Norway · Company Registration
Entity types, registration process, required documents, costs, and official registries.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Setting up from abroad
- Usual entity for foreign founders
- AS
- Non-resident can be sole director
- No
Official registry: brreg.no
At least half the board — and any deputy members — must reside in Norway, the EEA, the UK or Switzerland.
The private limited company (AS) is the usual form and needs NOK 30,000 share capital. You register with the Brønnøysund Register Centre through Altinn, which issues an organisation number; VAT registration follows once taxable sales exceed NOK 50,000.
Companies are registered with the Brønnøysund Register Centre in the Register of Business Enterprises, often via Altinn. The AS (aksjeselskap) is the common limited-liability form.
- The AS (aksjeselskap) is the standard private limited company.
- Registration is commonly done online through the Altinn portal.
- An organisation number identifies the company across public services.
- 1
Choose a legal form
The aksjeselskap (AS, private limited) is the usual company and needs NOK 30,000 of share capital.
- 2
Prepare the founding documents
Draft the memorandum of incorporation and articles of association with the share capital, board and registered address.
- 3
Deposit the share capital
Pay the share capital into a blocked account; a bank or auditor confirms the deposit.
- 4
Register with the Brønnøysund Register Centre
Register the company via Altinn with the Register of Business Enterprises at the Brønnøysund Register Centre; you receive an organisation number.
- 5
Register for VAT
Register for VAT (MVA) once taxable sales exceed NOK 50,000 in a 12-month period.
- 6
Set up employer registration and banking
Register as an employer (A-melding) if you hire staff and open a business bank account.
- Legal form chosen (usually AS)
- Memorandum of incorporation + articles of association
- Share capital NOK 30,000 in a blocked account + confirmation
- Brønnøysund Register Centre registration via Altinn → organisation number
- VAT (MVA) registration once sales > NOK 50,000
- Employer registration (A-melding) if hiring
- Business bank account
- Registered office address in Norway
- Brønnøysund Register Centre
Business register.
- Altinn
Government digital services for business.
Frequently asked questions
What is an organisation number?
The nine-digit organisation number issued by the Brønnøysund Register Centre identifies the company for tax, VAT and official dealings.
How much capital does an AS need?
An AS requires NOK 30,000 of share capital, deposited into a blocked account and confirmed before registration.
When must I register for VAT?
VAT registration is required once taxable sales exceed NOK 50,000 over a 12-month period.
Government portals
- Skatteetaten — Norwegian Tax Administration — D-number and national identity number, tax deduction card, and the tax return.
- Brønnøysund Register Centre — Company registration and the public register of Norwegian businesses.
- Altinn — Digital Services Portal — Where businesses and individuals file forms and reports to the state.
- NAV — Labour and Welfare Administration — Employment services, unemployment benefit, parental leave and pensions.