Norway at a glance
Default split
Equal among partners
Startup entity
Aksjeselskap (AS)
Minimum capital
NOK 30,000 (~€2,600)
Community property
Yes
Formation cost
NOK 6,825–7,912 (~€590–€680)
Key legislation
Aksjeloven (Norwegian Companies Act), Selskapsloven (Partnership Act)
Norway is not an EU member but is part of the EEA. The minimum share capital for AS companies was reduced from NOK 100,000 to NOK 30,000 in 2012. Norway has a 22% corporate tax rate with a favorable shareholder model (aksjonærmodellen) for taxation of dividends. The Norwegian startup ecosystem benefits from government funds like Innovasjon Norge and Forskningsrådet.
Default partnership rules in Norway
Under Norwegian law, an ANS (Ansvarlig Selskap, general partnership) splits profits equally among partners by default, unless the partnership agreement provides otherwise. Partners are jointly and severally liable for partnership debts. The partnership must be registered in the Brønnøysund Register Centre. Norwegian partnership law is governed by the Selskapsloven (Partnership Act of 1985). A written partnership agreement is not required but is strongly recommended.
The most important takeaway: profits are split equally by default in Norway, regardless of capital contributions. If you and a partner start a business and one of you invests €100,000 while the other invests €5,000, you still split profits 50/50 without a written agreement. This default can be overridden by a partnership agreement.
Aksjeselskap (AS) in Norway
The AS (Aksjeselskap) is the standard entity for Norwegian startups. Minimum share capital is NOK 30,000 (approximately €2,600). Registration costs NOK 6,825 through the Brønnøysund Register Centre and takes 1–3 weeks. No notary is required. Shares can have different classes with different rights. The Aksjeloven (Companies Act) provides a comprehensive framework for shareholder governance. A shareholders' agreement (aksjonæravtale) is recommended for multi-founder companies but is not legally required.
Without a shareholders' agreement, the relationship between founders is governed by the country's default rules, which rarely account for the realities of a startup — where contributions change over time and early effort often goes uncompensated. An operating agreement or shareholders' agreement is essential. Use our equity calculator to determine a fair split based on actual contributions.
What happens when a partner leaves in Norway
In an ANS, a partner can withdraw with six months' notice unless the partnership agreement specifies otherwise. The partnership continues after a partner's withdrawal, and the departing partner is entitled to the value of their share. For AS companies, shares are freely transferable unless the articles impose restrictions. The Companies Act provides minority shareholder protections including the right to demand share redemption and petition for dissolution.
A written agreement should address departure terms specifically, including how the buyout value is calculated, the payment timeline, vesting schedules, and any non-compete provisions. Understanding the concept of dead equity is important for managing these situations. Learn more about how dead equity affects businesses.
Marriage and business equity in Norway
Norway uses felleseie (community of property) as the default matrimonial regime. Assets acquired during the marriage are divided equally on divorce. Assets owned before the marriage are in principle separate, but in longer marriages, pre-marital assets may also be subject to equal division (skjevdeling). Business interests acquired during the marriage are community property. A pre-nuptial agreement (ektepakt) can exclude specific assets, including business interests. The agreement must be registered in the Brønnøysund Register Centre.
Important for Norway business owners: Norway uses felleseie (community of property). Assets acquired during the marriage are community property and divided equally on divorce. Pre-marital assets can also be subject to division in longer marriages. Business owners should consider a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement to protect their equity interests.
Formation and cost details
| Main startup entity | Aksjeselskap (AS) |
| Minimum capital | NOK 30,000 (~€2,600) |
| Formation cost | NOK 6,825–7,912 (~€590–€680) |
| Default equity split | Based on share allocation at incorporation |
| Default partnership split | Equal among all partners |
| Community property | Yes |
| Key legislation | Aksjeloven (Norwegian Companies Act), Selskapsloven (Partnership Act) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum capital for a Norwegian AS?
The minimum share capital for an AS is NOK 30,000 (approximately €2,600), reduced from NOK 100,000 in 2012. This must be fully paid at incorporation. Registration costs NOK 6,825 and no notary is required.
What is the default profit split for a Norwegian partnership?
In an ANS (general partnership), profits are split equally by default among all partners. Partners are jointly and severally liable for debts. A partnership agreement can set a different split.
Is Norway in the EU?
No. Norway is not an EU member but is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), which gives it access to the EU single market. Norwegian companies can operate freely across the EEA. The main difference is that Norway is not subject to all EU regulations and directives.
How does divorce affect business ownership in Norway?
Norway uses community of property by default. Business interests acquired during the marriage are divided equally on divorce. In longer marriages, even pre-marital business interests may be subject to division. A pre-nuptial agreement (ektepakt) registered in the Brønnøysund Register Centre can protect business assets.
Related resources
- Equity calculator: find a fair split for your business
- Does your small business need an equity agreement?
- Equity for small businesses: the complete guide
- Dead equity calculator: how much is yours costing you?
- Slicing Pie calculator
- What is an operating agreement?
- All 32 European countries: partnership and formation laws
- US state directory: partnership and LLC default rules
Partnership laws in neighboring countries
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Norway partnership and business formation laws and is not legal advice. Laws change, and the information here may not reflect the most recent amendments. The formation costs and capital requirements listed are approximate and may vary. Consult a qualified attorney licensed in Norway for advice specific to your situation. Equity Matrix is a software tool for tracking contributions and calculating equity; it does not provide legal services.
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