Can non-Norwegian companies bid on public tenders in Norway?

Yes. Under the EEA Agreement, suppliers from all EU and EEA countries have full and equal access to Norwegian public procurement above EEA thresholds. Companies from WTO GPA signatory countries also have access to above-GPA-threshold procurements. For below-threshold tenders, there are generally no formal nationality restrictions, but practical considerations like language and local presence may apply.

What is Doffin and is it mandatory?

Doffin (doffin.no) is Norway's national tender notification database, operated by DFØ (the Agency for Public Management and eGovernment). All public procurement contracts above NOK 1.4 million (excl. VAT) must be published on Doffin. Above EEA thresholds, notices are automatically forwarded to TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) for pan-European visibility. It is the single most important platform to monitor for Norwegian procurement opportunities.

What is KOFA and how does the complaints process work?

KOFA (Klagenemnda for offentlige anskaffelser) is Norway's Public Procurement Complaints Board, providing an alternative to court proceedings for procurement disputes. Suppliers can file a complaint within 6 months of discovering a breach (8 months for illegal direct awards). The filing fee is NOK 8,000. KOFA issues advisory opinions, but these are highly respected and usually followed by contracting authorities. For binding decisions or damages, court proceedings remain an option.

Do I need to submit tenders in Norwegian?

It depends on the tender. Many Norwegian procurements, particularly in oil and gas, technology, defence, and research, accept English-language submissions. Some explicitly require Norwegian. The language requirement is always specified in the tender documents. As a general rule, the more international or technical the procurement, the more likely English will be accepted. When in doubt, contact the contracting authority during the clarification period.

How does Norway's EEA membership affect procurement rules?

Norway's EEA membership means it transposes EU procurement directives into Norwegian law. The practical effect is that Norwegian procurement procedures, thresholds, and principles closely mirror those of EU member states. Above EEA thresholds, Norwegian tenders are published on TED and follow EU-equivalent procedures. This makes Norway highly accessible for suppliers already familiar with EU procurement. The main difference is that Norway uses Norwegian Kroner (NOK) rather than Euros for threshold values.

Country GuidesApril 11, 2026Updated April 11, 202612 min read

How to Find Government Tenders in Norway

Norway spends approximately NOK 600 billion (~€55 billion) annually on public procurement — a remarkable 16% of GDP, making it one of the highest per-capita procurement markets in the world. This guide covers everything from the mandatory Doffin portal to navigating Norway's EEA-aligned procurement framework.

By Tender Radar Team

Procurement Landscape

Norway has one of the world's most valuable public procurement markets relative to its population. At approximately 16% of GDP, government purchasing touches virtually every sector of the economy. While not an EU member, Norway's participation in the European Economic Area (EEA) means its procurement rules closely mirror EU directives, giving EU/EEA suppliers full access to Norwegian tenders. The market is characterised by high transparency, strong digital infrastructure, and significant spending in oil and gas, maritime, defence, healthcare, and clean energy. Norway's wealth fund and petroleum revenues support sustained high levels of public investment.

Tips for Suppliers

Register on Doffin and Key E-Procurement Platforms

Create profiles on Doffin (doffin.no) and Mercell (mercell.com), as many Norwegian contracting authorities use Mercell for the full tender process. Set up alerts by CPV code and region to receive notifications of relevant tenders. Missing the Doffin publication means missing the opportunity.

Leverage EEA Market Access Rights

If you are based in an EU or EEA country, you have full legal access to Norwegian above-threshold procurements on equal terms with Norwegian suppliers. Norway cannot discriminate based on nationality within the EEA. Ensure your company documentation (certificates, financial statements) meets Norwegian requirements.

Consider Submitting in English

Many Norwegian contracting authorities, especially in oil and gas, IT, and defence, accept or even prefer English-language submissions. Check the tender documents carefully — if English is accepted, this significantly reduces the barrier for international suppliers. When Norwegian is required, invest in professional translation.

Emphasise Sustainability and Environmental Credentials

Norway has strengthened its sustainable procurement requirements significantly. Contracting authorities increasingly weight environmental and social criteria in evaluations. Highlight your environmental management systems, carbon footprint reduction measures, and any relevant eco-certifications (ISO 14001, EU Ecolabel, etc.).

Use KOFA for Low-Cost Dispute Resolution

If you believe a procurement process has been conducted unfairly, KOFA (Klagenemnda for offentlige anskaffelser) offers a fast, low-cost alternative to court proceedings. Filing a complaint costs NOK 8,000, and decisions are typically issued within months. While KOFA opinions are advisory, they carry significant weight and contracting authorities usually comply.

Build Relationships Through Framework Agreements

Norwegian public entities make extensive use of framework agreements (rammeavtaler), often lasting 2-4 years. Winning a place on a framework agreement provides a steady pipeline of call-off contracts. Monitor Doffin for upcoming framework agreement competitions in your sector, as these represent high-value, long-term opportunities.

How to Find Government Tenders in Norway

Procurement Landscape

Legal Framework

Official Procurement Portals

Doffin

TED (Tenders Electronic Daily)

Mercell

EU-Supply / CTM

Key Sectors & Opportunities

Oil, Gas & Energy

Maritime & Shipping

Defence & Security

Healthcare & Social Services

IT & Digital Services

Clean Energy & Environment

Tips for Suppliers

Register on Doffin and Key E-Procurement Platforms

Leverage EEA Market Access Rights

Consider Submitting in English

Emphasise Sustainability and Environmental Credentials

Use KOFA for Low-Cost Dispute Resolution

Build Relationships Through Framework Agreements

Frequently Asked Questions

Automate your tender search in Norway

Related Guides

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How to Find Government Tenders in Finland

How to Find Government Tenders in the United Kingdom

EU Procurement Thresholds Explained (2026)

How to Find Government Tenders in Germany

How to Find Government Tenders in Denmark

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