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How we help

Invest in Bergen offers assistance and recommendations to ensure your company has a successful start in Greater Bergen. We have a thorough knowledge of the region and a comprehensive network of contacts. Our services are free of charge.

We provide guidance on local markets to foreign companies that want to develop their businesses in the Greater Bergen area. We can introduce your company to our network of contacts and assist in finding ideal business locations. We can also help you explore business opportunities.  

 

Find out how Invest in Bergen can help you establish your firm in Greater Bergen


Easy to do business in Norway

Norway is a safe and easy country for doing business. The World Bank ranks Norway among the top ten countries for Ease of Doing Business, a position Norway has held for several years.

Norway has a great deal of credibility within technology, innovation and competence building. 

  • Our population of 5.4 million is modest in size, yet our purchasing power is comparable to larger economies due to our high standard of living and evenly distributed wealth
  • Norway is one of the world’s most digitalised countries
  • Most Norwegians are fluent English speakers, with French and German frequently spoken as well
  • Norwegians are generally well-educated

Norway ranks high on several scoreboards: 

  • High GDP per capita in Europe
  • Ranked 7th in “Ease of Doing Business” 
  • Top 10 in annual “World Competitiveness Scoreboard”
  • Ranked 4th in “IMD World Talent Report”
  • Easy to set up your own business

Here is more about the ease of doing business and Norway’s relationship with the EU. 

Doing business in Norway

Learn more about:

Registering a company

It is easy to register a company in Greater Bergen through the Brønnysund Register Centre. A limited company must have a minimum share capital of NOK 30,000 in total.

Invest in Bergen does not carry out registration processes for foreign companies. However, we can assist you in finding consultants that provide such services. 

Find out how to start and run a Norwegian business.

Start and run a business in Norway

Choose your company type

Private limited company (AS)

This type of company is one of the most commonly used by international businesses when registering a Norwegian entity. 

In order to register a private limited company in Norway, you will need NOK 30,000 in capital (roughly $3,000). This must be deposited in a bank. The bank account will be blocked up until the company is registered. You'll also have to pay a one-off charge of NOK 5,570 (roughly $550) for your company to be added to the Register of Business Enterprises.

Your company will need at least two directors, one of whom must be a Norwegian or European citizen. Private limited companies have an accounting obligation and must submit annual accounts to the Register of Company Accounts. 

Reporting obligations for Norwegian-registered foreign businesses

Norwegian branch of a foreign company (NUF)

If you're from a foreign company, another option is to set up a branch of your organization in Norway.

A Norwegian branch of a foreign company (NUF) is both easier to set up and easier to close down than AS and ASA companies. It is not a separate entity, but instead acts as a registered office for the parent company.

There is no minimum requirement for share capital when starting this type of business. However, the parent company's assets will be included on the balance sheet of the branch, and the parent company will also be liable for any debts incurred by the branch. 

The branch company must comply with Norwegian labour laws and pay taxes in Norway. An exception to this is when the parent company is based in a country that has a double taxation agreement with Norway.

Establishments by foreign nationals

If you are a foreign national who is seeking to start and operate a business in Norway, you'll need a Norwegian identification number (D-number or personal ID number) and a Norwegian business address. An accounting company can help you apply for a D-number. Below, you’ll find more information about getting a D-number. 

You can apply for a D-number while also completing your registration in the Brønnøysund register. 

Information on D-numbers for foreign nationals in Norway

This D-number will also allow you to access public services while living in Norway. If you're planning to live and work here, you can also read our section below on "Moving to Norway".


Legal obligations and responsibilities

Taxes in Norway

Value-added tax (VAT)

Companies are required to register in the VAT Register in Norway once their yearly turnover exceeds NOK 50,000. You don’t need to charge VAT on any goods and services before this point.

Once your business is registered in the VAT Register, you must:

  • collect VAT on behalf of the Norwegian state
  • determine how much VAT you need to pay when importing goods for your company
  • report to the Norwegian Tax Administration on the amount of VAT you have paid and collected. These reports need to be based on updated figures
  • pay the difference between VAT that you collect on your sales (output VAT) and the VAT you pay when importing goods (input VAT).

Good to know

Invest in Bergen recommends employing a professional accountant at an early stage when establishing your company in Norway.

They can advise you on what financial information to report, when to report it, and how to avoid common pitfalls in the reporting process.

Contact an advisor

Laws and regulation

There are several laws and regulations a Norwegian company must follow and adhere to. Many of these will be similar to those in other EU and EEA countries. 

Moving to Norway

If you are planning to move to Norway as well as starting your company here, there are a few things you'll need to know.

First of all, registering a business in Norway does not automatically give you the right to work here. The general rule is that all foreign citizens will need a residence permit in order to work in Norway. There will be different requirements for obtaining a residence permit depending on your country of origin. 

Nordic countries

If you are a Nordic citizen, you only need to pay a visit to your local Tax Administration office for ID verification and change of address notification.

EU/EEA

If you come from a country in EU/EEA and want to run a business in Norway, you must register within three months of arriving in Norway through the registration scheme for EU/EEA citizens. Invest in Bergen can recommend professionals who can advise you on this registration process.  

Begin process for EU/EEA citizens

Outside of EU/EEA

Citizens who come from a country outside the EU/EEA need to apply to the UDI in order to get a residence permit to work in Norway.

Begin process for non-EU/EEA citizens

Member of the European Single Market

Although not a member of the EU, Norway is fully integrated in the European single market through the EEA (European Economic Area) and Schengen Agreement. You can read more on doing business in Norway.

Invest in Bergen can help you

Invest in Bergen can provide you with critical assistance needed in setting up your company. Beyond vital introductions  with relevant authorities and networks, we can also assist you in finding essential office space and industrial sites.

Book a meeting with an advisor