The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit (Norwegian: Den Kongelige Norske Fortjenstorden (Bokmål) or Den Kongelege Norske Fortenesteordenen (Nynorsk)) was instituted by King Olav V in 1985.

The reigning monarch, King Harald V, is the Grand Master of the Order.

The Grand Cross is worn on a broad sash that hangs over the right shoulder.

Applications are submitted through the Protocol Department of the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The King receives the applications and confers the Order based on the council of the Lord Chamberlain of the Court, the Chief Protocol of the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Head of Chancery of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav.