What are secondary business names (Bifirma) in Norway and how do they work?

Companies in Norway can use additional business names alongside their official company name. These so-called “Bifirma” allow companies to operate under different brands or business names without establishing a new legal entity. This article explains how secondary business names work in Norway, how they are registered, and the advantages they offer.

What is a secondary business name (Bifirma) in Norway?

A Bifirma is a registered secondary business name that allows a company to operate under an additional name while remaining the same legal entity.

A secondary business name can be used for:

• Branding
• Marketing
• Different business activities
• Different target groups

without creating a separate legal entity.

The company retains:

• The same organisation number
• The same legal structure
• The same legal liability

What are the benefits of a secondary business name in Norway?

Registering a secondary business name gives companies greater flexibility in their daily business operations.

Common reasons for using a Bifirma include:

• Operating multiple brands under one company
• Separating different business divisions
• Targeting different customer groups
• Expanding into new markets
• Simplified branding without creating a new company

Example of a Bifirma

A company with the official name:

Nordic Group AS

could register additional secondary business names such as:

• Nordic Consulting
• Nordic Retail
• Nordic Digital Solutions

All three names refer to the same legal company and share the same organisation number.

How does the registration of a secondary business name work in Norway?

Secondary business names must be registered with the:

Register of Business Enterprises (Foretaksregisteret)

The registration is submitted digitally through the Norwegian platform:

• Altinn

Once approved and registered, the secondary business name receives legal protection and may be used in business activities alongside the company's official name.

Requirements for secondary business names in Norway

A Bifirma must meet the same legal requirements as a regular company name.

The name must:

• Be distinguishable from existing company names
• Not be misleading
• Comply with Norwegian naming regulations

The Brønnøysund Register Centre reviews the proposed name before approving the registration.

Can a company have multiple secondary business names?

Yes. In Norway, there is generally no fixed limit on the number of secondary business names a company may have.

A company may register:

• One
• Several
• Or numerous Bifirma names

as long as each name is approved.

Legal significance of a Bifirma

It is important to understand that:

A secondary business name does not constitute a separate legal entity.

This means:

• Contracts are still concluded by the main company
• Liability remains with the registered company
• The same organisation number applies to all secondary names

Even when using a secondary business name, invoices and official documents should always include:

• The official company name
• The organisation number

Costs of registering a secondary business name

Registering a Bifirma is generally subject to a fee.

The fees are often similar to those charged for:

• Changes to company information
• Updates in the business register

The exact costs may vary depending on the type of registration.

Secondary business names for foreign companies (NUF)

Foreign companies with a Norwegian branch (NUF – Norskregistrert utenlandsk foretak) may also register secondary business names.

The same regulations apply as for Norwegian companies.