Guide: starting a business in Norway
Starting a business in Norway.
A short, practical guide for people who want to start or grow a business in Norway. It covers the main steps and what to watch out for. Always check the details on altinn.no, with the Brønnøysund Register Centre or with an accountant (regnskapsfører).
1. ENK or AS?
- Enkeltpersonforetak (ENK) is the simplest form for one person. No share capital is needed, but you are personally liable for the business's debts.
- Aksjeselskap (AS) is a limited company. It requires at least NOK 30,000 in share capital and more paperwork, including annual accounts.
- Many people start with an ENK and move to an AS when turnover or risk grows. Talk the choice through with an accountant.
2. Registration
- You need a Norwegian ID number: a national identity number (fødselsnummer) or a D number.
- You register online with the Coordinated Register Notification (Samordnet registermelding) in Altinn. The business is entered in the Central Coordinating Register (Enhetsregisteret) and gets an organisation number (org.nr).
- An AS must also be registered in the Register of Business Enterprises (Foretaksregisteret). For an ENK this is required in some cases, for example when trading goods or hiring employees.
- Some industries, such as construction, cleaning and transport, have extra approvals or registers. Check them before you start.
3. VAT, tax and accounting
- VAT (MVA) registration is required once your VAT-liable sales exceed NOK 50,000 within 12 months.
- Keep proper accounts from day one. Simple accounting software or a regnskapsfører saves time and stress.
- A separate business bank account makes bookkeeping easier, and for an AS it is practically essential.
- Remember advance tax (forskuddsskatt). In an ENK, nobody deducts it for you.
4. Your first customers
- Norwegian customers usually look a business up on Google before they call. A website, a Google Business Profile and reviews all matter.
- Show your organisation number, the area you cover and a clear way to get in touch. It builds trust.
- A website in Norwegian, and in English if needed, lets you reach both Norwegian customers and the international community.
- This is where we can help: we build websites, online stores and local SEO for small businesses across Norway.
Questions and answers
- Can a foreigner start a business in Norway?
- Yes. EU/EEA citizens can run a business in Norway, and others may be able to depending on their residence permit. You need a Norwegian ID number (fødselsnummer or D number), and registration is done through Altinn.
- How much does it cost to register an ENK?
- Registration in the Central Coordinating Register alone is free. Fees apply for example when registering in the Register of Business Enterprises. Current rates are listed by the Brønnøysund Register Centre.
- When do I need to register for VAT?
- When your VAT-liable sales exceed NOK 50,000 within 12 months. The Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) describes the rules and exceptions.
- Do I need a website straight away?
- It is not a legal requirement, but it helps a lot when winning your first customers. A simple site and a Google Business Profile are enough to start, and you can build on them later.
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