Am I allowed to start a limited company in Norway?
Yes — but a limited company (AS) requires at least 30,000 kr in share capital. Under section 3-1 of the Companies Act the minimum share capital is 30,000 kr, which must be paid in — but here is the nuance people overlook: the capital is not locked away, it can be used to cover the costs of incorporation. A bank or auditor must confirm that the money has been paid in. The AS must be registered in the Register of Business Enterprises in Brønnøysund before it can trade, and it is the registration that gives it legal personality and limited liability. At least one board member is required. To avoid the capital requirement you can start a sole proprietorship (ENK) — but then you are personally liable for the debts.
📋 The rules
- An AS requires at least 30,000 kr in share capital
- The capital can cover formation costs
- Must be registered in Brønnøysund's business register
- Requires at least one board member
- A sole proprietorship needs no capital, but gives personal liability
🔓 Exceptions
- A sole proprietorship has no capital requirement, but the owner is personally liable
- Small companies can be exempt from the audit requirement below set thresholds
- A bank or auditor must confirm the share capital is paid in
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Without registration and the requirements met it is not a valid AS, and then you lose the very thing you paid 30,000 kr for: the protection of limited liability. If that falls away you are personally liable for the company's debts, exactly as in a sole proprietorship. Falsely confirming that the share capital has been paid in is a criminal offence, and it is a bank or an auditor who must give that confirmation — it is not something you can arrange yourself. If you choose an ENK to avoid the capital requirement, the personal liability is not a punishment but the price of skipping the deposit.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I start a limited company?
Yes, but an AS requires at least 30,000 kr in share capital and must be registered in the Register of Business Enterprises in Brønnøysund. It is the registration that gives the company limited liability.
How much share capital is needed?
At least 30,000 kr, and the money must be paid in. The capital is nevertheless not locked away: it can be used to cover the costs of incorporation, and a bank or auditor must confirm the payment.
Is there an alternative without a capital requirement?
Yes, a sole proprietorship (ENK) requires no capital. The price is that you are personally liable for the debts, whereas an AS gives you limited liability for the 30,000 kr.
Must the AS be registered?
Yes. It must be registered in the Register of Business Enterprises in Brønnøysund before it can trade. Without registration it is not a valid AS, and then you do not have the protection of limited liability.
Does a small AS need an auditor?
Small companies can be exempt from the audit duty below set thresholds for turnover and assets. A bank or auditor must still confirm that the share capital has actually been paid in at incorporation.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I start a limited company norway”
- “share capital 30000 kr”
- “register as brønnøysund”
- “sole proprietorship no capital”
- “as or enk”
- “business register company”