🇳🇴 Company registers in Norway

Overview

Norway operates a very transparent and digitally advanced business information systems, anchored by the Brønnøysund Register Centre (Brønnøysundregistrene). This government agency, located in the town of Brønnøysund, manages over a dozen national registers and serves as the central hub for company data in the country.

Norway holds a constitutional principle of offentlighetsprincipen, freedom of access to official documents. This means that most filings are considered public knowledge once registered and announced in the official gazette. Basic company information is freely searchable online, while certified documents and extracts are available for a fee.

The Norwegian environment is characterized by:

• Centralisation: The Brønnøysund Register Centre consolidates multiple registers under one roof, simplifying access for users.
• Digitalisation: Online filings, real-time APIs, and weekly-updated open datasets make Norway a leader in data accessibility.
• Transparency: Registered information is legally presumed to be known by third parties, reinforcing the importance of accurate filings.

For KYB and AML professionals, Norway offers reliable and comprehensive company intelligence. The main complexity lies in understanding which register applies to which entity type—particularly for sole traders and associations, which follow different rules than limited companies.

Official Registers

Foretaksregisteret - Register of Business Enterprises

The Foretaksregisteret is Norway's official commercial register, established in 1988 when it consolidated the functions of nearly 100 local trade registers. It is maintained by the Brønnøysund Register Centre under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.

The register contains comprehensive information on Norwegian and foreign enterprises operating in the country: legal name, organisation number, registered address, legal form, date of incorporation, board members, signatories, managing directors, share capital, articles of association, auditor details, and any registered mortgages or liens. Changes are announced in the Post- och Inrikes Tidningar (PoIT), Norway's official gazette, which is freely searchable online.

Basic searches are free via brreg.no. Official documents such as certified extracts (firmaattest) and copies of founding documents can be ordered through the Brønnøysund web shop for a fee. The register provides APIs for structured data access, with plans to expand API coverage to documents by 2026.

Third parties can legally rely on registered information, it is presumed to have come to their attention once filed. This makes the Foretaksregisteret an essential due diligence resource.

Enhetsregisteret - Central Coordinating Register for Legal Entities

Established in 1995, the Enhetsregisteret serves as Norway's master register for basic data about all types of entities: companies, sole proprietorships, associations, public bodies, and more. It assigns the nine-digit organisation number that uniquely identifies each entity across all government systems.

The Enhetsregisteret coordinates information used by multiple registers, including the Foretaksregisteret, the VAT Register, and the Employer/Employee Register. Registration here is a prerequisite for entry into most other Norwegian registers.

All information in the Enhetsregisteret is public (except individuals' national ID numbers). The register offers open data via API, with daily updates for most fields. It is free to search and is widely used for pre-filling forms, validation, and data exchange across public and private sectors.

Regnskapsregisteret - Register of Company Accounts

The Regnskapsregisteret, also managed by Brønnøysund, stores annual financial statements submitted by entities with accounting obligations. It was established in 1981 to provide the business sector and public authorities with easy access to company accounts.

Annual accounts are public information and can be downloaded for a fee. The submission deadline is 31 July each year, and late filings trigger automatic penalties. The register announces approvals and, if accounts are not filed, initiates compulsory dissolution proceedings within six months.

Financial statements typically include an income statement, balance sheet, notes, and—for larger entities—an annual report and audit report. The standardised format facilitates analysis and comparison across companies.

Registeret over reelle rettighetshavere - Register of Beneficial Owners

Norway's UBO register opened for voluntary registration on 1 October 2024, with mandatory compliance required by 31 July 2025. It is maintained by the Brønnøysund Register Centre and designed to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and economic crime.

Most legal entities operating in Norway must identify and register their beneficial owners—natural persons who ultimately own or control more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or who otherwise exercise control. Listed companies on regulated markets are exempt, though their subsidiaries are not.

Access to the register is not public following the 2022 ECJ ruling on AMLD5. It is available to competent authorities, AML-obliged entities, media, civil society organisations, and higher education institutions. The general public cannot currently access UBO information.

Frivillighetsregisteret - Register of Non-Profit Organisations

Created in 2009 at the initiative of the voluntary sector, the Frivillighetsregisteret provides a unified overview of associations, foundations, and companies engaged in non-profit activities. Registration is free and voluntary, but is required to participate in schemes such as the Grasrotandelen (grassroots share from Norsk Tipping) or to apply for VAT compensation.

To register, an organisation must first be in the Enhetsregisteret with a board in place. The register records activity categories, governance information, and—optionally—bylaws and financial data.

Registration and publication requirements

Obligations for companies

Private limited companies (AS), public limited companies (ASA), partnerships (ANS, DA, KS), cooperatives, and branches of foreign companies (NUF) must register in both the Enhetsregisteret and the Foretaksregisteret. Registration provides legal recognition and an organisation number essential for all commercial activity.

All limited companies have an accounting obligation and must submit annual accounts to the Regnskapsregisteret by 31 July, regardless of whether they are actively trading. Filed accounts are public. Small private limited companies may opt out of audit if they meet size thresholds (turnover under NOK 7 million, balance sheet under NOK 27 million, fewer than 10 FTEs).

Since November 2021, companies must identify their beneficial owners internally. From July 2025, this information must be registered in the UBO register, with updates required within 14 days of any change.

Obligations for sole traders (Enkeltpersonforetak)

Sole proprietors must register in the Enhetsregisteret if they conduct commercial activity, which is free of charge. Registration in the Foretaksregisteret is only mandatory if the business resells purchased goods or employs five or more people.

Most small sole proprietorships have only a bookkeeping obligation, not a full accounting obligation—meaning they do not need to file annual accounts with the Regnskapsregisteret. The accounting obligation triggers only when assets exceed NOK 20 million or average employees exceed 20 FTEs for two consecutive years.

UBO registration does not apply to sole traders, as they are natural persons by definition.

Obligations for associations and non-profits

Associations (foreninger) are not required to register in the Foretaksregisteret unless they conduct significant business activities. However, they may register voluntarily in the Enhetsregisteret to obtain an organisation number, which is necessary for opening bank accounts, receiving grants, or employing staff.

To access benefits like VAT compensation or the Grasrotandelen, associations must register in the Frivillighetsregisteret. Filing annual accounts is generally voluntary for non-commercial associations, though they may opt into a filing obligation.

Non-commercial associations and foundations are exempt from UBO registration requirements.

With Topograph

Topograph provides streamlined access to Norwegian company information through our API and web app.

Available data and documents

Company profile

• Legal name and trade name
• Organisation number and EUID
• Legal form and registration status
• Registered address
• Date of incorporation
• Business activity (NACE code)

Legal representatives

• Board members, chairman, and managing director
• Signatories and their signing authority
• Auditor details

Trade register extract

• Firmaattest // Virksomhetsopplysninger - Official certificate from Foretaksregisteret confirming registration details

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