Register your Norwegian company as a UK business
Everything you need to know about NUF and AS — and how to get started in under 5 minutes.
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Why expand to Norway?
Norway is one of the most attractive markets in Scandinavia for UK companies. With a stable economy, high purchasing power, and a strong tradition of international trade, Norway offers significant opportunities. Whether you sell goods, services or run a consultancy, a Norwegian registration gives you:
- Credibility – Norwegian customers and partners often prefer to deal with a company that holds a Norwegian organisation number.
- Access to public tenders – many Norwegian procurement processes require registration with the Brønnøysund Register Centre.
- VAT and tax advantages – you can register for Norwegian VAT (MVA) and handle local VAT correctly.
- Local presence – a Norwegian organisation number strengthens your position with banks, suppliers and customers.
- Post-Brexit market access – since the UK left the EU, establishing a Norwegian entity provides a direct foothold in the EEA, simplifying trade with both Norway and EU member states.
NUF or AS – what's the difference?
NUF
Norskregistrert Utenlandsk Foretak- A branch of your existing UK company (Ltd, PLC, LLP, etc.).
- No share capital requirement in Norway.
- The UK parent company is liable for the NUF's obligations.
- Registered with the Brønnøysund Register Centre and assigned a Norwegian organisation number.
- Ideal if you already run a UK business and want to extend activities into Norway.
- Accounting obligations generally follow the UK parent company, but Norwegian tax liability may arise if a permanent establishment exists.
AS
Aksjeselskap- A standalone Norwegian company with limited liability.
- Minimum share capital of NOK 30,000 required.
- Owned by one or more shareholders — can be your UK company or you personally.
- Full Norwegian accounting and tax obligations.
- Best suited if you want a fully independent Norwegian entity, e.g. for larger investments or hiring Norwegian staff.
- Provides the strongest local profile towards Norwegian customers and partners.
When to choose which?
| NUF | AS | |
|---|---|---|
| You already have a UK company | ✅ Ideal | ✅ Possible |
| No capital requirement | ✅ | ❌ Min. NOK 30,000 |
| Expected processing time | ✅ Typically 3–6 weeks | ✅ Typically 3–6 weeks |
| Independent Norwegian entity | ❌ Branch of parent company | ✅ |
| Limited liability in Norway | ❌ Parent company is liable | ✅ |
| Norwegian accounting obligation | ⚠️ Depends on permanent establishment | ✅ Always |
How to register your Norwegian company with Intermediary
Log in using your eID. We verify your identity to ensure the registration meets Norwegian authority requirements.
We automatically retrieve information from Companies House, so you don't need to enter company details manually.
Select whether you want to set up a NUF or an AS. Our guide walks you through all required fields — company name, industry, address, board members, etc.
We carry out background checks on key personnel associated with the company through our partner P-Secure, ensuring all individuals meet Norwegian regulatory requirements.
Intermediary ensures your registration is approved by the relevant authorised authority, so everything is legally in order from the start.
We handle the entire submission to the Brønnøysund Register Centre. You'll be notified as soon as your Norwegian organisation number is ready.
We obtain a Norwegian D-number for one or more beneficial owners. With a D-number, you can manage bank accounts and communicate with public authorities directly — without paying for an external VAT representative. This provides greater flexibility in day-to-day operations.
With your organisation number and D-number in place, you can invoice Norwegian customers, apply for VAT registration, and open a Norwegian bank account.
Practical things to know
Tax and double taxation
The UK and Norway have a double taxation agreement, ensuring you are not taxed twice on the same income. The corporate tax rate in Norway is 22%, comparable to the UK rate. Profits generated in Norway are typically taxed in Norway but are offset against your UK tax liability.
VAT (MVA)
The standard Norwegian VAT rate is 25%, with reduced rates for food (15%) and passenger transport, accommodation, etc. (12%). If your turnover exceeds NOK 50,000 in a 12-month period, the company must be registered in the Norwegian VAT register (Merverdiavgiftsregisteret).
Norwegian business address
A NUF does not require a Norwegian business address, but an AS does. Intermediary can help you with a c/o address for your AS, so you don't need a physical office in Norway from day one.
Banking
Intermediary has a relationship with a Norwegian business bank and can facilitate access to a business adviser who will help you open a Norwegian business account. Alternatively, you can set up a currency account (NOK) with your UK bank for Norwegian transactions.
Accountant, solicitor and bookkeeping
An AS with turnover above certain thresholds must have an auditor. For most newly registered companies, however, exemptions apply in the first years. Intermediary is happy to establish contact with a Norwegian accountant and solicitor, so you have the right advice in place from the start.
Specialist expertise: Transport & logistics
Intermediary has strong expertise within the transport and logistics industry. We understand the specific requirements for haulage and logistics companies that wish to operate in Norway — including freight permits, cabotage rules, and vehicle registration.
We offer help establishing your Norwegian company with the right industry prerequisites, and can advise on the regulatory requirements specific to transport and logistics in Norway. Whether you move goods across the border or want a permanent Norwegian transport division, we'll guide you safely to the finish line.
Norwegian phone number and customer service
A NUF allows you to establish a Norwegian phone number (+47), making your business appear as a local player in the Norwegian market. This lowers the barrier for contact, as Norwegian customers prefer calling a national number rather than an international one.
A local number also supports a more efficient customer service setup, where enquiries can be handled quickly and on local terms. This contributes to higher trust, better accessibility, and a more professional customer experience. Overall, it can improve conversion, customer satisfaction, and retention.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a NUF or AS via Intermediary?
Registration of a NUF or AS in Norway costs 1,725 GBP excl. VAT. In addition, a public registration fee is payable to the Brønnøysund Register Centre — NOK 4,398 for a NUF or NOK 6,797 for an AS. The price includes preparation of all necessary documents, approval by an authorised authority, and guidance throughout the entire process.
How long does the registration take?
Completing the form typically takes under 5 minutes. The total processing time — including approval and registration with the Brønnøysund Register Centre — is typically 3–6 weeks, depending on the company type and any follow-up queries. If you need assistance along the way, we can arrange a physical meeting, guide you by phone, or take it over Teams — whichever suits you best.
How is my NUF registered in Norway?
Your NUF is registered in the Foretaksregisteret (Register of Business Enterprises), which gives the company commercial and legal status in Norway. We also register D-numbers for the beneficial owners, ensuring the best possible business flexibility — including direct access to banking and public communication without the need for an external VAT representative.
What is a D-number and why do I need one?
A D-number is a Norwegian identification number for foreign nationals who need to interact with Norwegian authorities. With a D-number, you and your co-owners can manage bank accounts, tax returns, and public communications directly — without paying for an external VAT representative. Intermediary handles the application as part of the process.
How does exporting to Norway work post-Brexit?
Since the UK left the EU, exports to Norway follow EEA/EFTA trade rules rather than EU single market rules. You will need to handle customs declarations and potentially pay Norwegian import VAT. With a Norwegian organisation number and VAT registration, you can import goods directly in the company's name and deduct Norwegian VAT — a significant advantage over selling without local registration.
How do I get a Norwegian .no domain?
A NUF entitles you to register a Norwegian .no domain through Norid, the Norwegian domain administrator. A .no domain significantly strengthens your local profile and signals to Norwegian customers that you are a serious operator with a presence in Norway. The domain can be registered as soon as your organisation number is in place.
Can I register a Norwegian company without living in Norway?
Yes. As a UK citizen you can register both a NUF and an AS without being resident in Norway. For an AS, a registered business address in Norway is required — Intermediary can help with a c/o address.
Do I need a Norwegian contact person?
For a NUF, a Norwegian contact person must be registered (a general manager or a representative). Intermediary can advise you on the requirements and options.
What happens to my UK company when I set up a NUF?
Your UK company continues unchanged. The NUF is simply a Norwegian branch — an extension of your existing company, not a new independent entity.
Can I hire employees in Norway?
Yes. With both a NUF and an AS you can employ Norwegian staff. You must be registered as an employer in Norway and comply with Norwegian labour law, including holiday pay, employer's national insurance contributions, and OTP (mandatory occupational pension).
Ready to get started?
Register your Norwegian NUF or AS today — it takes under 5 minutes.
Register your company nowQuestions? Call us on +47 965 03 953 or e-mail contact@intermediary.no