Starting a business in Norway

Legal Forms of Companies

Aksjeselskap, AS (Limited Company)

Number of partners: One or more with no maximum.
A minimum of two directors must be appointed, one of whom must be a Norwegian or European citizen.
Capital (max/min): NOK 30,000
Shareholders and liability: Liability is limited to the amount contributed.

Allmenne aksjeselskap, ASA (Public Limited Company)

Number of partners: One or more with no maximum.
At least 3 directors, at least 2 of whom must be residents in Norway.
Capital (max/min): NOK 1 million
Shareholders and liability: Liability is limited to the amount contributed.

Ansvarslig selskap med delt ansvar, DA (General Partnership w. shared liability)

Number of partners: Two or more with no maximum.
Capital (max/min): No minimum capital.
Shareholders and liability: Unlimited, but each owner is responsible for the share of debt corresponding to his/her share of the ownership

Ansvarslig selskap, ANS (General partnership)

Number of partners: Two or more with no maximum.
Capital (max/min): No minimum capital.
Shareholders and liability: Liability is unlimited.

Enkeltmannsforetak (Sole proprietorship)

Number of partners: Only 1 person.
Capital (max/min): No minimum capital.
Shareholders and liability: Liability is unlimited.

Business Setup Procedures

Source: Doing Business - Latest available data.