14 May 2026
Types of Norwegian Companies
The main types of companies in Norway, from sole proprietorships and partnerships to AS and ASA. Contact our consultants for help choosing and registering.
There are various types of companies in Norway you can choose from, should you decide to invest here. They are presented below by our local specialists who can also help you register the desired business form once you have all the details about it.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of companies | – Private limited company (Aksjeselskap); – Public limited liability company (Allmennaksjeselskap); – Sole proprietorships Enkeltpersonforetak; – General partnership (Ansvarlig selskap); – Limited partnership (Kommandittselskap); – Partnership with shared liability (Delt ansvar), etc. |
Private limited company | A private limited company in Norway is recognized as a distinct legal entity, thereby limiting your liability as an owner to the extent of the share capital you’ve invested in the company. |
Public limited liability company | The public limited liability company in Norway, known as ASA, is a favored option among foreign investors due to its straightforward registration process and favorable liability responsibilities, making it suitable for establishing large enterprises with multiple shareholders. |
| Sole proprietorships | Registering a sole proprietorship involves selecting a business name and outlining the intended business activities. Entrepreneurs, business owners, freelancers, residents, and non-residents alike can establish a self-employed business in Norway by adhering to a straightforward set of guidelines. |
| General partnership | In a general partnership, two or more owners (partners) share unlimited personal liability for the business, either collectively or individually. |
| Limited liability partnership | This business structure limits partners’ liability to their contributions to the partnership, safeguarding their personal assets from the partnership’s debts and liabilities beyond their invested capital. |
| Share capital | Determine the share capital required for the chosen company structure. For instance for a private limited liability company NOK 30,000 (approx. EUR 2,800) as share capital is required. |
| Registration fee | Pay the registration fee, which varies depending on the company structure and other factors. While registering a branch office, you are required to pay a fee of NOK 4,398 (approx. EUR 405, 2026; a NUF can only be registered on paper). |
| Organization number | Upon registration approval, the company will receive an organization number from the Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities (Enhetsregisteret). |
| VAT registration | If applicable, apply for VAT registration with the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). The VAT registration threshold is NOK 50,000 (approx. EUR 4,700) of taxable sales within 12 months. |
| Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority | Registration with the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) is needed only in certain sectors (e.g. staffing agencies, cleaning, car care); employees are reported through the monthly a-melding. |
| Bank account | Open a business bank account with a Norwegian bank for handling financial transactions. |
| Register employees with NAV | If hiring employees, register them with the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV). |
| Employer’s insurance | Calculate and pay employer’s national insurance contributions (arbeidsgiveravgift, 0–14.1% depending on the zone), reported to the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) through the a-melding. |
| Seek professional advice | Consider seeking advice from legal, financial, and business professionals to ensure compliance and success. Contact our company formation agents in Norway if you are interested in setting up a company. |
What types of companies can I open in Norway?
You can establish:
- a sole proprietorship;
- a private limited liability company;
- a public limited liability company.
What are my options if I want to expand the activities of my foreign company in Norway?
As an owner of a foreign company, you can set up one of the following business forms in Norway:
- a subsidiary;
- a branch office;
- a representative/liaison office.
We invite you to discover the main types of companies in our infographic:
What are the characteristics of the sole proprietorship in Norway?
The sole trader (or sole proprietorship) is the most basic type of business form that can be registered under the commercial legislation in Norway. The entrepreneur is liable for the gains and losses.
It may not be registered at the Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities, if it doesn’t buy products for resale and has less than five employees, but it is advised to do that (it’s free anyway), to receive an organization number.
What are the main features of the private limited liability company in Norway?
If you decide on this type of Norwegian company, you should note that:
- it requires at least one shareholder who can be a natural person or another company (it can be used for the creation of a subsidiary in Norway);
- it requires a minimum share capital of NOK 30,000 (around EUR 3,000), which must be paid upon registration;
- it must have at least one director who must be a resident of Norway or an EEA country.
What are the features of a public limited liability company in Norway?
The public limited liability company (Allmennaksjeselskap) in Norway is based on a higher share capital, with transferable shares unlike the private limited liability company.
The minimum share capital required is NOK 1 million (approx. EUR 97,000). The shareholders are liable for the debts or the company in the limit of their contribution.
This type of business form can be registered by natural persons and legal entities.
When opening this type of company, it is also compulsory to register a business address (a physical place for doing business), which is a necessary requirement for all types of businesses available in this country.
What are the registration requirements for a Norwegian general partnership?
In order to register a general partnership in this country, it is necessary to draft and sign a partnership agreement. The contributions provided by each partner have to be mentioned in this founding document.
In the case of persons who are foreign citizens interested in starting a general partnership in Norway, it is necessary to respect additional requirements. Persons who are citizens outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), will need to obtain a residence permit in this country in order to engage in any business activity
What is the most popular type of company in Norway?
The Norwegian private limited liability company is the most common business form among local investors. However, it can also be a great option for foreign entrepreneurs also.
Is full foreign ownership available for all types of companies in Norway?
Yes, full foreign ownership is available no matter the legal form you choose for opening a company in Norway.
We also invite you to watch a video:
What should I consider as a foreign investor who wants to open a business in Norway?
The most important aspect is applying for a residence/work permit if you want to relocate here and manage your business.
We remind clients that Norway is not a European Union member state; however, it is in the European Economic Area.
If you don’t know what type of company you should choose for your business in Norway, do not hesitate to contact our team of company formation agents in Norway.