How does company registration work in Norway?

Where to register?

The Norwegian registration system consists of two key registers:

The Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities (Enhetsregisteret)

All businesses must first be registered here. Once registration is completed, the company receives an organisation number, which serves as its official identification number.

The Register of Business Enterprises (Foretaksregisteret)

Certain business types — particularly those engaged in commercial activity and/or operating with limited liability — must also register here. This register provides legal protection for the company name and confirms that the business operates as a commercial enterprise.

Is registration mandatory for all business types?

Yes. All businesses in Norway must register with the Enhetsregisteret in order to obtain an organisation number.

In addition, certain business structures are legally required to register with the Foretaksregisteret, including:

• Sole proprietorships (Enkeltpersonforetak) (if trading goods or employing staff)
• Partnerships (ANS/DA)
• Private limited companies (Aksjeselskap – AS)
• Public limited companies (Allmennaksjeselskap – ASA)
• Branches of foreign companies (NUF)

All registrations are submitted through Altinn, although the required documentation varies depending on the legal structure.

Note: If a foreign company establishes a branch in Norway (NUF – Norskregistrert utenlandsk foretak), it must provide proof that the parent company is legally registered in its home country.

How long does registration take?

Norway offers a relatively efficient digital registration process, although processing times vary depending on the company type and completeness of the submitted documents.

Digital registration (via Altinn)

• Private limited companies (AS): usually a few days up to approximately 1 week
• Sole proprietorships: generally 1–5 business days

Manual or more complex cases

• May take 1–3 weeks, especially if additional checks are required

Note: Paper-based registration is possible but uncommon and generally discouraged.

What is the cost of registration?

Registration fees depend on whether registration in the Register of Business Enterprises is required.

Source: Brønnøysund Register Centre

Notes

1. Free vs. paid registration

• Registration in the Enhetsregisteret is free

• Fees apply only for registration in the Foretaksregisteret

2. Digital vs. paper registration

• Digital registration is faster and cheaper

• Paper registration is more expensive and slower

3. Sole proprietorships

• Only required to register in the Foretaksregisteret if trading goods or employing staff

4. Organisation number

• Issued through the Enhetsregisteret

• Used for taxation, invoicing, and communication with authorities