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Do you want to set up a company in Norway? If so, then you need to apply for Company Registration in Norway. At Enterslice, we have a dedicated team of experts to assist you in the registration process from start to finish, including VAT registration and ongoing compliance.
Norway is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs. It has a stable and growing economy and ranks among the world's wealthiest nations. Also, it stands in the top 10 largest exporters of oil globally, along with other major sectors like technology, fishing, machinery, and metals.
Even though Norway is in Europe, it does not form a part of the European Union. It forms a part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). One of the biggest advantages is that both foreigners and nationals are treated equally. Anyone can obtain Business Registration in Norway without residing in the country, provided a Norwegian address is maintained. To know more and avail the services, you can connect with our team.
Corporate Income Tax is 22%
The standard VAT Rate is 25%
100% Foreign Ownership
90+ Double Tax Treaty Network
Minimum 1 director and 1 shareholder
EEA Membership (Access to Wider European Single Market)
Start your business in Norway with expert support from Enterslice. We simplify business registration in Norway, compliance, tax setup, and banking assistance for foreign entrepreneurs and investors.
The list of benefits of Company Registration in Norway is as follows:
The company registration process in Norway is simple, efficient, and quick. Companies can be incorporated with minimal paperwork and reduced administrative formalities, making it easier for entrepreneurs to start operations.
Norway allows foreign investors to establish and own companies without requiring resident directors. Non-residents can serve as directors, and companies can be fully owned by foreign shareholders, making Norway an attractive destination for international businesses.
Norway is recognized as one of the world's most business-friendly countries. The government offers various incentives, including tax deductions and subsidies, particularly for businesses engaged in research and development (R&D) activities in sectors such as energy and petroleum.
Norway offers access to free trade zones, including the special economic region of Svalbard. Businesses operating in these zones can benefit from exemptions on customs duties and VAT, creating favourable conditions for investment and trade.
Norway is consistently ranked among the least corrupt countries in the world. Its transparent legal and regulatory framework provides businesses with a secure, trustworthy environment in which to operate. It is one of the advantages of company registration in Norway.
With extensive coastlines and access to major sea routes, Norway serves as an important transportation hub. The availability of cost-effective maritime transport supports international trade and creates significant business opportunities.
The combination of efficient registration procedures, foreign ownership flexibility, tax incentives, transparency, and strong trade infrastructure makes Norway an attractive destination for company formation and business expansion.
The list of documents required for Company Registration in Norway is as follows:
Shareholders Register
Articles of Association
Shareholders Registry (for Public Limited Liability Companies)
Memorandum of Incorporation
Details of Shareholders, Directors, and General Manager
Auditor’s Declaration on Paid-Up Share Capital
Applicant’s Statement on Contributions Verified by an Auditor
Information on Partners
Partnership Agreement
Auditor’s Declaration
Appointment of Directors (if applicable)
Partners’ Signatures filed with the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises (NRBE)
The following people or entities can apply for Business Setup in Norway:
Individuals or corporate entities
Foreign entrepreneurs and international investors
A company with a single shareholder or multiple shareholders
Ownership can be local or foreign, depending upon the chosen legal structure
The different types of entities to Register Company in Norway are as follows:
A Private Limited Liability Company (Aksjeselskap - AS) is the most common business structure in Norway. It is a separate legal entity, and shareholders' liability is limited to their investment. The company is managed by a board of directors and may appoint a managing director for daily operations.
A Public Limited Liability Company (Allmennaksjeselskap - ASA) can offer shares to the public and list them on a stock exchange. It provides limited liability protection and is managed by shareholders, the board of directors, and a managing director.
Partnerships in Norway can be formed with either limited or unlimited liability, depending on the structure. The business is generally managed by the partners or an appointed manager.
A foreign company can establish a Norwegian Registered Foreign Company (NUF) to conduct business in Norway. The branch is not a separate legal entity, and the foreign parent company remains liable for its obligations.
The step-by-step process for Company Registration in Norway is as follows:
First, you need to choose the right legal structure in Norway based on your business needs. Some of them are Limited liability company (Aksjeselskap), Limited partnership (Kommandittselskap, KS) and Branch.
Next, you will have to reserve a unique business name with the Brønnøysund Register Centre. This chosen name should not be already registered by another business, should reflect the business structure, and must avoid offensive, misleading or overly generic terms.
In this stage, you have to formally submit the chosen name along with the legal form to the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises (Brønnøysundregistrene). This includes drafting and submitting the Articles of Association, payment of the required fee, and appointing a board of directors in compliance with Norwegian corporate governance.
Once the application is approved, your company will be assigned an organization number, which will act as the official business ID in Norway.
In order to operate a business in Norway, you must open a corporate bank account. For this, you will have to provide proof of Company Incorporation in Norway, business plan, etc.
Once your company is registered, your business must be reported to the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) for tax purposes.
The time taken for Company Registration in Norway is as mentioned below:
Select the most suitable business structure, such as a Limited Liability Company (AS), Limited Partnership (KS), or Branch Office. Once finalized, reserve a unique business name with the Brønnøysund Register Centre.
Prepare and file the required incorporation documents, including the Articles of Association, details of directors and shareholders, and the registration application with the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises.
The authorities review the application and, upon approval, issue an Organization Number, which serves as the company's official identification number in Norway.
Open a business bank account by submitting the company registration certificate and other supporting documents required by the bank.
Complete tax registration with the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) to ensure compliance with applicable tax obligations.
The list of post Company formation in Norway compliances is as follows:
| Business Type | Recommended City | Key Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Holding/Finance/Banking | Oslo (Aker Brygge) | Oslo Børs; Finanstilsynet; DNB / Nordea HQs; EEA bridge |
| Tech / Fintech / SaaS | Oslo / Trondheim | NTNU/SINTEF; Innovation Norway grants; SkatteFUNN R&D credit |
| Oil & Gas / Energy Services | Stavanger (Sola) | Equinor HQ; Aker Solutions; offshore energy cluster |
| Aquaculture / Salmon Farming | Bergen / Trondheim | MOWI / Cermaq supply chain; approximately USD 15 billion salmon export industry |
| Maritime / Shipping | Bergen / Oslo + NIS | NIS tonnage-tax regime; 4th-largest maritime nation |
| Renewable / Offshore Wind | Stavanger / Bergen | Equinor renewables; Ørsted; Enova green-tech grants |
| Manufacturing / Aluminium | Mo i Rana / Karmøy | Norsk Hydro green-aluminum; cheap hydropower; Northern Norway tax allowance |
| Tech R&D / Robotics / AI | Trondheim | NTNU + SINTEF; Norwegian Silicon Valley; deep-tech ecosystem |
| Tourism / Hospitality / Cruise | Bergen / Tromsø | Fjord tourism; Northern Lights; midnight sun; reduced 12% VAT |
| Mining / Rare Earths | Northern Norway / Finnmark | Critical-mineral rare earth element (REE) deposits; reduced Northern Norway employer national insurance contributions |
| Ranking / Index | Norway's Position |
|---|---|
| GDP (IMF, 2026) | $580B+ nominal GDP-$106K GDP per capita, among the highest globally |
| Sovereign Wealth Fund | $1.5T+ NBIM (Government Pension Fund Global)-World's largest sovereign wealth fund |
| Salmon Exports | Approximately $15B per annum-Ranked #1 globally in Atlantic salmon exports |
| Energy Production | World's #2 natural gas exporter to Europe-Approximately 88% of electricity generated from hydropower |
| Banking & EEA Access | DNB, Nordea, SpareBank 1-Provides EEA passporting access to a 450M+ EU market |
| Sovereign Credit Rating | AAA Rated-Maintains top ratings from S&P, Moody's, and Fitch with a fiscal-surplus economy |
Let our experts at Enterslice help you register company in Norway.
You may choose Enterslice to start a Business in Norway as a Foreigner for the following reasons:
Company registration in Norway offers several advantages, including a fast and simple incorporation process, flexible ownership rules that allow 100% foreign ownership, and a business-friendly environment supported by government incentives. Businesses also benefit from access to free trade zones, a transparent and low-corruption regulatory system, strong transportation and trade networks, and excellent opportunities for international growth and investment.
To register a company in Norway, applicants generally need the Articles of Association, Memorandum of Incorporation, shareholder and director details, shareholders' register, auditor declarations (where applicable), partnership information and agreements, appointment of directors, and partners’ signatures, all filed with the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises (NRBE). Additional documents may be required depending on the company's legal structure.
Individuals, corporate entities, foreign entrepreneurs, and international investors can apply for business setup in Norway. Companies may be established with a single shareholder or multiple shareholders, and both local and foreign ownership are generally permitted, depending on the chosen business structure.
The main business entities in Norway include the Private Limited Liability Company (AS), the most commonly used structure with limited shareholder liability; the Public Limited Liability Company (ASA), which can offer shares to the public; Partnerships, which may have limited or unlimited liability depending on the arrangement; and a Branch Office (NUF), allowing foreign companies to operate in Norway through a registered branch.
The process for company registration in Norway begins by selecting the appropriate legal structure, such as an AS, KS, or branch, based on business needs. Next, a unique business name must be reserved with the Brønnøysund Register Centre to ensure it is not already in use. After this, formal registration is completed by submitting required documents, including the Articles of Association, to the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises and paying the applicable fees.
Once approved, the company receives an organization number as its official ID. A corporate bank account is then opened using incorporation documents, followed by mandatory registration with the Norwegian Tax Administration for taxation purposes.
The main features of a Norwegian private limited company include a minimum share capital of 30,000 NOK, a minimum of one shareholder, and a board of directors is mandatory, with 50% of board members required to be resident in Norway or an EU/EEA country.
A Norwegian public limited company is generally preferred by large companies. It requires at least NOK 1 million in share capital, a minimum of one shareholder, and a board of directors.
-- Testimonials
Enterslice provided exceptional support for company registration in Norway, clearly explaining incorporation procedures, documentation requirements, and regulatory compliance obligations for foreign investors.
Henrik Solberg Enterslice made Norway company registration straightforward through clear explanations of documentation, legal procedures, and ongoing compliance obligations.
Freya LundStay updated with all the latest legal updates.
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