Law allows state funding of religious groups without proof of membership

The Norwegian government allocates more than a billion kroner each year to religious and belief organisations based on membership lists, despite no requirement for proof of actual enrollment. Lawyer Steffen Brandstad has highlighted the weak controls and warned of potential misuse. VG reported that a Moroccan faith community in Oslo obtained funding for people who claim they never signed up.

While the law states that adults may only register themselves or be registered by a parent or guardian, it does not mandate written applications, membership dues, or any documentation of consent. Registrations are submitted with personal identification numbers, which are cross-checked, but this does not confirm voluntary membership. The Ministry claims the system includes annual checks, yet critics argue the rules leave the scheme open to exploitation.