Frequently asked questions
What is Payout Partner?
Payout Partner is an invoicing and payment platform for freelancers in Norway. We offer two services: invoice without a company (we handle payroll, tax, and employer obligations for a 4.9% fee) and free invoicing software for those who have their own company (ENK or AS).
How does invoicing without a company work?
When you invoice without a company, Payout Partner acts as the invoicing entity. We send the invoice to your client using our organisation number, collect the payment, deduct employer's tax (AGA), income tax, and our 4.9% administration fee, then pay you the remaining amount as salary. You receive a payslip and we report everything to the tax authorities.
What does it cost?
If you invoice without a company, the administration fee is 4.9% of the invoice amount (excluding VAT). If you invoice with your own company, the invoicing software is completely free. There are no monthly fees, no setup fees, and no hidden costs.
Who can use Payout Partner?
Anyone doing freelance work in Norway can use Payout Partner. You do not need a registered company. Our platform is popular with translators, consultants, tutors, creatives, gig workers, and anyone taking on short-term assignments. If you have your own ENK or AS, you can use our free invoicing software instead.
How quickly do I get paid?
We process payouts every Thursday on a regular schedule, plus additional payouts when we have received a substantial amount of funds. Once your client pays the invoice, you typically receive your salary within a few business days.
Do I need to register a company?
No. That is the core benefit of our 'invoice without a company' service. Payout Partner invoices on your behalf using our organisation number. You receive payment as salary after tax. If you do have a company, you can use our free invoicing software to send invoices from your own organisation number.
What about VAT?
When you invoice through Payout Partner's salary service, MVA is charged on all work and paid to Skatteetaten by us — you do not need to think about it. If you invoice with your own company, you must handle MVA yourself: registration is required once you exceed NOK 50,000 in taxable sales within 12 months. Below that threshold you do not charge MVA, but you also cannot claim MVA back on expenses.
Can I invoice international clients?
Yes. Payout Partner supports invoicing to clients both in Norway and internationally. For international invoices, different VAT rules may apply. The platform handles the correct formatting and requirements.
Does Payout Partner support EHF invoicing?
Yes. EHF (Electronic trade format) is required when invoicing public sector organisations in Norway. Payout Partner can send EHF invoices through the Peppol network, ensuring your invoices meet all format requirements for government clients.
What is the difference between having a company and receiving salary?
With a company (ENK or AS), you receive the full invoice amount and handle taxes, accounting, and reporting yourself. With Payout Partner's salary service, we handle all employer obligations — you receive a net salary after tax and AGA deductions. The salary option is simpler but has the 4.9% fee. For income under roughly NOK 200,000 per year, the salary option is often more practical.
How do tax deductions work?
When you receive payment as salary through Payout Partner, we deduct tax according to your tax card (skattekort). This means the correct amount of income tax is withheld and reported to the Norwegian Tax Administration. You do not need to file anything extra — it works just like a normal employment salary.
Is Payout Partner safe and legitimate?
Yes. Payout Partner is operated by Payout Partner AS, a registered Norwegian company (org. no. 922 810 699) based in Oslo. We are fully compliant with Norwegian employment law, tax regulations, and accounting requirements. Over 10,000 freelancers have used the platform to send more than 180,000 invoices.
Do I get pension and sick pay benefits?
When you receive salary through Payout Partner, you build up rights in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (folketrygden) — including sick pay (sykepenger) and pension — just like a regular employee. This is a consequence of the salary model and one of its key advantages over invoicing through your own ENK.
Can businesses use Payout Partner for payroll outsourcing?
Yes. Businesses that work with freelancers can use Payout Partner as a payroll outsourcing solution. Instead of managing freelancer contracts, tax reporting, and employer obligations themselves, businesses can have their freelancers invoice through Payout Partner. This simplifies compliance and reduces administrative overhead.
What about holiday pay (feriepenger)?
Freelancers do not receive separate holiday pay by default. Holiday pay (feriepenger) in Norway is not extra money — it is a portion of your regular salary that your employer withholds each month and pays out the following summer. Since freelancers are paid per assignment and not on a fixed monthly salary, there is no monthly withholding to accumulate. This is how it works for all freelancers, not just through Payout Partner. Your tax card is adjusted so that less tax is deducted during the holiday pay period, which means the net effect on your annual income is similar.