If you want to open a business in Norway, it is essential to understand the differences between the main legal forms available: AS (Aksjeselskap), ENK (Enkeltpersonforetak), NUF (Norskregistrert Utenlandsk Foretak) and Holding. Each type comes with specific benefits and obligations, depending on your business objectives, planned investments and assumed risk.
1. AS – Aksjeselskap (Joint Stock Company)
The most recommended form for businesses with growth and investment plans.
- Minimum share capital: NOK 30,000 (~€2,600)
- Liability: Limited to the share capital
- Structure: Minimum 1 administrator (residing in Norway or in the EU/EEA)
- Taxes: Corporate tax 22%
- Dividends: Possibility to distribute profit as dividends
Advantages:
- Strong professional image
- Limited liability – protects personal assets
- Posibilitate de atragere investitori sau parteneri
Potrivit pentru: antreprenori care vor să construiască o afacere solidă, să scaleze sau să creeze un holding.
2. ENK – Enkeltpersonforetak (PFA – Persoană Fizică Autorizată)
Forma cea mai simplă și accesibilă de a începe o activitate economică.
- Capital inițial: 0 NOK
- Răspundere: Personală și nelimitată
- Structure: Single owner
- Taxes: Progressive income tax (22% + social contributions up to ~50%)
Advantages:
- Fast and free setup
- Simpler accounting (up to a certain income threshold)
- Ideal for freelancers or small businesses
Suitable for: people who offer individual services – consulting, freelancing, liberal professions.
3. NUF – Norskregistrert Utenlandsk Foretak
Representation in Norway of a company established in another country.
- Condition: The Parent Company must be registered in another state (in: Romania)
- Liability: According to the legislation of the country of origin
- Accounting: Accounting obligations in Norway if local economic activity is carried out
- VAT and taxes: Applies as a Norwegian company
Advantages:
- You can test the market without starting a local business from scratch
- You can use your existing company in Romania
Suitable for: entrepreneurs who want to expand their business in Norway without opening an AS.
4. Holding AS – Parent company for investments
An advanced structure used to hold shares in other companies (e.g. multiple JSCs).
- Purpose: tax optimization, asset protection and profit reinvestment
- Dividends received: non-taxable if reinvested between ASs
- Requires: establishment of a special JSC as a holding company
Advantages:
- Tax-free dividend distribution (intra-group)
- You can sell an AS you own and collect the profit without immediate taxation
- Ideal for more complex business structures or investments
Suitable for: antreprenori care vor să creeze un grup de firme, investitori, consultanți cu activitate diversificată.
General steps for setting up a company in Norway
- Getting a Norwegian D-number or ID
- Opening a bank account (for AS)
- Registration in the Brønnøysundregistrene (business register)
- MVA-registrering (hvis du overstiger 50 000 NOK)
- Accounting and periodic reporting
Conclusion
Choosing the right company form in Norway depends on your business purpose, risk level, development plans and available resources. For simple services or freelancing, ENK is a good start. For serious business and legal security, AS is the recommended choice. If you want to expand a company in Romania, NUF is ideal, and for investment structures – Holding brings important tax advantages.
Do you want to start a company in Norway and need advice or full support? Write to us and we will help you step by step, with everything you need – from choosing the right form to registration, VAT and accounting.