Blog

 In Norway, the rules regarding holidays and holiday allowance (feriepenger) are strictly regulated by the Holiday Act (Ferieloven). We have covered this topic many times before, but it is so important that we revisit it ahead of the upcoming holiday season. 

Running a business in Norway involves adhering to strict health and safety regulations in the workplace. One of the key responsibilities for companies employing workers is to establish proper structures for monitoring working conditions. In some cases, businesses are required to appoint an Arbeidsmiljøutvalg (AMU), or Health and Safety Committee. Let's explore which companies must meet this requirement and what responsibilities AMU entails.

Novum has been supporting companies operating in Norway from the very first stages of their interest in entering the Norwegian market. We assist in choosing the most suitable legal form of business, guide clients through the documentation process, and handle the registration of either a branch (NUF) or a limited liability company (AS).

In the Norwegian construction industry, two key documents regulate safety on sites: the HMS Plan (Helse, Miljø og Sikkerhet – Health, Environment, and Safety) and the SHA Plan (Sikkerhet, Helse og Arbeidsmiljø – Safety, Health, and Work Environment). While both plans focus on health and safety, their scope and purpose differ. Learn about the main differences between them and when their implementation is required.

When registering a business in Norway, it is essential to understand the regulations concerning two key registers: Enhetsregisteret (Entity Register) and Foretaksregisteret (Business Register). This is particularly important for foreign companies planning to establish a branch in Norway, known as Norskregistrert Utenlandsk Foretak (NUF).

Filing an annual tax return is a mandatory obligation for all businesses operating in Norway, including Norskregistrert Utenlandsk Foretak (NUF) – Norwegian-registered branches of foreign companies. How should the tax return be filed correctly? What are the deadlines for corporate tax returns in Norway? Here’s everything you need to know!

 When engaging in cross-border business, understanding legal and contractual differences is crucial. Norway’s legal system is highly developed, with a structured approach to contracts that prioritizes clarity and standardization. This article highlights key aspects that international entrepreneurs—from countries like the Czech Republic, Portugal, the UK, and beyond—should consider when managing projects in Norway. 

How can we best summarize 23 years of Novum’s operations in the Norwegian market? By sharing the knowledge we have gained over more than two decades! We aim to provide essential information in a nutshell for entrepreneurs taking their first steps in Norway.

Employers are required to ensure workplace health and safety. In Norway, employees are also actively involved in systematic HSE (Helse, Miljø, Sikkerhet) work. One of the most important elements of this process is the creation and regular updating of the HSE Plan (HMS-Plan). Who is required to develop this documentation? What does the HMS-Plan consist of?

 Averaging working time is a common practice in many countries, including Norway. The regulations governing working hours are outlined in the Norwegian Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven). In this article, we explain in a simple and clear way how the system of averaging working hours works in Norway. Ready? Let's begin! 

In our previous article, we discussed the registration of Norwegian companies and branches of foreign firms in the Electrical Companies Register in Norway. However, before a company planning to undertake electrical work in Norway proceeds with registration, the first crucial step is obtaining recognition of the education and experience of its electricians. Here, we outline the requirements that must be met to secure authorization.

 ⚠️ Some industries in Norway are subject to special regulations. Accounting firms are required to employ an authorized accountant and meet a range of requirements to legally serve clients. Foreign electricians working in Norway must apply for recognition of their education and experience. Companies, including branches of foreign firms, that employ or delegate electricians to Norway are also required to register in the Electrical Companies Register (Elvirksomhetsregisteret) 🪫 🔌. 

Business owners in Norway understand how crucial it is to manage employee income tax advances correctly. A Skattetrekkskonto is a specialized bank account required for legally operating a business. Its importance is well-known among all employers in Norway, particularly those whose companies are subject to audits by certified accountants (revisor). However, significant changes are on the horizon that will upend the system of paying employee income tax advances! 

This is an updated article from June 2024.
Don't forget that the Health and Safety Representative (verneombud) must undergo proper training. In addition, they are responsible for conducting workplace inspections, known as vernerunder. How should they prepare? What should they know? How should these inspections be carried out? This article is also relevant for foreign company branches operating in Norway (NUF).

For many years, Norway has stood out on Europe’s economic map as a country positioned between the EEA, the European Union, and non-member states. Additional requirements for foreign companies in a formally non-aligned country have made branches a popular form of business registration in Norway. Throughout my extensive experience working with foreign company branches in Norway, I have observed certain trends worth summarizing. What does the future hold for NUFs? Could they disappear from Norwegian registers? 

Norwegian "helse, miljø og sikkerhet" (HMS) stands for health, environment, and safety at work. In Norway, every employee is responsible for their own safety and the safety of their colleagues. However, the ultimate responsibility for the team’s safety lies with the employer. What’s more, mandatory HMS courses are required for certain individuals within the company structure.

Please note: from 1 January 2026, license requirements will be introduced for vans with a permissible total weight* between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes.

Understanding the rights and obligations of board members in Norwegian companies (aksjeselskap) is key to running a business effectively in Norway. The second part of the webinar, hosted by Anna Korpalska on Novum's YouTube channel, provides essential information and practical advice on how to avoid potential legal mistakes that could cost your company time and financial inconvenience. 

At the end of the year, there was a surge in inquiries about foreign company branches (NUF). However, we are also receiving an increasing number of calls from individuals interested in establishing a Norwegian company. Therefore, we decided to revisit the topic. The first part of the webinar, hosted by Anna Korpalska on Novum’s YouTube channel, is an invaluable resource for anyone planning to start a business in Norway or expand their knowledge about Norwegian companies (AS).
New Year, New Opportunities! Consider establishing a company in Norway! 

The Aksjonærregisteroppgaven (RF-1086) is a crucial report that all Norwegian limited liability companies (aksjeselskap) are required to file. This report is submitted to the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). It contains information about all events and transactions related to shareholders during the tax year. These data are subsequently used to prepare the "Aksjeoppgaven" (RF-1088), a summary for shareholders that assists them in correctly completing their tax returns. 

Norway is an attractive destination for workers from all over the world, including individuals from outside the European Union. However, it's important to understand that the situation for employees directly hired in Norway differs significantly from those posted to Norway from an EU country. 

This article discusses the advancement tax and taxation rules in Norway for employees, including those posted by foreign companies, who use company cars. Norway has specific and strict regulations governing the private use of company vehicles. 

Representation costs in Norway often raise questions among business owners. Can a business dinner with a client be deducted from taxes? What about the costs of organizing business meetings? At Novy Økonomi AS, we understand how crucial it is for your company to grasp the rules regarding these expenses. In this article, we outline the key information about representation costs and the latest tax regulations. 

The Act regarding the Register of Beneficial Owners (Register over reelle rettighetshavere) has come into effect in Norway. Similar registers have been introduced in other European Union countries between 2017 and 2020. The main goal of this EU regulation is to enhance financial transparency and effectively combat money laundering and terrorist financing.