Norway, a Nordic country known for its majestic natural scenery and high quality of life, is increasingly asserting its position as an attractive investment destination on the international stage. Beyond its natural beauty, Norway possesses a stable economy and is rich in resources, especially oil and gas. Furthermore, Norway is pioneering innovative areas such as renewable energy, green technology, aquaculture, and marine, supported by a highly qualified and innovative workforce, opening up many sustainable and long-term growth opportunities for foreign capital. What types of companies can investors establish in Norway, Viet An Law would like to provide some information through the article below.
Table of contents
| Type | Minimum number of owners | Owner/Partner Responsibilities | Minimum Capital Required | Main Features / Suitable for |
| Enkeltpersonforetak (ENK): Private/Individual Enterprises | 1 | Infinity: The owner is liable with the entire personal property. | Not required | Simplest to set up & operate; there is no legal separation between the owner and the business; for freelancers, very small-scale businesses. |
| Ansvarlig selskap (ANS): Infinite Partnership | 2 or more | Unlimited & Joint: Partners are liable with all of their personal assets for the company’s debts (which can be collected on behalf of other partners). | Not required | Based on agreement between partners; suitable for groups of experts (lawyers, accountants, architects…) to cooperate. |
| Kommandittselskap (KS): Limited Partnership | 2 or more (at least 1 K.ist, 1 K.entar) | Limited within the scope of contributed capital. | No requirement for the company (but Kommandittist must contribute capital) | Combining infinite and limited liability; often used for projects or investments that require an operating partner to be the main responsibility and a partner to contribute passive capital. |
| Samvirke (SA): Cooperative | Usually 2 or more | Usually limited within the scope of members’ contributed capital. | Not required | The organization is owned and controlled by the member; objectives to serve the interests of members; for cooperative groups (agriculture, consumption, etc.). |
| Norskregistrert utenlandsk foretak (NUF: Foreign Company Branch) | The foreign parent company is liable for the obligations of the Norwegian branch. | No minimum capital requirement in Norway (capital belonging to the parent company). | Not a new Norwegian company, but an official registration of the foreign company to operate in Norway; for a foreign company that wants to have a direct presence without setting up a new subsidiary. |
