This article builds a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to llc company registration in Norway for foreign nationals. A purely practical and straightforward approach, this article includes the legal and residency requirements, the documentation needed for incorporation, tax and VAT obligations, and timelines. It also includes common pitfalls and a ready-to-use checklist. It covers registration of a Private Limited Company (Aksjeselskap – AS) and contacts the Norwegian Ministry of Government Administration and Reform, tax authorities, and the Brønnøysundregister for a comprehensive understanding.

Can You Register an LLC in Norway?

LLC registration in Norway is common for both local and international founders, with the Norwegian equivalent being the Aksjeselskap (AS). Any natural or legal person can be a shareholder regardless of nationality, though registration requires a minimum share capital of NOK 30,000. For governance and KYC purposes, at least 50% of board members must reside in Norway, the EEA, the UK, or Switzerland, or else a local representative is needed, with foreign directors usually obtaining a D-number. The fastest registration route is via Altinn’s coordinated register notification, which links Brønnøysundregistrene with tax and employer registers for digital filings.  

Unique insights & exceptions

  • To reduce the risk of delays, if you do not satisfy the board-residency rule, you should appoint one EEA, UK or Swiss resident director or engage a nominee or local representative.
  • If you intend to contribute IP or other equipment instead of cash, you need to plan early because non-cash contributions require auditor confirmation.
  • Bank KYC or D-number registration are often associated with Foreign founders, especially those who wish to access banks that provide remote onboarding. However, remote onboarding is often associated with stricter governance.

Advantages of Forming an LLC (AS) in Norway

Aside from having limited liability, forming an AS also enhances the legal credibility of the company. The legal partners and lenders of the company regard Norway’s legal and regulatory system framework as sound and reliable. Norway’s corporate tax system, with its predictable and steady corporate tax of 22% as of 2025, is greatly aided by the robust digital Altinn administration, allowing the seamless incorporation of such businesses and defined through ongoing Brønnøysund monitoring.

Tax & economic perks

  • R&D support (SkatteFUNN): Eligible and qualifying companies also have the support of the SkatteFUNN system, allowing some of the most deductible tax benefits from R&D under the program, which roughly estimates 19% of the total R&D costs and is capped under certain limits. This is greatly coveted by the technology and product companies.
  • Access to the EEA Single Market: Norway is an EEA/EFTA country. The EEA single market, which includes the European Union, offers very liberal policies on the movement of goods, services, people, and capital. This greatly simplifies border trade for Norway and the countries in the European Union.
  • Public grants & innovation funding: Innovation Norway and its local partners provide grants and loans to help start and scale companies with the most promising business ideas. SkatteFUNN is just in addition to what most consider and regard as the central program.

Real-world edge: Combining Innovation Norway grants with SkatteFUNN tax credits, and holding a Norwegian AS boosts investor confidence and can reduce effective cash burn— a clear advantage for scaling tech firms in the Nordics, especially for Nordic customers and R&D projects.

Steps to Register an LLC in Norway

If you are applying for an LLC company registration in Norway, here is a practical guide covering the necessary paperwork, relevant authorities (Altinn / Brønnøysundregistrene), and Norway-specific regulations to help you avert standard setbacks.

  1. Name check & structure plan
    Reserve an original company name and confirm its availability (Brønnøysund Register). Determine the number of shares and share classes (if any), board members and the possibility of using simplified digital filing.
  2. Prepare founding documents
    Sign and draft the memorandum of association and the articles of association. Share capital, board members, and registered offices have to be incorporated. Brønnøysund and Altinn provide the required content and templates.
  3. Deposit minimum share capital (NOK 30,000)
    Open a temporary bank account and put the required cash of NOK 30,000 (cash) and get the bank confirmation in written form for registration. If you are unable to put cash, an auditor confirmation is necessary for non-cash assets.
  4. File the coordinated register notification via Altinn
    Use Altinn’s Coordinated Register Notification for the As Registrering with Brønnøysundregistrene, along with the Tax Administration and NAV on one submission. Ensure the submission includes the signed founding documents and the board and beneficial owners. The entire process is electronic; the Authorised Altinn referrer for the signature must have the correct Altinn roles.
  5. Obtain D-numbers and organisation number
    Foreign directors who need to report for tax or to the bank KYC should obtain a D-number from Skatteetaten. After the submission on Altinn is approved, the organisation number is provided. VAT registration is automatically activated if certain requirements are met.
  6. Open permanent corporate account and transfer capital
    Remove funds from the permanent bank account and allocate them to the company account after the company is registered and after the KYC steps required by the bank are completed.
  7. Register for VAT & payroll
    Taxable Turnover VAT registration is applied with Skatteetaten whenever it exceeds the threshold, which is normally set at NOK 50,000. Register as an employer with NAV when you start hiring. 

Actionable tips (avoid delays)

  • If you are unable to meet the residency requirements, then appoint at least one board member from the EEA, UK or Switzerland. This resolves many KYC or registry delays.
  • Pre-fill documents for translation, apostilles, and the additional KYC requirements.
  • Using Altinn’s Single Coordinated Notification allows users to register for multiple items at a time, which is the fastest method available.
  • In the case which includes non-cash contributory transfers like equipment or IP, auditors must be retained at an early stage for their confirmations.
  • With regards to R&D Projects, it’s beneficial to check SkatteFUNN since it would minimise R&D expenses.

Following these guidelines streamlines AS formation and keeps the chances of facing repeated requests or KYC delays to a minimum.

Documents Required for LLC Registration in Norway

When preparing for llc company registration in Norway (AS), have the following documents on hand.

  • Founders’ identity: Passports or national identification of all founders and directors.
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association: Memorandum and Articles of Association documents signed stating the share capital, the board, and the registered office.
  • Bank confirmation of share capital deposit: Banking documents indicating share capital has been deposited and is in the company’s name (NOK 30,000 as the minimum share capital or auditor documents indicating the non-cash contributions).
  • Corporate extracts: Legalized or apostilled and corporate extracts, such as the registration board, and recent resolutions for corporate founders and registration extracts.
  • Registered office proof: Office evidence that is registered, such as the lease, statement of the owner, or serviced-office agreement that is registered and has the border of Norway.
  • Beneficial owner information: Information about the owner, such as the ID, name, and owner percentages of the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) and of the control abstraction.
  • Board and beneficial-owner declarations: Declarations forms that are signed and other board documents, such as attached records of beneficial owner contact details, where non-residents are, need D-numbers.
  • Power of attorney: Power of Attorney documents are where a person is being represented and signed.

Practical tips to speed things up:

  • Digital signature tools like Altinn and BankID are applicable.
  • Get Australian Consulate Legalised or Apostilled documents translated to simpler documents, and use genuine translation processes.
  • Local notaries or the nearest Norwegian embassy/consulate for notarization, and auditors for confirming non-cash contributions.
  • In Norway, Formation agents and corporate service providers often provide translations, apostilles and introductions to a bank to mitigate the delays in KYC processes.

Tax Obligations After LLC Registration in Norway

Corporate income tax (CIT)

Norwegian resident companies are subject to a 22% corporate income tax on a taxable profit (2025 rate). Check the sector guidance documents if you are engaged in banking or insurance because some activities in the financial sector are governed by specific rules. 

Value-Added Tax (VAT)

The majority of sales come with VAT applied. The standard VAT rate is set at 25%, with lower rates set at 15% for food and 12% for passenger transport, lodging and other like services. Get to know your supply chain at the outset — EU/EEA cross-border rules and reverse-charge obligations may alter the times and methods for which you must register. 

Payroll taxes & employer obligations

In the event of the hiring of employees, you are required to withhold employees’ tax and file payroll tax returns using Altinn; in addition, social security and employer’s national insurance contributions are payable. Payroll processing, reporting due dates and employers’ obligations are conducted through Skattedaten/NAV — be sure to add the employer’s tax to your cash-flow forecast.  

R&D incentives and tax credits

Companies Suffering from Innovation Norway’s SkatteFUNN scheme allows them to assume tax deductions for R&D activities much more easily, R&D approved projects having tax benefits of the latter, thus making the taxation spend much lower. Applications should be submitted on time, and all documentation must be maintained to avail maximum benefit from the investments.  

Quick international comparison

CIT of Norway stands at 22% which is favourable in comparison to other European countries (Sweden and Denmark, for instance), thus placing Norway in the middle tier when it comes to corporate tax within OECD countries. When structuring foreign investment returns, it is advisable to utilize comparative tables from the Tax Foundation or PwC so you can assess other countries.

Actionable tools & where to double-check numbers

Before funding or staff commitments, the authorized tax calculator of Norway can be applied to PAYE, along with other obligations to provide as accurate reporting as possible. The calculator on the tax administration’s page is a helpful, reliable point of departure. 

Hidden fees and common gotchas

  • Bank KYC & D-number costs: remote onboarding might have some additional verification, which might include travel for the founders.
  • Translation / apostille / notary fees: foreign documents must be legalized and translated into Norwegian.
  • Audit thresholds: for instance, companies above size thresholds must appoint an auditor and need to be prepared for audit fees.
  • Sector licences: (finance, food, & transport), additional regulated activities generally incur some licensing fees, which might take some time.

Set up your LLC today with Commenda

Commenda provides full incorporation assistance in Norway for foreign founders, including drafting the memorandum of association, articles, and other required documents. They arrange share-capital confirmation of NOK 30,000, secure D-numbers for non-residents, and confirm company setup with D-numbered shareholders or reserves. Services also cover introductions to banks and handling first-year compliance, including VAT and employer registration.

FAQs

1. What are the ongoing compliance requirements for an LLC in Norway?
Norwegian LLCs (Aksjeselskap – AS) are required to maintain accounting records, submit yearly financial statements to the Brønnøysund Register Centre, and settle tax obligations with Skatteetaten. Companies of medium and large size must also appoint an auditor.

2. Can I register my LLC online in Norway?
Yes. The Brønnøysund Register Centre allows the submission of the requirements electronically via the Altinn portal. Foreigners need a D-number and a digital ID to complete this step.

3. How long does it take to register an LLC in Norway?
Most times it takes up to 3 weeks, as long as the right documents are presented, and also the share capital is deposited. However, there can be delays, for example, when the documents which require notarized or apostilled documents are foreign..

4. Do I need a physical office in Norway to register an LLC?
Yes. Every LLC is mandated to have a registered office address in Norway. There are Virtual office Providers which can be hired for such usage.

5. Are there any hidden costs or fees during LLC registration in Norway?
Other than the registration fee, which is approximately NOK 5,570 for online applications, hidden fees may include translations of documents, notarizations, apostilles, and bank service charges.  

6. What are the annual filing and reporting obligations for LLCs in Norway?
Limited Liability Companies (LLC) must submit corporate tax returns along with the annual accounts of Limited Liability Companies (LLC) to the Register of Company accounts. Larger companies are required to have an audit.

7. Can I operate an LLC in Norway without a local director or shareholder?
You can operate a LLC within Norway without a local director or shareholder, however, one director must be a resident of the EEA. Those who are not EEA residents may need to apply for special permits.   

8. How do I open a business bank account for my LLC in Norway?
You must register your company and obtain an organization number first. Then, go to a Norwegian bank with your registration, D-number, and KYC documents. Some banks do allow pre-approval before registration is complete.   

9. What are the benefits of choosing an LLC over other types of business structures in Norway?
Limited Liability Company is a smoother business structure than other types of business ownership within Norway. An LLC extends the credibility of the shareholder because it raises funds more easily than a sole proprietor.

10. Can I convert my existing business to an LLC in Norway?
Yes, sole proprietorships and general partnerships may be turned into an AS, following the valuation of the business and transfer of the business’s assets.

11. What happens if I fail to comply with tax obligations after forming an LLC in Norway?
The consequences of failing to fulfill your obligations will include fines, late payment penalties, and legal action by the Norwegian Tax Administration. Non-fulfillment of obligations may have a cascading effect, where your future credit and financing opportunities are also impacted.