Setting up and operating a business in Norway as a foreign national can seem like a complex task. However, Norway offers a transparent regulatory framework, a stable economy, and a high level of digitalization, making it an attractive destination for international entrepreneurs. This guide outlines the essential steps and legal requirements to help you successfully establish and manage a company in the Norwegian market.
Preparations before starting your business
Before launching operations, you must complete several preparatory steps to ensure compliance with local regulations and secure a smooth start.
Choosing the right legal structure
One of the first and most important decisions you will make is selecting the appropriate legal entity for your business. In Norway, these are the structures most accessible and practical for international entrepreneurs:
- Limited liability company (Aksjeselskap, AS): The most commonly used structure. Requires NOK 30,000 in share capital and offers limited liability, making it suitable for scalable and investor-ready businesses.
- Branch (Norsk filial av utenlandsk foretak): Ideal for foreign companies expanding into Norway. A branch is not a separate legal entity but must be registered with the Brønnøysund Register Centre.
- Limited partnership (Kommandittselskap, KS): Combines full and limited liability partners. Often used in investment structures and by passive stakeholders.
Reserving a business name
Your company name must be registered with the Brønnøysund Register Centre and should meet specific criteria:
- Be unique and not already registered by another business
- Reflect the business structure (e.g., AS for limited companies)
- Avoid offensive, misleading, or overly generic terms
- Be compliant with Norwegian language and character usage standards
Name availability can be verified through the official Brønnøysund online portal.
Establishing your company in Norway
Once your foundational decisions are in place, you can proceed with formal registration and setup.
Company registration
Registering your company with the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises (Brønnøysundregistrene) is the first formal step in establishing your company’s legal presence in Norway. The standard registration process includes:
- Submitting the chosen business name and legal form
- Providing company address and contact details
- Listing owners, directors, and shareholdings (for limited companies)
- Drafting and submitting the Articles of Association
- Paying the required registration fee
- Appointing a board of directors in compliance with Norwegian corporate governance requirements
Upon approval, your company will be assigned an organization number (organisasjonsnummer), which acts as the official business ID in Norway.
Opening a business bank account
To operate in Norway, your company must open a corporate bank account. Banks will typically request:
- Proof of company registration
- Identity documentation for founders and directors
- The company’s Articles of Association
- A detailed description of business activities
- Business plan
For private limited companies, the required share capital must be deposited before the company can be officially registered.
Registering for tax
Once registered, your business must be reported to the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) for tax purposes. This includes:
- VAT registration – Mandatory if annual revenue exceeds NOK 50,000
- Employer registration – Required if you plan to hire employees
- Corporate income tax – All limited companies must file annual corporate tax returns
Additionally, businesses must obtain access to Altinn, Norway’s online platform for public reporting.
Protecting intellectual property
If you intend to build a brand or develop proprietary products or services, consider registering your trademarks, patents, or designs with the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (Patentstyret) or through the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for broader protection. This safeguards your rights and strengthens your position in the Norwegian and European markets.
Operating your business in Norway
Once your company is operational, maintaining compliance with Norwegian regulations is essential. Below are ongoing obligations for foreign entrepreneurs.
- Bookkeeping and accounting – All companies in Norway are required to maintain accurate financial records in accordance with the Norwegian Bookkeeping Act. Depending on company size and structure, audited annual financial statements may be mandatory.
- Annual reporting – Private limited companies (AS) must submit annual financial statements and tax returns to the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) and, in some cases, to the Register of Company Accounts.
- VAT and tax filings – Businesses registered for VAT must file periodic VAT returns (mva-melding), and all companies are required to submit corporate income tax declarations.
- Payroll and employment compliance – Employers in Norway must report salaries, withhold income tax (forskuddstrekk), pay employer’s National Insurance contributions (arbeidsgiveravgift), and comply with Norwegian labor and employment laws.
- Updating company information – Changes to company details, such as business address, board composition, or shareholding structure, must be reported to the Brønnøysund Register Centre.
A trusted partner for your Norwegian venture
With deep knowledge of the local regulatory landscape and hands-on experience, Nordig GEM helps ensure a smooth and compliant setup—laying the groundwork for long-term success. Contact us to learn how we can support your Norwegian venture.
