Registering a company in Norway: everything employers need to know

Norway: your gateway to the Nordics for business growth

Norway stands as the ideal entry point into Scandinavia, offering a unique blend of innovation and stability. With transparent business policies and a streamlined registration process supported by the Brønnøysund Register Centre, Norway is perfectly positioned for companies looking to scale with confidence.

Its strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation provides a fertile environment for growth.

By establishing your presence in Norway, you can unlock opportunities in the broader Nordic market while aligning with a forward-thinking ecosystem that prioritizes long-term success.

The business benefits of registering your company in Norway 

For global organizations planning on expansions in 2025, Norway’s transparent regulations and streamlined processes make managing compliance and operations remarkably straightforward. 

Here’s why Norway is an excellent choice for your business expansion:

1. Benefit from competitive corporate tax rates and government incentives for sustainability and innovation.
2. Register your company easily through the Brønnøysund Register Centre’s efficient system.
3. Establish a base in Norway to access the broader Nordic and European markets.
4. Flexible capital requirements cater to both startups and established enterprises.
5. Clear regulations reduce administrative burdens, allowing you to focus on scaling your business.
6. Access a highly skilled, tech-savvy workforce in a country renowned for its education and training initiatives.

Norway offers a business-friendly environment designed to support growth and innovation, making it an ideal destination for companies seeking to expand globally.

Next, we’ll explore the different pathways—standard company registration and Employer of Record (EOR)—to help you determine the best approach for your business.

What is the difference between standard company registration and EOR in Norway?

Norway provides two primary options for establishing and expanding a business, each tailored to meet different operational needs:

Aspect	Standard Registration	Employer of Record (EOR)
Purpose	Creates a legal entity, granting full operational control.	Allows hiring in Norway without entity setup; EOR handles compliance and employment.
Control	Full autonomy over operations and finances.	Operational control of employees while EOR manages legal and administrative tasks.
Compliance	Requires adherence to Norwegian corporate, tax, and labor laws.	EOR ensures full compliance with local regulations on your behalf.
Setup Time	Lengthy, requiring documentation and approval processes.	Fast, enabling immediate workforce deployment.
Cost	Involves setup fees, share capital requirements, and ongoing administrative expenses..	Predictable service fees, often more cost-effective than entity setup.
Scalability	Best for businesses planning a long-term, significant local presence.	Highly flexible, ideal for testing new markets or scaling operations quickly.

While standard company registration is suited for businesses aiming for a long-term physical presence, an Employer of Record (EOR) offers a faster and more flexible way to expand into Norway. With an EOR, businesses can hire local talent, ensure compliance, and start operations without the complexities of entity formation.

Next, let’s dive into how an EOR simplifies onboarding and compliance for businesses entering Norway.

How an EOR simplifies company registration in Norway

An Employer of Record (EOR) offers an efficient approach to setting up operations, hiring local talent, and ensuring compliance—all without the need for a legal entity. 

Here’s how an EOR supports businesses expanding into Norway:

1. Skip the lengthy setup process as the EOR acts as your legal employer, allowing you to focus on growth from day one.
2. Offload payroll, tax filings, and other administrative tasks to the EOR, freeing up time and resources.
3. Ensure compliance with Norway’s labor laws and tax regulations through the EOR’s local expertise, reducing risks and providing peace of mind.
4. Avoid establishing a legal entity, redirecting funds toward scaling your business, and cut costs.
5. Expand your team with flexibility, adapting quickly to market demands without long-term commitments.
6. Tap into Norway’s skilled and tech-savvy workforce without the hurdles of navigating local hiring practices.
7. Offer competitive, locally compliant benefits to attract top talent, with the EOR handling the administrative responsibilities.
8. Minimize legal and compliance risks while expanding confidently with the EOR’s end-to-end support.

An EOR not only simplifies your entry into Norway but also ensures your operations run smoothly from day one. By handling compliance, payroll, and onboarding complexities, it lets you focus on scaling your business with confidence.

Next, let’s walk through the traditional approach with a step-by-step guide to registering a company in Norway.

A step-by-step guide to registering a company in Norway

Setting up a business in Norway involves a clear and structured process. Here’s how you can get started, ensuring compliance at every stage:

Step 1: Register with the Brønnøysund Register Centre

The Brønnøysund Register Centre is your first stop for registering a company in Norway. It acts as the national registry, managing business and corporate information.

How to register:

Submit an application through the Brønnøysund Register Centre’s online portal.

Provide key details such as your chosen business name, type of business activity, and registered address.

Step 2: Choose your business structure

Establishing a business entity in Norway can be challenging and time-intensive. With an Employer of Record (EOR) like Multiplier, you can skip the hassle. From hiring and onboarding to payroll, taxes, and compliance, we handle it all while you focus on scaling your business.

If you prefer to set up your own entity, choosing the right business structure is key. It shapes your tax obligations, legal responsibilities, and operational flexibility, setting the stage for your success in Norway.

Common business entities:

• Aksjeselskap (AS): A private limited company offering limited liability to shareholders.
• Enkeltpersonforetak (ENK): A sole proprietorship suited for small, individual businesses.
• Allmennaksjeselskap (ASA): A public limited company designed for larger businesses planning to raise public capital.

Step 3: Prepare and submit required documents

Once your business structure is finalized, you’ll need to compile the necessary documentation for submission to the Brønnøysund Register Centre.

Required documents include:

Articles of Association

Identification for directors and shareholders

Proof of a registered office in Norway

Financial information, including share capital (if applicable)

Step 4: Open a business bank account

A corporate bank account is essential for managing your company’s transactions, from paying taxes to receiving revenue.

Options include:

Traditional banks: Norwegian banks such as DNB and Nordea provide comprehensive business banking services.

Digital banks: Fintech platforms like Revolut may offer flexible online options for non-residents.

Documents needed:

• Business registration certificate
• Proof of identity for account signatories
• Company’s Articles of Association

Opening a bank account in Norway can be challenging, but Multiplier makes it easy to manage payroll without one.

With Multiplier, you can:

• Run payroll in multiple currencies.
• Stay compliant with Norwegian tax laws.
• Simplify global payroll management.

Focus on growing your business while we handle payroll and compliance seamlessly.

Step 5: Register for tax and compliance purposes

Compliance with Norwegian tax regulations is a critical step.

Key registrations:

• VAT Registration: Mandatory for businesses with annual revenue exceeding NOK 50,000.
• Payroll Taxes: If you employ staff, register for payroll tax and social security contributions.

Compliance requirements include:

• Maintaining accurate accounting records
• Submitting annual financial statements to the relevant tax authorities
• Adhering to Norwegian labor laws and employee benefits regulations

By following these steps, you’ll set up your company efficiently while ensuring full compliance with Norwegian laws.

Next, let’s break down the costs involved in registering and maintaining a business in Norway.

The real cost of registering a business in Norway

For businesses planning to establish a presence in Norway, understanding the associated costs is essential for effective budgeting. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Registration costs

• Brønnøysund Register Centre fee: Registering a private limited company (AS) typically costs NOK 5,570 when done online or NOK 6,797 for paper applications.
• Share capital requirement: A minimum share capital of NOK 30,000 is required for AS registration, which must be deposited into a business bank account.
• Registered address: If you’re a non-resident, renting a legal address in Norway typically costs NOK 2,000–5,000 annually.
• Notary fees: Fees for notarizing documents can range from NOK 1,000 to NOK 3,000, depending on complexity.

2. Annual maintenance costs

• Accounting services: Basic bookkeeping services start at NOK 500 per month and increase with business complexity.
• Annual reporting: Filing annual financial statements typically costs NOK 5,000–15,000, depending on the service provider.
• Taxes: Norway requires businesses to pay corporate tax (currently 22% of profits) and VAT registration is mandatory if annual revenue exceeds NOK 50,000.
• Legal address renewal: Non-residents may need to pay an annual fee to maintain a registered address, costing approximately NOK 2,000–5,000.

3. Additional considerations

• Banking fees: Opening and maintaining a business bank account often involves setup fees of NOK 1,000–3,000 and monthly charges of NOK 100–300.
• Compliance and legal services: Hiring professionals for ongoing compliance can cost NOK 10,000–30,000 annually, depending on your business size.

An Employer of Record (EOR) significantly helps reduce these costs by handling payroll, compliance, and employee management without requiring entity setup. With an EOR, you pay a predictable monthly service fee, avoiding the upfront expenses and administrative burden of traditional registration.

Next, let’s compare the costs and benefits of standard company registration versus an EOR to determine the best approach for your business in Norway.

Cost comparison: standard registration vs. EOR

Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in setting up a business in Norway through traditional registration compared to partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR):

While traditional registration may suit businesses planning a long-term, substantial presence in Norway, it comes with higher initial costs and ongoing administrative responsibilities. In contrast, an EOR streamlines the process by managing payroll, compliance, and employee administration, offering predictable costs and a faster path to market.

Next, let’s explore how an EOR partnership, like Multiplier, simplifies and accelerates your expansion into Norway.

Simplify your Norwegian expansion with Multiplier

Establishing your presence in Norway has never been easier. With Multiplier’s Employer of Record (EOR) solution, you gain a partner dedicated to simplifying the process, allowing you to concentrate on building your team and achieving your business objectives in a dynamic market.

Why Multiplier you can:

• Hire locally, grow globally
  Easily access Norway’s skilled talent pool to seamlessly hire both full-time employees and contractors in Norway. With Multiplier, our local HR specialists manage compliant employment contracts, contractor agreements, and efficient onboarding, making team growth stress-free.
• Precision payroll management
  Simplify payroll with real-time accuracy. Multiplier ensures taxes, social contributions, and payouts fully comply with Norwegian payroll regulations, leaving no room for error.
• Streamlined hr workflows
  Handle HR operations in Norway effortlessly with our all-in-one platform. From onboarding to expense management and leave approvals, you’ll have full control over your Norwegian operations.
• Compliance handled for you
  Stay ahead of Norwegian labor laws and tax obligations with Multiplier. From VAT compliance to safeguarding employee rights, we ensure your business remains fully compliant.
• Competitive, localized benefits
  Stand out in Norway’s competitive market with customized benefit packages. Let us handle the administrative details, so you can focus on building a thriving, motivated team.
• Dedicated support and security
  Rely on 24/5 expert support and GDPR-compliant processes. With SOC 2-certified security, your business data is in safe hands at all times.

At Multiplier, we go beyond offering solutions—we create opportunities for your success. Whether it’s streamlining payroll, enabling rapid team expansion, or navigating Norway’s unique regulations, we provide the tools, expertise, and support to help your business thrive. With us by your side, growth isn’t just a goal—it’s a guarantee.

Book a Demo today and discover how Multiplier’s EOR services can make your Norwegian expansion smooth and hassle-free.