reimbursements, or manage declarations. Entries are validated and submitted directly through the payroll system, reducing manual work and giving both HR teams and employees more time to focus on what matters.

Custom API Integrations

Mercans offers tailored API integrations for industries in Norway, from shipping and energy to healthcare, financial services, and technology. Our flexible approach ensures payroll aligns seamlessly with sector-specific requirements.

Xero Integration

Mercans Payroll connects with Xero to sync data instantly, automate HR and payroll tasks, and eliminate errors. This smart integration saves time, reduces risk, and gives your team space to grow your business with confidence.

Norway Payroll Reports

Category	Report Type	Local Name	Frequency / Authority	Description
Standard Payroll Reports	Employee Payslips	Lønnsslipp	Each payroll run / Employee	Issued to employees showing salary, taxable benefits, deductions, withholding tax, pension deductions, holiday pay accruals and net pay.
Standard Payroll Reports	Payroll Summary Report	Lønnsrapport / Lønnssammendrag	Each payroll run / Internal	Internal summary of gross pay, tax deductions, employer contributions, pension costs and net pay for review, reconciliation and budgeting.
Standard Payroll Reports	Absence and Overtime Report	Fraværs- og overtidsrapport	Ongoing / Internal	Tracks sick leave, vacation, overtime hours and related payroll impact.
Standard Payroll Reports	Pension Contribution Report	Pensjonsrapport / OTP-rapport	Monthly or per pension provider requirement	Records employee and employer occupational pension contributions and supports reporting or integration with pension providers.
Statutory Payroll Reports	A-melding	A-melding	Monthly / Skatteetaten, NAV and SSB	Mandatory monthly payroll report covering income, employment details, withholding tax, employer’s National Insurance contributions and other required payroll information. The submission deadline is normally the 5th of the following month. (Skatteetaten)
Statutory Payroll Reports	Tax Deduction Card Updates	Skattekort	Ongoing / Skatteetaten	Retrieval and application of employee tax deduction card data to ensure correct payroll withholding tax. Employers are responsible for downloading employees’ tax deduction cards.
Statutory Payroll Reports	NAV Reimbursement / Benefit Reports	NAV-rapporter	As required / NAV	Reports and documentation supporting reimbursement or administration of sickness benefits, parental benefits and other NAV-related payroll items.
Statutory Payroll Reports	Employer’s National Insurance Contributions	Arbeidsgiveravgift	Reported monthly via A-melding; paid by statutory term / Skatteetaten	Employer social security contributions calculated by applicable contribution zone and reported through the A-melding.
Statutory Payroll Reports	Withholding Tax Payment Report	Forskuddstrekk	Each payroll payment / Skatteetaten	From 2026, payroll withholding tax is paid directly to the Norwegian Tax Administration on the first working day after salary payment.
Year-End Payroll Reports	Annual Employee Income Summary	Sammenstilling av inntekter, fradrag og forskuddstrekk	Annually by 1 February / Employee	Annual summary provided to employees covering salary, benefits, allowances and deductions reported for the previous year.
Year-End Payroll Reports	Year-End A-melding Corrections	Korreksjon av A-melding	Year-end or as required / Skatteetaten, NAV and SSB	Final review and correction of submitted A-meldings to ensure payroll, tax and employment data are accurate.
Year-End Payroll Reports	Employer Annual Payroll Summary	Årlig lønnssammendrag	Year-end / Internal or Auditor	Consolidated annual payroll overview used for reconciliation, audit support and compliance review.
Year-End Payroll Reports	Pension and Benefit Annual Reporting	Årlig pensjons- og ytelsesrapportering	Year-end / Pension providers	Annual overview of pension contributions and benefit-related payroll data for reconciliation with pension providers.

Benefits of Payroll Software in Norway

Mercans provides a robust payroll solution designed to streamline payroll management and HR processes while supporting compliance with Norwegian regulations. Here is how our software supports your organization.

Streamlined Payroll Processing
Additional Key Features

Independent Payroll Management

Process payroll directly within our platform, eliminating reliance on external providers.

Integrated HR and Leave Management

Manage payroll, HR tasks, and employee leave requests all in one system, reducing administrative complexity.

Automated Workflows

Minimize manual effort and human errors through automation, supporting precise payroll execution.

Customizable Solutions

Tailor workflows to fit your organization’s unique requirements.

Mercans’ payroll software offers a complete, secure, and user-friendly solution, simplifying payroll processes so your organization can focus on what matters most: your people.

Always Accessible

Access payroll information securely from anywhere at any time.

Transparent Pricing

Enjoy a clear pricing model with a fixed monthly fee plus a per-employee charge, with no hidden costs.

Dedicated Support

Receive expert guidance to maximize the benefits of the software.

Secure Data Management

Protect sensitive information with secure online processing and controlled backup practices.

Compliance Confidence

Stay aligned with Norway’s evolving tax, social security, and employment regulations through maintained payroll rules and updates.

Mercans’ payroll software offers a complete, secure, and user-friendly solution, simplifying payroll processes so your organization can focus on what matters most: your people.

Streamlined Payroll Processing

Independent Payroll Management

Process payroll directly within our platform, eliminating reliance on external providers.

Integrated HR and Leave Management

Manage payroll, HR tasks, and employee leave requests all in one system, reducing administrative complexity.

Automated Workflows

Minimize manual effort and human errors through automation, supporting precise payroll execution.

Customizable Solutions

Tailor workflows to fit your organization’s unique requirements.

Additional Key Features

Always Accessible

Access payroll information securely from anywhere at any time.

Transparent Pricing

Enjoy a clear pricing model with a fixed monthly fee plus a per-employee charge, with no hidden costs.

Dedicated Support

Receive expert guidance to maximize the benefits of the software.

Secure Data Management

Protect sensitive information with secure online processing and controlled backup practices.

Compliance Confidence

Stay aligned with Norway’s evolving tax, social security, and employment regulations through maintained payroll rules and updates.

Mercans’ payroll software offers a complete, secure, and user-friendly solution, simplifying payroll processes so your organization can focus on what matters most: your people.

This content was prepared for informational purposes only. As local laws & regulations keep on changing, please consult your tax & legal advisors.

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FAQs

What is the main challenge your company faces with payroll compliance in Norway?

Staying up-to-date with payroll regulations Norway and ensuring full payroll compliance Norway is the biggest challenge for many businesses.

Do you submit A-melding manually or use a payroll software solution?

Most companies now rely on payroll SaaS Norway or automated payroll Norway to simplify submissions and reduce errors.

Which payroll functions matter most to your organization: holiday pay, pension reporting, or tax card updates?

Accurate payroll tax rate calculation, holiday pay, pension reporting, and tax card updates are essential for business payroll and corporate payroll solutions.

Have you had difficulties connecting payroll software with your HR or accounting systems in Norway?

Integrating payroll and timesheet systems, payroll and bookkeeping services, or integrated payroll and HR software can be challenging without a robust payroll suite.

When selecting payroll software in Norway, do you value compliance, cost efficiency, or ease of use most?

Payroll compliance Norway is the top priority, along with user-friendly payroll application software, payroll advance online, and competitive payroll SaaS pricing Norway.

Do you manage payroll for small businesses or larger organizations?

We provide payroll software for small businesses Norway as well as corporate payroll solutions, making it easier to manage payroll, international payroll services, and non farm payroll efficiently.

Can employees access their payroll information directly?

Yes, employee self service payroll Norway allows 24/7 access to payroll and HR data through a secure payroll suite.

Which payroll providers do you consider for your company?

Payroll processing companies and payroll agencies offering comprehensive payroll software Norway and integrated payroll and HR software are ideal for small and medium businesses.