Starting and registering a foundation
When starting a foundation, you must choose a name, obtain founding capital and draw up a memorandum of association and articles of association. The foundation must then be registered.
Conditions for starting a foundation:
- Foundations can be established by one or more people. Both natural and legal entities (e.g. a private limited company or an association) can be founders. You must be aged 18 or over in order to be a founder or fulfil another role in a foundation.
- Foundations must have an irrevocable primary capital of at least NOK 100,000 in the case of ordinary foundations, or NOK 200,000 in the case of commercial foundations.
The Norwegian Foundation Authority on founding capital (in Norwegian only)
The Brønnøysund Register Centre on primary capital in a foundation
- Foundations must have a board of directors with at least one external member. The person who has provided primary capital to the foundation and other close associates of this person are not considered external members. The board of directors must have a chairperson.
- Commercial foundations must have a Norwegian business address (i.e. a Norwegian physical address which is stated in the format: street/road, house number, postcode and postal town/city. Postbox addresses will not be accepted).
If you are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country and are planning to run a business in Norway, you must find out the rules that apply concerning residence permits.
The Brønnøysund Register Centre on foundations
The Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority on foundations (in Norwegian only)
The Foundations Act on establishing foundations (in Norwegian only)
The Foundations Act on foundation boards (in Norwegian only)
Founding and registering a foundation
How to establish and register a foundation when those who are to perform roles in the foundation have a Norwegian national ID number or d-number
- Establish the foundation by preparing, dating and signing a memorandum of association and articles of association.
- Before a foundation can be registered, confirmation must be available from an auditor that the entire primary capital has been made available to the foundation. An opening balance certified by an auditor must also be prepared. If the primary capital is to consist of non-cash assets (non-cash contribution), an auditor must confirm the value of the assets.
- Register the foundation using the form entitled 'Coordinated register notification'. Use the guide for an overview of obligatory enclosures.
Send the notification for signing and sign the notification. The entire board must sign the notification electronically and the auditor must electronically sign the confirmation that the primary capital has been paid in. The auditor also has to sign the notification electronically.
You will be notified when the foundation has been registered via your 'Inbox' in Altinn.
If someone who is to have a role in the company do not have a Norwegian national ID number or d-number
- Establish the foundation by preparing, dating and signing a memorandum of association and articles of association.
Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority – set up of a association (in Norwegian only)
Before a foundation can be registered, confirmation must be available from an auditor that the entire primary capital has been made available to the foundation. An opening balance certified by an auditor must also be prepared. If the primary capital is to consist of non-cash assets (non-cash contribution), an auditor must confirm the value of the assets. - Register the foundation by completing the paper form for registering a foundation (Coordinated register notification – Main form) and Application for a d-number (one form for each person who requires a d-number because they are to perform a role in the foundation). Use the guide for an overview of obligatory enclosures.
Coordinated register notification – Main form
The Brønnøysund Register Centre – Application for a d-number
- Send the forms to the postal address printed on the "Coordinated register notification" form.
You will be notified once the registration process is complete.
Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority on how to establish a foundation (in Norwegian only)
Foundation established through testament
Different rules apply to foundations established through a testament.
Naming a foundation
The name of a commercial foundation must include the word 'stiftelse' or the words 'selveiende institusjon'. This requirement does not apply to ordinary foundations (non-commercial foundations).
Read more about choosing names (domain names, business names and trademarks).
Deadline for registration
The foundation must be notified for registration no later than three months after the date of the memorandum of association.
How long does it take?
The Norwegian Foundation Authority's case processing times vary through the year.
How much does it cost?
Registering an ordinary foundation costs from NOK 1 230 to NOK 5,750, depending on the amount of equity. Registering a commercial foundation costs NOK 2,656 when registering electronically in Altinn, or NOK 3,205 when registering using the paper form.
Upon registration, the foundation will be assigned an organisation number.
Annual fee
All foundations with equity of NOK 100,000 or more must pay an annual fee to the Foundation Authority. The annual fee will depend on the amount of equity (minimum NOK 750 and maximum NOK 21,710).
Act relating to foundations (in Norwegian only)
Regulations to the Foundations Act (in Norwegian only)
The Foundations Act on foundation boards (in Norwegian only)
