Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Nesttun is a neighbourhood in Bergen municipality in Vestland county, and business registration there is governed mainly by national Norwegian law with some local rules and municipal requirements. Key national laws include the Companies Act - for private limited companies (aksjeselskap - AS) and other corporate forms - the Accounting Act, the Taxation rules administered by Skatteetaten, and registration duties handled by the Brønnøysund Register Centre. Municipal matters such as zoning, building permits, signage and some trade permits are handled by Bergen kommune. Most business owners will use the national online portal Altinn to complete registration and report to authorities.
Common business forms used in Nesttun are sole proprietorships (enkeltpersonforetak - ENK), private limited companies (AS), general partnerships, and branches of foreign companies. Which form you choose affects capital requirements, liability, taxation and registration steps. Some registrations are mandatory from day one, while others depend on turnover, number of employees or the type of activity.
You may need a lawyer for business registration in several frequent situations. If you plan a private limited company - particularly if there are multiple shareholders - a lawyer can draft or review the Articles of Association, shareholder agreements and ensure proper handling of capital contributions. Lawyers help with drafting clear ownership and decision-making rules to reduce future disputes.
If your business activity requires municipal permits - for example food service, construction work, or environmental permits - a lawyer can advise on permit requirements, help prepare applications, and represent you in discussions with municipal authorities. For commercial leases, employment contracts, franchise agreements, or supplier contracts, a lawyer can negotiate terms and protect your liability and tax position.
Other common reasons to hire a lawyer include cross-border structuring, mergers or acquisitions, investor negotiations, dispute resolution with partners or customers, and complex regulatory compliance such as health and safety, data protection or environmental law. A lawyer experienced in Norwegian company law can also advise on liability limits, director duties and potential personal exposure.
Although most company law is national, there are local and practical rules you should know when setting up in Nesttun. Bergen kommune administers planning and building rules under the Planning and Building Act - this affects where you may operate, building modifications and signage. Certain commercial activities require municipal licenses or inspections such as food handling, alcohol serving or waste management.
National registers are central to formal registration. The Brønnøysund Register Centre manages the Enhetsregisteret and Foretaksregisteret where businesses are registered. Companies that reach a VAT threshold must register in the VAT register (Merverdiavgiftsregisteret) run by Skatteetaten. Employer registration is required before you hire staff, including reporting to the tax authorities and paying employer contributions.
Key legal frameworks to consider are the Companies Act - governing formation, capital, shareholder rights and director duties; the Accounting Act - requiring bookkeeping and periodic reporting; the Taxation laws - for corporate tax, VAT and payroll tax; and the Working Environment Act - for employment relations and workplace safety. Environmental regulations and industry-specific laws may also apply depending on your activity.
Choosing a legal form depends on liability tolerance, tax considerations, expected turnover, need for external capital and complexity. A sole proprietorship is simplest and cheaper to start but the owner has unlimited personal liability. An AS (private limited company) limits shareholder liability to the company capital and is preferred for higher risk, outside investors or when you want to separate personal and business finances. A lawyer or accountant can help you weigh the trade-offs.
Main steps include choosing the business form and name, preparing required documents (for an AS that includes Articles of Association and share capital documentation), opening a bank account and depositing capital if required, registering the entity with Brønnøysund Register Centre via Altinn, registering for VAT when relevant, and registering as an employer if you hire staff. Also check with Bergen kommune for any local permits or zoning requirements.
Yes - to form a private limited company (AS) you must have share capital. The required minimum share capital is a statutory amount that must be paid in or documented before registration. For sole proprietorships there is no minimum capital requirement. Speak with a lawyer or accountant to confirm current amounts and acceptable forms of capital contribution.
You must register for VAT when your taxable sales exceed the statutory threshold over a 12-month period. Once you reach that threshold you must register in the VAT register and begin charging VAT on taxable sales, filing VAT returns as required. There are special rules for certain sectors and for purchases from abroad.
It depends on your activity. Many businesses need municipal approvals for premises use, building work, food handling, serving alcohol, signage and waste handling. Even if your company is registered nationally, you must comply with local planning and health requirements. Check with Bergen kommune early in your planning.
Registration time varies. Online registration via Altinn and Brønnøysund Register Centre can be processed quickly - sometimes within days - but more complex cases, incomplete documentation or required municipal permits can add weeks. Expect additional time for VAT registration, bank formalities and permit reviews.
Your company name must not be misleading and may need to include the company form abbreviation such as AS or ENK. It must be distinguishable from existing registered names. There are rules to prevent names that imply public authority or protected activities unless authorized. A lawyer can run checks and advise on naming strategy and trademarks.
Official filings are generally done in Norwegian, though some forms and systems accept English for initial information. Legal documents, official correspondence and municipal applications are usually in Norwegian. If you do not speak Norwegian it is wise to use a lawyer or translator to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Ongoing obligations typically include bookkeeping and annual accounts under the Accounting Act, tax filings and payments, VAT returns if registered, reporting changes to the Brønnøysund Register Centre, payroll reporting if you employ staff, and compliance with health and safety rules. Directors and owners have statutory duties that require timely and correct reporting.
Consult a lawyer for legal structuring, drafting or reviewing contracts, shareholder agreements, dispute resolution, regulatory permits, corporate transactions, or when you face potential liability or litigation. Accountants are best for bookkeeping, tax filings and financial setup, but lawyers are essential for legal risk management and formal legal documents.
Key national authorities and resources include the Brønnøysund Register Centre for business registration, Skatteetaten for tax and VAT matters, and Altinn for online reporting and filings. Bergen kommune handles local permits, planning and building matters. Industry-specific regulators may apply depending on your activity.
Local business support can be found through Bergen business organisations, local chambers of commerce and business development agencies. Banks and accounting firms in the Bergen area offer practical services for company setup. The Norwegian Bar Association - Advokatforeningen - can help you find qualified lawyers who specialise in corporate and commercial law.
If you need legal assistance start by documenting your business idea, expected turnover, planned location in Nesttun, number of employees and the business form you prefer. Prepare any draft contracts, proposed ownership splits and details about premises or permits. Contact a lawyer who specialises in company law and has local experience with Bergen kommune procedures. Ask for an initial consultation to discuss scope, likely costs and a timeline.
When selecting a lawyer check qualifications, experience with Norwegian company law, client references and whether they work in English if needed. Request a written engagement letter that describes services, fees and confidentiality. Early legal input can prevent costly mistakes and speed up registration and compliance in Nesttun.
