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I have moved to Oslo and the region

You’ve moved to Oslo, found a job and a place to live. Congratulations and velkommen! Once here, you might have a few questions about working in Norway – from paid vacation to taxes and health services. We have gathered the most crucial information you need in order to find your feet.

If you haven’t yet sorted out your visa, D-number or bank account, please have a look through our “Moving to Oslo? A Practical Guide” section, which provides you with everything you need to know in order to be allowed to work and live in Oslo.

  1. 01 Norwegian working culture
  2. 02 Rights and opportunities
  3. 03 Health care & services
  4. 04 Schools and kindergarten
  5. 05 The Norwegian tax system
  6. 06 Find a job in Norway
  7. 07 How to start a company in the Oslo region
  8. 08 Navigate the startup ecosystem
  9. 09 Continuing education
  10. 10 Learn the Norwegian language
  11. 11 Getting around Oslo and the region
  12. 12 Obtaining and Exchanging a Driver's License in Norway
  1. Home
  2. / Relocate
  3. / I have moved to Oslo and the region

07 How to start a company in the Oslo region

Oslo is one of the most exciting start-up cities in Europe. If you are considering starting for yourself, this is definitely the place to be!

Ekerdesign Osloregion Ystad Svorte

Photo: Eker Design/Oslo Region Alliance/Ystad Svorte

In order for the process to be as smooth as possible, here are some key facts for your new business venture:

All new companies in Norway need to be registered at The Bronnoysund Register Center (Brønnøysundregisteret), using a form called Coordinated Register Notification. You will need help filling out the form, as it is only available in Norwegian. However, the “Part 1 – Guide” section is available in English.

Foreign companies also need to register at the Register of Business Enterprises, which is responsible for registering Norwegian and foreign enterprises operating commercially in Norway.

If you plan to run a company in Norway, you will most likely have to pay Value added tax (VAT), which is a tax that companies collect from their customers on behalf of the government. The rate is 25% for most goods and services, 15% for food and drinks and 12% for transport, cinema tickets, and room rental. If you are self-employed, you need to pay VAT on all your purchases, but these expenses will often be deducted from your tax refund, so make sure to include them in your tax filing.

There are many benefit schemes in Norway, but it is still advisable to set up separate insurance agreements for businesses. The type of insurance you will need depends on what type of business you run. If you are an employer, for instance, you are obliged to set up occupational injury insurance for all your employees. Common Norwegian insurance companies are Gjensidige, If, Tryg and Fremtind.

You can read more about how to set up a company in Oslo at Oslo Business Region.

Did you know that Norway is top 10 of easiest countries to start a business?