Skip to content

Registering a Norwegian company

Invest in Vestland offers assistance and recommendations to ensure your company has a successful start in Vestland. We have a thorough knowledge of the region and a comprehensive network of contacts. Our services are free of charge.

Norway is known for its stable, transparent, and business-friendly environment, making it one of the easiest countries in the world to do business. With its efficient systems, modern infrastructure, and a well-established legal framework, foreign companies are welcomed and supported as they set up operations in the country.

We offer our assistance

Invest in Vestland can provide you with critical assistance needed in setting up your company. We provide guidance on local markets to foreign companies that want to develop their businesses in Vestland. We can introduce your company to our network of contacts. We can also help you explore business opportunities. 

Beyond vital introductions  with relevant authorities and networks, we can also assist you in finding essential office space and industrial sites.

Book a meeting with an advisor 

 

Safe and easy country for doing business

Norway is a safe and easy country for doing business and is by the The World Bank ranked amongst the top ten countries for Ease of Doing Business, a position Norway has held for several years.

Read  more about the ease of doing business and Norway’s relationship with the EU. 

Doing business in Norway

Learn more about:

Choose your company type

Private limited company (AS)

This type of company is one of the most commonly used by international businesses when registering a Norwegian entity. 

This is ideal if you're looking for a separate legal entity to operate in Norway. It limits the financial liability of owners to their share capital (minimum NOK 30,000). However the company’s CEO and at least half of the members of its board of directors must reside in an EEA state, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or the Swiss Confederation. Depending on the size of the company, there might be requirements with regards to gender representation among the members of the board of directors.

Private limited companies have an accounting obligation and must submit annual accounts to the Register of Company Accounts. 

Reporting obligations for Norwegian-registered foreign businesses

Norwegian branch of a foreign company (NUF)

If you're from a foreign company, another option is to set up a branch of your organization in Norway.

A Norwegian branch of a foreign company (NUF) is both easier to set up and easier to close down than AS and ASA companies. It is not a separate entity, but instead acts as a registered office for the parent company.

There is no minimum requirement for share capital when starting this type of business. However, the parent company's assets will be included on the balance sheet of the branch, and the parent company will also be liable for any debts incurred by the branch. 

The branch company must comply with Norwegian labour laws and pay taxes in Norway. An exception to this is when the parent company is based in a country that has a double taxation agreement with Norway.

Registration process

Register your business with the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises (Brønnøysund Register Centre). Required documents include company statutes, information about the board of directors, and proof of share capital for AS. Foreign-owned companies need to submit additional documentation, including confirmation of the foreign company’s registration and board resolutions regarding operations in Norway. You’ll also need a D-number for individuals who don’t hold a Norwegian personal ID number to register the business.

Useful links:

Starting and registering a private limited company (AS)

Starting a Norwegian branch of a foreign company (NUF)

Establishments by foreign nationals

If you are a foreign national who is seeking to start and operate a business in Norway, you'll need a Norwegian identification number (D-number or personal ID number) and a Norwegian business address. An accounting company can help you apply for a D-number. Below, you’ll find more information about getting a D-number. 

You can apply for a D-number while also completing your registration in the Brønnøysund register. 

Information on D-numbers for foreign nationals in Norway

This D-number will also allow you to access public services while living in Norway. If you're planning to live and work here, you can also read our section below on "Moving to Norway".


Legal obligations and responsibilities

Corporate tax compliance

The standard corporate income tax rate in Norway is 22%. The rate is the same for business income, capital gains and royalties. Dividends and income from the sale of shares from limited liability companies (AS) to other corporate entities residing in Norway are taxed at an effective rate of 0,66 %.

Value-added tax (VAT)

  • Companies selling goods or services in Norway must register for VAT if annual turnover exceeds NOK 50,000.
  • The standard VAT rate is 25%, with reduced rates of 15% for food and 12% for certain services.
  • Tax returns for VAT and payment of outstanding VAT is for most businesses submitted every two months.
  • Note that certain goods and services may be exempt from ingoing and/or outgoing VAT. Please consult a VAT professional to further assess your VAT obligations.

Deductions and depreciation

  • Businesses can deduct operating expenses, employee costs, and depreciation of assets from taxable income.
  • The Norwegian tax for the most part operates on a principle of symmetry. If a given source of income is subject to tax, a corresponding loss normally eligible for a deduction, though exemptions may apply.
  • Depreciation rates vary by asset type, from 20% for machinery to 2% for buildings.

Get an accountant

Invest in Vestland recommend employing a professional accountant at an early stage when establishing your company in Norway.

They can advise you on what financial information to report, when to report it, and how to avoid common pitfalls in the reporting process.

Contact an advisor

Laws and regulation

There are several laws and regulations a Norwegian company must follow and adhere to. Many of these will be similar to those in other EU and EEA countries. 

Moving to Norway

If you are planning to move to Norway as well as starting your company here, there are a few things you'll need to know.

First of all, registering a business in Norway does not automatically give you the right to work here. The general rule is that all foreign citizens will need a residence permit in order to work in Norway. There will be different requirements for obtaining a residence permit depending on your country of origin. 

Nordic countries

If you are a Nordic citizen, you only need to pay a visit to your local Tax Administration office for ID verification and change of address notification.

EU/EEA

If you come from a country in EU/EEA and want to run a business in Norway, you must register within three months of arriving in Norway through the registration scheme for EU/EEA citizens. Invest in Bergen can recommend professionals who can advise you on this registration process.  

Begin process for EU/EEA citizens

Outside of EU/EEA

Citizens who come from a country outside the EU/EEA need to apply to the UDI in order to get a residence permit to work in Norway.

Begin process for non-EU/EEA citizens

Member of the European Single Market

Although not a member of the EU, Norway is fully integrated in the European single market through the EEA (European Economic Area) and Schengen Agreement. You can read more on doing business in Norway.