Expanding Your Business to Norway
Cross-border support
Complér has extensive experience in providing cross-border support for international businesses with operations in Norway. We help our international clients navigate the necessary steps for compliance to Norwegian laws and regulations and assist with required public registrations and reporting to authorities. Complér provides direct support to foreign companies planning to provide goods or services in Norway. We also partner with experienced and qualified lawyers for legal advice as needed.
Key considerations to address: If your company is planning to operate in Norway, you will need to establish a legal presence. The first step is to register your business with the Norwegian Business Registry (The Brønnøysund Register Centre).
There are two main options for foreign companies looking to establish themselves in Norway: Private Limited Company (AS) or a Norwegian Branch of a Foreign Company (NUF).
Read more below about necessary considerations for establishing your business in Norway:
Private Limited Company (AS)
A private limited company (Norwegian: Aksjeselskap - AS) is a separate legal entity that offers limited liability to its owners. Key features include:
- A minimum share capital of NOK 30 000.
- At least one board member, who must be a Norwegian resident or a resident of another European Economic Area (EEA) country or UK/Northern Ireland/Switzerland. With more than one board member, minimum 50% of the board must be within the residency requirement.
- Requirement to submit annual financial statements to the Norwegian Authorities.
- Suitable for businesses planning long-term operations in Norway.
Norwegian Branch of a Foreign Company (NUF)
A Norwegian-registered foreign company (NUF - Norskregistrert utenlandsk foretak) allows a foreign company to operate in Norway without forming a separate legal entity. Key aspects include:
- No share capital requirement.
- The foreign company remains legally responsible for all obligations of the Norwegian branch.
- Often used for short-term projects or testing the Norwegian market.
- Simplified reporting compared to a full AS but may still be subject to Norwegian tax and employer regulations.
Other Key Considerations
Tax and VAT Registration
Businesses operating in Norway may need to register for VAT (MVA) if their turnover exceeds NOK 50,000.
Employment Regulations
If you plan to hire employees in Norway, you must comply with Norwegian labor laws, including social security contributions.
Reporting and Compliance
Companies must report income, employees, and VAT obligations regularly to Norwegian authorities.
Permits & Sector-Specific Regulations
Some industries require additional permits or licenses before operating in Norway.
Registering Your Norwegian Business
All businesses in Norway must be registered in the Brønnøysund Register Centre. The registration process involves choosing a company type (AS or NUF), documenting paid-in share capital if applicable, submitting further required documentation and identification and paying the necessary registration fee.
The total process will typically take 8-16 weeks for a new business in Norway, before a Norwegian organizational number is issued by the registry.
Once the registration is complete, your business will be ready to further explore the Norwegian market.
VAT Compliance and Reporting for your Operations
Any foreign entity selling goods or services in Norway will be required to publicly register and submit VAT returns to the Norwegian tax authorities. Complér is a licensed financial service provider under the Financial Supervisory Authority in Norway, and we are authorized to assist in these matters should you require support with regulatory VAT reporting and general compliance.
You can find more information on applicable VAT-requirements with the Norwegian Tax Administration:
Your Employees Working in Norway
When hiring employees in Norway, compliance with Norwegian labor laws and social security contributions is required. If you plan for employees to work from abroad on assignment in Norway, tax treaties will apply. You will need to provide information on each employee and assignment, as well as regular payroll reporting to the authorities. Any employment on a construction site in Norway requires individual Norwegian HSE-cards.
General information on assignment employment in Norway is found through this link from the Norwegian Tax Administration:
Accounting Services
Complér Accounting AS is authorized under the Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) of Norway and can provide ongoing accounting services for your business.
Compliance Support from Complér
Get expert assistance
Navigating Norwegian regulations can be complex. At Complér, we help foreign companies establish themselves in Norway, helping you meet key requirements efficiently.
Contact us to see how Complér can help you succeed with your plans. Provide a brief description of your company and your business in Norway, and we will set up a no-obligations call to discuss whether we are a fit: international@compler.no
