Norway has strengthened its corporate transparency and compliance framework with the introduction of the Business Register Act (Law-2025-06-20-106). Effective 1 January 2026, this legislation governs the operation of the Register of Business Enterprises (Foretaksregisteret) and sets out clear registration, disclosure, and reporting obligations for businesses operating in Norway.
This blog provides a structured overview of the Act, its scope, key obligations, and the consequences of non-compliance.
Purpose of the Business Register Act
The primary objective of the Business Register Act is to ensure transparency, reliability, and legal certainty in commercial activities. Specifically, the Act aims to:
- Ensure public access to accurate and up-to-date information about business enterprises
- Protect the interests of creditors, public authorities, and third parties
- Establish clear rules on registration, disclosure, and the legal effect of registered business information
By doing so, the Act enhances trust in the Norwegian business environment and facilitates informed decision-making.
Scope of Application
The Business Register Act applies broadly to enterprises conducting business in Norway. Covered entities include:
- Limited liability companies (AS and ASA)
- Partnerships, including general partnerships (ANS) and limited partnerships (DA)
- Sole proprietorships engaged in commercial activities
- Cooperatives and foundations carrying on business operations
- Foreign enterprises operating in Norway through branches or permanent business activities
Both domestic and foreign entities must therefore assess their registration and disclosure obligations under this law.
Key Obligations Under the Act
The Act imposes several ongoing compliance requirements, including:
- Registration of business enterprise
- Register of branch of foreign business enterprise
- Changes in registered particulars shall be reported and registered
- Cessation of registered enterprise shall be reported to the register of business enterprises
- Board member, general manager, auditor or accountant etc. who has resigned shall notify the register of business enterprises
- Organization number and name must be displayed on company's website, letters and business documents
- Websites, letters and business documents of a limited liability company and a public limited company shall state the register in which the company is registered, its organisational form and head office
- Letters MVA after the organisation number must be mentioned on sales documents (For enterprise registered in the VAT Register)
- Branch's letters, announcements and other documents shall state organisational form, head office and the register in which the branch is registered (For branch of foreign entity)
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the Business Register Act may result in financial penalties, calculated on a weekly basis:
- NOK 500 per week for the first eight weeks
- NOK 1,000 per week for the next ten weeks
- NOK 1,500 per week for the final eight weeks
These escalating penalties highlight the importance of timely and continuous compliance.
Final Thoughts
Business Register Act (Law-2025-06-20-106) represents a significant step toward strengthening corporate governance and transparency in Norway. Businesses—particularly foreign enterprises and growing companies—should review their registration status, internal compliance processes, and document disclosure practices well ahead of the Act’s effective date.
Early preparation will not only prevent penalties but also reinforce credibility and trust with regulators, partners, and customers.
Reference Material
Disclaimer: This is an effort by Lexcomply.com, to contribute towards improving compliance management regime. User is advised not to construe this service as legal opinion and is advisable to take a view of subject experts.