Norway: A Premier Nordic Business Destination
Norway is one of the world’s wealthiest nations per capita, offering a remarkably stable business environment rooted in transparent governance and strong rule of law. The country is a global leader in maritime, energy, and seafood industries, and its membership in the European Economic Area (EEA) grants businesses seamless access to the EU single market without full EU membership. For international entrepreneurs looking to establish a European foothold, Norway’s combination of economic resilience, skilled workforce, and strategic market access makes it an increasingly attractive jurisdiction for company formation. Whether you are an individual entrepreneur or a multinational exploring how to register a company in Norway, the country offers a clear and efficient path to incorporation.
Quick Overview: Norway AS Company Structure
If you are wondering how to register a company in Norway, the most common route for foreign entrepreneurs is the AS (Aksjeselskap) — a limited liability company with consolidated share ownership. The AS is the standard vehicle for both domestic and international business, allowing shareholders to participate publicly in Norwegian markets while limiting personal liability to invested capital. To register a company in Norway as an AS, you must file the incorporation documents with the Brønnøysund Register Centre, which maintains the Coordinated Register and the Register of Business Enterprises. The process involves reserving a company name, drafting articles of association, depositing the minimum share capital, and submitting the coordinated registration form. Once approved, your company in Norway is assigned an organization number and becomes a legally operating entity. Understanding how to register a company in Norway is straightforward when you know the structural requirements, documentation, and tax obligations outlined below.
| Basic Company Information |
| Ownership Structure |
Consolidated share ownership |
| Liability Type |
Limited liability company (Aksjeselskap) |
| Public Market Participation |
Yes |
| Shareholders, Directors & Representatives |
| Minimum Shareholders |
1 (natural person or legal entity) |
| Minimum Directors |
1 |
| Legal Representative |
Required |
| Local Director Requirement |
Yes — at least 50% of directors must be EEA residents |
| Company Secretary |
Required |
| Registered Capital |
| Minimum Registered Capital |
NOK 30,000 |
| Paid-up Requirement |
100% must be paid up before incorporation |
| Capital Injection Method |
Bank transfer to a dedicated Norwegian bank account; confirmation from the bank is required for registration |
Requirements for Norway AS Incorporation
General Requirements
| Requirement |
Condition |
| Registered Address |
A Norwegian registered address is required. TKEG Expat offers a registered address service for companies without a physical office in Norway. |
| EEA-Resident Director |
At least 50% of board members must be residents of the EEA. TKEG Expat provides nominee director services to meet this requirement. |
Required Documents
| Natural Person (Individual Shareholder / Director) |
| Passport |
Notarized copy required |
| Proof of Address |
Utility bill or bank statement with English translation, issued within the last month |
| Legal Entity (Corporate Shareholder) |
| Business License / Certificate of Incorporation |
Notarized English translation required |
| Company Bylaws / Articles of Association |
English translation required |
| Passport of Legal Representative & 25%+ Shareholders |
Notarized copies required for the legal representative and all shareholders holding 25% or more |
| Proof of Address (Legal Rep & 25%+ Shareholders) |
Utility bill or bank statement with English translation, issued within the last month |
Tax Overview for Norway AS Companies
Source: Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten), OECD Tax Database 2024
Norway applies a straightforward corporate tax regime. The standard corporate income tax (CIT) rate is 22%, with higher rates for specific sectors. Norway also levies a 25% standard VAT rate. Capital gains are generally taxed at the standard CIT rate, although the participation exemption method may apply to qualifying share disposals between corporate entities. Below is a summary of the key tax rates and filing obligations relevant to a Norway AS.
| Corporate Income Tax (CIT) |
| Standard CIT Rate |
22% (25% for financial sector; special rates: petroleum 78%, hydropower 67%, onshore wind 47%) |
| CIT Filing & Payment |
| Tax Return Deadline |
End of May (April for petroleum companies) |
| Estimated Tax Payments |
Two installments: February 15 and April 15 |
| Withholding Tax (WHT) |
| WHT on Dividends / Interest / Royalties |
Generally not applicable for residents |
| Value Added Tax (VAT) |
| Standard VAT Rate |
25% |
| Capital Gains Tax (CGT) |
| Capital Gains Rate |
Taxed at the standard CIT rate (22%); participation exemption may apply for qualifying corporate share disposals |
| Effective Tax Rate |
| Composite EATR (OECD) |
21.41% |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question |
Answer |
| Are there nationality restrictions for shareholders? |
No. Any natural person or legal entity of any nationality can be a shareholder. However, at least 50% of the board of directors must be residents of the EEA. |
| Can I withdraw the registered share capital after incorporation? |
Yes. Once the company is registered, the share capital can be used for ordinary business operations. There is no requirement to keep the NOK 30,000 idle in the bank account. |
| What are the minimum shareholder requirements? |
A Norway AS requires at least one shareholder. There is no maximum limit. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities from any jurisdiction. |
| How is the share capital verified? |
The full NOK 30,000 minimum must be deposited into a designated Norwegian bank account before registration. The bank issues a confirmation that is submitted to the Brønnøysund Register Centre as part of the incorporation filing. |
| Can I transfer funds from abroad to meet the capital requirement? |
Yes. International wire transfers are accepted. The funds must arrive in the designated Norwegian bank account before the incorporation documents are filed. |
| Do I need a local director if I am not an EEA resident? |
Yes. Norwegian law requires that at least half of the directors reside in the EEA. If you do not meet this requirement, you will need to appoint an EEA-resident nominee director. TKEG Expat can provide this service. |
