If you want to open a private limited liability company (Aksjeselskap -AS) in Norway, you must complete several steps. The main advantage of this business form is that it can also be established remotely with the help of our specialists.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable legislation | Norway Company Act. |
Minimum number of shareholders | The private limited liability company (AS) must have at least one shareholder. |
Shareholders’ liability | The shareholders have limited liability with respect to the company’s debts and obligations. |
| Minimum number of directors | One. |
| Resident director required (YES/NO) | Yes, at least one resident director must be appointed. |
| Norwegian legal address required (YES/NO) | Yes, the AS business form must have a Norwegian registered address. |
| Minimum share capital | NOK 30,000 (around EUR 3,000). |
| Best used for | The private company can be used for trading, commercial, e-commerce activities. |
| Full foreign ownership availability (YES/NO) | Yes, the company can be fully owned. |
| Approx. timeframe for incorporation | Approx. 2 weeks. |
| Corporate tax rate | A 22% tax rate applies to Norwegian companies. |
| Accounting requirements | Audited annual records must be filed with the Trade Register. |
| Advantages | – easy to set up, – multiple uses, – corporate shareholding ownership availability. |
| Access to double tax treaties (YES/NO) | Yes, to more than 80 treaties. |
| Support in private limited liability company registration in Norway (YES/NO) | Yes, clients can rely on our company formation agents in Norway for assistance. |
Table of Contents
Can I set up a private limited liability company in Norway with full foreign ownership?
Yes, you can. Our experienced company formation agents in Norway can handle all the company registration steps for you, no matter the type of company you choose to incorporate in this country.
Are there any special requirements if I am a foreign shareholder in a company in Norway?
If you want to run your business from Norway, you must apply for a residence and work permit.
What are the most important features of a limited liability company in Norway?
The following:
- as a shareholder, your liability is limited to the capital you contributed with respect to the debts and obligations of the company;
- the company is a distinct legal entity from its owner;
- it can be used for most operations on the market, including for setting up a subsidiary in Norway.
What are the registration requirements for a Norwegian private limited liability company?
The following:
- it must have at least one shareholder, who can be a natural person or another company;
- it must also have at least one director who is a Norwegian resident;
- the minimum share capital is NOK 30,000 (approx. EUR 3,000);
- a local address is also required for registration (a virtual office can be used).
What are the steps to open a private limited liability company in Norway?
- trading name reservation;
- bank account opening;
- documents drafting and filing with the Trade Register;
- tax and VAT registration (obtaining a VAT number at this stage is voluntary);
- licensing, if applicable.
What are the documents required to open a private limited liability company in Norway?
The following:
- Memorandum and Articles of Association;
- shareholder’s ID or passport/ constitution documents, based on the legal status;
- the director’s ID;
- confirmation of depositing the share capital (bank statement).
What are the identification requirements available for foreigners in Norway?
Although foreign businessmen can easily start a company in Norway, prior to this, they will need to comply with specific identification requirements. All persons doing business must have a national ID number. In the case of foreigners, it is necessary to obtain a D-number, which is a temporary identification number.
This regulation is available for all foreigners who are interested in doing business in this country, as well as for those seeking for employment on the local market. However, for non-resident persons opening a company in Norway, the D-number is necessary when owning a business here or when the persons are included in the company’s board of directors.
How long does it take to register a private limited liability company in Norway?
Approx. 3 weeks.
For more details on the Norwegian LLC and for professional company incorporation services, our team of company formation specialists in Norway is at your disposal. Contact us now for a personalized offer. Our company in Norway is a part of Bridgewest, an international network of legal advisers and company formation consultants.
Foreign businessmen who need company formation services in other jurisdictions can rely on our partners from Japan, Hong-Kong or Singapore. Furthermore, our partners have a dedicated website for Russian investors who want to expand their business abroad. We invite them to visit Регистрация компаний Норвегия for more information.

