Can a foreigner open a company in Norway?
John Thompson
Published Apr 25, 2026
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. You can apply for a D-number at the same time as completing your registration in the Bronnøysund register.
Is it good to start a business in Norway?
There are many good reasons for doing business in Norway, such as the high level of education, high productivity, and a longstanding culture of innovation. Norway has one of the world’s strongest economies. In other words, Norway a very interesting country both for established companies and for start-ups.
How do I get a residence permit in Norway?
Are you a foreign national planning to stay in Norway? If you are, you have to either register, apply for a visitor’s visa or apply for a residence permit. Apply for a residence permit or a visitor’s visa or register at the Directorate of Immigration’s website. Check how long it will take to process you application.
How easy is it to do business in Norway?
While Norway is known as one of the easiest countries in the world in which to do business, there are some challenges that those new to the market should be aware of. Norway has vast natural resources, wealth and a healthy economy, with one of the highest GDPs per capita.
How long does it take to open a business in Norway?
between 5 to 7 weeks
Important aspects to know when opening a company in Norway As a general rule, the procedure of company registration in Norway takes between 5 to 7 weeks, depending on the business form chosen for registration.
Which business can I start in Norway?
More Small Business Investment Opportunities in Norway
- Oil and Gas Servicing Company.
- Shopping Mall Business.
- Nail and Beauty Salon.
- Sandwich and Café Bar with Accommodation.
- Real Estate Business.
- Convenience Store.
- Technology Products Shop.
- Cigar Lounge.
How long does it take to get a Norwegian residence permit?
about eight weeks
Norway Residence Permit Processing Time It usually takes about eight weeks to process your Residence Permit from the time the UDI receives your completed application.
How long does a residence permit last in Norway?
three years
In order to apply for a permanent residence permit, you must have held a residence permit in Norway for at least three years and meet certain other requirements. If you have a permanent residence permit, you will be issued a residence card that is valid for two years at a time.
How long is Norwegian citizenship?
You must have lived in Norway for a total of at least three years during the past ten years. You must still be married, registered partners or cohabitants and live together at the time of the decision. You must meet the requirements for a permanent residence permit in Norway.
Is Norway good for international business?
So, with a stable, well educated workforce, good labor relations, well developed infrastructure and technology along with low corruption statistics and a high standard of living, Norway emerges as a solid market and global investment opportunity. Vol. Norway emerges as a solid market and global investment opportunity.
Yes, a foreigner can open and own a business in Norway. The most common company type for a foreigner is a private limited company, in Norwegian: AS. The most common company type for a non-Norwegian is the AS, a private limited company.
Is Norway a good place to start a business?
There are many good reasons for doing business in Norway, such as the high level of education, high productivity, and a longstanding culture of innovation. Norway has one of the world’s strongest economies. Norway is a world leader in the oil and gas, energy, maritime and seafood sectors.
What is the most lucrative business in Norway?
Oil and Gas Servicing Company Oil & gas is the first of Norway’s world leading industries. It has been the most stable and profitable sector in Norway. Establishing your own oil or gas servicing company is the best and shortest way of investing in this sector.
What is a limited company in Norway?
A private limited company is a separate legal person and your liability as owner is limited to the share capital you have invested in the business. According to The Companies Act, all private limited liability companies must have a share capital of at least NOK 30 000.
How much does it cost to start a business in Norway?
You will be notified once the registration process is complete. Registering a private limited company costs NOK 6797 (one-off fee from the Register of Business Enterprises).
How do Norwegians do business?
Norwegians take punctuality for business meetings very seriously and expect that you will do likewise; call if you will be more than five minutes late. Management style is similar to the participative management style in the United States, and employees are asked opinions.
What kind of business can I start in Norway?
What business should I start in Norway?
Business Ideas for Expats in Norway
- Teaching your native language. More often associated with backpacking students, teaching English (or any other language, for that matter!)
- Translator.
- Import/export.
- Café
- Tour guide.
- Photography.
- E-commerce.
- Virtual Assistant.
Are there any small business opportunities in Norway?
If Yes, here are 50 best small business ideas & investment opportunities in Norway. Norway or the Kingdom of Norway as it is called is a Scandinavia nation and part of the European Union. Norway shares border with Sweden, Finland, Russia, and Denmark.
How much capital do you need to start a business in Norway?
Please try again later. The most popular legal entities in Norway are the public (Allmennaksjeselskap – ASA) and private (Aksjeselskap – AS) limited company. There is a minimum capital of NOK 30,000 needed for the small or family-owned companies and of NOK 1 million for the ASA.
Can a foreign company own a company in Norway?
Legal entities registered in this country can be established with 100% foreign ownership and the investors are not required to travel into Norway for the registration procedure of their business.
How long does it take to become a company in Norway?
The AS and ASA can be founded by at least one person and the registration steps have to be started within three months since the investors have signed the memorandum of association. These business forms will be recognized as companies only after they have been registered with the local authorities.